ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring Suicide Terrorism and its Threat to International Security

Suicide Terrorism as a phenomenon dates back to the biblical Sampson and his destruction of the Philistine temple. Modern expressions of the phenomenon are however traceable to the 1972 attack at the LOD Airport in Tel Aviv where a member of the Red Army organization blew himself up, killing and wounding several people. The popularity of the phenomenon received a great boost by events of the September 11, 2001 against the United States of America (USA). Since then, the international community has witnessed many more of such attacks than had occurred previously. With the popularity of the phenomenon and the continued presence of some of the issues that motivate such attacks, there is no gainsaying that the International Community will continue to witness such attacks. This article attempts to examine the phenomenon of suicide terrorism and the threat it poses to international security. In doing this, it attempts an examination of the concept of suicide terrorism and the motivations or rationale for the phenomenon. In particular, it attempts an explanation of why efforts at managing the phenomenon have not achieved much. The central argument in this regard is that the international community has failed to manage the phenomenon successfully because of certain misconceptions that have influenced strategies developed to deal with the phenomenon. Consequently, such strategies have rather than quell the incidence of suicide attacks, provoked a cycle of retributive actions that in themselves constitute terrorism.it concludes by calling for the de-emphasis of harsh military tactics in addressing the phenomenon. In its place, it proposes a transformational approach that utilizes both combative and non-combative approaches to addressing the phenomenon of suicide terrorism.

Source: UG
Exploring the Attitude, Knowledge and Experiences of the Youth Towards HIV Counseling and Testing

The study explored the attitudes, knowledge and experiences of the youth regarding HIV counseling and testing in the Jirapa district of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study aimed at finding out the knowledge of the youth about HIV infection, transmission, the beliefs and attitudes toward undergoing HIV test and their experiences at the HIV counseling and testing centres. An exploratory qualitative design was used to explore the youth experiences. The sampling method employed was purposive and was based on data saturation- when no new information was forth coming. Saturation occurred at the 12th participant but four more interviews were conducted to cross check new emerging themes. The findings of the study showed that the youth had adequate knowledge of HIV counseling and testing but the participants indicated that there was lack of confidentiality at HIV counseling and testing centres, as counsellors easily spread the news to people about others who tested positive to HIV and the likely occurrences of stigma among the youth when HIV has been diagnosed. Findings from the study also indicated that there are some cultural and traditional practices as well as some parental influences on the utilization of HIV counseling and testing centres by the youth in the Jirapa district of Ghana. The study recommended that the health authorities in the district should re-strategize their HCT education programmes to include the youth in their own settings through the use of youth friendly services and the community Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) in the district.

Source: UG
Exploring the autonomous adaptation strategies to climate change and climate variability in selected villages in the rural northern savannah zone of Ghana.

Evidence abounds attesting to changes in the global climate. In Ghana, climate change and climate variability have brought several exposure-sensitivities on different people and at different times. Due to the multiplicity of climate change and climate variability effects, adaptation strategies invariably could be influenced by several factors. This paper assesses the adoption of adaptation strategies in the rural northern savannah zone of Ghana as a result of climate change and variability. Using two villages each from Savelugu Nanton, West Mamprusi and Kassena Nankana East Districts, which are slightly different as case studies, the paper unearthed panoply of varied adaptation strategies in each of them including intensification of irrigation; integration of livestock production; changes in tillage practices; fertiliser application on farms; shift from agriculture to non-farm jobs; seasonal migration and purchase of drought insurance for maize. The results indicate that the relativity in adoption and utilisation of the different adaptive strategies are interlinked with geographical, social, economic, institutional and political factors and processes in the villages. The findings drum home the essentiality of location-specific planned adaptation strategies for climate change through a bottom-up approach, in order to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.

