ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Post Abortion Contraception Model: A Comprehensive Package for Improving Safe Abortion Care in Developing Countries

Background: Despite liberal abortion laws and wide availability of contraceptives in Ghana, declining Post Abortion Contraception remains a public health challenge due to early unplanned pregnancies and recurrent abortions. The development of this model was therefore to address challenges of low contraception following induced abortion in health facilities within the capital city of Ghana. Method: The development of this model was an outcome of a nested study title: ‘decision making for induced abortion in Accra metropolis, Ghana’ in 2014. This model was piloted for four years using Marie Stopes, Ipas and Ghana Health Service trained abortion providers with family planning skills in one hundred purposively selected health facilities comprising 90 private and 10 Non-Governmental Organization mandated by law to provide safe abortion care services in the capital city of Ghana. The model mainly focused on contraceptive products, pricing, placement, promotion and people. Results: There was an increase (90% average) in Post Abortion Contraception across the selected facilities following the intervention using the model. Conclusion: The study concludes that an integration of products, pricing, placement, promotion and people with options counselling prior to an induced abortion are key considerations for an improved post abortion contraception uptake in developing countries

Source: UEW
Post-conflict peace and reconciliation in Northern Ghana. The perspectives of key stakeholders in the Dagbon traditional area.

Since the resolution of the intractable Dagbon conflict in 2019, little academic works have been done to track the progress, prospects, viability and sustainability of the peace currently being experienced in Dagbon. This study therefore obtained the perception of key stakeholders in Dagbon regarding the resolution of the conflict; assessed the role of stakeholders in the sustainability of the peace in Dagbon; examined the activities and programmes being implemented to promote and maintain the peace, and identified key lessons learned by stakeholders in the course of the Dagbon peace efforts. A qualitative research method was used. Twenty (20) participants were interviewed with a semi-structured interview guide as the data collection instrument. The study found out that; the respondents were generally enthused by the way the conflict was resolved. Also, it was revealed that the respondents performed various functions to achieve the following; improved security in Dagbon, acceleration in developmental projects, and improvements in media works. It was discovered that little or no attention has been paid to the design of programmes or activities to sustain the peace in Dagbon. One of the key lessons highlighted by the respondents was that, the use of violence or unconventional methods to ascend to the Yani Skin, is no longer feasible except for the use of the laid down principles, conventions, values, customs and traditions of Dagbon. The study concludes that, the 2019 resolution of the Dagbon conflict was a huge blessing for the Kingdom. However certain underlying issues such as the inability of stakeholders to constitute a reconciliatory programme to heal wounds, the chieftaincy disputes in Nanton and Karaga, could reverse the gains. The study therefore recommends the establishment of a peace and reconciliation programme to be established by the King to enhance dialogue between the two rival factions. The leadership of this programme should consist of influential people from both gates, to make their resolutions acceptable and satisfactory to both sides.

Source: UEW
Potable quality determination of groundwater from point collection sources in the Asante Mampong Municipality of Ashanti Region in Ghana

A study was conducted to determine the potable quality of groundwater from point collection sources in the Asante Mampong Muicipality of Ghana in 2011. Groundwater was collected from 4 actively used hand pump boreholes and dugout wells for analyses using various standard laboratory methods (APHA, AWWA, WEF, 1998) to determine some physical, chemical and biological quality effects of the groundwater. The study recorded average values of 5.95, 355.55 (µS/cm), 3.225 (NTU) and (7.565 and 0.0225)mg/L for pH, conductivity, turbidity, DO, TSS in the groundwater. The differences in levels of BOD5, TDS, NO3-N, Chloride and NO2-N were highly significant (P<0.000) even though Fe and ammonia did not show significant differences. Detection of these chemicals in drinking water has several implications, particularly in evaluating potential human health effects or ecological outcome; though the levels detected in this present study were within the permissible limits proposed in the 2006 WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. Significant differences in total coliforms and Salmonella contamination were observed to have negative health implications. Stake holder discussion is mandatory to partnering appropriate solutions to the groundwater quality problems. Key words: Well, borehole, physical, chemical, biological, health effect, water quality.

