ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Public and private extension services delivery to cassava farmers in Sanniquellie and Saclepea Mahn districts in Nimba county, Liberia

Public and private extension providers have been assisting farmers in Liberia but there has been no study done on services they deliver to cassava farmers.The purpose of the study therefore was to investigate the delivery system of public and private extension services on cassava farmers. The study used quantitative survey in which 318 proportionately randomly sampled cassava farmers in the Sanniquellie and Saclepea Mahn Districts were interviewed using an interview schedule.. The study revealed that the farmers were characterized by male dominance, large household sizes and married famers who have low level of education but vast cassava farming experiences. Majority (88.6%) of the cassava famers under public and private extension services were in their active working ages. Major sources of agricultural information were neighbouring farmers (88.4%), radio (86.8%) and other farmers outside their neighbourhood (71.4%). Nearly every farmer obtains their planting materials from their own saving (95.3%), relatives (94.0%) and other cassava producers (69.1%). Farmers receiving public and private extension regarded their involvement in extension services as very low, though public extension farmers were significantly more involved than the private. The level of adoption of improved cassava technologies by both public and private extension farmers was low. The perceived impact of extension services on farmers was regarded as low, but public extension was perceived to have a significantly higher impact on cassava farmers than private extension.

Source: UCC
Public and private extension services delivery to cassava farmers in sanniquellie and saclepea mahn districts in Nimba county, Liberia

Public and private extension providers have been assisting farmers in Liberia but there has been no study done on services they deliver to cassava farmers. This study therefore investigated the delivery system of public and private extension services on cassava farmers. The study used quantitative survey in which 318 randomly sampled cassava farmers in the Sanniquellie and Saclepea Mahn Districts were interviewed using an interview schedule. The study revealed that the farmers were mostly males, have large household sizes, married, have low level of education but have vast cassava farming experiences. Majority (88.6%) of the cassava famers under public and private extension services were in their active working ages. Major sources of agricultural information were neighbouring farmers (88.4%), radio (86.8%) and other farmers outside their neighbourhoods (71.4%). Nearly every farmer obtains his/her planting materials from their own saving (95.3%), relatives (94.0%) and other cassava producers (69.1%). Farmers receiving public and private extension regarded their involvement in extension services as very low, though public extension farmers were significantly more involved than the private. The level of adoption of improved cassava technologies by both public and private extension farmers was low. The perceived impact of extension services on farmers was regarded as low, but public extension was perceived to have a significantly higher impact on cassava farmers than private extension

Source: UCC
Public Debt, Green Commitment and Environmental Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa

Knowing the extent to which the fiscal state of a nation exerts pressure on the environment has become crucial in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the effect of public debt on environmental quality, paying particular attention to the threshold at which the effect becomes nonlinear and the mediating role of natural resource extraction. It also examines how the effect of public debt is diluted when nations commit to regional green agreements. Employing panel data from 2007 to 2020 in 37 Sub-Saharan African countries, the system generalised method of moments (GMM) and dynamic panel threshold estimation techniques are utilised to achieve the study's objectives. The results reveal that public debt degrades environmental quality and that resource extraction mediates this relationship in the sub-region. However, public debt exhibits a non-linear relationship with a threshold value of 51.5%, below which is not harmful to the environment. Additionally, this study demonstrates that green commitment reduces the negative effects of debt on the environment. The study recommends that sub-Saharan African countries should manage public debt carefully to avoid exceeding the threshold value of 51.5 (% of GDP), where debt begins to be detrimental to the environment. Moreover, countries are encouraged to ratify regional environmental agreements such as the Africa Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Source: UCC
Public expenditure and unemployment: evidence from Ghana.