Source: UG
Exploring the autonomous adaptation strategies to climate change and climate variability in selected villages in the rural Northern Savannah Zone of Ghana. Local Environment

Evidence abounds attesting to changes in the global climate. In Ghana, climate change and climate variability have brought several exposure-sensitivities on different people and at different times. Due to the multiplicity of climate change and climate variability effects, adaptation strategies invariably could be influenced by several factors. This paper assesses the adoption of adaptation strategies in the rural northern savannah zone of Ghana as a result of climate change and variability. Using two villages each from Savelugu Nanton, West Mamprusi and Kassena Nankana East Districts, which are slightly different as case studies, the paper unearthed panoply of varied adaptation strategies in each of them including intensification of irrigation; integration of livestock production; changes in tillage practices; fertiliser application on farms; shift from agriculture to non-farm jobs; seasonal migration and purchase of drought insurance for maize. The results indicate that the relativity in adoption and utilisation of the different adaptive strategies are interlinked with geographical, social, economic, institutional and political factors and processes in the villages. The findings drum home the essentiality of location-specific planned adaptation strategies for climate change through a bottom-up approach, in order to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.

Source: UG
Exploring the Barriers to Consumer Adoption and Applications of Electric Vehicles: Ghana’s Experience

Electric mobility is gradually becoming popular in developing countries, with the potential to unlock investment opportunities and innovation for clean, safe and sustainable urban transport. However, empirical evidence on possible barriers which could frustrate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is lacking. This paper aims to fill the void by examining key barriers to ubiquitous EV uptake. We generated primary data through interviews among potential adopters as part of a broader EV consumer preference survey in Ghana. Results from our thematic analyses of the data identified 22 key barriers, which are sub-summed under five major categories, including social, technical, economic, policy, and infrastructural. The results further indicate that initial high purchase cost, limited driving range and general lack of supporting infrastructure are the three topmost barriers to EV adoption in Ghana. The implications of the findings and strategies to promote EV uptake among the Ghanaian populace and the national government are discussed.

Source: UG
Exploring the barriers to mental health service utilization in the Bolgatanga Municipality: the perspectives of family caregivers, service providers, and mental health administrators

Background Mental health service utilization remains a challenge in developing countries, with numerous barriers affecting access to care. Albeit data suggest poor utilization of mental health services in the Bolgatanga Municipality in Ghana, no studies have explored the barriers to the utilization of mental health services. Therefore, this study explored the perspectives of family caregivers, service providers, and mental health service administrators on the barriers to mental health service utilization in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was employed for the study. Nineteen participants were purposively sampled from two hospitals including fifteen family caregivers, two service providers, and two mental health administrators. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using NVivo 12 pro software. Results Five main themes emerged including individual-level barriers, interpersonal barriers, community-level barriers, organizational-level barriers, and policy-level barriers. At the individual level, lack of insight, poor treatment compliance, and financial challenges were prominent barriers. Interpersonal barriers included family pressure influenced by cultural and spiritual beliefs. At the community level, stigma and mental health illiteracy were identified as significant barriers. At the organizational level, barriers encompassed inadequate staffing, limited space, and staff attitudes. Policy-level barriers included the neglect of mental health in policies and the non-inclusion of mental health services in the National Health Insurance Scheme. Conclusion This study highlights the complexity of barriers to mental health service utilization and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address them. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, policymakers, communities, and families are essential to mitigate these barriers. It is imperative to consider these barriers when developing strategies to improve the utilization of mental health services in Ghana.

Source: UG
Exploring the Beliefs and Practices of Mothers Concerning the Care of Children with Febrile Seizures at Princess Marie Louise Hospital

Febrile seizures are the most common causes of childhood seizures that occur in children under five globally. Mothers’ care based on knowledge, beliefs and practices may reduce the incidence and complication. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the beliefs and practices of mothers concerning the care of children with febrile seizures at the Princess Marie Louise Hospital. This was an exploratory descriptive qualitative study where a semi-structured interview guide based on the Household Decision Making Model was used. A total of 12 mothers who attended the Princess Marie Louise Hospital at the time of the study were purposefully sampled and interviewed. Each interview lasted between 35-60 minutes and was recorded with permission from the respondents. Verbatim transcription of the interviews was done and data analysis was done using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that, although mothers had an idea about febrile seizures, they lacked adequate knowledge about its management at home and hence use inappropriate methods to abort the seizure or stop its recurrence. The researcher therefore recommends that, educative programmes should be developed for mothers on febrile seizure that occur in children, its associated signs and symptoms and how to effectively manage it at home before seeking biomedical service.

