ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Challenges facing the small-scale textiles and garments industry in Ghana

The small scale textiles and garments sector has been faced with a number of challenges from the onset of the information and digital age and is now at a turning point that can either lead to a major revival or to a continuing decline. These challenges wither reality or perception, must be addressed if the sector is to play the significant role it used to play at the onset of the industrial revolution when it paved the road for countries seeking to enter the industrialized age. The small-scale textiles and garments sector in Ghana is mainly made up of batik/tie and dye makers, tailors and dressmakers, screen printers (including tee-shirt printers) the others (including the traditional kente weavers, adinkre printers fugu makers, etc). Employing quantitative (structured questionnaire) and qualitative (key informant interviews) methods, 60 small-scale textiles and garments enterprises in the Kumasi sub-metro were selected based on a stratified random sampling and interviewed. A perception interview was also done to 300 people from the general public to ascertain public perception about locally manufactured textiles and garments. Findings from this study indicates that the challenges the small-scale textiles and garments sector faces are as a result of not only internal capacity problems such as inadequate capital, lack of raw materials etc, but also external forces such as smuggling of manufactured textiles and garments from neighbouring Togo, Benin and Nigeria, advance technologies in textiles and garments manufacturing of industrialized countries such as China and India, challenges posed by AGOA, the National Friday wear, importation of second hand textiles and garments and many others. The study recommends that, there should be formation of alliances between the small textiles and garments enterprises to be able to access capital in other to engage in international marketing. There should be targeting and attracting a number of foreign garments and textiles manufacturing firms to relocate/locate their manufacturing plants in Ghana and produce for the export market. Capable individual entrepreneurs should be identified and supported to become merchant exporters of garments and textiles with a critical mass of small producers through subcontracting arrangements and export. There should be upgrading of technology and product quality, product innovation, cost reduction and competitive pricing for our textile and garment products. Policies like National Friday Wear, foreign textiles taxation, waver on imported textile raw materials and clamping down on textiles smuggling should be of great concern to the government.

Source: KNUST
Challenges facing procurement unit of Electricity Company of Ghana at the pre- contract stage under the Public Procurement ACT 2003 (ACT 663)

The procurement process has become increasingly more complex, particularly with recent demands for more transparency, accountability and budget constraints. The object of procurement of works cannot be achieved properly if at the pre -contract stage one is unable to properly define, schedule and understand the proposed construction as a result of non-compliance with legal framework. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges with procurement of works at pre-contract stage under the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663). Hence the specific objectives were to establish the level of compliance of pre -contract stage activities with the Public Pr ocurement and the implementation challenges as per the Act 663 by Electricity Company of Ghana. The scope of the study focused on the Premises/Estates Directorate of the Electricity Company of Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain data for this study. The study revealed that several pre-contract stages activities in the Public Procurement Act are being complied by the Electricity Company of Ghana. More so, the study confirmed that the Directorate’s procurement activities are faced with challe nges such as illiteracy and inadequate contract management skills among some contractors; the need to cancel tendering and seek offers again; lack of sanctions to public officials for poor performance; shortage of experience professional staff; lack of knowledge of legal framework; delays in establishing full time operational procurement units with the full complement of staff; difficulty in obtaining bid security; low bid prices offered by bidders due to award of contract to the lowest evaluated bidder; lack of career development path been established for procurement in the civil service inconsistencies in tender evaluation; delay in payment of works executed by contractors; lack of incentives to follow proper procurement procedures. In pursuit to mitigate the challenges faced by the Directorate, the study recommends among others: sourcing of procurement experts to train and educate staffs, stiffer punishment to flouters and non -adhering entities to the Public Procurement Act, incentive such as tax rebate t o increase the appetite of companies in adhering or complying with the Public Procurement Act, 663, provision of adequate and prompt funding for procurement activities by all stakeholders including companies and government.

