ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Public Private Partnership in Solid Waste Management in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana

Solid waste management is one of the major issues facing most countries globally. Solid waste was already a problem long before water and air pollution issues attracted public attention. Solid waste management represents a major economic and environmental issue throughout the world. Governments have adopted public private partnership (PPP) as a solution for solid waste management because of the herculean nature of the waste management task in terms of finance and technical expertise. The study focused on public private partnership in solid waste management in the Sunyani Municipality. The main objective of the study was to interrogate the institutional arrangement put in place for public private partnership in the Sunyani Municipality. To achieve the objective the study adopted the qualitative approach and interviewed 32 respondents using semi-structured interviewing and non-participant observation. Data collected were analysed and presented under themes. The study found that the institutional arrangement for PPP in the Sunyani Municipality was weak. However, it was established that solid waste management in the municipality was guided by national laws on environmental health and bye-laws of the Assembly. With respect to resources in the implementation of PPP, the study found that, even though the private partner had some resources, they were not enough for the proper management of solid waste in the Sunyani Municipality under a PPP arrangement. The study recommends the strengthening of institutional arrangement such as monitoring, sanctioning of poor performance and the formulation of bye-laws by the Assembly to guide the PPP arrangement.

Source: UCC
Public private partnership in solid waste management in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana

Solid waste managementis one of the major issues facing most countries globally. Solid waste was already a problem long before water and air pollution issues attracted public attention. Solid waste managementrepresents a major economic and environmental issue throughout the world. Governments have adopted public private partnership (PPP) as a solution for solid waste management because of the herculean nature of the waste management task in terms of finance and technical expertise.The study focused on public private partnership in solid waste management in the Sunyani Municipality. The main objective of the study was to interrogate the institutional arrangement put in place for public private partnership in the Sunyani Municipality. To achieve the objective the study adopted the qualitative approach and interviewed 32 respondents using semi-structured interviewing and non-participant observation. Data collected were analysed and presented under themes. The study found that the institutional arrangement for PPP in the Sunyani Municipality was weak. However, it was established that solid waste management in the municipality was guided by national laws on environmental health and bye-laws of the Assembly. With respect to resources in the implementation of PPP, the study found that, even though the private partner had some resources, they were not enough for the proper management of solid waste in the Sunyani Municipality under a PPP arrangement. The study recommends the strengthening of institutional arrangement such as monitoring, sanctioning of poor performance and the formulation of bye-laws by the Assembly to guide the PPP arrangement

Source: UCC
Public service motivation and job satisfaction of employees of metropolitan assemblies in Ghana

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of public service motivation, specifically their dimension, on job satisfaction amongst the staff of the metropolitan assemblies in Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from 321 staff of the six metropolitan assemblies through self-administered questionnaires. Partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesis postulated. The findings revealed that all the dimensions of public service motivation i.e. attraction to public participation, compassion to public values, compassion and self-sacrifice were significant in positively affecting job satisfaction. The study also revealed that self-sacrifice is the highest contributor to public service motivation with commitment to public values being the lowest. It was therefore concluded that public service motivation is a good predictor of job satisfaction in the Metropolitan Assemblies in Ghana. It was therefore recommended that directors/managers of Metropolitan Assemblies are advised to ensure that much attention is paid to the staff regarding their levels of PSM as it significantly affects their job satisfaction in the public sector.

Source: UCC
Public transport mode preferences of international tourists in Ghana: Implications for transport planning

Generally, most studies on tourism in Ghana have laid emphasis on motivations and experiences of tourists, their preference for accommodation and restaurant facilities, and the quality of services rendered at these facilities ignoring a significant component of tourism, which is transportation. This paper examines public transport mode preferences of international tourists in Ghana. Primary data were collected from 479 out-bound international tourists at the departure hall of the Kotoka International Airport in Ghana between June and August 2015. The analyses of the study were done using frequencies, charts, chi-square statistic and multinomial logistic regression model. The study found that generic dimensions of transport services such as their affordability, accessibility, availability, safety and comfort influence public transport mode choice of international tourists in Ghana. Aside these factors, there were strong relationships between socio-demographic characteristics of tourists and their mode preference. It is therefore recommended that emphasis should be given to accessibility-based transport planning in order to help public transport provide quality services to meet the transport needs of international tourists

