ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Financial Management Practices of Runel Oil Limited, a Tema Based Domestic Oil Company in Ghana

Financial management practices are vital for every organization that wishes to survive for a foreseeable future. This study assess the financial management practices of Runel Oil Ltd, a Tema based domestic oil company, that has about 10 branches across Ghana. This study examined the financing decisions, the investment decisions and the dividend policy of the company by conducting interviews and analyzing these practices with fundamental theories in finance. The study also assessed the effect of these individual decisions on the performance of the firm. This was done by analyzing the financial statements of the company, using financial ratios which include the profitability ratios, the liquidity ratios and finally the efficiency ratios. In addition, the researcher used regression analysis in analyzing the profitability of the company, and the contributing variables to the company profits. Finally the researcher forecasted profit for the next 6 years using the regression model and the beta coefficient designed. The overall impression from this study shows that this company understands and practices good financial management. The financial management practices and decisions taken have proved to suit the vision, profitability and size thresholds that shareholders have agreed upon. The close fit among these should indicate a level of financial management that should be encouraged by the small and medium indigenous Ghanaian companies.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the financial performance of Nwabiagya Rural Bank Limited from 2003 — 2007

The presentation of audited financial statements by rural banks to shareholders and other stake holders serve as the basis for analyzing the bank’s performance. However such analysis are mostly not extensive and this makes it difficult to have an in depth knowledge of financial strengths and weaknesses of the banks. The study sought to access financial performance of Nwabiagya Rural Bank Limited (NRBL) from 2003 to 2007.The results indicate that the performance of the Bank was satisfactory in the areas of solvency; financial and operational sustainability; growth in operations, profitability and return on equity (ROE). However, there are some weaknesses in its financial performance which cannot be ignored. These include declining trends in operational liquidity, profitability and ROE; high cost of operations; and instances of low recovery of loans; and low asset utilization. To stimulate financial growth, the bank should intensify savings mobilization; reverse the declining trend of ROE by improving upon net profit margin, assets turnover and financial leverage; enhance efficiency in cost management; strengthen credit management and internal control; and take steps to mobilize shares and increase equity capital and fast track management decision to replace existing SCS banking system with eMerge system.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the financial management practices of some selected SMES in Kumasi metropolis.

Small and Medium-sized Entities (SMEs) are very important to the economic growth and development of a nation. Unfortunately, a large number of SMEs in Ghana do not survive for a long period. This study believes that prudent financial management practices can help SMEs become profitable and for that matter stay in business for a long period of time. The main objective of the study is to assess the financial management practices of some selected SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study used a sample of sixty (60) SMEs operating in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study was a cross sectional survey which used primary data predominantly. The study employs a purposive random sampling technique in selecting the sample size. The findings indicate that financial management practices such as working capital management, financing, investing, financial reporting and Accounting Information Systems (AIS) are strictly adhered to the sixty SMES selected. The results further indicate that one major challenge militating against the financial management of these selected SMEs in the metropolis is the lack of entrepreneurial and managerial skills representing a higher score of (91.67%) were agreed by the respondents. Increasing financial responsibility is placed on these SMES who have little or no skills in financial management. Lack of credit facilities and long term loans representing (65.00%) was the second challenge the majority of the respondents cited as a major challenge affecting the financial management of their businesses. The study strongly recommends higher adherence to financial management practices. Policy makers, developments partners, owners, and managers of SMEs may use these findings to appreciate the importance of financial management practices to the sustainability of SMEs in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the financial performance of Anglogold Ashanti (2001-2006)

AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) is engaged in the mining and processing of gold ores and the exploration and development of gold properties in several countries across the globe, and in hedging activities in connection with its gold production. The study revealed a significant increase in current assets, especially inventories and debt due within 1 year. Generally, ROAs were low, indicating that the company has over-invested in assets. ^ The return on equity (ROE) for the company from 2001 to 2006 followed the same downward trend as the return on assets (ROA). Using the ALTMAN's Z-score model, values ranging between 22.5 and 91.04 and averaging 54.26 were obtained, indicating that the financial strength of the company is * very encouraging. Owing to the several risks faced by mining companies which take a heavy toll on their profitability, the study has recommended AGA to take pragmatic measures to counteract these risks, where possible. AGA should accelerate its exploration programmes, particularly at Obuasi and Siguiri, Guinea, and must have land positions in some of the most prospective regions in the world. Artisanal mining (popularly referred to as "galamsey") is one of the negative practices that have bedevilled the operation of AGA for a long time. The spate of artisanal mining activities in recent times has escalated to the point where pragmatic steps must be taken to prevent such activities from bring the company down on its knees.

