ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
valuation of in - service training for teachers in some selected teacher training colleges in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana

As a result of increasing knowledge about how teaching and learning occur, new techniques are constantly emerging of which the classroom teacher must be aware. His or her methods will remain static and ineffective if he or she is not exposed to new ideas through in-service training. The study was to evaluate in-service training (INSET) organized for training college teachers based on some factors like content, time duration, motivation, finance and instructional methods that affect the organization of INSET. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. A total of 120 respondents were selected through purposive and random sampling. The respondents included 78 males and 22 female teachers from training colleges and 20 training personnel from both Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions. All responded to the questionnaires given to them. The study showed that: 65% of the Training College Teachers attended INSET; the contents of INSET were beneficial to the teachers; the best time for the organization of INSET was vacation; the duration of INSET was short; the Ghana Education Service (GES) and NGOs were the main sponsors of INSET; teachers who attended INSET were not well motivated; and the most popular instructional method used by training persOlmel at INSET was demonstration lesson followed by discussion. Based on the conclusions some recommendations were made for improvement of future in-service training.

Source: UCC
Value Added Tax Compliance And Small And Medium Enterprises Growth And Profitability In The Kumasi Metropolis

The study focuses on Tax knowledge and Value Added Tax compliance among Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Ghana. Specifically, this study analyses the level of VAT Knowledge among SMEs managers/owners in the Kumasi metropolis, investigate how VAT knowledge influence VAT compliance in the Kumasi metropolis and examine how VAT compliance affect the profitability of SMEs in the metropolis. Data collected by Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) on the topic “Ghana Beyond Aid: examining tax knowledge, Compliance cost and tax Compliance” was used for this study. The quantitative research approach which follows the positivist research philosophy was adopted. A total of 229 data points were collected from respondents in the Kumasi metropolis. An ordinary least square regression model was adopted to examine the effects. The study found that owners and managers of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises possess average tax knowledge, VAT compliance have a positive effect on Small and Medium Scale Businesses’ profitability. It was further found that the level of tax knowledge has a negative effect on VAT compliance level. It is among this that this study recommended to Ghana Revenue Authority to intensify their tax education program since there is some substantial number of firm managers, owners and caretakers who have low tax knowledge. Again, small and medium scale enterprise owners, managers and caretakers are recommended to take advantage of the tax education opportunities that GRA create for them since knowing more about tax issues has the potentials of increasing their turn over as well as help them to avoid paying VAT.

Source: UCC
Value added tax flat rate scheme for retailers in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The purpose of the study was to examine the VAT flat rate scheme for retail businesses in Cape Coast Metropolis. Specifically, the study focused on the VAT flat rate scheme on sales of retail businesses. Again, the study dealt with the level of VAT flat rate compliance by the retailers. The study further identified the major challenges faced by both the retailers and the service in the implementation and the administration of the scheme in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The descriptive survey design was used. The stratified random sampling procedure was used to select 125 respondents made up of 120 retail business operators and 5 VAT officials in the study area. Information was obtained from primary source using questionnaires and interview guide. The analyses of collected data were presented using cross tabulation, frequency and percentage distributions. The findings from the study show that most retailers prepare VAT account only when demanded because they sometimes regard the VAT collected as part of their sales revenue; hence they feel that what they pay to the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of Ghana Revenue Authority is regarded as tax slapped on them. Also, retailers’ compliance level to the VAT Act (Act, 870) was found to be below expectation. It has boosted their sales. However, VFRS has increased the work load and labour cost of their business leading to reduction in profit. Based on the key findings and conclusions of this study, it is recommended to the management of the VAT section of Ghana Revenue Agencies to ensure that VAT Flat Rate Scheme is redesigned to operate like the standard VAT rate where input tax is reclaimable.

Source: UCC
Value Added Tax flat rate scheme for retailers in the Cape Coast metropolis

The purpose of the study was to examine the VAT flat rate scheme for retail businesses in Cape Coast Metropolis. Specifically, the study focused on the VAT flat rate scheme on sales of retail products. Again, the study dealt with the level of VAT flat rate compliance by the retailers. The study further identified the major challenges faced by both the retailers and the service in the implementation and the administration of the scheme in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The descriptive survey design was used. The stratified random sampling procedure was used to select 125 respondents made up of 120 retail business operators and 5 VAT officials in the study area. Information was obtained from primary source using questionnaires and interview guide. The analyses of collected data were presented using cross tabulation, frequency and percentage distributions. The findings from the study show that most retailers prepare VAT account only when demanded because they sometimes regard the VAT collected as part of their sales revenue; hence they feel that what they pay to the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of Ghana Revenue Authority is regarded as tax slapped on them. Also, retailers’ compliance level to the VAT Act (Act, 870) was found to be below expectation. It has boosted their sales. However, VFRS has increased the work load and labour cost of their business leading to reduction in profit. Based on the key findings and conclusions of this study, it is recommended to the management of the VAT section of Ghana Revenue Agencies to ensure that VAT Flat Rate Scheme is redesigned to operate like the standard VAT rate where input tax is reclaimable.

