ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Banking Industry Requirements of Accounting Graduates in Ghana

Purpose – This study analyses the various skills needed by today's accounting graduates in order to be suitable for the Ghanaian banking industry. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a simple random sampling technique to select 15 of the 27 banks currently in the banking industry, a sample selected as first part of a total banking industry study. Questionnaires were used, supported with interviews, to collect the data from the responding 13 banks. Findings – The study revealed that variables (in order of preference) such as; positive attitude, communication skills, strong work ethics, team work, good interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, flexibility and adaptability, management and organizational skills and strong IT skills are some of the key skills employers expect accounting graduates to have in order for them to be deemed ready for the banking industry. Research limitation – The only targeted respondents were the human resource and branch managers. The result could have been different if the sample had been widened to cover a greater number of the banks in the industry and included other responding groups like accountants. Practical implications – The findings offer guidance to those involved in the training of accountants in tertiary institutions and graduates of accounting seeking to develop skills necessary for the banking industry. Originality/value – This is a major contributor to skills-analysis-requirement of specific jobs, looking at the banking industry. The case can be extended for other job-specific industries like insurance.

Source: UG
Banking Sector Development in Emerging Markets: A Review of Recent Development in Africa

Key to the economic transformation of developing economies is the banking sector developments. The banking sector in Africa has witnessed a steady growth in its core functional areas over the recent decades. This growth has implications on access to finance and stability in the financial system. This study reviews banking sector performance, competition, access to finance and stability in the context of sub-regional and comparator regional analysis with the view to informing and shaping policy directions. The North African economies recorded high levels of financial deepening than the rest of the regions. With the same economic conditions like South Asia, East Asia Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean regions, African’s banking sector depth lags behind these regions. Access to financial institutions is high in Southern African region than the rest of the sub-regions. Again, Africa records very low level of banking sector accessibility compared to its comparator regions. Moreover, the banking system in Africa is characterized by high costs, inefficiency and high margins. The banking system also exhibit high concentration and market power and relative stability than comparator regions. The North African economies exhibit low presence of foreign banks than sub-regional groupings.

Source: UG
Banking the Poor: The Role of Mobiles

It is estimated that about 90 per cent of the people living in developing countries do not have access to financial services. Also, in some developing countries including Ghana, some people live below the international poverty line of US $1 a day. Some of the issues related to this phenomenon include; difficulty in accessing banking services owing to geographic distance, bureaucratic nature of banking services and misconception regarding the inability of the poor to repay their loans. This article argues that if the traditional financial setting does not allow the poor to access to the financial services like banking, the poor could be offered banking services through mobile technologies. This article therefore proposes a Mobile Banking Model that conceptualizes key ways by which mobile phone technology can be used to increase pathways to banking access for poor people. Future research will focus on empirically testing this model.

Source: UG
A barcode of multilocus nuclear DNA identifies genetic relatedness in pre- and post-Artemether/Lumefantrine treated Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria

Background The decline in the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination treatment (ACT) in some endemic regions threatens the progress towards global elimination of malaria. Molecular surveillance of drug resistance in malaria-endemic regions is vital to detect the emergence and spread of mutant strains. Methods We observed 89 malaria patients for the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections in Lagos, Nigeria and determined the prevalence of drug resistant strains in the population. Parasite clearance rates were determined by microscopy and the highly sensitive var gene acidic terminal sequence (varATS) polymerase chain reaction for 65 patients with samples on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after commencement of treatment. The genomic finger print of parasite DNA from pre- and post-treatment samples were determined using 24 nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) barcode for P. falciparum. Drug resistance associated alleles in chloroquine resistance transporter gene (crt-76), multidrug resistance genes (mdr1–86 and mdr1–184), dihydropteroate synthase (dhps-540), dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr-108) and kelch domain (K-13580) were genotyped by high resolution melt analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragments. Results By varATS qPCR, 12 (18.5%) of the participants had detectable parasite DNA in their blood three days after treatment, while eight (12.3%) individuals presented with genotypable day 28 parasitaemia. Complexity of infection (CoI) was 1.30 on day 0 and 1.34 on day 28, the mean expected heterozygosity (HE) values across all barcodes were 0.50 ± 0.05 and 0.56 ± 0.05 on days 0 and 28 respectively. Barcode (π) pairwise comparisons showed high genetic relatedness of day 0 and day 28 parasite isolates in three (37.5%) of the eight individuals who presented with re-appearing infections. Crt-76 mutant allele was present in 38 (58.5%) isolates. The mdr1–86 mutant allele was found in 56 (86.2%) isolates. No mutation in the K-13580 was observed. Conclusions Persistence of DNA-detectable parasitaemia in more than 18% of cases after treatment and indications of genetic relatedness between pre- and post-treatment infections warrants further investigation of a larger population for signs of reduced ACT efficacy in Nigeria.

