ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An assessment of Actionaid Ghana rights- based approach to poverty reduction. a case of Asutifi District in the Brong Ahafo Region

Poverty as a complex phenomenon is on a global ascendancy especially in developing countries such as Ghana and has become one of the main developmental challenges facing the country. Over the years, many strategies have been put in place by different actors to reduce poverty in the country. This includes giving of charity to cushion the poor, need based approach and Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) to poverty reduction. However, studies (if they even exist) to measure the impacts of these approaches are apparently scanty. As a result, the focus of this study is an assessment of Action Aid’s Human Rights Based Approach to poverty reduction in the Asutifi District of the Brong Ahafo Region. The study examines into the modus operandi of the HRBA as well as it effectiveness or otherwise as a tool for alleviating poverty. The study adopted the case study research design in undertaking this systematic enquiry. The rationale for this research approach is to allow for an extensive analysis of the HRBA and its impact(s) on poverty reduction using the Asutifi District as a case for the investigation. Both primary and secondary data were sourced for the study. Respondents were mainly drawn from heads of households and institutions including ActionAid Ghana’s (AAG), Domestic Violence Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and Center for Maternal Health and Community Empowerment (CMCE). The study highlights on some of the key activities in the HBRA undertaken by AAG over the years towards helping the vulnerable groups such as the poor, women and children who are easily neglected by policy makers so as to give a voice to the voiceless and also, secure land for the landless. Additionally, the study brings to fore the three (3) crucial pillars, namely; promotion of human rights, food rights and improvement in education as the strategies embedded in the HBRA for fighting poverty by AAG. In conclusion, the study recommends among other things, the need for other organizations including both governmental and non-governmental to come on board and collaborate with AAG to pool resources, share ideas/technologies, provide technical assistance and whatever; to streamline the HBRA system and additionally, scale up the coverage of the approach not only in the Asutifi District but also, the rest of Ghana in order to advance the process of poverty reduction across the country.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of awareness levels on venture capital financing among small and medium enterprises in Kumasi, Ghana

Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in global economies but access to finance by SMEs is still a major challenge. Venture capital financing was introduced over a decade ago in Ghana as a source of financing SMEs, but its use is very limited. In developing countries, lack of awareness has been identified as one of the greatest barriers to effective implementation of venture capital financing on SMEs. This study sought to find out the level of awareness of SMEs regarding venture capital financing and how this awareness levels could be increased among SMEs in Kumasi, Ghana. A quantitative approach was used and the purpose of the research was mainly exploratory. The main strategy used to collect data was a survey using questionnaire involving 100 SMEs from the primary (30), secondary (30) and tertiary (40) sector. Findings show that only 31% were aware of venture capital financing; 23% in primary, 27% in secondary and 40% in the tertiary sector. Barriers reported to applying for this financing option were inadequate information (39%), bureaucracy and stringent conditions (21%), lack of portfolio diversity and location proximity (9%), fear of loss of control (6%) and having no current needs (35%). The main mediums used by SMEs to obtain information on venture capital financing were electronic media - internet (41%), print media i.e. books (38%) and newspapers/magazines (21%) and training seminars (17%). Advertising (63%), field visits (44%) and training seminars (27%) were identified by SMEs as means to increase awareness. In conclusion, awareness on venture capital financing among SMEs in Kumasi is low and the current awareness mediums used are inadequate and mismatch mediums SMEs in Kumasi use to obtain financing information. This study has developed a strategy with multiple and well-harmonized information pathways, which is recommended to support awareness-raising on venture capital financing among SMEs in Kumasi and in other similar settings.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Automated Teller Machine Services at Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) - Koforidua Branch

The recent increase in the use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) has created a new wave of competition in the banking industry. This affords customers more than enough options to choose their preferred banking institution, thereby compelling the banks to introduce a variety of quality services that satisfy their customers. The study assesses the use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at Agriculture Development Bank (ADB) Koforidua branch by examining the factors contributing to underutilization of ATM services, analysing the trend in subscription and the strategies adopted to promote ATM usage in the bank. A sample size of three hundred and twenty-two respondents was randomly selected within the New-Juabeng Municipality in the Eastern region. The survey method was employed to collect data from the 322 subscribers of ATM services using questionnaires. The stratified sampling methods were used to categorize subscribers according to their level of education. The study revealed that majority of the subscribers of the ATM prefer over the counter service. On the basis of these findings, the study concluded that; inadequate dispensing point, irregular network services and limited withdrawal of cash for a day are the main factors contributing to underutilization of ATM services at the bank. The study recommended an improvement in services connected to the use of ATMs such as increased in dispensing point, reliable network services and the raising of the limit of withdrawal of cash per day as measures stakeholders should put in place to enhance the use of the facility. Management of the bank has also adopted the following strategies; increase access points, acquire reliable internet services, introduce VISA card before the end of the year, reduce charges on ATM transactions, offer 24 hours services, and to improve education to subscribers at all branches including the Koforidua branch so as to enhance the quality of service.