Source: UCC
Value Alignment Tn Mathematics Learning Between Trainee Teachers And Their Tutors In The Colleges Of Education Tn Ghana

This study explored the value alignment in mathematics learning between trainee teachers and their tutors in the colleges of education in Ghana. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed to explore the attributes 34 mathematics tutors and their 1,050 students' value in mathematics learning. These participants were sampled using purposive and systematic sampling techniques. The data were collected through the use of questionnaires and semi-structured focus group interview guides. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the trainee teachers valued understanding, collaboration, strategies, accuracy, fluency, relevance, mystery and learning technologies; while their mathematics tutors valued understanding, strategies, mastery, problem-solving and fun. Two of these attributes valued (understanding and strategies) were observed to be common for the two groups. It was further revealed that the most prioritised attribute valued by both trainee teachers and their tutors was understanding. Moreover, though all the two groups accepted that valuing was an important component of the trainee teachers' mathematics learning, there was generally no relationship between the attributes valued by the two groups. Again, it was found that there was no significant difference in the levels of valuing between trainee teachers and their tutors on the two common attributes. The reasons for the observed attributes valued in mathematics learning were provided by both groups of participants. Finally, the study recommends that though there is an existing course that introduces trainee teachers to the value concept, there is the need to pay deeper attention to values in mathematics education by instituting it as a course on its o'vvn at the colleges of education.

Source: UCC
Value Chain Analysis of Croakers (Pseudotolithus SPP.) In the Ghanaian Fishery

This study was undertaken to assess the economic value of croakers (Pseudotolithus spp.) in the fishery of the Central and Western Regions of Ghana. Investigations were conducted from January 2017 to August 2018, involving collection of data from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained from 300 fishermen, 230 fish processors and retailers, 45 wholesalers, 40 middlemen, and 40 consumers using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22 and Excel 2013. Profitability analysis showed that fish processors were the dominant actors in the value chain with those at Sekondi recording higher profit margins and a Return on Investment (ROI) at year 17. Positive Net Present Values (NPV) were recorded for the fishery, depicting the industry as profitable. Sekondi recorded annual values of $35,154.00 for fishermen, $135,331.53 for processors, $48,170.00 for wholesalers and $69,292.00 for retailers. The ROI also suggested that the industry required between 17 and 30 years for the croaker business to break-even, which is the point at which the volume of sales will result in no net income or net loss on the actors‟ income. A linear regression analysis showed that the croakers contributed more than 55% of the income of fishermen. Some constraints identified in the chain were difficulty in accessing credit, lack of cold storage facilities, and health challenges (among the processors). Opportunities identified within the croaker fishery included; employment, high demand and ready market for the croakers. Enhancement of capacity for operators in the value chain is recommended to address the current issues facing the chain actors, and to provide a chain upgrade.

Source: UCC
The Value of Continuous Assessment Strategies in Students’ Learning of Geography in Senior High Schools in Ghana

This survey investigated the views of geography teachers and students on the value of continuous assessment strategies in students’ learning of geography in senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis and Cape Coast North District within the Central Region of Ghana. Data were collected with the use of two sets of questionnaires from 20 geography teachers and a random sample of 198 geography students. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that although there are various kinds of continuous assessment strategies, geography teachers most often used take-home assignment, written test and recap exercise to assess how geography students learn geography. It was found that the use of continuous assessment helps students to understand difficult areas as well as master the content of geography. Continuous assessment also makes students more confident and ready for final examinations. Therefore, it was recommended that geography teachers need more assistance in devising the rubrics for using the various kinds of continuous assessment strategies.

