ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of knowledge and application of safety control techniques in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

In spite of all the efforts made to enhance the occupational health and safety (OHS) of the Ghanaian construction industry, damages and cases of dust related diseases and other ill health continue to be high in the industry. As results of these and other related cases in the industry, OHS management continues to be key issue requiring innovative solutions. Much studies and legislations have been made towards improving safety and health performances in the industry with a view to achieving a better OHS management in the industry, nevertheless the problems persist. Innovatively considered and contributing to the existing body of knowledge, this study was carried out to evaluate the consciousness and utilization of safety control techniques in the Ghanaian built environment. To achieve this aim, a questionnaire survey was conducted among respondents involving health and safety officers, site supervisors, site engineers, project managers, assistant project managers and project coordinators in the GCI who were purposively sampled for the study. Respondents’ responses were subjected to detailed analysis using Relative Important Index (RII) and descriptive statistical (percentages, frequencies and bar chart) through the use of computer applications known as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The findings of the study revealed that professionals in the GCI are aware of safety control techniques and hence applies these techniques to ensure safety on construction projects. The professionals involved in the study further agrees generally that there are ten (10) common safety control techniques used in the GCI of which 8 are notable, as were confirmed by the study analysis and results. Conceivably however, the six (6) most important safety control techniques used in the GCI are in the order of ranking, Safety Records; Safety rules and regulations; Safety management; Safety policies; and Safety promotion. Reckoning its originality, this study is the only study that has focused on the application of safety control techniques in the GCI among the numerous health and safety studies conducted to date. The outcome of this research will therefore be valuable to policy makers and stakeholders in the construction industry who seeks innovative ways of improving safety in the industry.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of job satisfaction at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly

It is an undeniable fact that the performance of an organization depends upon the satisfaction level of its workforce. As a result there has been a great interest in the assessment of job satisfaction variables as it impacts on service delivery. Over the years, service delivery at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), the government establishment mandated by law to provide basic services to the metropolis, seemed to be dwindling and caused a public outcry. Job satisfaction was identified as a major cause of this problem. This study therefore sought to asses the variables of job satisfaction at the KMA and make recommendations for improvement. The target group for the study was a cross section of the KMA. A sample size of 100 out of a population of 787, selected by simple random sampling technique was used. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Structured questionnaire was used as well as interviews and descriptive statistical tools such as SPSS, ratios and percentages were used to analyze the responses. The findings of the study revealed that low salaries, the need for an appropriate management style, inadequate facilities, lack of recognition, and lack of advancement programmes and absence of reward for hard work were some of the variables of job satisfaction that affected service delivery at the KMA. The conclusions drawn from the study was that the combination of the variables of job satisfaction was vital for excellent delivery and therefore all the variables needed to be looked at for improved service delivery since not one single variable could provide job satisfaction required by employees.

Source: KNUST
An Evaluation of Loan Recovery Strategies in Rural. Banks: a Case Study of Bosomtwe Rural Bank- Kuntanase

The retarding progress of banking institutions can be attributed to their inability to put in place comprehensive credit policy and other strategies that will enable them recover the loans they grant to their clients. Loans asset constitutes a single item that attracts the bulk of bank's assets. Therefore, banking institutions give more attention to their portfolio. More so, a huge amount of resources is spent on credit administration and credit risk control than other aspect of banking business.The mismanagement of the loans portfolio of banking institutions over a period of time results in bank failure. To prevent this canker Banks have put in place Credit Management Procedures and Strategies to assist them in the management and control of credit risk. The study therefore seeks to evaluate the loan recovery strategies put in 'place by Bosomtwe Rural Bank Ltd, Kuntanase, in order to avert bank failure and rather promote and enhance progressive performance.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of land reclamation with MPTS at AngloGold Ashanti: a chronosequence approach.

