ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An appraisal of resettlement scheme in West Gonja District: case study of Yapei

A resettlement scheme is a major project which is often accompanied by a wide spectrum of problems requiring a balanced approach to enable the affected people to adjust to the new milieu. Studios have indicated that resettlement is not only the evacuation of people and the provision of accommor1tion t destination. There are mainly factors at play, particularly socio-cultural factors. Lack of understanding of those factors and lack of community participation in the planning and implementation of such projects often compound the problems of adjustment. There is, therefore, the need to study community participation in the planning and implementation processes of the Yapei Resettlement Scheme in order to formulate guidelines for involving the affected people in decision making process. The policy adopted by the Volta River authority in the implementation of the scheme was basically on housing anr1 agriculture. The policy was to house the resettlers in a two room house with a kitchen and bathroom. The agricultural policy adopted was to wean the resettlers (farmers) from their traditional method of farming by introducing a scientific method, Data and statistics for the study was obtained from interviews with the authorities concerned, individuals of the resettlement and others. With 33 percent sample arrived at, every third house was selected systematically. Some of the problems identified in the Yapei Resettlement Scheme include inadequate housing, for example insufficient rooms, lack of domestic facilities such as storeroom, bathroom and so on, and leaking roof. Unsuccessful of agricultural policy was because of unsustainable farmlands provided by the V.R.A. The farmers complained about infertile land and high labour cost, lack of farming inputs, and lack of rainfall. Some of the farmers have left their houses and return to their previous houses. There was very little involvement of the displaced population planning and implementation of the policies of the resettlement project. Finally, policy guidelines were formulated to future resettlement scheme. Some of the policies are: 1. To avoid any crash programme leading to poor conditions. It is hoped the construction of any resettlement should be scheduled an complete before the settler move into the houses. 2. The settlers allowed, to expand or to build houses by using traditional materials. 3. Appropriate technology should be adopted if the project is to be successful. 4. Assistance in the form of material aid and technical advice should be made available to the settlers for the provision of community facilities and services. 5. To involve the community in every execution of the project. 6. Adequate and fertile land should he provided to support new farming method. Investigation reveals that the people are interested in development of their area and it will ho most appropriate if they can be involved in all future development programme.

Source: KNUST
An appraisal of resettlement schemes south of the Afram Plains: case studies of Amate and Mpaem

The study sot out to investigate the planning and. implementation procedures that wore adopted by the Volta River Authority (V.R.A.) and the impact of these on the agricultural and. housing situations in the South Afram Plains. It also intends to investigate the extent to which the local people were involved in the design and implementation of the Volta Resettlement Scheme and to suggest policy guidelines for such schemes in future. Primary data for the study was obtained through a survey, covering a sample size of 10 per cent. Primarily heads of households and farmers were interviewed. The policies adopted by the V.R.A. wore mainly on housing and agriculture. The housing policy was to provide a three-room house with a kitchen and bathroom. Enough space was provided for the extension of the houses. The agricultural policy was to modernise the forming activities of the settlers by introducing mechanised farming in the settlements. A review of the Volta River Scheme was done with special reference to the resettlement aspect. Some of the problems identified in the study area include inadequate housing and poor constructional works on the houses. The living conditions of the settler’s hove been changed; farming methods and crops cultivated have changed, including eating habits. The introduction of mechanised farming destroyed the traditional method of farming in the settlements. Without the use of tractors, farmers are not able to till the lend using only hoe and cutlass. The farm sizes are insufficient. There was no community involvement in the planning and. implementation of the policies. As a result the settlers are not satisfied with what they were provided. Having identified those problems, policy guidelines were suggested for future resettlement scheme, examples of which are i. Appropriate technology should be adopted if the project is to be successful. ii. The lifestyle of the settler should be considered. iii. Of utmost importance is the time factor for implementing the project. Enough time should o allocated for that so as not to endanger the lives of the affected people. iv. The settlers should ho involve in every aspect of the schema; from the planning p1ias to the implementation phase. Although mistakes have boon made in this particular area it cannot be said that the people and their predicaments should be ignored. There is a need for government intervention in the South Afram Plains, particularly when the settler’s arc prepared to assist in developing the facilities and economic activities of their area.

