ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The role of civil society organisations in local governance: a case study of united civil society organisation of Nzema east district

In Ghana, civil societies have played important role in national development in an unco-ordinated manner. The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of United Civil Society Organisation of Nzema East District (UCSOND) to local governance in Nzemaland. The research assessed the activities of UCSOND at the grassroots, for example how its capacity enables it to play its role. The challenges facing the union were also examined. Case study approach was used to assess UCSOND’s contribution to local governance. The principal method used in the analyses of the data was interpretive inquiry. Tables and pictures were used to summarise UCSOND’s activities at the grassroots, its capacity and ability to play its role. Most importantly, the challenges confronting the union were identified and ranked using Kendall’s co-efficient of concordance. The findings were that UCSOND has been instrumental in stimulating popular participation in local governance through civic events. Secondly, it has aggregated citizens voice and influenced policies and programmes. The study also reveals that UCSOND has a low organisational resource base. The conclusions are that the low resource base of UCSOND has impaired its ability to play the ascribed roles effectively. Furthermore, the weak institutional capacity has led to resignation and dwindling of membership. The recommendation is that UCSOND must strengthen its effort for support or resources aimed at institutional capacity development, engage in income generating ventures and collaborate with other civil organisations to gain insight into emerging governance issues.

Source: UCC
Role of civil society organisations in promoting participation in basic education delivery in the Talensi-Nabdam district of Ghana

Civil society organisation (CSOs) have been working in the Talensi Nabdam District to promote and strengthen participation to ensure that resources meant for basic education delivery are fully accounted for and used as agreed. They have designed programmes to improve primary and secondary stakeholders involvement and commitment in basic education delivery. However, teacher workload, poor quality and participation in management of education delivery are still issues of great concern. This study was therefore conducted to examine the role of CSOs in promoting participation in basic education in the Talensi- Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. This study purposively sampled 269 respondents. Data were drawn from both primary and secondary sources. The study revealed that there was some amount of participation in school governance at the basic education delivery and women and girls played active role in the process. Quite often, teachers went for seminars and workshops organised by CSOs. It is recommended that seminars and fora should be held in communities with local language used as medium of communication; CSOs, GES and communities should ensure that meetings and workshops that would require the participation of teachers are held during weekends, holidays or after instructional hours.

Source: UCC
Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Promoting Moral Education in Senior High Schools in Sunyani Municipality

This study explored the role of co-curricular activities in promoting Moral Education of Senior High School Students in the Sunyani Municipality. Case study research design was employed in the study. The sample size for the students who answered the questionnaires was 316 while the teachers were 203. Key were used to gather the requisite data for the study. The simple random, census and purposive sampling procedures were used to select students, teachers and key percentages, means as well as standard deviations. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. It was found out that various co-curricular activities championed by religious and social clubs are implemented in the Senior High Schools in the study area. The level of participation for heads of schools and coordinators of clubs was low. However, teachers and students highly patronised the co-curricular activities. Students learn plethora of moral lessons from cocurricular activities. Co-curricular activities are also capable of instilling into participants all the moral competences listed in the seven vector of Chickerings’ Psychosocial Development Theory. Co-curricular activities are faced with student, administrative, school and curriculum related challenges. It was among other things recommended that stakeholders of Education should come out with a policy guideline on the types of co-curricular activities that should be implemented in the school system.

Source: UCC
The role of commission-based pay on employee retention in the Ghanaian banking industry: The case of GCB Bank Limited

Background: Human Resource is one of the valuable assets for organisations to facilitate the achievement of competitive advantage. Managing human resources is very challenging and must be done with care in organisations. Retention of human resources has is integral to the development and the accomplishment of the organisation’s goals and objectives. The main determinants for employee retention such as Career Development Opportunities, Superior Support, Work Environment, Rewards, and Work-Life Policies and recognition have a great paradigm to retain the employees for longer periods of time. Aim: In this article, an attempt has been made to assess the impact of HRM practices and its effectiveness on employee retention in Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB). Setting: The study was conducted in the Ghana Commercial Bank head office in Accra Methods: The study made use of both the qualitative and quantitative research methods in data collection. Both primary and secondary data were collected to assess the role of commission-based pay on employee retention in the Ghanaian banking industry. The researcher sampled 10 senior management and 50 junior staff who are relationship managers and relationship officers of the bank for the sampling size. Results: The study further revealed that commission-based pay involves meeting challenging targets which may contribute to demotivation if targets are not met. The study concludes that the form of motivation adopted by a company to remunerate staff on commission-based pay is essential to their work performance and retention. Conclusion: The study recommends that banks should train and develop employees and create structures that will create organisational citizenship