Mining generally destabilizes environments and the entire ecosystem. To ensure that mining activities co-exist harmoniously with the human and physical environment, guidelines have been developed which all mining companies are obliged to comply. Reclamation is a desirable and necessary remedy to return the mined areas to an acceptable environmental condition whether for resumption of the former land use or for a new use. The research was carried out at Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Mines Ltd to evaluate land reclamation with MPTs. The study was in two parts: a sociological survey and a field evaluation. The survey was conducted in 3 communities namely: Binsere, Sansu and Kunka using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and personal observations. Eighty – one respondents were interviewed comprising of environmental experts of the mining company, the Community Relation Officer, Chiefs/Opinion leaders and selected households. The field experiment was carried out on four reclaimed sites of the ages of 3, 6, 9 and 12 years and a cocoa farm which has never been mined as the control. Soil samples were taken at three depths of 0 – 20, 20 - 40 and 40 – 60 cm from the four reclaimed sites and the control with a hand held auger and analysed for soil fertility parameters and selected heavy metal contaminants. The study revealed high community participation in the land reclamation exercise ranging from weed and fire control, supply of local seeds, seedling establishment and maintenance of reclaimed sites. Multipurpose trees: Gmelina spp, Cedrella odorata, Cassia siamea, Cassia mangium, Anegreila robusta, Daniella ogea, Mansonia and Terminalia superba, Terminalia ivorensis, Khaya ivorensis, Triplochitin scleroxylon and Entandrophragma utile were used in reclaiming mined out sites. The company uses the following reclamation processes and procedures to rehabilitate the disturbed sites: earthworks/slope battering, spreading of oxide material, spreading of top soil, construction of crest drains and broadcasting of cover crops to control run-off and erosion, tree planting and II field maintenance. It was observed that land reclamation had significant effect on the pH of the soil. The 12 year old reclaimed site recorded the highest percentage base saturation of 87.9% with the lowest of 61.8% recorded on the 9 year reclaimed site. Soil total nitrogen and SOC content were higher in the top 0 – 20 cm depth than the 20 – 40 and 40 – 60 cm depth. Exchangeable acidity ranged from 0.71 to 1.08. Soil Arsenic content was highest in the 3 year old site (9.44 mgkg -1 ) and least in the control site (0.48 mgkg -1 ). Highest lead concentration of 1.45 mgkg -1 was recorded on the 3 year old site and the lowest of 0.67 mgkg -1 on the control site. Copper was highest in the 3 year reclaimed site and the depth of 0 – 20 cm also recorded the highest value. The highest micronutrients were recorded on the 3 year old reclaimed site thus there was drop in the soil micronutrients with increase in years of reclamation.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of maize top cross hybrids for grain yield and associated traits in three agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important food crop in Ghana, but its productivity in farmers‟ fields throughout the country is generally low. The low grain yields can be attributed partly to the use of traditional low-yielding open-pollinated varieties. In an attempt to increase maize productivity, 39 top cross hybrids were developed using 21 inbred lines and 3 open-pollinated varieties. The development of top cross hybrids which are more productive than open-pollinated varieties is considered as the most viable solution. The trial was set up in a randomized complete block design with two replications in three locations in southern Ghana. The overall objective of the study was to investigate traits which influence yields in top cross hybrids and to ascertain the yield potential of the hybrids in three agro-ecological zones of Ghana. The Genotypes were evaluated to determine agronomic performances and correlations between yield and yield component traits were calculated to assess the degrees of associations. Twenty-four of the 42 genotypes produced above-average yields across locations with Fu 2090 DWDP x TZEI-46, identified as the most stable hybrid because it was the closest to the ideal genotype and combined high mean performance with high yield stability. Highly significant variations (p<0.01) were observed among the maize genotypes for grain yield, cob length, cob diameter and kernel row cob-1 and significant variations (P<0.05) for days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking and kernel row-1. On the contrary, there were no significant differences among the genotypes for plant height and ear height. The significant (P<0.01) results for grain yield indicated the variable nature of the locations and differences in the performances of the genotypes evaluated. The mean grain yield was significantly (p<0.01) higher for the top cross hybrids than for the local checks.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of marketing strategy and service quality and its impact on sales performance of medical device suppliers; the ghana market perspective.

The aim of the study is to evaluate marketing strategy and service quality and its impact on sales performance of medical device suppliers; the Ghana market perspective. The specific objectives of the study were to find out the effect of marketing strategy and service quality of medical device suppliers in Ghana, to determine the effect of marketing strategy on sales performance of medical device suppliers in Ghana and to identify the effect of service quality on sales performance of medical device distributors in Ghana. The study uses a sample of 146 medical device suppliers selected using the convenience sampling technique. The analysis was done using the multiple ols regression technique. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the marketing strategy used by medical device suppliers in Ghana goes a long way to improve their quality of service and also improves their sales. Furthermore, the service quality of these firms can also be used as a source of competitive advantage to improve their sales performance in the industry. Additionally, based on the study's findings, it was recommended that medical device providers in the nation aim to implement measures that would help them improve the level of customer service they provide, such as crm tools that can be used to understand consumer needs. The study concludes by advising medical device providers to choose more assertive and narrowly focused methods that can be utilized to successfully respond to market changes since these strategies can assist them to readily respond to market demands and, as a result, improve their performance