Source: KNUST
An Assessment of Benefits Management Practices of Public Procurement Entities in the Procurement of Infrastructural Projects in Ghana: Case Study of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)

It is common knowledge that public procurement entities especially Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have huge investments in infrastructural projects. However the impact on the quality of lives of people or intended beneficiaries is questionable (Ashurst and Doherty, 2003). This study seeks to research into the Benefit Realization Practices of Public Procurement Entities in the procurement of infrastructural projects in Ghana. The study was conducted in Kumasi Metropolis using KMA as a public procurement entity to assess whether or not market centers and transport terminals provided by KMA meet the needs of the users. In order to get realistic outcome, the study selected market queens and transport union leaders from the market centers and transport terminals respectively. The study realized that KMA has a benefit management practice in place ranging from pre design stage to post construction stage. However, it was realized that KMA does not directly involve the beneficiaries (market queens and transport union leaders) in the projects and does not quantity benefits identified for each projects. This has resulted in problems at the facilities had problems but the problems was less severe in facility where user were more involved in the project and more understood the actual benefit of the project. The study therefore recommended that KMA should create awareness of actual benefit of project before their commencement, assign specific roles to facility users as stakeholder in benefit realization and intensify evaluation before, during and after construction of facility and inclusion of Benefit realization in the Procurement Cycle.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of barriers to condom use among young people in Sunyani Municipality of the Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana

HIV/AIDS has been spreading at an alarming rate since the beginning of the pandemic. It is estimated that at least half of the infected ones are between 15-24 years. This has called for a concerted effort to save this segment of the population for many reasons. Since the major mode of transmission is heterosexual contact its interventions are focused mainly on the prevention aspect. Condoms remain an integral part of HIV prevention programmes. The prevalence of condom use is low despite all efforts to improve its use. HIV/AIDS is the most dramatic epidemic of the century that has claimed in two decades more than 3 million deaths. Sub Saharan Africa is heavily affected and accounts for nearly 70% of all cases. The prevalence of cases and deaths is still rising and the prevalence of consistent condom use remains low, especially in West Africa. This study identifies barriers to condom use based on the respondents experience with condom use in Sunyani Municipality. The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted from June to August 2005 in the Sunyani Municipality of the Brong-Ahafo Region. Two hundred and twenty (220) sexually active individuals aged between 15-24 years were interviewed using a structured interviewer questionnaire designed to elicit information on their sexual history and behaviour, condom use history and the extent to which certain behaviour and experiences impede or frustrate condom use in their sexual relationship. Condom use during the last intercourse was reported by only 37.5% of males and 38.9% of females. A little more than two-fifth (44%) and 38.2% of the respondents mentioned partner trust and non availability of condoms respectively as reasons for non-use during their last sexual encounter. Slightly more than half (51 .8%) of the respondents said it was always embarrassing to buy condoms. This study identifies partner trust, non availability (not having condom at hand), not achieving the desired sexual satisfaction and embarrassment to purchase condoms as the principal or main barriers to condom use. Hence, prevention strategies based on perceived severity or adequate knowledge about HI V/AIDS may not be sufficient to induce condom use. Reproductive health services to young people should emphasize personal vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) to encourage condom use among sexually active people.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of bicycling transportation on The Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology (K.N.U.S.T) Campus