Source: UCC
The Role of Compassion International, Ghana, in Promoting Moral Education Among Basic School Pupils in Central and Greater Accra Regions: An Evaluative Study

The study evaluated the Child Development Sponsorship Programme (CDSP) of Compassion International, Ghana (CIG) and its role in the moral development of basic school pupils in four (4) selected Child Development Centres (CDC) in the Central and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. The study further explored the role of CIG in terms of context, input, process and product (CIPP) based on the components of the CIPP Evaluation Model. This study used the embedded mixed method design. The qualitative data was collected using interview guide and focus group discussion while quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire. The qualitative data was analysed thematically while the quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for descriptive statistics. It came to light that the aims, resources, activities and outcomes of CIG promote moral education. Further it was revealed that the CDSP of CIG helped to develop appropriate attitudes and values that would help the beneficiaries make good choices and decisions in their adulthood for the good of society. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that in developing any intervention for moral development, NGOs should focus on values and attitudes that promote the spiritual, physical, socio-emotional and cognitive wellbeing of the beneficiaries. The study has provided valuable data to enlighten the government, educationists, policymakers and stakeholders on the role of the CDSP of CIG on moral education in Ghana.

Source: UCC
The Role of Condom Use Self-Efficacy on Intended and Actual Condom Use Among University Students in Ghana

Little attention has been paid to the dimensions that help to predict and understand condom use among uni versity students within an African context. A cross-sectional study involving 518 university students in Accra, Ghana was conducted to determine how the Condom Use self-Efficacy Scale-Ghana (CUSES-G) can predict both actual condom use and future condom use. Of all the participants, 84 % were sexually active but less than half of the sample (48 %) reported to have used condom during their last sexual intercourse. A hierarchical regression analysis showed that components of the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale (CUESE-G) such as appropriation, assertiveness, pleasure and intoxication, and STDs predicted condom use and con dom use intentions. Behavioural change campaigns targeting university students should encourage condom use self-effi cacy, as this would strengthen condom use, which is eco nomically cheap and practically effective means of preventing STIs including HIV.

Source: UCC
The role of CXC chemokine ligand 4/CXC chemokine receptor 3-B in breast cancer progression

Chemokines and their receptors participate in the development of cancers by enhancing tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and penetration of tumor immune cells. It remains unclear whether CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4)/CXC chemokine receptor 3-B (CXCR3-B) can be used as an independent molecular marker for establishing prognosis for breast cancer patients. We evaluated CXCL4 and CXCR3-B expression in 114 breast cancer tissues and 30 matched noncancerous tissues using immunohistochemistry and western blot, and determined the correlation between their expression and clinicopathologic findings. We observed that breast cancer tissues express CXCL4 strongly and CXCR3-B weakly compared to noncancerous tissues. Strong CXCL4 expression was detected in 94.7% and weak CXCR3-B expression was detected in 78.9% of the tissues. Therefore, CXCL4/CXCR3-B might play a crucial role in breast cancer progression. We found no significant correlation between CXCL4 and age, tumor stage, tumor grade or TNM stage. CXCR3-B was associated significantly with tumor grade. Moreover, the Chi-square test of association showed that the expression of CXCL4/CXCR3-B might be an independent prognostic marker for breast cancer. Therefore, we suggest that CXCR3-B is an indicator of poor prognosis and may also be a chemotherapeutic target

Source: UCC
The Role of Effective Supervision on Academic Performance of Senior High Schools in Ghana