Source: KNUST
Challenges facing visual arts education in the College of Education in the Western Region of Ghana

This study aimed at finding the causes and effects of the challenges facing Visual Arts education in Holy Child, Enchi and Wiawso Colleges of Education in the Western Region of Ghana. These challenges do not exist as a result of unavailability of tutors in the said colleges. There are qualified tutors in the Colleges of Education sampled in their respective areas of specialization. The major design for this research was the qualitative approach. The researcher employed the descriptive research method to collect and analyse primary data that were sourced through questionnaire and interview. This was supplemented by Library search for secondary data. The findings revealed that 64% of students who gain admission into the Colleges of Education have no background knowledge in any of the Visual Arts Related Subject. In addition, they perceive the subject to be difficult. The instructional time allocated to Visual Arts Related Subjects is woefully inadequate when matched against the scope of the content spelt out in the course outline. This compels only a few students to opt for Visual Arts Related Subjects as their elective in the second year. Tutors of Visual Arts Related Subjects are forced to hold additional lessons with students outside official contact periods just to ensure that they equip their students with the knowledge and skills required to pass their examinations and also for teaching when they leave College. One major recommendation to the Principals of the Colleges of Education is that they should influence their College Councils to support the Colleges to provide simple Visual Arts studios for the Colleges to enable the provision of better tuition and study of Visual Arts Related Subjects. The Teacher Education Division of the Ghana Education Service should also set up a committee to review the Visual Arts course outline for the Colleges of Education. The Government of Ghana, Ministry of Education and Teacher Education Division should team up and provide the Colleges with the basic needed resources, thus tools, materials and equipments to iv facilitate proper teaching and learning of skills and knowledge in Visual Arts Related Subjects. Finally, policy planners should formulate policies which will enable Visual Arts Related Subjects to be taught in the two semesters of the first year instead of the existing one semester tuition it receives. Principals of the Colleges of Education should allocate between 30% and 40% of vacancy for applicants who have some knowledge in any of the Visual Arts Related Subjects during the period of admission. Non Governmental Organizations should be consulted to assist by supplementing Government’s efforts in providing funds or resources for the Colleges of Education.

Source: KNUST
Challenges facing Visual Arts Education in the Colleges of Education in the Western Region of Ghana

This study aimed at finding the causes and effects of the challenges facing Visual Arts education in Holy Child, Enchi and Wiawso Colleges of Education in the Western Region of Ghana. These challenges do not exist as a result of unavailability of tutors in the said colleges. There are qualified tutors in the Colleges of Education sampled in their respective areas of specialization. The major design for this research was the qualitative approach. The researcher employed the descriptive research method to collect and analyse primary data that were sourced through questionnaire and interview. This was supplemented by Library search for secondary data. The findings revealed that 64% of students who gain admission into the Colleges of Education have no background knowledge in any of the Visual Arts Related Subject. In addition, they perceive the subject to be difficult. The instructional time allocated to Visual Arts Related Subjects is woefully inadequate when matched against the scope of the content spelt out in the course outline. This compels only a few students to opt for Visual Arts Related Subjects as their elective in the second year. Tutors of Visual Arts Related Subjects are forced to hold additional lessons with students outside official contact periods just to ensure that they equip their students with the knowledge and skills required to pass their examinations and also for teaching when they leave College. One major recommendation to the Principals of the Colleges of Education is that they should influence their College Councils to support the Colleges to provide simple Visual Arts studios for the Colleges to enable the provision of better tuition and study of Visual Arts Related Subjects. The Teacher Education Division of the Ghana Education Service should also set up a committee to review the Visual Arts course outline for the Colleges of Education. The Government of Ghana, Ministry of Education and Teacher Education Division should team up and provide the Colleges with the basic needed resources, thus tools, materials and equipments to iv facilitate proper teaching and learning of skills and knowledge in Visual Arts Related Subjects. Finally, policy planners should formulate policies which will enable Visual Arts Related Subjects to be taught in the two semesters of the first year instead of the existing one semester tuition it receives. Principals of the Colleges of Education should allocate between 30% and 40% of vacancy for applicants who have some knowledge in any of the Visual Arts Related Subjects during the period of admission. Non Governmental Organizations should be consulted to assist by supplementing Government’s efforts in providing funds or resources for the Colleges of Education.

Source: KNUST
Challenges in accessing credit facilities in developing micro and small enterprises: a case study of Suame area in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study explores the challenges in accessing credit facilities in developing small and medium scale enterprises in the Suame area of the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study uses descriptive statistics for the presentation and the analysis of findings. Stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample of respondents from a population of over . The results show that of the respondents operate as sole proprietors, whiles as partnership. The results again show that majority of the respondents operate spare parts business. From the study, most of the respondents have experienced rejection in applying for loan in the course of the operation and cited lack of collateral as the major reason. The respondents complained of high cost of borrowing which does not allow them to borrow huge amounts to operate their business. The study recommends that collateral as requirement for giving of loans must be lenient by financial institutions. Financial institutions must also consider lowering their interest rates to enable MSEs borrow more.