Source: UG
A bargaining model of migration: getting the permission of the farm household. In: Rob B. Dellink and A. Ruijs (eds.)

The chapter models migration decisions as joint individual and family decisions and develops a model in which family members can migrate on the condition that they remit more than they would have contributed as resident household member. The upper bound on remittances is set by their own net benefits after migration. The paper uses cross-sectional data collected in 2000 from northeast Ghana to investigate the effect of farm household population, family landholding and the perceived soil quality on migration and remittance decisions of members of the farm household in Northeast Ghana. Nested logit and Tobit models estimation techniques are employed. The empirical results confirm the negative effect that per-capita farmland size has on the probability of migration. More livestock sales coincide with fewer remittances. The core factors of the theoretical model could not be confirmed, however Land quality appears to have no effect on migration or remittances. Local employment conditions help mitigate migration, however.

Source: UG
Barriers and catalysts to effective internal audit in the ghanaian public sector

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of the internal audit function in the public sector entities in Ghana and the factors limiting the effectiveness of internal audit in the sector. Design/Methodology/Approach – The study collected the data from 120 internal auditors in 40 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) through a self-administered questionnaire. A semi-structured interview with a senior manager of the Internal Audit Agency, the oversight body was also carried out as a follow up. Findings – The scope of internal audit services in the sector is limited to regular audit activities, mainly pre-audit of payment vouchers which take estimated 74% of the average productive audit time. The effectiveness of internal audit in the Ghanaian public sector is hampered by several factors: low professional proficiency of internal auditors; lack of management ownership and support for internal audit activities, lack of budget authority of the internal audit units and weak functioning of audit committees, among others. Some remedial programmes are ongoing. Research limitations – Inherent in the study result is the limitation associated with non-probability sampling methods because of the use of purposive sampling technique to select the internal auditors and the organisations. Practical implication – The result of the study may have policy implication for government in the design of programmes for improving the effectiveness of internal audit as an element of public financial management reforms. Originality/Value – Despite several studies on internal audit effectiveness in the public sector organisations, none relates to Ghana. This study fills the gap.

Source: UG
Barriers and facilitators of weight management: Perspectives of the urban poor in Accra, Ghana

Background Obesity is rising in sub-Saharan Africa and globally, and is a highly significant public health problem that needs urgent attention. To reduce the obesity prevalence levels and associated challenges, public health interventions highlight healthy eating and increased physical activity, which are key elements for weight management. Aim This study explored perceived factors that hinder or facilitate weight management in an urban poor context in Accra, Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional qualitative data was obtained from eight focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted among community members. The FGDs were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results The findings indicate that weight management is mainly inhibited by the perception that healthy foods are expensive and not satisfying, laziness, lack of time to engage in physical activity, and social representation of being fat or slim. On the contrary, personal decision to manage weight and social support facilitated engagement in weight management. Conclusion The findings indicate that weight management is influenced by individual, community, and structural factors. These findings have programmatic implications in terms of health education strategies and messaging

Source: UG
Barriers and Facilitators to Conversation: A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences of People with Parkinson’s and Their Close Communication Partners

Conversations are an important part of our daily lives, enabling us to interact with others and participate in a range of activities. For people with Parkinson’s, conversation can be challenging when communication is impacted. This qualitative exploratory study investigated the experiences of people with Parkinson’s and their close communication partners in conversations. The study explored influences on conversational participation, considering perceived barriers and facilitators to participation in conversation for people with Parkinson’s. Interviews were conducted with eight dyads, with participants interviewed both jointly and separately (24 interviews). Five themes revealed that conversation appears to be influenced not only by the communication skills of the person with Parkinson’s, but also by factors associated with the communication partner, the complex nature of conversations, the communication environment, and the impact of experience in shaping participation in conversation. Specific barriers and facilitators to conversational participation were identified. This study offers important insight into the lived experience of people with Parkinson’s affected by communication difficulties. The findings support the notion that it is more than simply the communication skills of the person with Parkinson’s that influence conversations. It is important that other factors influencing conversational success should be included in interventions supporting communication for people with Parkinson’s.