Source: UG
Exploring the burden on family caregivers in providing care for their mentally ill relatives in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Caring for the mentally ill involves numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, stigma, and psychosocial issues, among others. Unpaid family caregivers must endure these challenges as they continue their care for their relatives with mental illness. Despite these burdens and their concomitant effects on both the patients and their caregivers, there is no evidence of this burden in the Bolgatanga municipality. This study explored the burden on family caregivers providing care for mentally ill relatives in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study employed a phenomenological research design. Fifteen family caregivers were purposively sampled from two secondary-level health facilities. In-depth interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. NVivo 12 pro software was used for data analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted follow ing Braun and Clarke’s approach. The study identified three themes including social, physical, and psychological burdens. Under social burden, financial challenges and stigma were identified, weight loss was identified as a physical burden, and poor concentration as a psychological burden. These themes represent the challenges encountered by the family caregivers as they provided care for their mentally ill relatives. There is a need to provide support for family caregivers including respite, formation of support groups, and financial support to alleviate family caregivers of the burdens they endure. Additionally, it is imperative to integrate mental health services into the national health insurance scheme to alleviate the financial burden on family caregivers.

Source: UG
Exploring the causality links between financial markets and foreign direct investment in Africa

This paper sets out to explore the causality links between financial markets and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa. We use proxies for the banking sector and stock market to capture financial market development. We run separate estimations for the banking and stock market samples. Therefore, the sample size differs based on the sample being estimated. The banking sample is made up of 42 countries, whilst the stock market sample is made up of 16 countries. We use data covering the period 1970–2007 for the bank sample whilst for the stock market sample we use data covering the period 1990–2007. We use a 2SLS panel instrumental variable approach to obviate simultaneous causality bias. Our results suggest that a more advanced banking system can lead to more FDI flows. Also higher FDI flows can lead to the development of the domestic banking system. Countries with better-developed stock markets are likely to attract more FDI. We also find that FDI flows can lead to the development of the domestic stock market. Our results imply significant complementarities and feedback between financial markets and FDI in Africa.

Source: UG
Exploring the causes of change in adolescent girls’ sexual behaviour in Begoro, Ghana

There is a changing trend in adolescent girls‘ sexual and reproductive behaviour in Ghana. However, contemporary perspectives on adolescent girls‘ sexual behaviours are largely missing hence this study. Thematic analysis of data collected through in-depth interviews with adolescent girls and community members as well as focus group discussions with adolescent boys identified several factors accounting for the changes in adolescent girls‘ sexual and reproductive behaviour. These factors include changes in girls‘ attitudes to traditional practices, diversity in the agents of socialization as well as the age at menarche. This has resulted in a clash of value system between girls‘ sexual behaviours and that of the elderly. Thus, the social context in which girls are experiencing sexual and reproductive life in Ghana is changing and this must be taken into consideration when designing any intervention to help adolescent girls become resilient in their sexual and reproductive lives.

Source: UG
Exploring the Competencies of First-Line Nurse Managers: A Study at a Regional Hospital, Ridge – Accra

First-line nurse managers (FLNMs) play an essential role in the healthcare environment; ensuring the realization of organizational goals. The duties of the FLNM have expanded and requires the acquisition of specific competencies to be successful in the role. Many quantitative studies have categorized several competencies that nurse managers must be proficient in. Many FLNMs feel less prepared for this role and tend to drift towards what they know best. The descriptive qualitative approach was used to explore the competencies of FLNMs in managing the ward at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) as study participants. Eleven (11) FLNMs were purposively selected from the wards and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The study was guided by the Nurse Manager Leadership Partnership Domain framework (NMLP). The framework has three (3) main themes with fifteen (15) sub-themes. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. First-line nurse managers have strong competencies in the human resource management, logistic management, and clinical expertise. The leadership style of FLNMs is exemplary towards transformational leadership type. The leadership traits of the FLNMs were developed through an informal mentoring and coaching systems in the ward. Potential leaders identified are drawn close to the FLNM and given extra responsibilities without communicating the motive to them. Experience and hard work play a significant role in appointment. Leadership or management is not a career plan for nurses and most nurses reach leadership position unplanned or accidentally. Nurses should be adequately prepared to develop positive experiences that are relevant to the role of the FLNM.