Source: KNUST
Challenges facing savings and loans institutions in Techiman municipality in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana

This research sought to assess the challenges facing savings and loans companies in the Techiman Municipality in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The study population included all management staff (managers) of savings and loans institutions in the Techiman municipality. A sample size of three hundred and three (303) respondents were selected from a study population consisting of one (1) management staff from each of the three (3) selected savings and loans companies and one hundred (100) selected customers from each savings |and lo|ans companies. The study used purposely sampling techniques in selecting both the sample companies and the management staff of the selected savings and loans companies.The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a descriptive research design. Data was collected through questionnaires. Findings showed that the challenges facing savings and loans companies in the Techiman Municipality were the inability of savings and loans companies in the Techiman Municipality to target the vulnerable and the marginalized in the municipality with financial products that would fit their profiles; low lo|an repayment rate ; lack of collaboration and coordination |amongst the savings and loans companies in then Municipality to identify repeat loan defaulters; misapplication of loans; difficulties involved in monitoring and following up lo|ans given; poor credit documentation and poor credit worthiness. Based on the findings, the study recommended that savings and loans companies in the municipality should start collaborating and sharing data in order to identify high-risk customers and blacklist them to reduce loan defaults. Also, savings and loans companies should introduce products and services that target small businesses and start-ups in the Techiman municipality in order to really fulfill their role and mission in the financial services sector.

Source: KNUST
Challenges in the application of Public Procurement Act (Act 663): Case Study procurement of works in Shama District

In Ghana like other countries, procurement laws are instituted to ensure an efficient utilization of resources in the acquisition of goods, works and services. The formulation of the law and its successful implementation are two entirely different issues. The latter is very important as it leads to the realization of the aim of the first. Many a times there exists difficulties in implementation of laws. The study sought to investigate into the challenges which befall the successful implementation of the Public Procurement Act (Act 663) and consequently proffer solutions to address them. The Shama District in the western region was used as a case study. Procurement entities ranging from the Education (the secondary schools) sector, Health (the hospitals) sector and Energy (power generation) sector were integrated into one so as to bring the challenges in the various sectors into one bucket for discussion. Multiple research approaches including; review of relevant literature, interviews and questionnaire survey of 32 procurement personnel entities were use. SPSS (Statistical package for Social Scientist) version 16.0 was used to analyse the results. The results indicated that there exist challenges in the implementation of the Public procurement law in the district. The topmost challenges were Low capacity of procurement personnel; deliberate controlling of competition; splitting of contracts into smaller lots and Lack of funds. The study further revealed that these challenges were partly attributed to lack of frequent training and qualification of the officers in procurement as an academic discipline. This led to misinterpretation of some aspects of the procurement act. The study therefore concluded by recommending that frequent training and refresher course should be organized for procurement staff to build their capacity and efficiency. On the other hand where there is deliberate abuse of the procurement process by an officer, punitive measures should be applied accordingly. These will ensure that the country achieves efficiency, transparency and value for money in its procurement processes.

Source: KNUST
Challenges in the construction of telecommunication mast in Ghana.

This research was conducted into the challenges in the construction of telecommunication mast in Ghana where some residents kicking against the construction of the mast in their communities for the fear of hazardous effects of the mast on the people. Helios Tower Managed Services Limited was taken as the case study of this research and the research was carried out through qualitative research method and purposive sampling technique was used to select the samples based on characteristics of the population and objective of the study. The researcher relies on his own judgment when choosing members of the population to participate in this study and he obtain a representative sample by using a sound judgment, which resulted in saving time and money. The targeted population was 75, and about 70(%) of the population response to the researcher which shows positive remark from the public, the other 30(%) of the population failed to response for their own peculiar reasons. Additionally about 45(%) of respondents confirmed no education was provided to the public by any of the authorities in charge of telecom infrastructure works about the construction of mast in the country. The data collected was analysed with sensitivity analysis technique through which it was revealed that proper stakeholder management processes were not followed by both the Ghana Government (NCA) and Telecommunication Network Providers to address the concerns of the public. This created perception of health hazard and fear of towers falling on people and properties at the reach of towers were among others in the minds of the public which were the causes of most communities and neighbours rejecting the mast construction project. However, the public interest in urban areas can only be gained through intensive education and motivation packages for landlords and close neighbours.