Source: UCC
Value-Added Tax flat Rate Scheme for Retailers in the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly

The study examines the VAT flat rate scheme for retail businesses in Mfantseman Municipal Assembly. An explanatory research design was employed as well as a quantitative research approach relative to the research objectives. Descriptive statistical tools, such as frequency and percentages analysis were used to analyze the research objectives. The study used primary data for the analyses. With respect to the sampling method, proportionate random sampling techniques were employed to select the 120 participants from the accessible population. The results showed that VAT compliance level among the retailers is weak. This is because the retailers only issue invoices to their customers when they demand it which is contrary to the law. The results also revealed that majority of the respondent indicate that the VAT flat scheme have affected their retail business negatively because it has slowed down their profit as well as their sales. Finally, the results also indicate The VAT flat scheme has slowed down work of the retailers e.g. issue of VAT invoice. The study concludes that most retailers or VAT collectors in the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly are not used to issuing VAT invoices and that those who even do that do so upon customer request. The study finally recommends that GRA officials should addressed the challenges encountered by the retail operators in order to enable the policy achieve it intended purpose. Finally, the researcher made suggestions for future studies.

Source: UCC
Valuing In Mathematics Teaching And Learning Amongst Teachers And Students: What Does It Look Like Across Grade Levels?

This study was set out to investigate what teachers and students value in mathematics learning at the pre-tertiary level of education in a metropolis in the southern part of Ghana. The study employed positivist research paradigm. A descriptive cross sectional survey research design was used in which a quantitative data was collected using “What I Find Important (in my mathematics learning)” [WIFI] questionnaire for students and a modified version of the students’ questionnaire for teachers. The study adopted a multistage sampling procedure to select participants. First, a stratified random sampling technique was used to select Primary schools and JHS based on urban and rural locations of schools and SHS according to school type (co-educational, single sex female and single sex male schools). Second, simple random sampling (SRS) technique with proportional allocation of samples was used to select Primary, JHS and SHS students from each stratum to take part in the study. Also, all the teachers who teach mathematics in the sampled schools were purposefully selected as participants. A total of 1263 students and 177 teachers from 34 public pre-tertiary schools in the metropolis were selected to participate in the study. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), specifically Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and one-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were used to explore what the teachers and their students value in mathematics learning. The study revealed that the teachers valued the attributes: Understanding, Versatility and Achievement in students’ mathematics learning. The students on the other hand, valued the attributes: Fluency, Understanding, Instructional Materials/Activities, Connections, ICT, Feedback and Learning Strategies in their mathematics learning. The study pointed out that teachers who hold Master degree (Math) with no teacher training valued Versatility most. However, teachers who hold Bachelor degree (Math) with teacher training valued Understanding the least. In this regard, the study recommends that Colleges of Education and Universities that train mathematics teachers should reform their curricula in mathematics education to include education on values to enable mathematics teacher trainees to be conscious of their valuing stances and how it impacts on their classroom instructions. Also, Curriculum developers at the pre tertiary level of education in Ghana should ensure that the values adopted by the pre tertiary mathematics teachers and their students are in line with those of the mathematics curriculum.

Source: UCC
Variation in Pain and Clinical Indices among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Ghana

Background: Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) have acute pain episodes that vary between patients. We examined whether differences exist in socio-demographic profiles, blood indices and pain attributed fear of movement in SCD. Methods: The study included 287 patients with SCD attending the outpatient SCD clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. We documented socio-demographic information, clinical history and pain location at enrolment. Blood sample was also taken for hematological analysis. We used the numeric descriptor, verbal and visual analog scales to determine the site and spectrum of pain intensity, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) to assess pain attributed fear of movement. Results: Patients with SCD were more literate than their healthy controls (χ2, p=0.0001). By genotypes, patients with HbSS were younger in age and had lower BMI, p=0.0001, 95% CI: -10.1 – 3.6; and p=0.01, 95% CI -4.13- 0.46. Pain was the most common clinical manifestation in both HbSS and HbSC (17.7% and 25.7% respectively) disease, presenting mainly as musculoskeletal pain (81.3%). Patients with HbSS were anemic, with indicators of hemolytic episodes and elevated WBCs and Platelets (p=0.0001.), depicting an inflammatory state. The disease profile of patients with HbSS was generally severer (OR= 1.695, 95% CI: 1.035-2.776 p=0.036) with a higher score of pain attributed fear of movement (p=0.0001, 95% CI: 2.2 – 6.0). Conclusion: Pain is a significant index of disease in patients with SCD, particularly in those with HbSS genotype leading to fear of movement. Efforts at involving patients in coping strategies and pain mitigation in management are warranted

Source: UCC
Variation in the susceptibility of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) genotypes to okra mosaic virus and Podagrica species under field conditions