Source: UCC
Public views on teachers' education: A case study of Kumasi metropolitan directorate of Ghana education service

The main purpose of this study was to investigate into the quota system of the Ghana Education Service in the Kumasi Metropolis. It sought to find out the views on teachers’ development towards the study leave in the Metro Education Directorate of GES, Kumasi. Five research questions guided the study which was grounded in the literature of study leave and the quota scheme system. Descriptive survey was employed for the study. Simple random sampling technique (table of random numbers) was used to select 89 respondents out of 569. Questionnaire was the main data collection instrument. Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS version 16) was used to analyze the data. Frequencies, percentages and tables were used to present the data. The study revealed that the main rationale for granting study leave with pay was to enable teachers upgrade themselves. It was found that teachers’ professional competence improves and they became abreast with changes in education. Also, the teaching service experiences shortage of teachers in some areas of the country since some of the beneficiary teachers fail to return to the classroom. It was recommended that GES should put in place alternative arrangement to replace teachers who are granted study leave before they leave for further education. Again, it was recommended that the educational authorities should review the quota system since there is disaffection among some teachers who are not granted study leave due to their subject areas.

Source: UCC
Public-private pertnership and urban water delivery: A case of Ga East municipality

The challenge in providing adequate drinking water has driven many governments in developing countries to either privatised their water systems entirely or engaged in partnership with the private sector. The study was undertaken to examine public-private partnership with reference to GWCL/AVRL in urban water supply in the Ga East Municipal. The International Benchmarking Network for Water and sanitation (IBNNET) was used to assess the performance ratios of GWCL/AVRL. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire from 246 households who were randomly selected using the systematic sampling method and purposive sampling method to select 4 key respondents. The data was presented in percentages, frequencies charts and graphs. The research showed that urban water supply is faced with financial constraints, level of unaccounted for water remains high (50%) despite a target of 26 percent operating cost recovery ratio is still low as well as bill collection rate. Thus urban water supply is no financially sustainable. Also respondent perception on water supply was poor, making them buy water at a higher cost from small scale water providers of which the source of water is unknown. This indicates that the involvement of private sector does not necessarily improve the water supply service as it has been professed by neoliberalism. It is recommended that government must show political commitment, opt for public-public partnerships (PUP) and support for community driven initiative in the provision of adequate water supply.

Source: UCC
Publishing for mother tongue-based bilingual education in Ghana: politics and consequences

One often cited challenge to effective mother tongue-based ilingual education (MTBE) in multilingual countries like Ghana is the difficulty of developing curriculum and instructional materials in many languages. To explain this situation, factors such as shortage of writers and teachers in the local languages, lack of interest on the art of publishers in view of the wide availability of textbooks in multiple languages, as well as official support for dominant western languages, such as English, are cited. This paper discusses the veracity of these ‘challenges’, by examining re- and post-independent governments’ efforts at material development to support MTBE in Ghana. The paper notes that, while most educational policies and reforms have emphasized the importance of MTBE, there has, in fact, been no concerted attempt to design and implement a language-in-education policy incorporating the urgent need to develop curriculum materials for MTBE. The paper attributes this to the lack of political will, economic reasons and the general misconceptions about MTBE

Source: UCC
Pupils and Teachers’ Perception of the Impact of the use of Information and Communication Technology (Ict) in Teaching and Learning in the Basic Schools in Kumasi Metropolis.