The study examined the effect of public expenditure on unemployment in Ghana using annual data for the period 1980 to 2016 by employing Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration. The study revealed that there is an inverse relationship between government consumption expenditure and unemployment rate. However, government capital expenditure and unemployment rate were found to be positively related. The study therefore established that the threshold of government gross fixed capital formation (capital) expenditure on the rate of unemployment is 6.9 percent of gross domestic product. Hence, government gross fixed capital formation (capital) expenditure that exceeds 6.9 percent of gross domestic product could help to reduce the unemployment rate in Ghana. Furthermore, the study revealed that inflation, external debt, domestic credit to private sector (as a proxy for private sector development) with the exception of growth rate of gross domestic product are significantly key determinants of unemployment in Ghana. The study recommends that government consumption spending should be increased to help control the rate of unemployment. The study also advocates that government capital spending should not be less than 6.9 percent of gross domestic product to be able to control unemployment. The study further recommends that fiscal authorities should ensure that revenue is generated internally by expanding the tax base to include the informal sector. This will aid the country to minimise external borrowing.

Source: UCC
Public financial management and service delivery at the local government level: A case of Ejura Sekyedumase Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Public financial management concerns the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of public resources based on approved budgets. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of public financial management and service delivery at the local government level using Ejura Sekyedumase Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti region of Ghana as a case. The specific objectives were to establish the relationship between policy based budgeting and service delivery; determine the extent to which budget credibility support service delivery; and the influence of revenue generation and allocation on service delivery. A descriptive study design and census method was used. Data was collected not only from the budget and financial reports of the Assembly but also by administering questionnaires to 11 senior staff and their assistants and 62 assembly members in the Municipality. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, paired sample t-test and regression. The study found that there was a strong relationship between policy based budgeting and service delivery at the Assembly. The credibility of the Assembly’s budget in terms of fiscal discipline was strong but weak when actual budgetary releases were matched to the voted budgets. The Assembly was not able to meet its budgeted revenue. The study also realised that positive direct relationships exist between revenue allocation and service delivery. The study therefore recommends that the Assembly strengthens its internal control mechanisms and look inwardly to improve its internally generated fund collection to support service delivery at the local level.

Source: UCC
Public Financial Management and Service Delivery: A Case Study of Tamale Metropolitan Assembly

Public financial management has to do with the efficiency and effectiveness of the utilization of public resources based on budgets that have been approved. The rationale of this research was to establish the correlation between public financial management and service delivery: a case of Tamale Metropolitan Assembly. The specific objective was to establish the relationship between policy-based budgeting and service delivery; determine the extent to which budget credibility support service delivery; and the influence of revenue generation and allocation on service delivery. A descriptive study design and census method was employed. Data was collected not only from the budget and financial reports of the Assembly but also by administering questionnaires to 11 senior staff and their assistants and 62 assembly members in the Metropolis. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation paired sample t-test and regression. The study found that there was a strong relationship between policy-based budgeting and service delivery at the Assembly. The credibility of the Assembly‟s budgets in terms of fiscal discipline was strong but weak when actual budgetary releases were matched to the voted budgets. The Assembly was not able to meet its budgeted revenue. The study also revealed that positive direct relationships exist between revenue allocation and service delivery. The study therefore recommends that the Assembly strengthens its internal controls mechanisms and look inwardly to improve its internally generated fund collection to support service delivery.

Source: UCC
Public Financial Management Practices And Service Delivery At The Local Government System In Ghana: A Case Of Yilo Krobo Municipal

The research studied on the effect of public financial management practices and service delivery at Yilo Krobo Municipal. In order to achieve this, three specific objectives were stated. These were; to analyse the effect of revenue generation and allocation on service delivery at Yilo Krobo Municipal; to examine the effect of policy-based budgeting on service delivery at Yilo Krobo Municipal; and to analyse the effect of credibility of the budget on service delivery at Yilo Krobo Municipal. The study was centered on fiscal decentralization theory and resource dependency theory. The ―study employed the explanatory research design since the study tested the relationship between the various variables. The data collection instruments were questionnaire. The study employed the quantitative research approach. The stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting a respondent of 59 respondents. Descriptive and Multiple Regression were also used to analyze the objectives of the study. The study found that there was a positive and significant relationship between revenue generation allocation and service delivery. Also, policy-based budgeting had a positive and significant effect on service delivery at Yilo Krobo Municipal. Finally, credibility of the budget had a positive and significant effect on service delivery at Yilo Krobo. The study recommended that Yilo Krobo Municipal should explore and implement effective revenue generation strategies, including the efficient collection of taxes, fees, and other income sources. This may involve leveraging technology for more accurate and streamlined revenue collection.