Source: UG
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a community-based hypertension improvement project in Ghana: a qualitative study of ComHIP

Background: Globally, hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality, with the majority of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Because the burden of hypertension is increasing in low resource settings with restricted infrastructure, it is imperative that new models for hypertension care are realised. One such model is the Community-based Hypertension Improvement Project (ComHIP) which employs a community-based method of task-shifting for managing hypertension. This study is a qualitative analysis of the barriers and facilitators of the main components of ComHIP. Methods: We purposively selected 55 informants for semi-structured interviews or focus group discussions, which were carried out bythree trained local researchers in Krobo, Twi or English. Informants included patients enrolled in ComHIP, health care providers and Licensed Chemical Sellers trained by ComHIP, and Ghana Health Service employees. Data were analysed using a multi-step thematic analysis. Results: While results of the effectiveness of the intervention are pending, overall, patients and nurses reported positive experiences within ComHIP, and found that it helped enable them to manage their hypertension. Healthcare providers appreciated the additional training, but had some gaps in their knowledge. Ghana Health Service employees were cautiously optimistic about the programme, but expressed some worries about the sustainability of the programme. Many informants expressed concerns over the inability of community nurses and workers to dispense anti-hypertensives, due to legal restrictions. Conclusions: The WHO recommends task-sharing as a technique for managing chronic conditions such as hypertension in resource constrained settings. ComHIP presents an example of a task-sharing programme with a high level of acceptability to all participants. Going forward, we recommend greater levels of communication and dialogue to allow community-based health workers to be allowed to dispense anti-hypertensives.

Source: UG
Barriers on access to and use of adolescent health services in Ghana

Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore perceived barriers to accessing and using adolescent health services in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach –The study was a qualitative study adopting a case study design. In total, 24 adolescents were recruited from four adolescent health facilities in Tema, a suburb of Ghana, using convenient sampling. In-depth interviews with respondents were conducted coupled with the taking of field notes and personal observations. Data collection took place between January and May 2017. Data were transcribed, managed and coded for themes. Thematic analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke’s (2006) Framework. Findings –The findings of this study revealed that majority of the respondents were females (54 per cent) older adolescents (above 15 years (60 per cent), students (79 per cent)), had junior high school education and stayed with their biological parent(s) (70 per cent). Adolescents in this study perceived four main barriers that restrict their access to or use of adolescent health services. The barriers were found at the facility level, provider level, community level and personal level. Originality/value –The findings of this study provide evidence-based information for planning adolescent health care interventions that would improve adolescents’access to and use of health services in Ghana.

Source: UG
Barriers to chronic Hepatitis B treatment and care in Ghana: A qualitative study with people with Hepatitis B and healthcare providers

Background Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection remains an important public health concern particularly in Africa. Between 1990 and 2013, Hepatitis B mortality increased by 63%. In recent times, effective antiviral agents against HBV such as Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) are available. These drugs are capable of suppressing HBV replication, preventing progression of chronic Hepatitis B to cirrhosis, and reducing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related death. Notwithstanding, these treatments are underused despite their effectiveness in managing Hepatitis B. This study sought to explore barriers to treatment and care for people with Hepatitis B (PWHB) in Ghana, paying particular attention to beliefs about aetiology that can act as a barrier to care for PWHB. Methods We used an exploratory qualitative design with a purposive sampling technique. Face-toface interviews were conducted for 18 persons with Hepatitis B (PWHB) and 15 healthcare providers (HCP; physicians, nurses, and midwives). In addition, four focus group discussions (FGD) with a composition of eight HCPs in each group were done. Participants were recruited from one tertiary and one regional hospital in Ghana. Data were processed using QSR Nvivo version 10.0 and analysed using the procedure of inductive thematic analysis. Participants were recruited from one tertiary and one regional hospital in Ghana. Results Three main cultural beliefs regarding the aetiology of chronic Hepatitis B that act as barriers to care and treatment were identified. These were: (1) the belief that chronic Hepatitis B is a punishment from the gods to those who touch dead bodies without permission from their landlords, (2) the belief that bewitchment contributes to chronic Hepatitis B, and (3) the belief that chronic Hepatitis B is caused by spiritual poison. Furthermore, individual level barriers were identified. These were the absence of chronic Hepatitis B signs and symptoms,perceived efficacy of traditional herbal medicine, and PWHB’s perception that formal care does not meet their expectations. Health system-related barriers included high cost of hospital- based care and inadequate Hepatitis B education for patients from HCPs. Conclusion Given that high cost of hospital based care was considered an important barrier to engagement in care for PWHB, we recommend including the required Hepatitis B laboratory investigations such as viral load, and the recommended treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Also, we recommend increasing health care providers and PWHB Hepatitis B knowledge and capacity in a culturally sensitive fashion, discuss with patients (1) myths about aetiology and the lack of efficacy of traditional herbal medicines, and (2) patients’ expectations of care and the need to monitor even in the absence of symptoms.