In all facets of life, supervision has become a cross-cutting edge tool and a pivot around which performance revolves. There are widespread and on-going debates centred on the influence of effective supervision on academic performance in our academic institutions. This study examined the role of supervision on academic performance in Senior High Schools (SHS) in Ghana. The study was based on the collegial model of educational management and the supervision model, Theory Y as proposed by Douglas McGregor. This study employed the descriptive research survey design. Through a questionnaire, data analysed was collected from 963 respondents who were purposively selected from randomised schools in each region comprising of headmasters, their assistants and heads of department of 155 SHSs across Ghana. The WAEC results (2006-2009 and 2011) of the sampled schools were analysed. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was Cronbach’s alpha (α) = 0.826. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 18 software was employed in the analyses of data using, mean, standard deviation, correlation and independent t-test. The study revealed that there was a positive weak significant relationship between supervision roles of heads and academic performance of students. Moreso, there was a positive weak significant relationship between gender of heads and their supervision roles. The study recommended that supervision should be intensified in SHS. Heads of SHS should be re-orientated in the new trends of supervision in schools.

Source: UCC
Role of effectiveness of audit committees and financial reporting quality in selected companies in Ghana

The aim of this study was to examine the role effectiveness of Audit Committees and financial reporting quality in selected companies in Ghana. The study adopted the case study research design. A total of fifty-four respondents participated in the study. The convenience sampling method was used in selecting the respondents for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire. Spearman Rank Order (rho) correlation, frequencies and percentages, pie charts, and mean and standard deviation were employed in analysing the data gathered. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was the software that was used for the data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the Audit Committees (ACs) in the companies studied were generally not effective in the performance of their duties. Additionally, the study found out that the effectiveness of ACs is affected principally by poor management support; low level of management interest in the activities of the audit committee; poor commitment of management toward the implementation of audit committee’s findings; lack/inadequate resources for the audit committee to effectively perform its function, among others. Last but not least, the study found out that the quality of the companies’ financial reporting did not have any significant relationship with Audit Committees’ frequency of meetings, size, degree of independence, and financial expertise. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among other things that management of the companies should provide the needed support to the Audit Committee and should be more committed in implementing the recommendations by the committee

Source: UCC
Role of effectiveness of audit committees and financial reporting quality in selected companies in Ghana

The aim of this study was to examine the role effectiveness of Audit Committees and financial reporting quality in selected companies in Ghana. The study adopted the case study research design. A total of fifty-four respondents participated in the study. The convenience sampling method was used in selecting the respondents for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire. Spearman Rank Order (rho) correlation, frequencies and percentages, pie charts, and mean and standard deviation were employed in analysing the data gathered. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was the software that was used for the data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the Audit Committees (ACs) in the companies studied were generally not effective in the performance of their duties. Additionally, the study found out that the effectiveness of ACs is affected principally by poor management support; low level of management interest in the activities of the audit committee; poor commitment of management toward the implementation of audit committee’s findings; lack/inadequate resources for the audit committee to effectively perform its function, among others. Last but not least, the study found out that the quality of the companies’ financial reporting did not have any significant relationship with Audit Committees’ frequency of meetings, size, degree of independence, and financial expertise. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among other things that management of the companies should provide the needed support to the Audit Committee and should be more committed in implementing the recommendations by the committee.

Source: UCC
Role of Emerging Technology on Academic Achievement of Students at The University of Cape Coast

The main aim of this study was to find out how emerging technologies influence academic achievement of students at the University of Cape Coast. The study employed ex post facto research design utilizing quantitative approach for data collection. Findings from the data analyzed showed that emerging technologies are available for use in the various departments of the University. For instance, mobile phones (93.8%), internet (88.8%), laptops/desktops (86.8%), projectors (82.1%), electronic books (68.1%), Tablets (62.2%) and online courses (50.4%) were available and accessible to more than half of the respondents. It was also found that mobile phones, laptops/desktops, Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPAs), projectors, e-books, internet, and e-learning lab equipment were evenly distributed across the departments while the rests were not evenly distributed as there were statistically significant differences among their availability across the various departments. In addition, the study found that there is negative relationship on the extent to which respondents use emerging technologies and their academic performance. However, the use of the internet recorded a statistically significant relationship with p-value of 0.040. The study recommends that students must make a conscious effort to use the emerging technologies available in the university in order to be successful in their academic pursuits.