Source: KNUST
“Assessing the financial viability of the cocoa “Hi-Tech” and the “Codapec” Programmes in Ghana”

Cocoa production in Ghana has been declining over the years due to declining soil fertility and incidence of diseases and pests, among other factors. To address these challenges the Government of Ghana in collaboration with Cocoa Research institute of Ghana (CRIG) implemented the “CODAPEC” and “HI-TECH” programmes in 2001. The overall objective of the study was to assess the financial viability of these programmes. Primary data was collected from a simple random sample of 259 cocoa farmers in three cocoa districts in Ghana through personal interviews with the use of semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the farmers and the parameters of interest in the study. For the inferential analysis; partial budget and financial viability tests including profitability index, investment appraisal techniques and sensitivity analysis were conducted. The study showed that the introduction of “CODAPEC” and “HI-TECH” programme in the Cocoa industry have increased output to levels above the national average of 0.35mt/ha to 0.68mt/ha and 1.68mt/ha respectively. The study also estimated returns on investment ratio of 1.29 and 2.05 for “CODAPEC” and “HI-TECH” farmers respectively. The estimated Tisdell’s Total Factor Productivity indices over the years showed that the “HI-TECH” programme exhibited high level of profitability than the “CODAPEC” which only sees to the control of diseases and pests. Results from the investment appraisal technique and sensitivity analysis showed that the two projects were both viable and profitable. However, the “HI-TECH” programme which combines fertilizer application to diseases and pests control in addition to the adoption of good agricultural practices was more viable and profitable than the “CODAPEC” programme which only tackles diseases and pests problems in coca production. The study therefore recommended that stakeholders and policy makers should continue to invest in both “HI-TECH” and “CODAPEC” programmes since they complement each other to boost cocoa production.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the financial stability and profitability of listed manufacturing and exploratory companies in Ghana

The stability of firms is of great importance to all stakeholders. Management most importantly must be concerned about a steady profitability of the business so as to ensure its stability. After the cleanup in the banking sector of Ghana, attention has been drawn to the fact that the ability of the business to continue to operate profitably into the foreseeable future is of major importance and this calls for crucial action of management. The study was undertaken with the main objective of assessing the stability and profitability of listed manufacturing and exploratory companies in Ghana. To achieve the objective, the Altman Z-score model was used in assessing the stability of the companies whiles the Profitability ratios were used in assessing the profitability. The data was drawn from the websites of the Ghana stock exchange, the companies and other reliable sources. Data from 2014 to 2019 were used and eight companies constituted the sample size. The data were analyzed with the use of Microsoft excel, the formula for the Altman Z-score model and profitability ratios were modelled into the Excel for the Z-scores. The multivariate Discriminant model was used to group the companies into; safe, grey and distress zones and the univariate model was used for the profitability. It was found that, none of the firms was found in the safe or grey zones for the years under study, except for UNIL and PZC that were found in the grey areas in 2015 to 2018 and 2015 and 2019 respectively. The Z-scores and profitability ratios showed a mixed performance per year for the companies analyzed. The study concludes that the companies under study are not in a stable position and have low profitability. The study recommends for management to work hard to improve the profitability of the companies in the industry and also regularly use the model in addition to other factors to assess the future of their business. Investors are expected to act with caution in their quest to invest in this industry.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Food Safety Knowledge of Food Handlers of the Ghana School Feeding Programme in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

The Ghana School Feeding Program provides children in deprived kindergarten and primary schools in the country with a hot and nutritious meal at school. Despite the numerous advantages the programme has achieved, there are wide spread media reports suggesting quality and safety challenges. Adequate food safety knowledge of food handlers of the feeding programme is vital for positive food safety attitude as well as good food safety practices. The overall objective of the study was to assess food safety knowledge, attitude and practices of the food handlers. Respondents answered questions critical to food safety involving food contamination, food preparation, personal hygiene, food hygiene and food storage (cold chain management). ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, ‘True’ or ‘False’ and in some cases a 3-point Likert scale of ‘Agree’, ‘Disagree’ or ‘Not Sure’ were used. Descriptive study utilizing frequencies, percentages and chi-square analysis were run using SPSS. Thirty (30) knowledge, fifteen (15) attitude and fourteen (14) practice questions/statements on food safety for forty (40) food handlers were assessed from ten (10) participating schools. Of the respondents, 70% (22) have no food safety training background while 30% (18) have had some food safety education. At least 20 of the food handlers provided overall scores of 67.4% correct responses for the knowledge statements indicating sufficient food safety knowledge while at least 35 showed positive attitude with 86.7% of the attitude statements and 74.1% for food safety practice. Despite these high scores, their knowledge, attitude and practices were poor with respect to some critical aspects of food safety, including food storage, food contamination, personal and food hygiene as well as food preparation with scores of 33.2%, 26.3% and 23.3% respectively which are below the cut off points of at least 66.7%,85.7% and 70.5% respectively. Education, training and work experience had significant effect (p < 0.05) on knowledge, attitude and practice. Trained food handlers had higher levels of sufficient food safety knowledge (86.7%), positive attitude (100%) and good practices (78.6%) compared to untrained food handlers who scored 50%, 93.4% and 64.3% for food safety knowledge, attitude and practices respectively. The levels of food safety knowledge, attitude and practices are therefore high among trained food handlers than those who are untrained. Those with at least 5years of work in the food industry also showed higher food safety knowledge (63.4%) than those with at most 4 years’ work experience (53.3%). Therefore training and work experience impact positively on the food safety knowledge of food handlers.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the financing of Berekum municipal assembly