Over the last decade or so, there has been an increased awareness of the need for sustainable transportation especially in developing countries. Cycling is one of such means of transportation that offers a unique opportunity, by facilitating the contribution of cyclists to the sustainability goal, while they enjoy benefits in the form of improved health, shorter journey times etc. Previous studies have indicated that cycling is often conducive on campuses and more easily accepted because of the neo-traditional town setting of these environments. In Ghana, a developing country in Africa very little cycling culture exists and attitudes to this means of transportation is not well reported especially on tertiary campus environments. This study investigates the feasilibility of introducing cycling on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Campus for staff and students; with greater focus on the current limitations, bicycling inducing factors and specific infrastructural challenges. Surveys, both, online and ride-along were employed in the data collection, and the results obtained was analysed through descriptive and exploratory factor analyses. The results infer that there is a high potential for increasing bicycle use among respondents on the KNUST campus, although this may only materialize into actual ridership when potential users feel an overall improvement in safety. Strategic investments in the provision of required infrastructure, could go a long way to encourage cycling culture on campus, and help it join the league of elite colleges worldwide championing the course of environmentally friendly transportation.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of biomedical waste management in Accra Metropolitan Health-Care facilities

Biomedical Waste (BMW) management is a global issue and its inadequacies are of growing concern in Ghana. BMW has increased both qualitatively and quantitatively over the years with its attendant public, occupational and environmental health consequences as well as increased disposal cost and nosocomial infections, and all persons are at risk. A descriptive study with current cross-sectional design was employed to assess the current situation in the health-care facilities and to make recommendation for the improvement of BMW management in the metropolis. Eighty (80) out of 256 hospitals, polyclinics, health centers and clinics (maternity homes and clinical laboratories excluded) were stratified into the six sub-metropolitan areas then into public and private facilities. The public hospitals and polyclinics were purposively selected whilst the private hospitals, health centers and clinics were systematically selected. Interview guide was used to interview representatives of the selected facilities. The data obtained were post coded and analyzed using EPI-INFO statistical package. The study results revealed that BMW in Accra Metro health-care facilities were inadequately and inappropriately managed. Pathological, Radioactive, Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Infectious wastes, and Sharps are the types of waste generated with the last two types generated most. Majority of the clinics (68.7%) generated less than 26kg/day waste and 13.8% facilities mostly hospitals, generated more than 100 kg/day of waste. About 9-10 tonnes of HCW are collected weekly as compared to 1200 tonnes of municipal waste daily. Low rank (100%), untrained (72.5%), not well organized (72.5%), insufficiently protected (75.0%) and less motivated personnel, mainly orderlies (10.0%) and cleaners (90.0%) handle BMW in the facilities. The study showed that there are no specific regulations or policy and effective means of control for BMW management in the metropolis but one facility had a guidelines document and another had waste management plan. BMW management in public health-care facility is comparatively better than private ones. The MHMT is recommended to use this result among others as a basis to develop safe and cost-effective BMW management guidelines for the metropolis. Each facility should prepare its own waste management plan, which should reflect in the budgetary reports for financial support. Education and in-service training for waste handling staff should be made mandatory and it should be conducted at sub-metro level for the benefits of the private facilities as well. The Director-General of GHS of the MOH should press for the formulation of BMW management policy to provide legal controls and empower the regulatory agency to apply pressure for their implementation and monitoring.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of causes of project failures and abandonment practices of some selected public institutions in the Greater Accra Metropolis: analysis of practice and problems

This academic research is aimed at examining the causes of project failures and abandonments practices of some selected public institutions in the Greater Accra Metropolis. The specific objectives of the study was to determine the causes of project failures and abandonment of selected public institutions in Accra, assess the effects of project failures and abandonments practices on the socio- economy services and proffer strategies to prevent project failures and abandonment of selected public institutions in Accra. A survey design involving quantitative research approach was used. Questionnaire survey was carried out amongst 40 respondents who were engineers, contractors (civil/building, mechanical, electrical, and architect), and civil servants. Data collected was purely quantitative and it was analysed using descriptive analysis. The software used was SPSS version 16. It was found that inadequate project feasibility studies, fraudulent practices and briberies, lack of inappropriate project planning and scheduling, improper project budgeting were causes of project failures and abandonment in the construction industry. The findings clearly revealed that abandoned projects increase unemployment, and provide accommodation and hide-out for hoodlums, armed robbers gangs and street boys were the effects of project failures and abandonments practices on the socio- economy. According to the findings, government should take it as a priority to employ contractors with strong financial stand in executing contract works. The study recommends that government should make sufficient fund available to revive the abandoned projects, competent and reputable contractors should be awarded the contract.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Bypass of the Nearest Primary Health Care Facility Among Women in Ghana