Source: UEW
The potentials of Bambusa V. Vulgaris (bamboo) biomass as feedstock to produce biofuels

Many technologies are now being prepared worldwide to convert stored energies in lignocellulosic materials such as bamboos to provide bioenergy in the form of heat, electricity, gas and transport fuel. This study investigated the fuel properties of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J. C. Wendl. var. vulgaris) feedstock to produce biofuels – heat, transport fuels, gas and electricity. In all, 1 200 samples were tested for morphological properties, physical properties, proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and ash elementals (minerals) analysis. The results showed that there is an interaction between ecological zones and the growth stages. The clump sizes ranged from 512cm to 622.33cm. However, there was no significant difference at 5% significance level among the three zones. Culm heights ranged from 9-14m, internode distance from 35-38mm, culm diameter from 8-10cm and culm wall thickness and 9-13mm were observed across the ecological zones. The culm wall thickness decreases from the base (9.10 cm) to the top (8.43 cm). The calorific value increases with increase wall thickness of the culm. The mean values for density ranged from 395 to 745 kg/m3 , bulk density ranged from 0.12 to 0.52 g/m3 , calorific values ranged from 12 to 18 MJKg-1 . Increase in the bamboo culm wall thickness has correspondent increase in density. The ash content ranged from 0.48 to 3.40%. The mean values for VM (76 – 84%), FC (14-16), C (46-52%), H (6.4-6.6%), N (0.12-1.3%) and O (40- 44%). The mean values for heavy metals (ppm) were Cu (1.3-7.6), Zn (2.95-4.87), Pb (0.04- 0.10), As (0.07-0.11), Ni (0.64-1.33) and Cd (0.79-4.21). The mean values for the minor metals (ppm) were Ca (26-29), K (0.6-2.4), Mg (0.13-0.18), P (0.06-0.18), Na (0.6-1.1), Al (0.14-0.21) and Fe (0.20-0.17). Mature and dead bamboo culms in any zone can be used for the production of charcoal and biofuels. The leaves of the studied bamboo specie had higher ash, nitrogen and cadmium contents than the culms. Removal of the leaves therefore is necessary when using bamboo for biofuels.

Source: UEW
Pour un meilleur emploi du pronom relatif « où » le cas des apprenants d’islamic senior high school, Wa

This study analyses the difficulties faced by learners of Wa Islamic Senior High School in the use of the relative pronoun “où” (where) in French language. The lower level of understanding of the morphosyntax aspect of this relative pronoun with regards to its usage and the other relative pronouns in French, and the inability to differentiate it from the conjunction “ou” (or) is the basic reason for this study. Analysis of data collected through personal observation, test items and interview confirmed that most of the learners were not able to use the relative pronoun “où” in sentences correctly. The inability of learners to recognise the usage of this aspect of the French grammar is due to the fact that they pay less attention to the form (with accent) and anaphoric nature of it with regards to nouns that this pronoun is replacing in the sentence. Through our study, our hypothesis were confirmed and we went ahead in the final chapter to table our proposals that would facilitate the comprehension of the learners and the task of teachers with regards to the usage of that relative pronoun.

Source: UEW
The practicability of traditional method of overhead allocation: A case of limited liability company in developing economy

Practical capacity method of production overhead allocation is the most accepted and most widely used method of cost accounting in manufacturing concern. However, traditional cost accounting has been criticized for cost distortion and lack of relevance during the last 20 years. Notwithstanding the criticisms, some firms in Ghana are still using the traditional method of overhead allocation. The primary purpose of this descriptive study was to examine how the company applies traditional method to allocate production overhead cost into the cost of its finished product. The study did not find much difference between how the company adopts the practical capacity method of overhead allocation in terms of its concepts and application and what pertains in the existing literature on the phenomenon, except in some few aspects of its practice. It was also found that the company does not at all times meet the requirements of IFRS-IAS 2. Key words: practical capacity, production overheads, allocation variance, overheads allocation rate (OAR)

Source: UEW
The practices and challenges of instructional supervision in public basic schools in the west circuit of Bongo District in the Upper East Region of Ghana

This study was conducted to assess the practices and challenges of instructional supervision in public basic schools in the West circuit of Bongo district. Three research questions were formulated, on the various supervisory options applied by head teachers in these schools; the challenges faced by head teachers and the possible measures to mitigate the challenges in the study area. Descriptive survey method was employed. One Circuit of Bongo district was selected for the study through the purposive sampling technique. All the head teachers and teachers were sampled through the purposive sampling technique and a simple random sampling technique respectively. From these sample schools, 11 head teachers and 96 teachers were considered as the respondents of the study. Questionnaire was used as a main tool of data collection. Interview was also used to substantiate the data gathered through questionnaires. Frequency count and percentages were utilised to analyse quantitative data gained through the questionnaires. The qualitative data gathered thorough interview was also analysed by narration. The result of the study indicated that head teachers in the study area employed a variety of supervisory options to supervise their teachers base on the level of maturity of the individual teacher. Work overload of head teachers; lack of regular in-service training for head teachers and interference of SMC and PTA members in the work of head teachers were identified in the study as the challenges faced by head teachers. To minimise these challenges, the study recommended reduction of workload of head teachers, regular in service training for instructional supervisors, and the existence of cordial relationship between head teachers and teachers and sensitisation of SMC and PTA members on their roles in the schools.