Source: UG
Exploring the Concept of Clinical Supervision among Nurse Supervisees: A Study at the 37 Military Hospital.

Clinical Supervision (CS) is considered as a form of professional support and learning activity that takes place between a supervisor and a supervisee. CS helps nurses to adapt to their new roles, improve their skills, knowledge and improve their decision making abilities. Although a large amount of theoretical literature exists in the areas of CS, little research has been conducted in the area of nurse supervisee’s perception about the concept. Some nurse supervisees complain about the level of support received from the experienced nurses in developing their professional competencies. The supervisees percieve the actions of supervisors at the unit level as being more managerial than supportive in nature. The study sought to explore the perception, function, stages and elements of Clinical supervision among nurse supervisees working at the 37 Military Hospital. A qualitative exploratory design was employed for the study. Purposive sampling techniques was used to recruit eleven (11) participants. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study indicated that nurse supervisees have varied perception of the CS process. The participants acknowledged that the stages of CS implemented by the various supervisors was not structured and formalized. However successful implementation of CS guarantees the provision of quality health care service and the standardization of nursing procedures and activities. The supervisee held the view that supervisor must be guided by an institutional protocol and consider their learning needs and deficiencies during the CS process. Keywords: Clinical Supervision, Nurse Supervisee, Concept

Source: UG
Exploring the connections: Mining and urbanisation in Ghana

Studies of mining and urbanisation have been primarily conducted independently of one another, with limited consideration of the inter-linkages between the two. This analysis seeks to fill this gap by exploring the links between mining and urbanisation in a Ghanaian context. Ghana is an interesting case as it is both endowed with significant mineral wealth and is highly urbanised, with a long history of urban settlement compared to most of sub-Saharan Africa. Mining and urbanisation are examined in four historical phases: pre-colonial; colonial; independence to the early 1980s; and from the early 1980s onward, before exploring the growth trends and employment characteristics of the large-scale and small-scalemining sectors, following which different types of urban mining settlements are discussed. The article shows that the fortunes of mining and the growth of urban settlements are interconnected but concludes that the relationship between the two is not one of simple cause and effect. The complex nature of the linkages between mining and urbanisation means that they require more attention than they have been afforded hitherto. © 2012 The International Society for Diatom Research.

Source: UG
Exploring the Determinants of Mentorship in Nursing among Senior Nurses in Northern Ghana.

Mentorship is the backbone of successful career development and pivotal in the support of newly qualified professionals with regards to the new roles, interactions and transition in practice. Mentorship is necessary in every profession and at every level whether as a new entrant of a profession or an experienced professional assuming a new role or a new setting. In nursing, there is evidence of the positive effect of mentorship on nursing practice in relation to quality improvement, self-confidence and professionalism. This study sought to explore the determinants of mentorship in nursing among senior nurses in northern Ghana. The Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model was used as the theoretical framework for this work. This study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative design using nurses from two hospitals in Northern Ghana. Convenient sampling was used to select participants of the study. Fourteen senior nurses from the rank of Senior Nursing Officer and above participated in the study. Data was collected by face-to-face in-depth interview of participant on the subject matter using a semi structured interview guide. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Overall, five theoretical themes and three emerged themes were generated. The findings of the study revealed personal factors that influence mentorship in nursing, micro system factors that influence mentorship in nursing, meso system factors that influence mentorship in nursing, the exo system factors that influence mentorship in nursing as well as the macro system factors that influence mentorship in nursing. Also, the barriers to mentorship in nursing, benefits of mentorship in nursing as well as the recommendations necessary for success in mentorship in nursing.

Source: UG