Source: UG
Barriers to evidence-based acute stroke care in Ghana: A qualitative study on the perspectives of stroke care professionals

Objective: Despite major advances in research on acute stroke care interventions, relatively few stroke patients benefit from evidence-based care due to multiple barriers. Yet current evidence of such barriers is predominantly from high-income countries. This study seeks to understand stroke care professionals' views on the barriers which hinder the provision of optimal acute stroke care in Ghanaian hospital settings. Design: A qualitative approach using semistructured interviews. Both thematic and grounded theory approaches were used to analyse and interpret the data through a synthesis of preidentified and emergent themes. Setting: A multisite study, conducted in six major referral acute hospital settings (three teaching and three non-teaching regional hospitals) in Ghana. Participants: A total of 40 participants comprising neurologists, emergency physician specialists, non-specialist medical doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, clinical psychologists and a dietitian. Results: Four key barriers and 12 subthemes of barriers were identified. These include barriers at the patient (financial constraints, delays, sociocultural or religious practices, discharge against medical advice, denial of stroke), health system (inadequate medical facilities, lack of stroke care protocol, limited staff numbers, inadequate staff development opportunities), health professionals (poor collaboration, limited knowledge of stroke care interventions) and broader national health policy (lack of political will) levels. Perceived barriers varied across health professional disciplines and hospitals. Conclusion: Barriers from low/middle-income countries differ substantially from those in high-income countries. For evidence-based acute stroke care in low/middle-income countries such as Ghana, health policy-makers and hospital managers need to consider the contrasts and uniqueness in these barriers in designing quality improvement interventions to optimise patient outcomes.

Source: UG
Barriers to healthcare workers reporting adverse events following immunization in four regions of Ghana

Despite didactic training on adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in Ghana, the reporting ratio of AEFI was 1.56 per 100,000 surviving infants in 2015, below the minimum reporting ratio of 10. We aimed to estimate the proportion of health care workers (HCWs) reporting AEFI and to identify barriers to reporting. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of HCWs in four regions in Ghana. A simple random sample of 176 health facilities was selected and up to two HCWs were randomly selected per facility. We used the Rao-Scott Chi-squared test to compare factors associated with reporting of AEFI in the last year. We used an open-ended question to identify reasons for low reporting. One supervisor from each facility, responsible for overall reporting and management of AEFI, was also interviewed. A total of 306 HCWs from 169 facilities were interviewed. Of these, 176 (57.5%) reported they had ever encountered an AEFI. Of the 120 who had encountered an AEFI in the last year, 66 (55.0%) indicated they had reported the AEFI, and 38 (31.7%) completed a reporting form. HCWs (n = 120) reported multiple barriers to reporting of AEFI; the most common barriers were fear of personal consequences (44.1%), lack of knowledge or training (25.2%), and not believing an AEFI was serious enough to report (22.2%). Discussion of AEFI during the last supervisory visit was significantly associated with reporting in the past year (OR 7.39; p < .001). Of 172 supervisors interviewed, 65 (37.8%) mentioned their facilties had ever encountered an AEFI; over 90% of facilities had reporting forms. We identified low reporting of AEFI and multiple barriers to reporting among HCWs in the four selected regions of Ghana. Discussing AEFI during supervisory visits with HCWs might improve reporting. Additionally, strategies to address fear of personal consequences as a barrier to reporting of AEFI are needed.

Source: UG