ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An assessment of health-related fitness levels among students of senior high schools in Ada of Greater Accra Region of Ghana

The fitness level of students from three Senior High School in the Dangme East of the Greater Accra Region was checked. The researcher used the test items of the Prudential Fitnessgram to carry out this assignment. Out of a population of 1,050 who were between the ages of 15 and 16 in the three Senior High School, a sample size of sixty was selected through the random sampling technique. Each School was represented by ten boys and ten girls. Each subject was physically tested on each of the five components of fitness. Muscular endurance and strength, cardiovascular endurance, body composition and flexibility. Three days were used in each school for the test. Flexibility and body composition were catered for in day one followed by muscular strength and endurance the second day then one kilometer run completed the test. Quasi-Experiment which learns itself to this kind of research was what the researcher employed. Data collected was analyzed. The mean and the standard deviation for the population and for each health-related component were determined. A fitnessgram was then established according to their performance. The researcher compared the strength and weakness of the students established fitnessgram. It was recommended that students should be encouraged to participate in regular physical education activities and the benefits of participation in such activities made known to them. Health-related fitness assessment should be made a regular feature of the Public School Programme. It was also suggested that other researchers in Ghana be made to research into the topic in other parts of the country so as to build a national Health-Related fitness Norms and HFZ levels for Ghanaian Students.

Source: UEW
Assessment of heavy metals in selected dumpsite soils and plants in Kumasi and Asante Mampong, Ghana

This study investigated dumpsite farmers’ soil physicochemical knowledge, heavy metals and their pollution levels in selected dumpsites and background soils and plants in Kumasi and Asante Mampong, Ghana (latitude 5o 50‘ 7.46’’ N, longitude 0o 15‘ 2.25’’ W). Chi - square (ꭓ2) test showed that dumpsites farmers’ soil knowledge had no association (p = 0.21) with farmers’ educational level but showed a significant (p = 0.02) association with farmers awareness that dumpsites soil contain toxic elements; and (p = 0.03) farmers awareness that plants on dumpsites absorb toxic elements. Metals level were determined in soils at 0 - 15 cm and 15 - 30 cm depths with edible parts of plantain and cocoyam; 0 - 30 cm depth of sampled soils in pots with lettuce under field conditions using an XL3t GOLD XRF mass spectrometer. Physicochemical properties of dumpsite soils were higher than that of background soils. Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg and Pb were higher by 15 – 25 %. Soil Cu, Zn and Hg at 0 - 15 cm and 15 - 30 cm; soil Ni, Zn and Hg in pots from Magazine dumpsite were all above WHO (2015) limits in soils. Cr, Fe and Hg in plantain leaves and fruits from Magazine dumpsite; Hg in cocoyam leaves from Kyeremfaso dumpsite, and Hg in cocoyam corms from Magazine dumpsite; Cr, Fe, Ni and Cd in lettuce shoots and roots in pots in Magazine dumpsite were above allowable levels by FAO/WHO (2011). Cr and Cd; Fe and Zn; Ni and Cu; Cu, Zn and As; Zn and As; As and Pb; Hg and Pb association showed they have similar contamination sources. Cr and Fe; Cu, Cr and Zn showed antagonistic and synergistic type of behavior. Soil pH, SOM, CEC, Clay and soil available P influenced Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Cd. Pollution indices (Igeo, EF, RTEF, TR and TF) indicated very high contamination for Fe, Cu, Zn and Hg in the order of KYE < AYE < SUA. Education on dumpsites farming must be intensified and excavate dumpsites to landfill sites.

Source: UEW
Assessment of illumination levels of prison accommodation in Ghana:A case study of Nsawam and Koforidua Prisons