A total of 21 okra (Abelmoschus escuentus L. Moench) genotypes were screened for their reactions against okra mosaic disease (OMD) and flea beetles (Podagrica species) infestations in field trials which were conducted from May to October, 2015 (wet season) and November 2015 to March 2016 (dry season), in order to identify sources of resistance and or tolerance. The trials were laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Field resistance in the genotypes was assessed at 2, 6 and 10 weeks after planting using a 0 to 5 visual scale based on disease symptoms (where 1 denotes no symptom and 5, very severe symptom). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the presence of Okra mosaic virus (OkMV) in the okra genotypes. Populations of the flea beetle (Podagrica spp.), the vector of OkMV, and the associated leaf and fruit damage were also assessed. All the okra genotypes exhibited a varying range of disease symptoms and the flea beetle infestations, and lacked immunity. Genotypes GH2052, GH2063, GH2026, GH3760, GH5302, GH5332, GH5793, GH6105 and UCCC6 exhibited mild symptoms of OMD, and were less susceptible to flea beetle infestation and associated leaf damage during both seasons. Using ELISA, OkMV was detected in all the 21 genotypes. The mean number of fruits per plant and the mean fruit yield (t ha-1) differed significantly (P<0.05) among the okra genotypes. Genotype GH5332 had the highest fruit yield of 11.88 t ha-1 followed by genotype GH6105 (9.34 t ha-1). Percentage fruit damage due to the flea beetle infestation differed significantly among the okra genotypes, ranging between 43.7 and 91.2% and from 47 to 84% in both trials respectively

Source: UCC
Variation in the susceptibility of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) genotypes to okra mosaic virus and Podagrica species under field conditions

A total of 21 okra (Abelmoschus escuentus L. Moench) genotypes were screened for their reactions against okra mosaic disease (OMD) and flea beetles (Podagrica species) infestations in field trials which were conducted from May to October, 2015 (wet season) and November 2015 to March 2016 (dry season), in order to identify sources of resistance and or tolerance. The trials were laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Field resistance in the genotypes was assessed at 2, 6 and 10 weeks after planting using a 0 to 5 visual scale based on disease symptoms (where 1 denotes no symptom and 5, very severe symptom). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the presence of Okra mosaic virus (OkMV) in the okra genotypes. Populations of the flea beetle (Podagrica spp.), the vector of OkMV, and the associated leaf and fruit damage were also assessed. All the okra genotypes exhibited a varying range of disease symptoms and the flea beetle infestations, and lacked immunity. Genotypes GH2052, GH2063, GH2026, GH3760, GH5302, GH5332, GH5793, GH6105 and UCCC6 exhibited mild symptoms of OMD, and were less susceptible to flea beetle infestation and associated leaf damage during both seasons. Using ELISA, OkMV was detected in all the 21 genotypes. The mean number of fruits per plant and the mean fruit yield (t ha -1) differed significantly (P<0.05) among the okra genotypes. Genotype GH5332 had the highest fruit yield of 11.88 t ha -1 followed by genotype GH6105 (9.34 t ha-1 ). Percentage fruit damage due to the flea beetle infestation differed significantly among the okra genotypes, ranging between 43.7 and 91.2% and from 47 to 84% in both trials respectively

Source: UCC
Variation in the susceptibility of tomato (Lycopersicon solanum L.) genotypes to tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCVD) infections at coastal savannah and forest zones of Ghana

Little information is available on the resistance level of tomato genotypes to tomato yellow leaf curl virus disease (TYLCVD) and vector. Thirty-six genotypes representing the current available and accessible tomato germplasm in Ghana were evaluated in RCBD with three reps, under Coastal savannah condition at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Five genotypes (K005, K100, K213, K116 and K042) selected for mild severity (ms); two genotypes (K027, K202) selected for severe symptom (SS) and one genotype (LC) selected for moderate severity (MoS) were re-evaluated under RCBD in three reps at UCC and forest condition at “Asuansi”. Genotypes K005, K100 and K213 were observed to maintain ms TYLCVD expression across locations but K116 and K042 had ms at UCC and MoS at Asuansi indicating respective stable and unstable host plant tolerance to TYLCVD across climatic zones. PCR test with two primer pairs for Asuansi samples revealed that PTYv787/PTYc1121 primer had amplified TYLCV DNA in all the eight genotypes. AV494/AC0148 primer had amplified TYLCV DNA in all the genotypes except in LV and K213, suggesting that TYLCVD expression in LV and K213 observed morphologically could come from different viral strains. The whitefly population was significantly affected by genotype by environment interaction indicating variation of whitefly population from location to location

Source: UCC