Source: KNUST
An Evaluation of National Competitive Tendering in Local Government Administration in Ghana: the Case of Techiman Municipal Assembly

Ghana has since independence been searching for an efficient and effective financial management system that avoids or at least minimises fraud, corruption and other forms of irregularities in the public sector. Both civilian and military governments have made many attempts to instill transparency, accountability and responsibility in public spending. Indeed when fraud, corruption and other forms of irregularities committed by public officers and their collaborators go up, public spending also goes up. Relevant laws to prevent fraud, corruption and other irregularities have been passed by various governments. The laws include the following: i. The Supreme Military Council Decree, (SMCD) 221 (1979) ii. Financial Administration Regulation (FAR) (LI. 1234) (1979) iii. Financial Administration Regulation Decree (FARD) (1979) iv. Legislative Instalment (L.I 1804) (2003) v. Financial Administration Act, (Act 654) (2003) As if these laws were not enough, the 1992 constitution of Republic of Ghana devoted a whole chapter (Chapter!3) for finance, as a foundation to ensure proper financial management in the country. Having come to the realisation that much of public funds are lost through fraudulent public procurements, the public procurement Act, Act 663 (2003) was passed together with Internal audit Agency Act, Act 658 (2003) to improve public financial management system, prevent and punish offences related to fraudulent public procurements. The Public Procurement Act. Act 663 (2003) has identified procurement methods to be followed by Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The methods include the National Competitive Tendering which among other methods should he adopted in procurements based on specific thresholds. The Techiman Municipal Assembly mainly adopts the National Competitive Tendering method in procurements. This study has attempted to test and determine whether or not the method actually avoids or prevents or minimises fraud, corruption and other irregularities in procurements. In particular the study has sought to determine if efficiency, effectiveness and transparency exist in public procurements at the Assembly and if to some extent the method is being used as an effective instrument for financial management.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of needs assessment of flood victims by relief Organisations: the case of NADMO

Global climatic and environmental changes are resulting in disasters of all kinds in recent years. As these disasters are increasing so are the resources channelled into managing them. There is therefore the need to ensure that the limited resources that go into humanitarian relief really go to meet the real needs of the victims. Doing this involves getting credible information on what is needed by disaster victims and acting accordingly. This is what needs assessment is all about. The research set out to study the September 2007 flood disaster that occurred in. Ghana with emphasis on the Northern Region. The work of the country’s National Disaster Management Organisation (Nadmo) was examined to see whether they carried out needs assessment and how they went about it. Data was collected from residents in some communities of Tamale through questionnaires while the Deputy Regional Coordinator in charge of operations was interviewed. The information gathered with the questionnaires was analysed using the Software Package for Social Science (SPSS) while data from the interview was analysed qualitatively. Damages and losses of victims was compared to relieves they got. Questions on needs assessment were screened to come out with findings and conclusions. The study revealed that though relief was given out, needs assessment was not carried out due to the absence of a national disaster management plan which would have included a needs assessment plan. This means that there is no needs assessment procedure in place and therefore relief is given out based on what they know as the needs of the people. Recommendations were made including that of the central government paying more attention to disaster management in the country.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of nitrogen fixation potential of cowpea varieties and effect of residue nitrogen for maize production

Field experiments were conducted in the major and minor seasons in 2014 to study the nitrogen fixing potentials of ten cowpea varieties and to determine the effect of residual fertility on maize growth and yield. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block with four replications. Each replication had 10 cowpea plots and a reference plot of maize. Data collected were plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem girth, emergence, plant stand, days to 50% flowering, plants harvested, shoot dry weight, nodule number, nodule dry weight, percentage nodule effectiveness, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, harvest index and grain yield per hectare. After the cowpea was harvested, the residues were incorporated back in to the soil and maize was sown on all plots. A control plot received the normal fertilizer recommended rates. Data collected on maize were plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, shoot dry weight, number of cob per plant, number of seeds per cob, 100 seed weight, harvest index and grain yield per hectare. The results showed that all the varieties nodulated freely with the native rhizobia in the soil. „Asetenapa‟ variety fixed the greatest amount of nitrogen and the maize grain yield was greater in the „Asetenapa‟ residue incorporated plots. The grain yield from the fertilizer applied treatments was not significantly higher than any of the residue incorporated treatments. The results indicated that if cowpeas are cultivated on plots and their residues are effectively recycled, the field would be fertile enough to support maize yields similar to the application of recommended