Global investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve teaching and learning in schools have been initiated by many governments. Despite all these investments on ICT infrastructure, equipments and professional development to improve education in many countries, ICT adoption and integration in teaching and learning have been limited. The study sought to investigate pupils and teachers’ perceptions of the impact of the use of ICT in teaching and learning in the basic schools in Kumasi Metropolis. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. One hundred and thirty three (133) respondents made up of fifty eight (58) teachers and seventy five (75) pupils from fifteen basic schools (i.e. ten public and five private) from the Kumasi Metropolis took part in the study. The questionnaire was the main instrument and was composed of 17 items. The return rate of questionnaires was 89% or 133 out of the 150. The findings of the study revealed that the computer was the most used ICT tool aside internet, television and radio in the basic schools. Most of the respondents sometimes use these tools in the preparation, presentation, assessment, assignment and research as well as in teaching and learning. About 65% of the respondents’ perceive that, the use of ICT tools improve teaching and learning and is beneficial at the basic schools. The recommendations made were that policy guidelines should be in place to ensure more ICT facilities are available to teachers and qualified teachers and also be made available at the junior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Source: UCC
Pupils’ Attitude Towards the Study of Islam in Ghanaian Basic Schools: A Survey

The study sought to explore the attitude of pupils towards the study of Islamic content in Religious and Moral Education in the Kwahu-East District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The convergent mixed method research design was adopted for the study. Using the cluster sampling, multi-stage involving the proportional allocation of sample size and simple random sampling as well as the census method, 339 respondents consisting of 285 JHS 3 pupils and 54 R.M.E teachers were selected for the study. The questionnaire and observation guide were used to gather the requisite data for the study. The data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, independent samples t-test as well as ANOVA. The study found out that the pupils were familiar with the Islamic content of Religious and Moral Education, and the RME teachers used the appropriate methods to deliver the Islamic content of RME. Yet, the teachers failed to use most of the pedagogies available at their disposal such as: the use of a resource person; field trip method; role-play method; learner-centred method; and failed to relate the Islamic content of RME to the real life experiences of pupils. Again, it was found out that, pupils were indifferent towards the study of Islamic content of Religious and Moral Education. The study recommended that, RME teachers should identify areas/topics in the Islamic content of RME that pupils face difficulties with and assist them. Also, RME teachers should look for captivating ways to deliver the Islamic content of RME lessons in order to stimulate learners’ interest. Again, RME teachers should adopt the learner-centred method and should endeavor to call on a resource person for assistance.

Source: UCC
Pupils’ perception of domestic violence and its effects on their lives. a study of basic schools in Asuoyeboa in the Kumasi Metropolis

The main purpose of the study was to find out pupils’ perception of domestic violence and its effects on their lives. The study sought to find out pupils’ level of knowledge on domestic violence, forms of domestic violence, effects of domestic violence as well as strategies and interventions that can be used to combat the problem of domestic violence in the community. Descriptive survey design was used to carry out the study. The population comprised all pupils and social workers in Asuoyeboa, a suburb of Kumasi. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 30 pupils and 15 social workers respectively who participated in the study. Questionnaires were administered to collect data. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) was employed to analyze the data. The study revealed that, domestic violence has negative effects on the lives of pupils. The pupils also expressed similar sentiments on the effects including poor performance in school, affects the way they relate with the people/ persons who abuse them. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that the National Commission on Civic Education should create awareness on the harmful effects of domestic violence especially on the child. The NGOs who advocate for women and children’s rights should go to the grassroots where the actual problems lie and sensitise the family on the effects of domestic violence.

Source: UCC
Purchasing behaviour and the accumulation of electronic waste among teachers of second-cycle schools in the Takoradi sub-metropolis

Ghana’s electronic waste is alarming for a number of reasons, purchases of these electronic goods like many other normal goods are increasing, the nonexistence of specific regulations on electronic waste management and the general weak enforcement of existing laws on general waste management makes the handling of electronic waste in particular a daunting task for waste managers. The study sought to examine the purchasing behaviour of teachers of second cycle schools for electronic goods and the accumulation of electronic waste within the Takoradi sub metropolitan. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. Data collection instrument used was questionnaire. The study employed the descriptive survey. A total of 150 respondents made up of teachers of second-cycle schools in the Takoradi Sub- Metropolis were used. The data collected during the study were entered into the SPSS version 16 to facilitate analysis. The study revealed that price promotions or price of electronic goods influences consumers’ purchase of electronic goods. The teachers however, disagreed that their status in the society or community influences them to purchase electronic goods. It was therefore recommended that sensitization and awareness creation of the disposal and management of electronic waste goods should be embarked upon by the Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly to help curb or address the challenges associated with electronic waste.