Source: UCC
Public leadership behaviour and employees’ innovative work behaviour in Ghanaian metropolitan assemblies; the role of organisational climate

This study sought to determine public leadership behaviors’ influence on innovative work behavior within the six metropolitan assemblies in Ghana and the role of organizational climate in mediating such a nexus. The study adopted a quantitative approach and the simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from 314 staff of the Kumasi, Cape Coast, Accra, Sekondi-Takoradi, Tema and Tamale metropolitan assemblies through self-administered questionnaires. Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesis postulated. The findings revealed that transformational, transactional and network governance leadership behaviours had a significant direct positive effect on employees’ innovative work behaviour. Altruistic and entrepreneurial leadership had no significant direct influence on employee’s innovative work behavior. The result of the study also showed a full mediation of organizational climate on the relationship between altruistic leadership behavior and employees’ innovative work behavior. With respect to transformational leadership, the results showed a partial complementary mediation. There was no significant mediation effect on transactional, entrepreneurial and network governance. The study concludes that leadership behavior is a determinant of employees’ innovative behavior and that effect can be increased through an organizational climate that supports innovation. The study recommends that training program focuses on developing leadership capacity and stimulating innovative behavior among employees, and that management work to ensure the creation of an innovation supportive climate

Source: UCC
Public Nature Conservation Policy Versus Community Interests: A Study of the Mole National Park

Public policy impact analysis entails systematic, meticulous and objective evaluation of cause-effect relationships. The study presents a historical account of the genesis, processes and impacts of public nature conservation policy practices at Mole National Park (MNP) on peripheral communities. It tries to understand underlying motives for external resistance and outright arson against the Park and discern cause-effect relationships between local communities and MNP. Data were elicited from three sub-samples, comprising 316 displaced and 264 non-evictees randomly selected from nearby villages. The second, was 38 randomly and four purposively chosen public officials of MNP and the West Gonja District Assembly. The third comprised 98 accidental and purposively selected transient visitors to the Park. Results showed negligible involvement of the local people in the decision to create the MNP. Comparison of socio-economic variables showed little or no differences between displaced and non-evicted communities regarding effects of the MNP on community social communities. Thirdly, the Park has had both intended and spillover effects with communities closest to it more affected. Fourthly, harassment by park guards and loss of farmlands without compensation were the main complaints of villagers. Fifthly, community participation in the management and activities of the Park is low. Finally, management must act to exploit MNP’s potential for increased tourist arrivals and dollars receipts.

Source: UCC
Public perception of corruption on labour performance in the public service in the Tema Metropolis

The study sought to examine the general understanding of the concept of corruption, determine perception of prevalence of corruption in public institution, analyze the causes of corruption in public institutions, examine measures undertaken to curb corruption and provide recommendations on corruption to interested persons. The study drew a cross section of the general population within the Tema metropolis. Members of the public were interviewed within the study area all with the aim of finding out their perception on corruption in the public service. It thus chose the survey. The study targeted a sample size of 126 which consisted of 96 adult population and 30 public officers from the Tema Metropolis. The accidental and purposive sampling procedures were used. Data collected was edited, coded and electronically inputted using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software. Data was processed using the SPSS. Majority of the respondents defined corruption simply as, part of human nature, extortion, activity that is contrary to laid down rules and norms and the abuse of office. The institution most widely perceived as corrupt was the Ghana Police Service, and the causes of corruption were low income and poverty. It is recommended that the fight against corruption should be based on a moral campaign, an education drive and a disclosure requirement for public officers. Good remuneration and better conditions of service should be provided to public officers to reduce the influence of corruption on performance.