Source: UEW
Practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in Gomoa East District, Ghana

This study assessed the practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 inhabitants in three urban communities. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The study showed that a significant number of respondents (80.8%) had high knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene than respondents (2.5 %) with low knowledge. Respondents who had good standard practices regarding environmental sanitation and hygiene were 43 % greater than respondents with poor standard practices. Chi-square test results showed that no association exist between sex and knowledge = 2.32, p = 0.31) and age and knowledge = 2.03, p = 0.36). However, there was significant association between occupation and knowledge ( = 42.10, p=0.00). A Pearson product-moment correlation result showed that there was no relationship between standard practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene (r = 0.058, p = 0.274). Major findings of the study leads to a conclusion that even though inhabitants knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene was high there was a clear gap between knowledge and actual practices hence the District Environmental Health and sanitation Department in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency should implement effective behavioral change communication strategy among the urban dwellers to translate knowledge into actual practice.

Source: UEW
Practices of kindergarten teachers in assessing kindergarteners' reading and writing skills in Bosomtwe District

The study sought to investigate practices of kindergarten teachers in assessing kindergartners’ reading and writing skills in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study adopted the sequential explanatory mixed methods design, which is characterised by the collection and analysis of quantitative data followed by the collection and analysis of qualitative data. A sample of 119 trained early childhood teachers were selected for the study. They were selected using simple random sampling and maximal variation sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interviews were instruments used to collect data for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that kindergarten teachers in Bosomtwe held a positive view on assessment practices concerning reading and writing skills for kindergarteners. Kindergarten teachers most frequently employ “teacher-made paper-and-pencil tests”, “observation”, and “checklist” in assessing kindergarteners’ reading and writing skills. Nonetheless, the results showed that most teachers do not use “anecdotal records”, “running records”, “portfolio”, “rating scale”, and “cloze assessment” in assessing Kindergarteners’ reading and writing skills. The study identified inadequate assessment standards, large class size, inadequate time, deficiency in aligning curriculum with reading and writing assessment tools as challenges kindergarten teachers face in assessing learners’ reading and writing skills. The study, among others, recommends that Ghana Education Service (GES) frequently organise workshops to update kindergarten teachers on contemporary assessment practices in assessing reading and writing skills.

Source: UEW
A pragmatic analysis of the use of response tokens in Asante Twi

Response tokens are important for people wishing to be able to function as supportive interlocutors in a conversation. There is the need for interlocutors to ensure that their interpretation of the speaker’s interactional intentions matches what he wanted to say (Faerch and Kasper, 1982). This thesis investigates the pragmatic analysis of the use of response tokens in Asante Twi. Specifically, the research focuses on the categories, and importance of response tokens among the Asantes. The study based its analytical framework upon Clancy et al.’s (1996), and other relevant analytic models. Data were analyzed from interviews, recorded conversations and diary notes. The findings revealed that speakers of Asante have two main types of response tokens: verbal and nonverbal. The components of verbal response tokens are minimal, non-minimal, cluster and laughter, while the nonverbal are body gestures such as head movements, hand gestures, facial expressions, foot movement and silence. The analysis revealed that the structure of some single words was interpreted as clauses. Again, others were found to be reduplicated, religious, and negative in sense used as response tokens for emphasis. Some of the functions of both verbal and nonverbal response tokens were backchannels, agreement, disagreement, and alignment. Based on the findings, it is argued that response tokens are very relevant in the conversations of speakers of Asante Twi. This is because it contributes to sustain the flow of conversation. It is recommended that further research should investigate whether cultural or gender issues have an effect on how people use response tokens.