Globally, prisons serve as penitentiary institutions for persons who are convicted of crimes. As reformation centres, prisons are expected to provide, if not the best but at least basic comfort conditions for the inmates. Illumination of prisons is an important aspect in the design of prisons. Sadly, illumination levels of prisons, particularly those of developing countries like Ghana are abysmally poor. The aim of the study was to explore illumination levels of prison accommodation in Ghana and make recommendations for enhancing the illumination of the prisons. The specific objectives of the study included; to assess existing levels of illumination of prison accommodation in Ghana, to compare existing illumination levels of prison accommodation in Ghana with established standards of illumination of prisons, to determine strategies for improving the illumination of prison accommodation in Ghana, and to make recommendations for enhancing the illumination of prison accommodation in Ghana. Qualitative and experimental research methods were used to elicit information for the study. Sixty (60) participants from both Koforidua Prison and Nsawam Medium-Security were interviewed. A photometer was used to measure the luminance of the cubicles of the prisons for fourteen (14) days in the mornings and afternoons of the days considered. The findings of the study revealed that existing illumination levels in medium security prison accommodations in Ghana are poor (Day light factors are in the region of below 0.878%). Also, the prevailing illumination levels of the prisons fall below established standards of illumination of prison accommodation of 1.5%. The findings of the study revealed that the key strategies that could be implemented to improve illumination levels of the prison accommodations studied included; taking into consideration the orientation of prison accommodation in its design, providing an open court yard, University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xv using translucent walling and ceiling technologies, and providing adequate artificial lighting of prison accommodation. In conclusion it has been established that Ghanaian prison cells has Day Light Factor (DF) below 0.9% less than 1.5% which is the World standard DF of a prison cell. Based on the stated findings and conclusion, the study recommends that all stakeholders especially the Government and Non-Government organizations should provide adequate resources to improve the illumination of prison accommodations

Source: UEW
Assessment of inclusive education practices at Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong-Akuapem

This study was on the assessment of Inclusive Education Practices at Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong-Akuapem. Ethnographic research design was used which involved interviews, observation and document analysis as methods of data collection. A sample of 132 respondents made up of 35 tutors and 97 students participated as respondents for the study. Using purposive and simple random samplings, the data was analysed through thematic approach and verbatim responses of the respondents where applicable. Findings revealed among others that: tutors used different forms of communication, methods of teaching and different methods of assessment on students. It was evident that 4 tutors were not abreast with terminologies in inclusive education hence used „deaf students‟ or „disabled students‟ to refer to students with deafness or students with disability. Support services were available for both tutors and students. Interactions between students and tutors were generally good. Social interaction programmes were adequately available. Students showed willingness to associate with all categories of students. Environmental set up in terms of halls of residence and lecture halls were unfriendly to students due to unavailability of rails and ramps. Measures were put in place to ensure access to the College‟s environments by organizing orientation and mobility techniques to all fresh students and controlling vehicular movement on campus. Recommendations of the study included theneed to: use different teaching and learning materials especially technology in the inclusive classroom.

Source: UEW
Assessment of infant feeding and care practices among nursing mothers in Asante Akim central

Childbirth and infancy are the most important and delicate parts of the development of babies. Regarding this, adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure child growth, health and development. This study therefore sought to assess the infant feeding and care practices among nursing mothers in the Asante Akim District of Ghana. The objectives of the study were to (1) determine the level of breastfeeding and complementary feeding awareness among nursing mothers in the study area, (2) investigate the complementary and breastfeeding practices among nursing mothers, (3) evaluate sources of water and water management practices among nursing mothers and (4) determine the hygiene practices of nursing mothers when feeding their babies. The researcher employed the descriptive survey design for this study. With a population comprising all mothers with children aged between 0 – 18 months, a sample of one hundred and fifty (150) participants was selected randomly from a strata of five communities. The researcher used observation and questionnaire as instruments for data collection. Analysis of the collected data was mainly done through the use of SPSS with descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means and percentages. The study found the level of breastfeeding and complementary feeding awareness of nursing mothers to be very high. However, the actual feeding practices left much to be desired as a significant proportion of mothers did not practice Exclusive Breastfeeding for the first six months whilst others did not give the all-essential ‘first milk’ colostrum to their infants. The study again revealed that the water management practices of mothers were good and had access to clean and safe drinking water. It was also found that majority of nursing mothers practiced good hygiene but did not sterilize their feeding equipment. The study recommends policy change such as longer maternity leaves for nursing mothers, higher formal education for females and intensive education for nursing mothers through home visits by health care officials to ensure optimal feeding practices of babies.