Source: UCC
Public Perception of Early Childhood Language Policy in Ghana: An Exploratory Study

This article explores current public perceptions in Ghana about the National Literacy Acceleration Programme (NALAP), a mother tonguebased bilingual medium of instruction (MTB-BMoI) policy for early childhood education. The researchers conducted an exploratory study of public reactions towards the Minister for Education’s statement on revamping the program made at the Shared Prosperity Forum held in Accra, Ghana. The article includes an overview of the history of early childhood education language of instruction (LoI) in Ghana and the rationale for the NALAP. Conversations with education officers and parents about their views on the NALAP were analyzed. The findings reflect strong negative feelings about the program among many Ghanaians who express a preference for English-only LoI. The paper discusses the importance of bilingual LoI in early childhood as well as the need to obtain public support, especially among parents, to facilitate full implementation of the program in Ghana. Recommendations for public engagement are proposed.

Source: UCC
Public perception of the services of first allied savings and loans ltd

This study sought to assess the public perception of the services of First Allied Savings and Loans Company. As such, specific objectives were to assess the public awareness of the products offered by the bank, to examine the public access to loan and interest rate thereof of the bank, to assess the public perception on the CSR activities of the SLC and examine the public perception on access to financial information. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from employees in the First Allied Savings and Loans Ltd. The study used a simple random sampling technique and a sample size of 100. The results reveal that to some extent, the public is aware of various account held by the bank. The results also indicate that the public is satisfied with the level of access to loan facilities offered by the bank. The study concludes that, there should be an improved access to credit facilities and improved access to information. It recommends that management of First Allied Savings and Loans Company should conduct periodic surveys to access the public perceptions on their operations to help them access their strengths and weaknesses. The study further recommends that management of the bank must take steps to organise periodic training programmes for staff to enhance their capacities on customer service and on innovative service delivery approaches.

Source: UCC
Public Perceptions of Human Rights Abuses of the Ghana Police Service in the Jomoro Municipality

No man is an island; hence, he can never stand alone unless supported by the efforts of other people. Similarly, the canopy of a single tree cannot make a forest unless it is linked up with that of other tress. By extension, this piece of academic work could not have seen the light of success without the support and motivation of some personalities. Indeed, no one is a repository of knowledge. Considering the tenacity of some personalities leading to the production of this thesis, I wish to acknowledge all and sundry whose effort and contributions have made my dream a reality. First, I wish to acknowledge the unflinching support of my principal supervisor, Professor S. B. Kendie of the School of Development Studies (SDS), University of Cape Coast (UCC), who streamlined the work when I was going wayward and corrected errors in the work. He encouraged and motivated me when I decided to opt out by assuring me of a light at the end of the tunnel. Without his effort, my vision and aspiration to produce this document would have remained a mirage. Also, my appreciation goes to the co-supervisor, Dr. Kwadwo Addo Tufour, and Dr. Osei Kufuor, Head of Peace Studies, Department UCC. Their collaboration with the main supervisor motivated me immensely. Furthermore, I am indebted to my former commander/superintendent John Ferguson Dzineku who inspired me to combine my scheduled duties with the academic work. Without him was a failure ab-initio. Once again, I am indebted to the following personalities who assisted me in data collection and analysis: Benjamin Adomako and Ackah Boasi, both of Half Assini, and Collins Owusu Asante of UCC.

Source: UCC
Public perceptions of the performance of vocational and technical graduates in selected institutions in Cape Coast Metropolis.

This study set out to comprehend some of the "factors that affect the effective utilization of Votec education in the service of local economic development in the Cape Coast metropolis. It has also been undertaken to unearth the public perception on the performances of vocational and technical graduates in the world of work, with special reference to some selected institutions and industries in the metropolis. The study utilized survey methodology with data collection from a sample of VOTEC users (industrialists), educators and graduates and likert-type rating scales to determine the validity of several perceptions surrounding the VOTEC education issue. The study discovered that: Government was perceived as the key player in the development of Votec education and VOTEC graduate participation in the labour force. Students of VOTEC were insistent that their training had inculcated in them the necessary skills, competence, motivation and self-efficiency to engage in VOTEC employment as well as self-employment. However, there was a definite lack of optimism about the future of the VOTEC experiment as presently constituted. The study concluded that while educators, graduates and employers were universally inclined to view VOTEC positively, the role of government was perceived with mixed feelings. It is recommended that the government provides the enabling environment for employers, teachers and students in the Cape Coast metropolis.

Source: UCC