Source: UEW
A pragmatic study of apology expressions in Gurune

This thesis explores the study of apology in Gurune. The design for the study is ethnography type. 20 participants were used for the study from dialects namely Boone, Bolne, Talene, Nabt and Nankani. 4 participants from each dialect were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The study instrument used was Audio recorded Role plays to allow participants to socially interact and by doing that the participants assume and enact roles within stated circumstances. The participants’ age range was from 12 to 60 years. 12 situations were considered for the study. The data discovered that, the speakers use single, double or multiple strategies in expressing apology. The data again revealed that, social distance and power influence the choice of a particular politeness strategy in apology expression in Gurune. The study discovered that when the speakers of Gurune use responsibility strategy in expressing apology, they (offenders) threaten their faces by expressing self-deficiency, self blame and expression of embarrassment. On the other hand, Gurune chiefs save face by not apologizing to somebody of low class. Also, husbands mostly save their faces by either justifying by putting the blame on others or deny responsibility when apologizing to their wives. Friends sometimes minimize the severity of the offense by reminding the offended about the relationship that exists between them. They do these to avoid apology in other not to face threatened. The study also proved that, the speakers modify apology by using intensifiers, excaims and address terms. It was again confirmed that, apology expressions in Gurune show the belief of the Gurune people in the supremacy of God. The data proved that, Gurune speakers use proverbs in their apology expressions and this testifies to the fact that, there are evidence of Gurune culture in terms of apology giving. It was discovered that, the speakers save face by involving the use of their ancestors and their totemic ancestors to prove how deeply sorry they are. The data again showed that, Gurune people belief in brotherhood and sisterhood and for that matter in order to mitigate the offense and not to be face threatened, they remind the offended people how they relate.

Source: UEW
A pragmatic study of gratitude expressions and responses Akan

This study examines gratitude expressions and gratitude expression responses in Akan. A qualitative design was adopted for the study and thirty native speakers of three dialects of Akan: Asante Twi, Akuapim Twi and Fante were conveniently sampled to partake in a role play. The findings indicate that there are various tokens used to realize gratitude expressions and gratitude expressions responses in Akan. However, the choice of a particular token is greatly influenced by sociological variables such as social distance and power. The study also shows that Akantry to avoid the use of thanking to express gratitude to their close friends, colleagues, or subordinates in order to save their faces. They rather expressbenedictionor compliment them to avoid any form of face threats.Again, the study reveals that speakers of Akan prefer the use of negative politeness strategy in response to gratitude expression. This is evident in their high inclination to minimize the favour in response to gratitude expressions. Also, gratitude expressions in Akan are internally modified by exclaim, address terms, and intensifiers and gratitude expression responses are also internally modified by exclaim and prepositional phrases. Further, Akanexpress gratitude and respond to gratitude expressions using proverbs, idioms, and hyperbolic expressions. Lastly, the study also shows that Akanshow their belief in God through their expressions of gratitude and responses to gratitude expressions.

Source: UEW
Pragmatics of Na ‘see’ Perception Verb Expressions in Gӑ

The aim of this paper is to examine lexical semantics from a cognitive approach in Gӑ, a Kwa language. In Gӑ, the verb Na ‘see’ has polysemous and metaphorical uses. There has been linguistic research in Gᾶ and there is still the interest to study the language. Currently, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study that specifically explores lexical semantics from the cognitive approach. This is the gap the researcher attempts to fill. The verb denoting perception has metaphorical expressions that will have some relationship with the original verb. In the discussion, we consider the pragmatic implications and relevance of the extensions derived from the verb na ‘see’.. We look at the nature of the derived semantic patterns and consider the extent to which they are peculiar to the Gӑ language and culture. The study is based on Sweetser’s (1990) cognitive approach of semantic change. The paper shows that most of the metaphorical extensions are based on human perception and interaction with the physical world. The findings of the study reveal that the metaphorical meanings reflect the socio-cultural experiences of the Gӑ land. Hence, the more they move away from the physical realms, the greater the realizations. Keywords: metaphorical extensions, metaphor, perception, polysemy, pragmatics. semantic change.

Source: UEW
Pragmatics of oyiwaladↄ ŋŋ (Thank you): The case of Ga

The study considers the marker Oyiwaladɔŋŋ (thank you) in Ga ( Niger Congo, Kwa branch), under the expressive speech act and linguistic routine The marker has a variety of functions and explore the factors (social and situational) affecting the different uses of ‘thank you’. Content analysis involving the conversational theory of relevance in existing works is adopted for this study. We are looking at the basis for ‘thank you’ and its variants as polite strategies. The study discovered ethnographic situations and communicative events for Oyiwaladɔŋŋ (thank you) including, (1) Oyiwaladɔŋŋ for humor, (2) for acceptance of services, (3) for irony or sarcasm in conversations, (4) for phatic functions, (5) for dismissal of a person or service, (6) for rejection of an offer or services and (7) gratitude for major or minor favour. Keywords: Oyialadɔŋŋ ‘Thank you‟, discourse marker, conversational analysis, politeness

Source: UEW