Source: UEW
Assessment of information technology security management system a case of colleges of education in the Bono region of Ghana

Higher Educational institutions benefit greatly from information systems. Information security (IS) is an intense issue of the modern-day, it discusses the techniques and methodologies used to secure confidential, private, and sensitive information or data in print, electronic, or any other form against unauthorized access, use, misuse, disclosure, destruction, modification, or disruption. As a result, to maintain a high level of performance and remain competitive, higher education institutions invest a significant amount of money and effort in obtaining and managing information. The purpose of this study is to give us a better understanding of Information Technology security, strategies and practices in Colleges of Education in the Bono Region of Ghana. This research was a case study of two Colleges of Education in the Bono Region. A total of 62 respondents were purposively sampled for the study. Online Questionnaires was used to achieve the study’s objectives with the target population comprising Administrators, Tutors, and IT personnel of the selected colleges of education. The findings revealed that the information security programs had inadequate senior management support and oversight. With no education or training programs accessible to tutors in the Colleges of Education, there is poor knowledge of information security. The study concludes among others that, the majority of the groups at the examined Colleges of Education lacked adequate knowledge and security implementation, indicating the need to activate the administrators’ duties to deploy a well-designed information security system. The study, therefore, concluded that, the colleges should organize training on information security for all staff to equip them with the required knowledge to manage information in the colleges.

Source: UEW
Assessment of internal control practices in tertiary institutions evidence from University of Education, Winneba (UEW),Kumasi

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control systems in tertiary institutions in Ghana. The specific objectives included: to review the types and effectiveness of the internal control systems in University of Education, Winneba (Kumasi Campus) (UEW-K); to examine the measures put in place to enhance the effectiveness of internal controls in UEW-K; and to recommend appropriate ways that will improve the effectiveness of internal control activities. The study population was staff of University of Education Winneba-Kumasi. A sample size of sixty (60) respondents was used for the study. The simple random sampling technique was adopted. Data was collected through questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using frequency tables. Some of the findings made included: It was revealed from the study that, the control environment at UEW-K was very effective as majority of the respondents agreed to that assertion with a few not being sure of the effectiveness of Control environment. In reviewing the risk assessment component of the internal control system it was found that, it was also effective. Again the empirical evidence from the study indicated that, majority of the respondents agreed to the assertion that there is an effective control activity functioning at UEW-K. With regard to assessing the information and communication system of internal control, there was evident from the studies that, many of the respondents were satisfied with that construct and therefore perceived it to be effective. The last element of internal control considered by the study was monitoring and this happened to be the most effective in the company with nearly all respondents showing that, they perceive monitoring to be effective. It was recommended that the various components of internal controls should be strengthened to make them more effective.

Source: UEW
Assessment of job satisfaction and teacher motivation among senior high school teachers in Nkoranza North District

Job satisfaction and teacher motivation are concerned for educational leaders and managers because teachers’ job satisfaction and motivation have significant effect on both teachers and student performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of job satisfaction, teacher motivation and to explore the factors that affect job satisfaction, teacher motivation and effectiveness among teachers of Nkoranza North Senior High Schools. Descriptive survey design was used. The population for the study was teachers of Busunya Senior High School and Yefriman Senior High School. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 59 from the population of 70 teachers. Structured questionnaire was used to solicit the data. The data were discussed and analyzed by using frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that the respondents were dissatisfied with their professional growth and development and present salaries. It was also found out from the study that, teacher attrition and poor academic performance in Nkoranza North Senior High Schools were as a result of low salaries received, poor condition of service and unavailability of resources. Some recommendations were raised that: government should increase teachers’ salaries, create opportunity for professional growth and development. Also, benefits and incentives should be equally distributed among public sector workers as well as provision of teaching and learning materials (TLMs).

Source: UEW
An assessment of leadership styles on organizational performance : A case study of the national board for small scale industries, Accra

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of leadership styles on the performance of employees at the National Board for Small Scale Industries, (now Ghana Enterprise Agency). The main objective was to ascertain the effect of leadership styles on the performance of the organization. The specific objectives that guided the study were: to establish the existing leadership style, the relationship between the leadership style and job performance, and to examine the effect of the leadership styles on employee performance at the Ghana Enterprise Agency. The study adopted a cross-section descriptive survey design where self-administered questionnaires were used to collect primary data through an internet-mediated questionnaire. The study used descriptive statistics and deductive approach in its interpretation of the findings. The study showed that all three (3) leadership styles (autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire) exist in the administration of the Ghana Enterprise Agency. However, the study showed that democratic or transformational leadership is the most common style at the agency, followed by transactional or autocratic leadership style and, laissez-faire leadership style. Overall scores showed that democratic leadership style has a strong effect on the performance of employees. The results suggest that superiors in organizations need to practice more of transformational leadership style in their dealings and adopt autocratic style where the need arises, as different situations require different leadership styles. Supervisors are encouraged to know when to apply a specific leadership style in a given situation.