Source: KNUST
Challenges in estimating cost of accident on construction site

The statistic of accidents at construction sites give us a picture that Ghanaian construction industry is one of the critical sectors that need a huge and fast overhaul from the current site safety practices. Most accidents result from a combination of contributing causes and one or more unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. When these accidents happen it is always a challenge on the contractor or the employer to estimate these costs of accident. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the challenges of estimating cost of accident at construction sites. This study was started out by reviewing literature from journals, books and web pages. Then reported accidents cases kept by Ghanaian insurance companies were examined to investigate causes of accidents. Surveys using questionnaires were carried out to obtain data from respondents who were mainly contractors, labour force and insurance companies. The finding of this study revealed that challenges of estimating cost of accidents are the result of many contributing factors. Some of the critical factors are lack of accident records, lack of insurance, type of employment, unsafe method, human element, unsafe equipment, job site conditions, management, and unique nature of the industry. The challenges of estimating cost of accidents in Ghana were found to be similar to that mentioned in literature review. However, some of the causes are low in frequency of occurrence. The main cause of construction accidents found were the workers’ negligence, failure of workers to obey work procedures, work at high elevation, operating equipment without safety devices, poor site management, harsh work operation, low knowledge and skill level of workers, failure to use personal protective equipment and poor workers attitude about safety improving safety performance. The costs of construction accidents are borne by the workers, employers. The study employed the quantitative and qualitative approach of data collection. Sixty five (65) questionnaires were sent out and thirty (30) questionnaires were received (from contractors, labours and insurance companies). Data collected were properly organized and analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) analysis software. The data was in tables and figures. The research findings show that construction accidents, especially the serious ones, can significantly impact the economic performance of a construction project. However, the expensive accident costs can be also considered as savings if the number of accidents can be effectively reduced through the investment into safety risk prevention programs. All these factors contribute to the challenges of estimating cost of accident at construction site. Based on the facts and opinions drawn from the study various recommendations have being stated. Contractors must be upgraded concerning the measures to put in place to mitigate the challenges of estimating the cost of accident.

Source: KNUST
Challenges in the implementation of the public procurement ACT, 2003(act 663) in the District Assemblies (a case study of Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly)

The aim of this Dissertation is to identify challenges in the implementation of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) at the District Assembly level. The objectives are to identify some of the causes of these challenges in the implementation of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly, and also identify the effects of the implementation of the Act, using the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly as a case study. The research was conducted using questionnaires, exploratory interviews and reviewed literature. The findings were that the procurement plan preparation was time-involving and thus has the high tendency of being ignored or delayed in preparing it. It was not easy to strictly adhere to the procurement plan preparation before commencement of procurement. Procedurally, the procurement plan would however have to be prepared before procurement commences. It further revealed that there is no procurement unit and this makes officers like the Works Engineer, the Planning Officer or the Stores Manager initiate and do the procurement on behalf of the Assembly. The quarterly review of the procurement plan is hardly done by the Entity Tender Committee. Evaluation Panel for projects are apparently permanent, that is, same people appear to be doing the Evaluation all the time. Publishing of notice of Procurement Contract Awards including the non-successful tenderers is not done but occasionally for the notice of Award to the successful tenderer. Lastly is the non-availability of funds for projects. All the above have their attendant consequential effects/impacts like delays in project completion, contract price increase, and fraudulent practices/connivance of suppliers or contractors with officers. Permanent evaluation panels breed corruption, stampeding the Public Procurement Act‟s objectives. vi The use of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) is useful since it serves as a guide in Public Procurement bringing about orderliness. Strict adherence to the Procurement Plan, though difficult, would ensure that all spending would have been budgeted for but funds would mostly not be available even supposing the procurement plan had been readily prepared and to be followed. It is recommended that, there should be a periodic review and monitoring, say quarterly, by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) for compliance to the Act by Procurement Entities. Bureaucratic tendencies when seeking various approvals from the PPA must be minimised. Procurement as a discipline must be encouraged. Government should ensure that cash flows are not erratic. Persons found culpable of the Act‟s offences should be penalised.

Source: KNUST