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of newly released maize varieties in Ghana for yield and stability under three nitrogen application rates in two agro-ecological zones

Farmers’ adoption of hybrid varieties would reduce the large discrepancy between current low yields and achievable yields reported by maize researchers in yield evaluation trials as hybrids wield superior genetic potential over improved open pollinated varieties (OPVs) and local varieties due their heterozygosity resulting in their exhibition of high heterosis in yield and general performance. The current low yield necessitated the need to undertake this study to assess the relative yielding abilities and stability of 3 hybrid varieties, 5 OPVs, 1 local variety and 4 inbred lines under three levels of nitrogen fertilization at Kwadaso, a forest ecology, and Ejura, a transitional ecology, both in the Ashanti region of Ghana, in the major and minor seasons of 2011, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant interactions for genotype by location (G x L), genotype by nitrogen (G x N) and genotype by nitrogen by location (G x N x L) for grain yield. GGE biplot analysis for mean yield and stability also showed that hybrids had better yielding abilities than OPVs under both low and high nitrogen fertilization and at different environment. Economic benefit analysis also revealed that best option for highest net benefit is the cultivation of hybrid varieties under 90 kg N ha-1. In order to bridge the gap between the current low yields and achievable yields in Ghana, farmers need hybrid seeds together with adequate levels of fertilizers.

Source: KNUST
An Evaluation of NGO-Led Development Interventions and their Sustainable Management in the Savelugu-Nantong District

Within the arena of development, sustainability is increasingly becoming a central issue. A developing intervention is considered sustainable when the beneficial impacts of an intervention endures beyond the original time frame of the project, and that may be diffused beyond the original spatial limits of the project as interventions will independently be adopted or adapted by local people. The sustainability of NGO led interventions has been challenged. Their activities within the study area have been noted for not living up to expectation. The prevailing circumstances in the study area reveals that these organizations, like the governments institutions they come to collaborate with, have had no significant impact on sustainability. It is this growing trend that takes center stage in this study. The study was qualitative in nature. Questionnaires were administered, focus group discussions were held. Along with these, respondents were observed and engaged in open discussions for further insights for inferences to be made from their statements and conclusions drawn. The study revealed how the work environment of NGOs impact on the delivery of interventions. The attitude of political regimes and socio-cultural values were not hostile to NGO led interventions. Rather prevailing economic conditions, donor commitment and the manner in which NGOs form groups were not seen as supportive to ensure sustainable interventions. Key findings have been presented and analyzed from a qualitative view point. Analyses have been made of intervention areas of NGOs, factors affecting sustainability, management approaches of interventions and areas of intervention that need emphasis.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of nitrogen fixation potentials of some soybean genotypes and their residue nitrogen effects on succeeding maize crop

An experiment was conducted at CSIR- Crops Research Institute of Ghana to determine the nitrogen fixation potentials of some soybean lines and varieties and subsequently, their residue nitrogen effects on a succeeding maize crop. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with four replications. The varieties were ‘Anidaso’, ‘Nangbaar’, ‘Salentuya 1’, ‘Jengumah’ and ‘Quashie’. Soybean lines used were TGX 1990-5F, TGX 1987-62F, TGX 1989-20F, TGX 1904-2F and TGX 1990-8F. ‘Obaatampa’ maize variety was used as the reference crop. Data collected were plant height, number of primary branches, number of leaves, nodule count, nodule dry weight and effectiveness, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and grain yield per hectare for soybean. Data collected on maize were plant height, stem girth, shoot dry weight, number of leaves, number of cobs per plant, number of seeds per cob, hundred seed weight and grain yield per hectare. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and means separated by LSD (P< 0.05) using GENSTAT. The results showed that all the soybean varieties and lines nodulated freely with the naturalized cowpea rhizobia. N fixation differed significantly (p<0.05) among the varieties and the Anidaso variety fixed the greatest amount of 59.1 kg N/ha. However, soybean grain yield was not the greatest in this variety. Again, the Anidaso variety left the largest amount of 14.3 kg/ha of N in its residue for succeeding crop. Maize grain yield results showed that applying the traditional fertilizer recommendation (100 kg N/ha of NPK and top dressing with ammonia fertilizer) was not significantly different from incorporating the soybean residue without any fertilizer application. The results indicate that farmers can reduce their cost of producing maize by incorporating soybean residue instead of fertilizer application.

Source: KNUST