The study is on the topic assessing the financing of Berekum Municipal Assembly. The study set out to identify the major sources of revenue of Berekum Municipal Assembly; assess the procedures involved in accounting for revenues collected; assess the revenue mobilization strategies adopted by BMA and to assess challenges facing revenue mobilization in BMA. The sample was made up of the management of the assembly, revenue collectors, assembly members and other staff of the assembly. Stratified sampling technique was used to group respondents into three main strata. In all, 50 questionnaires were administered to the carefully selected sample size through the use of purposive sampling techniques for management and simple random sampling for each category of strata. A one-on-one interview was also conducted with the Municipal Finance Officer to solicit his views and gather some facts on the topic. The study revealed that BMA has other sources of revenue activities aside the traditional sources that can contribute immensely towards IGF of the assembly when given the necessary attention. It was also clear that gender and educational background of revenue collectors had great implications on revenue targets as well as educated female revenue collectors have the tendency of meeting revenue targets. The study identified challenges such as lack of logistics, lack of motivation and lack of training for revenue staff to be affecting revenue generation at the municipality. The study revealed that respondents were very much conversant with the accounting procedures of the assembly as stipulated in the accounting manual 2010 of MMDAs. However, it usually takes revenue collectors up to 3 years to be conversant with these procedures. The study therefore recommends that the assembly should recruit more female revenue collectors with higher educational background, preferably tertiary level of education. Orientations should also be organized for new revenue staffs to get v them acquainted with accounting reporting procedures even before they commence their duties. Finally, the assembly should organize regular training programs to revenue staff and other stakeholders to enable them communicate effectively with the general public on revenue issues.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of airport operations on some aspects of the environment of the Kotoka International Airport, Ghana

Globally, airports implement environmental management policy programmes to satisfy regulatory requirements in line with international standards and recommended practices. This study assessed the impact of aircraft operations on the immediate/ surrounding environment of theKotoka International Airport (KIA), Accra, Ghana, with regards to particulate matter (PM10) concentration, noise levels and surface water contamination at three sampling sites (New Fire Station, Spintex Road and Runway 21 Take-off) using a mini vol potable air sampler, castle sonus (GA116) range of pocket sound level meter, H1 991300 water proof of pH/EC/TDS/Temperature meter and H1-83200-02 multi parameter photometer.All the sampled sites recorded high PM10 values, recording dust values above the World Health Organisation(WHO) and the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA)air quality threshold limits of 50 μg/m³ and 70 μg/m³ respectively, with mean values ranging from 89.9 μg/m³ to91.1 μg/m3 respectively. TheGhana EPA permissible limits of 70 dB were not exceeded in any of the monitored sites. The highest noise level of 62.7dB was recorded at the New Fire Station site. pH, conductivity and hydrocarbons recorded at the study sites were generally within the Ghana EPA permissible levels. It is recommended that the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as the regulator,should be empowered by legislation to ensure protection of the environment in relation to the aviation industry.The EPA should continue to act as the enforcement body in the case of environmental impact assessment of airport constructions and expansions. This will enable the two bodies limit possible future increases in emissions at our airports.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of business development service providers on the performance of micro and small enterprises in Mampong municipality