Source: UCC
Purifcation, characterization and immunomodulating activity of a polysaccharide from fowers of Abelmoschus esculentus

A water-soluble polysaccharide (OFPS11) was obtained from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fowers using aqueous extraction and purifcation with DEAE-52 cellulose and SephacrylTM S-500 column. Its preliminary characterization and immunomodulating activity were investigated. Results showed that OFPS11 is mainly composed of galactose and rhamnose in a molar ratio of 2.23:1 with molecular mass of 1700 kDa. RAW264.7 cells pretreated with OFPS11 signifcantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG-2 cells. Additionally, OFPS11 enhanced the phagocytic ability and induced the elevation of NO production, TNF- and IL-1 secretion of RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, OFPS11 promoted both the expression of iNOS protein and of iNOS and TNF- mRNA. OFPS11 can strongly increase NF- B levels in nucleuses, which is an important transcription factor that can modulate expressions of iNOS, NO and TNF-. These outcomes support that OFPS11 exerts its antitumor activity by probably stimulating macrophage activities through nuclear NF- B pathway

Source: UCC
Purification, characterization, and time-dependent adsorption studies of Ghanaian muscovite clay

Three clay samples (E1, E2, and C1) extracted from different parts of Ghana have been purified by sedimentation. &e samples were further characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and point of zero charge (pHpzc). PXRD and FT-IR data revealed the samples to be predominantly muscovite clay with percentages ranging from 82.71 to 91.33%. &e surfaces were mostly cationic with pHpzc ranging from 5.58 to 6.40. Morphological studies by SEM confirmed the crystalline nature of the surfaces which is suitable for adsorption studies. Time-dependent adsorption studies show that C1 is a good candidate for the adsorption of chlorophenols, methyl orange, and Eriochrome Black T

Source: UCC
Putting soil security on the policy agenda: need for a familiar framework

Soils generate agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic benefits that are vital to human life. The enormity of threats to global soil stocks raises the imperative for securing this vital resource. To contribute to the security framing and advancement of the soil security concept and discourse, this paper provides a working definition and proposes dimensions that can underpin the conceptualization of soil security. In this paper, soil security refers to safeguarding and improving the quality, quantity and functionality of soil stocks from critical and pervasive threats in order to guarantee the availability, access, and utilization of soils to sustainably generate productive goods and ecosystem services. The dimensions proposed are availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability, which are obviously similar to the dimensions of food security. Availability refers to the quality and spatial distribution of soils of a given category. Accessibility relates to the conditions or mechanisms by which actors negotiate and gain entitlements to occupy and use a given soil. Utilization deals with the use or purpose to which a given soil is put and the capacity to manage and generate optimal private and public benefits from the soil. Finally, stability refers to the governance mechanisms that safe guard and improve the first three dimensions. These dimensions, their interactions, and how they can be operationalized in a strategy to secure soils are presented and discussed

Source: UCC
Putting Soil Security on the Policy Agenda: Need for a Familiar Framework

Soils generate agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic benefits that are vital to human life. The enormity of threats to global soil stocks raises the imperative for securing this vital resource. To contribute to the security framing and advancement of the soil security concept and discourse, this paper provides a working definition and proposes dimensions that can underpin the conceptualization of soil security. In this paper, soil security refers to safeguarding and improving the quality, quantity and functionality of soil stocks from critical and pervasive threats in order to guarantee the availability, access, and utilization of soils to sustainably generate productive goods and ecosystem services. The dimensions proposed are availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability, which are obviously similar to the dimensions of food security. Availability refers to the quality and spatial distribution of soils of a given category. Accessibility relates to the conditions or mechanisms by which actors negotiate and gain entitlements to occupy and use a given soil. Utilization deals with the use or purpose to which a given soil is put and the capacity to manage and generate optimal private and public benefits from the soil. Finally, stability refers to the governance mechanisms that safeguard and improve the first three dimensions. These dimensions, their interactions, and how they can be operationalized in a strategy to secure soils are presented and discussed

Source: UCC