Source: KNUST
Appraisal of textiles syllabi and their delivery in Schools and Colleges

Textiles is one of the visual arts programmes that is popular in the Senior Secondary School and art institutions of the tertiary level. With the inception of’ the on-going Education Reform programme which places much premium on the development of creative and practical ability of the student, the study of textiles has not been given the needed attention, though it is taught in many schools and colleges in the country. In the Senior Secondary Schools, two types of syllabi are used; one each from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Ghana Education Service (GES). The WAEC syllabus is geared towards the assessment of the students in order to award certificates and also a means to select students for further studies. It is an examination- oriented syllabus. The GES syllabus is based on tenets of the Education Reforms programme, which intends to equip the students with practical skills that will help the students to acquire a vocation if they do not get the opportunity for further studies. Textiles as a vocation is one aspect on which the Education Reforms lays emphasis, however, recent survey indicates that the textiles syllabus of the SSS level is defective in the kinds of skills that would make the graduates perform effectively. This thesis therefore, seeks to appraise the content and effectiveness of the textiles syllabi delivery in Ghanaian schools and colleges; identify the major problems, analyze them and recommend solutions to improve on the education of textiles graduates. The extent to which the aims and objectives of the textiles programme were being achieved was taken into consideration as one of the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the textiles programme. The other aspect that the thesis sought to appraise is the delivery process of the textiles programme in the SSS; here, teacher performance as well as students’ understanding and achievement were considered. It also outlines the problems in the Colleges. Literature related to the topic was reviewed in the second chapter. Chapter three outlines the procedure employed in writing the thesis. Chapter four outlines the various Textiles Syllabi in Schools and Colleges in Ghana. Results were discussed in Chapter five. Chapter six dealt with the summary, conclusions and recommendations. The research has revealed that, curriculum-wise, very elaborate syllabi have been prepared for textiles education in Ghana from the JSS through to the tertiary level. However, institutions offering textiles education are not able to acquire books, materials, equipment and other logistic support for the students’ use. The other revelation is that the Ministry of Education does not have any endorsed textbook for textiles education at the JSS and the SSS levels where it has the mandatory responsibility to do so. The result of this thesis is not conclusive and that future researchers can continue from where this thesis ends.

Source: KNUST
Appraisal of Sustainable Procurement by Construction Firms in Ghana. Case Study of Sekondi-Takoradi.

Sustainable procurement plays a strategic role in safeguarding the environmental, economic and social impacts of the activities of an organization in a community. Over the years, Ghana has made significant progress with procurement management, infrastructure development and social development but sustainability issues remains one of the major drawbacks of current construction procurement practices and still not fully utilized in the Ghanaian construction industry. The aim of the current study was to investigate into the sustainable procurement practices by construction firms in the Ghanaian construction industry. The key drivers to the implementation of sustainable construction practices and the key challenges the firms encounter were among the issues addressed in the study. Using the Sekondi-Takoradi as a case study, a total of 60 questionnaires were administered to construction professionals who work with 30 construction firms. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 software package. The results revealed that the factors which drive or motivate construction firms in Ghana to embark on sustainable procurement are: the quest to promote corporate image, Government legislations and laws, corporate social responsibility considerations and value for money considerations. Moreover, the barriers to the implementation of sustainable procurement were: lack of basic education about sustainable procurement; lack of understanding of the sustainable procurement concept; low stakeholder education; lack of social drive; lack of client awareness and the absence of government interest in ensuring the promotion of sustainable procurement. From the study, it is recommended that public education on sustainability and enforcement of legislations should be intensified. Also, competitive bidding, e-procurement and information technologies should be encouraged to help achieve the aim of sustainable procurement among construction firms in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
An Appraisal of Risk Management in Procurement of Goods at Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo)

The renewed focus on reducing energy costs due to increasing demand with limited supply called for the need to appraise risk within GRIDCo Procurement Process. This can be achieved not only by managing energy use but also by optimizing the procurement risk management of energy supply contracts. Energy bills for electricity, natural gas and oil are typically in the top four business overheads. In the competitive energy market, optimizing unit costs of energy is now possible with cost effective energy procurement and risk management strategies. The aim of this thesis was to appraise risk within public procurement process. Sample size of sixty, (60) from the sample frame was used for which questionnaires as research instrument were used to collect data for analysis. The data were analyzed using One-Sample t-test and descriptive statistics in which the mean values and p-values were determined and ranked accordingly. It was found from the study that “Demand Risks ranked first followed by Supply Risks, Control Risks, Environmental Risks and Process Risks in that order posed uncertainties on the Ghana Grid Company Limited energy procurement activities. The likelihood of the risk occurrence invariably impact on GRIDCo energy procurement as well as the entire public procurement process. It was found that delayed in delivery process and poor contract management, poor planning due to unrealistic cost and procurement timing and information management, poor need assessment, unethical behavior within procurement process, improper records and poor management of suppliers among others trigger risks to GRIDCo energy procurement. Recommendations such as entity ensuring implementation of standardized procedures, maintaining auditing and reviewing evaluation procedures, strict adherence to the Public Procurement Act 2003, Act 663 to provide value for money whiles ensuring appropriate energy need assessment prior to supply and through market research as well as investment in supply.