Source: UCC
The role of entrepreneurship education in new venture creation in the higher education institutions: A case study of Kumasi Polytechnic

While the number of entrepreneurship education programmes is growing,their impact is under-researched and studies paint an ambiguous picture of the impact of entrepreneurship education. This study therefore examined the role of entrepreneurship education in new venture creation in the tertiary education. This study was basically quantitative in nature. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data obtained from 227 participants who were students and lecturers from Kumasi Polytechnic.The findings revealed that entrepreneurship was core course that is taught at the Polytechnic. The course content included developing business plans, how to acquire start-up capital, how to grow business, taking initiatives and inculcating entrepreneurial mind-set into students. It was established that the teaching mode of the entrepreneurial courses at the polytechnic should be reviewed to enhance experiential learning for the full benefit of using entrepreneurship education as a tool for economic development to be realized. It was also realized from the study that most students study the course because it is perceived to be the most appropriate means to job creation that enables students to become effective entrepreneurs.The study recommends that the curriculum should be reviewed to close the mismatch between what is learnt in the classroom and what is practiced by iconic entrepreneurs.

Source: UCC
The Role of Fiscal and Monetary Policies in the Effects of Public Debt on Private Consumption in Ghana

The study examined the role of fiscal and monetary policies in the effects of public debt on private consumption in Ghana using time series data from 1983 to 2021. Estimating the long and short-term relationships between public debt and private consumption, as well as determining the optimum threshold level of public debt on private consumption, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and the Threshold Regression approaches were used. The findings of the study indicate that there is a negative relationship between public debt and private consumption in both the short and long run. The study also found that, in the presence of direct taxes, indirect taxes, public debt significantly reduces private consumption in the short run. Also, public debt has an insignificant effect on private consumption below a threshold level of 4.836%, but beyond this level, it causes a significant reduction in private consumption. The study, therefore, recommends that the government cut down wasteful expenditures, maintains manageable levels of public debt, diversify its sources of income. Future research could analyze government policies' effectiveness in managing public debt levels and their impact on private consumption in Ghana.

Source: UCC
The role of heads in financial administration in public boarding senior high schools in Kumasi metropolis

The Financial Administration of Heads of Senior High Schools is an issue that needs critical examination. The study aims at investigating the extent to which effective Financial Administration goes on in the schools. It is hoped that the findings of the study will guide some heads of Senior High Schools who find it difficult to carry out effective financial administration of their schools. The study was carried out in eight schools, the sample for study was made up of 104 respondents from three Boys’ Schools, two Girls’ Schools and three Mixed Schools. The sample population was chosen through purposeful random sampling technique. Instruments used included closed-ended questions. The responses were presented and analyzed. The findings from the study include the financial obligations of the school heads, their levels of communication and participation and the roles of supportive financial administrators of their respective schools. The study recommends that stakeholders of education in Ghana should ensure an effective participation of supportive financial administrators in schools financial management. Finally, in spite of the findings, academia could conduct further research in the area of the study to ascertain the level of financial efficiency in Public Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Source: UCC
THE ROLE OF HERBALISTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE AND UNCOMPLICATED MALARIA AMONG CHILDREN IN THE SHAMA AHANTA EAST AND AHANTA WEST DISTRICTS OF GHANA

The role of herbalists in the management of malaria in Ghana is yet to be recognized despite the proliferation of antimalarial herbal products produced by the herbalists, on the Ghanaian market. This study was carried out to ascertain the role of herbalists in the management of severe and uncomplicated malaria among children in the Shama-Ahanta East and Ahanta West Districts of the Western Region of Ghana. The study areas were divided into twelve clusters, questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to obtain the needed information on the people’s knowledge about malaria, their perception of the herbal medicinal practice and the role herbalists play in the management of severe and uncomplicated malaria among children. All the herbalists involved in the study used plants with neem tree (Azadiracta indica) being the most commonly used (43%). The study indicated that 75.6% of mothers patronized recognized healthcare services with only 7.3% patronizing both the services of the herbalists and recognized healthcare providers whilst 17.1% of the mothers relied solely on the services of herbalists. All the herbalists managed convulsion but only 65% collaborated with health centres in the management of malaria. The study has unveiled the significant role of herbalists in the management of malaria in the two districts.

Source: UCC