Source: UEW
Assessment of logging efficiency and development allometric models for predicting stumpage volume some commercial tree species in Ghana

The need to develop instruments to capture the realistic stumpage volume and influence loggers to improve on their logging been a topic of interest in recent times. This study assessed the logging efficiency in Ghana and developed allometric stumpage volume. A total of 135 trees from nine timber species were sampled from three logging sites during commercial logging The average logging recovery for all sampled trees was about 75 %. The small-end diameter of the merchantable residues 31 cm and 60 cm while their length values varied from 3.0 m to 8.5 m. In general, species-specific models exhibited better predictive than mixed-species models. Models that predicted total merchantable volume from the volume of the extracted logs had the Furnival index values ranging from 0.590 to 1.727. Results of the models' validation indicated that mixed species models merchantable volume better for relatively small trees than for big trees with merchantable

Source: UEW
Assessment of logging efficiency and development of allometric models for predicting stumpage volume of some commercial tree species in Ghana

The need to develop instruments to capture the realistic stumpage volume and infl uence loggers to improve on their logging effi ciency has been a topic of interest in recent times. This study assessed the logging effi ciency in Ghana and developed allometric models to predict stumpage volume. A total of 135 trees from nine timber species were sampled from three logging sites during commercial logging operations. The average logging recovery for all sampled trees was about 75 %. The small-end diameter of the merchantable residues averaged between 31 cm and 60 cm while their length values varied from 3.0 m to 8.5 m. In general, species-specifi c models exhibited better predictive power than mixed-species models. Models that predicted total merchantable volume from the volume of the extracted logs had the best fi ts, with Furnival index values ranging from 0.590 to 1.727. Results of the models’ validation indicated that mixed species models could predict merchantable volume better for relatively small trees than for big trees with merchantable volume greater than 20 m3. Keywords: sustainable forest management, logging effi ciency, stumpage, allometric models

Source: UEW
Assessment of material management on building construction sites (a case study of stivo and consar construction companies in the Kumasi metropolis)

This study considers an assessment of material management on building construction sites. Materials management is the integrated processes that consist of the people, organization, technology and procedures used to effectively identify, quantify, acquire, inspect, transport, receive, store, and preserve the materials. Basically, the issues of material management are concerned with the planning, identification, procuring, storage, receiving and distribution of materials. The researcher reached the goals of this research through purposive sampling method and a structured questionnaire administered to 26 participants in different construction backgrounds from different selected sites in the Kumasi Metropolis and field observation from January to June, 2016. The responsive rate was about 70% of participants. The Likert scale was used to rank the various factors and analyzed with SPSS and Spreadsheet. Among the challenges involved in materials management on building construction site in Kumasi Metropolis are poor handling of materials, inadequate security structures, delivery of wrong quantity of materials, poor stock control techniques, absence of closed circuit television cameras and improper planning of work. To overcome material management challenges on construction sites, material managers should do the following: Planning and monitoring material schedule on all projects; making it compulsory for the store keepers to record and use inventory of material on daily basis during the construction process, to enable them alert or inform the necessary authority if there is shortage of any material, for prompt ordering; closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras should be installed to increase security on site. The researcher arrived on the conclusion that quality assurance or control processes should be put in place to ensure effective waste management as it improves the schedule and planning of project delivery.

Source: UEW
Assessment of material management on building construction sites a study of selected construction companies in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The control of materials on construction sites is handled by planning and purchasing departments, site supervisors and engineers as well as contractor’s organization and this have been posing various problems to contractors in realizing reasonable profit margin. The main purpose of the study was to assess material management of construction companies in Cape Coast Metropolis. This study assessed the current practices of managing materials on building projects, the problems associated with materials management and measures for managing materials in building projects in Cape Coast Metropolis. The study was carried out through the administration of questionnaire to professionals in both consulting and contracting firms and data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found that majority of the employees’ had adequate knowledge on materials management practices (purchasing of materials, material planning method and transportation of materials). The most severe problem militating against materials management was lack of proper work planning and scheduling while other problems include inadequate cash flow to contractors due to delayed payments, burglary, theft and vandalism. The study recommends that management should improve their supervision on site, materials should be adequately handled when delivered, care should be given to materials handling process and more awareness should be given to the knowledge of materials management on building projects most especially on construction sites.

Source: UEW