Source: KNUST
An Appraisal of the Effectiveness of the Agricultural Development Bank’s Cocoa “Hi-Tech” Loans Program

Agriculture has been the backbone of Ghana’s economy over the last century. About seventy percent (70%) of Ghana’s commodity exports are agricultural products, of which cocoa contributes about fifty five percent (55%). As such, there is the need to promote and increase the productivity of cocoa. It was in line with this that the Agricultural Development Bank introduced the cocoa ‘hi-tech’ loan programme in 2000. This research or study was designed to serve as a case study to assess the effectiveness of the cocoa ‘hi-tech’ loans introduced by the Adum Branch of the Bank in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The overall objective of the study was to critically assess the scheme mainly in terms of its effect on cocoa productivity and repayment of the loan. The specific objectives were to determine the challenges encountered by farmers in acquiring the facility, determine challenges faced by the bank staff in the delivery and recovery of the facility, to find out if productivity of cocoa increased as expected and to determine the level of loan repayment. To achieve these objectives, a sample of sixty (60) farmers, who were randomly selected from thirty (30) groups, was interviewed. The senior staff at the branch with a population of twelve (12) were also given questionnaires to answer. Secondary data was also collected from various sources including the Bank, internet, and other relevant sources relating to the subject matter. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme was used to analyze the data collected. The study findings indicated that the productivity of cocoa increased significantly upon the introduction of the ‘hi-tech’ loans. However, the loan repayment rate has been very low leading to the suspension of the programme at the Branch in 2006. The study came up with some recommendations to reintroduce and improve the effectiveness of the programme. These include reduction of interest rates and processing fee charged, the provision of all necessary logistics, including, a separate vehicle for the credit department and involvement of agricultural extension officers, among others.

Source: KNUST
An appraisal of the land access processes in the mining industry of Ghana: the case of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) Ahafo Mine

The Mining Industry has contributed immensely to the development of the country over the years as a result of favourable investment climate and the high prices of the precious metals at the world market. Consequently, this has intensified mining activities which require the compulsory acquisition of large tracts of land from the communities in which they operate. The land acquisition process which takes its “power” from the 1992 Constitution and the Minerals and Mining Act 703 of 2006, has various critical factors which when not carefully handled trigger conflicts between the companies and the communities in which their operate. Whereas all mining companies claim to be following the legal requirements in the land acquisition process, the art of implementation differ and this has often degenerated into fatal conflicts. Could there be a way to reverse this trend? If not, why not? This research work thus, takes a close look at the legal requirements of the law regarding Land acquisition under the Constitution of Ghana, the new Minerals and Mining Act 703, two International Best Practices in relation to the practice of land acquisition by Newmont Ahafo Mine. The study revealed among other things a high consistency and fairness of Newmont’s practice with these benchmarks. It also revealed some gaps in the Act 703 in relation to the International Best Practices and some remarkable contributions of the mining activities to the development of communities within and outside the concession in terms of employment opportunities and the provision of social amenities. These notwithstanding, the implementation of Mining Area declaration provisions in the Act 703 by Newmont was strongly rejected by the communities. Useful suggestions have been given for consideration in the framing of the Legislative Instrument to address the gaps in the Act 703.

Source: KNUST
An Appraisal of Vendor Managed Inventory Strategy in Mining Operations, the Case of Gold Fields Ghana Ltd.