The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of the activities of Business Development Service (BDS) Providers on the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) operating within Mampong Municipality. Data for the study were basically obtained from four categories namely, Private Financial Institutions, Non Governmental Support Organizations, Governmental Support Organizations and Micro and Small Enterprises. They were selected from four communities namely, Mampong Ashanti, Kofiase, Nsuta and Kwamang, comprising of 3 Private Financial Institution, 4 Governmental Support Organization, 5 Non Governmental Support Organization and 138 Micro and Small Enterprises. The data were obtained using questionnaire and interviews. The findings of the research were that, most of the micro and small enterprises has tremendously improved on their Managerial practices ranging from Basic Record Keeping, Credit Management, and Customer Relation among other Managerial practices. Technical support in the form of transferring production techniques, machinery operation, and product quality development has been some of the technical skills training extended to these entrepreneurs. In the light of these findings, it has been recommended that, needs assessment should persistently be conducted to ascertain the challenges confronting Micro and Small Enterprises, Monitoring and Evaluation of activities of Business Development Service Providers should be intensified and Financial Support granted to Entrepreneurs should be increased to meet their current needs.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Ibadhiyyah Muslims approach to Da’wah in Ghana: A case study in Wenchi and Techiman.

The Ibadhiyyah doctrine was officially introduced in Ghana by Shaikh Alhaji Umar Adam Suleman in 2000, after the Sunni-Tijaniyyah conflict that led to loss of lives and property in Wenchi. The founder initially identified himself with the Ahlu-Sunnah group after having received the Ibadhiyyah orientation from the sultanate of Oman. The main aim of this work is to examine the Da’wah (propagation) approach of the group and how that has contributed to the development of Muslims in Wenchi and Techiman. Having emerged in Ghana for over a decade and half, the Da’wah activities and contributions of Ibadhiyyah (Istiqaamah) seemed to have escaped scholarly attention for academic pursuit. The work therefore gears towards documenting the activities of the group. The researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative techniques in collecting and analyzing the data. In addition, interviews and questionnaires were administered as instruments for data collection.The active participant observation technique was also used by the researcher to attend Ibadhiyyah programmes such as preaching, seminars, workshops, commissioning of mosques and schools to observe their activities in order to help draw some conclusions.The study revealed that theologically, the Ibadhiyyah doctrine in Ghana initially drew members from the Sunni-group since the leadership the two were together before the split in Wenchi. Later the relationship between the Ahlu-Sunnah and Ibadhiya was characterized by polemics in preaching from both sides especially on radio and mosque discussions. However, the relationship between the group and the other Islamic groups in the two towns remained very cordial.Muslim Da’wah should therefore be void of polemical language or comments that have the tendency to create unnecessary tension and fear in society. The research is relevant because it has documented the history and activities of the group and also served as a pioneering study on Ibadhiyyah in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of anthropogenic activities and climate change on hydrology in Pra River Basin, Ghana

This research investigated the climatic and land use and land cover changes on hydrology in the Pra River Basin, Ghana. Soil and water analysis tool model was adapted for the hydrological assessment. Double cumulative curve and visual image interpretation were used to select the satellite images for image classification. Markov- cellular automation model was used to predict future land use and land cover. Regional climate models data under representative concentration pathways 4.5 and 8.5 for the period 2022–2047, 2048-2073 and 2074-2099 were used for future climate change assessment. Weighting, scaling and ranking techniques were used to select models that best reproduce the observed data. Trend analysis of monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall showed significant reduction in the months of February and March at a rate of 73 mmyr−1 and 1.08 mmyr−1 respectively. Runoff analysis showed no significant change in the upstream part of Pra River Basin compared to the downstream showing significant upward trend with average rate of 465 m3 s−1 and 32.5 m3s−1 for the annual and dry season respectively. Anthropogenic activities and climate variability contributed 83 % and 17 % respectively to the changes in runoff between 1987 and 2010. Land use and land cover change analysis showed that cropland, settlement and mining areas increased respectively by 130.55 %, 198.45 % and 304.27 % between 1986 and 2016. Also, open forest, closed forest and water body declined respectively by 22.68 %, 41.50 % and 30.11 %. Changes in land use and land cover contributed to increase in surface runoff and water yield by 124.51 % and 40.13 % respectively. Baseflow and evapotranspiration reduced respectively by 30.08 % and 13.248 %. Impact of post- reclamation on hydrology showed that galamsey and small-scale backfilling contributed significantly to the increased annual surface runoffs and water yield, however, baseflow and percolation depicted significant reduction. The largescale mining showed no significant change in the hydrological components on reclaimed and natural background (unmined areas). Sediment yield from galamsey, small-scale and large-scale mining showed significant increase with reference to natural background. The representative concentration pathways 4.5 and 8.5 showed fluctuations in monthly and annual rainfall ranging between -14 % and 20 %. Climate change impact showed increase in streamflow throughout the study period. The study demonstrates the need to formulate sustainable strategies that will ensure conservation of the ecosystem.

Source: KNUST