IMPORTANCE: Recent reports have highlighted that expanding access to health care is ineffective at meeting the goal of universal health coverage if the care offered does not meet a minimum level of quality. Health care facilities nearest to patient’s homes that are perceived to offer inadequate or inappropriate care are frequently bypassed in favor of more distant private or tertiary-level hospital facilities that are perceived to offer higher-quality care. OBJECTIVE To estimate the frequency with which women in Ghana bypass the nearest primary health care facility and describe patient experiences, costs, and other factors associated with this choice. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This nationally representative survey study was conducted in 2017 and included 4203 households to identify women in Ghana aged 15 to 49 years (ie, reproductive age) who sought primary care within the last 6 months. Women who sought care within the past 6 months were included in the study. Data were analyzed from 2018 to 2019. EXPOSURES: Bypass was defined as a woman’s report that she sought care at a health facility other than the nearest facility. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Sociodemographic characteristics, reasons why women sought care, reasons why women bypassed their nearest facility, ratings for responsiveness of care, patient experience, and out-of-pocket costs. All numbers and percentages were survey-weighted to account for survey design. A total of 4289 women met initial eligibility criteria, and 4207 women (98.1%) completed the interview. A total of 1993 women reported having sough health care in the past 6 months, and after excluding those who were ineligible and survey weighting, the total sample included 1946 women. Among these, 629 women (32.3%) reported bypassing their nearest facilities for primary care. Women who bypassed their nearest facilities, compared with women who did not, were more likely to visit a private facility (152 women [24.5%] vs 202 women [15.6%]) and borrow money to pay for their care (151 women [24.0%] vs 234 women [17.8%]). After adjusting for covariates, women who bypassed reported paying a mean of 107.2 (95% CI, 79.1-135.4) Ghanaian Cedis (US $18.50 [95% CI, $13.65-$23.36]) for their care, compared with a mean of 58.6 (95% CI, 28.1-89.2) Ghanaian Cedis (US $10.11 [95% CI, $4.85-15.35]) for women who did not bypass (P = .006). Women who bypassed cited clinician competence (136 women [34.3%]) and availability of supplies (93 women [23.4%]) as the most important factors in choosing a health facility. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this survey study suggest that bypassing the nearest health care facility was common among women in Ghana and that available services at lower levels of primary care are not meeting the needs of a large proportion of women. Among the benefits women perceived from bypassing were clinician competence and availability of supplies. These data provide insights to policy makers regarding potential gaps in service delivery and may help to guide primary health care improvement efforts.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Collaborative Forest Management Practices and Impact on Forest Management and Socio-Economic Development of Fringe Communities in the Aowin Suaman District of Ghana

The study was conducted in the Yoyo and Tano Ehuro Forest Reserves in Enchi Forest District, in the Western Region. It was done in five communities; Jensue, Yakase, Adonikrom, Anwiafutu, and Nyankamam. Whereas Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) is employed in the management of Yoyo Forest Reserve such is done for the management of Tana Ehuro Forest reserve. The objectives of the study were to investigate Collaborative Forest Management Strategies practiced, to find out the socio economic impact of CFM on forest fringe communities and finally to estimate in area, volume, and cost the extent of forest destructions/ encroachment in the reserve where CFM is practiced against a reserve where CFM is not practiced. In each community, 20 respondents were randomly selected for a sample size of 100. The respondents were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. Field measurements were conducted on merchantable tree species found in the 800 meter squared area based on which calculations were done. It was revealed the CFM strategies that existed were effective, ranging from the involvement of fringe communities in the maintenance of forest boundaries, rehabilitation of degraded forest areas to the provision of fund, dubbed Community Investment Found (CIF). The CFM has had positive impact on communities. Ninety Nine Percent (99%) of respondents have had training by the FSD. 80% of respondents stated that the CFM had reduced their reliance on the forest resource, however, respondents proved that they encountered loss in 2007 during a week-long flood. The Tano Ehuro Forest Reserve is about 84% destroyed costing stakeholders Ghc 93,931,740 whiles Yoyo is 30% - 40% destroyed costing stakeholders Gh¢ between 142,087.2 and 189,449.6. CFM should be enforced and strengthened by all forest districts in forest management. More alternative livelihood aids to fringe communities should be encouraged and a more intensive training be given to potential beneficiaries of the CIF followed by regular monitoring. Regeneration of the degraded areas be initiated by major stakeholders. Yoyo Forest Reserve should be strictly protected since it contains valued economic species.

Source: KNUST