Gold Fields Limited is one of the world’s largest un-hedged producers of gold, providing investors with maximum leverage to the gold price. In order to achieve it mission of “achieving outstanding returns for investors “Gold Fields must improve the current business processes by establishing long term relationships with their major suppliers. Today, GGL faces a high level of inventory, which has resulted substantial amount of tied up capital and inefficient processes. Therefore, this study will evaluate the effects that a vendor managed inventory (VMI) partnership has had on GGL’s and two chosen suppliers. VMI is a concept within supply chain management, where the supplier is fully responsible for managing the customer’s inventory level. To achieve this, the supplier is given access to sensitive information of the customer’s inventory level and demand and can, thereby, replenish the customer’s stock when needed. Although, some firms have embraced the concept with success, others have retreated forcefully. This study has conducted a broad literature review regarding VMI and performance measurements, as well as, organisational structures and information sharing in collaborative partnerships. In addition to the thorough study of GGL’s processes, field visits were made at the suppliers’ to visualize their material and information flow in order to examine what areas VM have had an impact. The conclusion of this study is that a VMI strategy, in supplement with a consignment stock policy, is very effective for GGL. Further, the study indicates that there are mutual benefits from a VMI implementation for both the customer and the supplier. Specifically, a higher service level from the suppliers has been attained by GGL, while the suppliers have also obtained improvements within the areas of inventory and order processing. However, there is still more room for improvement. It is advised that for efficient operations and maximization of benefits of VMI to all the actors; the following principles should be adhered to: • Communicate expectations of all parties. • Precise information must be shared • Reliable transmission, receipt, and use of information must be ensured • Expect implementation to be a process not a project • Plan to spend sufficient time and money to make it work.

Source: KNUST
Appraisal of the visual art programme in the Senior Secondary School (A Case Study of Seven Selected Senior Secondary Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis)

This volume is on the visual art programme in the new senior secondary school system. The research seeks to evaluate the programme in it three years of operation. The study was carried out against the background of criticisms leveled against the programme by the public and some educationist. The research has been conducted to bring out some of the weaknesses in the programme with the view to improving upon them. The report is present in five chapters. The first chapter, which is an introduction, set out the objectives of the work. The procedure adopted in the research is also stated. There is dearth of information since no official evaluation on the present system has come to light. However, a few source of literature related to the preliminary outlines setting out the programme, as well as view on the need for constant reviews of educational activities were made use of. The main findings of the research are found in Chapter Four. The research has been made possible through personal observation, literary materials and interviews with active respondents. Some recommendations have been suggested in the last chapter. It is hoped that materials assembled in this thesis will be useful to policy-makers, educational planners and all those engaged in the educational process.

Source: KNUST
An appraisal of the Ghana Highway Authority road design guide

The Ghana Highway Authority Road Design Guide (GHA RDG) is over two decades old since it was published as a draft document in 1991. It was expected to be periodically updated and revised based on observations, comments, suggestions and criticisms from stakeholders as they utilised it. As of October 2015 however, no update or revision has been carried out. Increasingly, designers undertaking projects for the Ministry of Roads and Highways, in-house design engineers in the Ghana Highway Authority, consultants and other expatriate designers of projects in Ghana are resorting to the use of several other manuals as references for highway designs. As a result of this highway design in Ghana has become more laborious; it is difficult to ensure uniformity of design, consistency of designs across the trunk road network and also vetting of consultants’ design presentations has become very laborious. The aim of this study was to make an appraisal with a view to modifying the Guide. The specific objectives of this study were first to critically assess the suitability of the GHA RDG and its contents regarding capacity, safety and economy for the geometric design of elements for modern trunk and urban roads. Secondly, the study was also to make an assessment of commonly used sources and standards for road element design in Ghana over the last ten years and thirdly to provide a theoretical basis for inclusion or otherwise in the GHA RDG. In order to achieve the objectives of the study views of experienced highway designers regarding the suitability of the GHA RDG for current highway design were sought through the administration of questionnaire. The GHA RDG was also compared with some current highway design manuals in Africa and the United States of America for suitability. The results indicate that the GHA RDG does not meet several of the requirements for current highway design in Ghana. Because of its deficiencies, highway designers in Ghana are resorting to other standards including the Green Book, AASHTO’s A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, and the Ugandan Geometric Design Manual, to mention a few, as references for geometric design. It is therefore necessary to revise several aspects of the Guide to ensure its suitability for modern highway designs in Ghana. Also, many areas would require revision and the inclusion of several topics which are not covered. A recommended table of contents for a revised GHA Road Design Guide has been proposed.

Source: KNUST