ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of language maintenance in Ewe-English Codeswitching

In Ghana, the pervasive use of codeswitching (CS) involving each indigenous language and English, the official language and sole medium of instruction in school from primary four, has brought about intensive contact between English and each of these languages. The paper focuses on Ewe-English CS (and occasionally Akan-English CS) and demonstrates that the code-switchers are using certain mother tongue (MT) maintenance mechanisms to preserve not only the grammar but also parts of the lexicon of their MT from interference from English. It is suggested that Ewe-English CS illustrates the kind of CS produced by bilinguals who live in speech communities alongside monolingual MT speakers (as is the case in most post-colonial settings). It is also suggested that this CS contrasts with that which is produced by second or later generation immigrants (e.g. immigrants in Europe and North America) whose MTs are becoming weaker because of their exposure to dominant host languages. The analyses provide some insights about the bilingual language competence of codeswitchers.

Source: UG
Mechano synthesis of co-crystals of Sulfamethoxazole and 8-Hydroxy-7-Iodoquinoline-5-Sulfonic acid based on Green Chemistry principles

Co-crystals have been used to produce new drugs and to improve the physical properties of drugs. Some disease causing germs have developed resistance to newer drugs, hence there is a general trend to take ‘old’ but efficacious drugs, improve their properties and use them to treat the conditions. This study used mechano-synthesis to produce a co-crystal of two active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), Sulfamethoxazole and 8-hdroxy-7-iodoquinoline-5-sulfonic acid (Ferron), based on Green Chemistry principles. The two APIs were combined by mixing, grinding and kneading. The resulting co-crystals were characterized using analytical methods such as spectroscopy, thermal analysis and diffractometry. In-Silico techniques based on computer modelling using Gaussian 09 and VEDA 4 software were used to interpret the vibrational spectrum of the co-crystals. The study found that kneading gave the highest yield compared to mixing and grinding. The study also confirmed that a combination of the analytical methods was necessary to characterize a co-crystal. Co-crystals of Sulfamethoxazole and 8-Hydroxy-7-Iodoquinoline- 5-Sulfonic acid can therefore be formed by kneading, implying that the production of the co-crystals can be done using a process that reduces pollution by the minimal use of solvents. Another implication is that Sulfamethoxazole, whose use has been minimised because of problems such as allergic reactions from patients, can be looked at again and used to produce ‘polydrugs’ which can be used to manage conditions at relatively cheaper costs.

Source: UG
Media and climate change in Ghana: A survey of media practitioners knowledge and attitudes to climate change coverage

Climate change has been identified as a global concern and a threat to developing countries such as Ghana. Even though several steps have been taken internationally, nationally and locally to improve public awareness, understanding on and response to climate change, there is stilI insufficient public knowledge on climate change and a lack of urgency in responding to what has been described as the biggest challenge facing humanity. Among the key interlocutors expected to help communicate on climate and influence public perceptions is the media. The media are not only influential in the (re)construction and promotion of climate change discussions they are critical influencers of policy and interventions that seek to motivate behavioural change. Studies on how media cover climate change have however mostly concentrated on Western societies. This paper goes beyond this narrow geographical focus by surveying the attitudes, knowledge and coverage of 160 media practitioner sampled from four different ecological zones- Tamale (savannah), Accra (urban), Sunyani (forest) and Keta (coastal). Findings from the research reveal that although there is near consensus among media practitioners in Ghana that climate change is a major problem deserving of urgent attention, their knowledge and understanding on the science of climate change as well as commitment to coverage is still weak

Source: UG
The Media and the Offence of Criminal Libel in Ghana: Sankofa

This article critically examines the repealed criminal libel law in the light of the 1992 Constitutional provisions of Ghana as well as judicial precedents. It seeks to evaluate the constitutionality of criminal libel laws and their implications for freedom of the media. This article brings to fore the implications of re-introducing such laws into the Ghanaian legal system. It argues that the re-introduction of criminal libel laws would contravene the letter and spirit of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, thus unconstitutional. It contends that the nature of criminal libel laws is such that it impedes the development of media freedom and practice. Finally, it suggests that both the media and individuals should be empowered to express their opinions within a free and fair political and economic environment.

Source: UG
Media coverage of COVID-19 vaccines: sources of information, and verification practices of journalists in Ghana

Background: Research on vaccines confirms the crucial role media play in framing discourses and mobilizing public support for successful immunization campaigns. What journalists cover on vaccination issues and their diligence in producing stories can influence attitudes to and uptake of vaccines. This paper contributes to emerging discussions on the role of the media in pandemics and in vaccination programs by interrogating the information seeking and verification practices of journalists reporting on COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among journalists from June to July 2021 through self-administered questionnaires by means of Google forms. The opinions of 300 respondents, randomly drawn from members of the Ghana Journalists’ Association, were solicited and a response rate of 73% obtained. Results: Majority of journalists surveyed relied on official health sources for their information on COVID-19 vaccines (61.5%) and were confident the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks (70%). While journalists relied on a variety of expert sources, social media platforms served as important sources of information also, with respondents stating a preference for Facebook (48.3%), and WhatsApp (44%). Journalists stated they were guided by sound practices such as source credibility and relevance, but betrayed weaknesses in their verification practices with a third of them admitting to sharing unsolicited information from social media. Conclusions: Journalists in Ghana generally display a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines and regularly search for information from official sources to inform their work, thus making them vital allies in overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Laxity in verification practices, however, makes them inadvertent agents of misinformation.

Source: UG
Media Discourse of President Barack Obama in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study examined how African (The Daily Graphic, The Daily Nation, AllAfrica.com) and non-African news media (The Times, The New York Times, Associated Press) covered Barack Obama’s first visit to sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana). A content analysis of 163 stories found five major themes embedded in media reportage of America’s first black president’s visit to the continent of his father. This includes: globalization, democracy, responsibility, historical and soft news narratives. Even though coverage was neutral across board, the African newspapers concentrated more on the historical and soft news frames while non-African newspapers reported heavily on the democracy and responsibility frame.

Source: UG
Media exposure and reproductive health behaviour among young females in Ghana

The study is premised on the hypothesis that a young woman's exposure to the media increases her knowledge about sexual and reproductive health risks, which in turn, influences her to adopt positive sexual and reproductive behaviour. Using the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey dataset on women 15-24 years, the study finds that although a young woman's exposure to the newspapers positively affects her sexual and reproductive behaviour, overall no consistent and statistically significant results were produced particularly with reference to the electronic media (radio and television). The conclusion is that mere exposure to the media may not be enough to change one's sexual and reproductive behaviour if the contents of the particular media source do not positively address sexual and reproductive health issues, a subject which the study calls for further research.

Source: UG
Media exposure to family planning contents and adult support for teaching children about condom use to prevent HIV/AIDS: Findings from 2003 to 2014 Ghana Demographic Health Surveys

Exposure to public health contents in the media has a positive influence on people’s attitudes towards the adoption of certain health behaviours and acceptance of health policies. However, the effect of adult’s exposure to family planning contents in the media on their support for teaching children about condoms in Ghana is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between adults’ exposure to family planning contents in the media and their support for teaching 12–16 years old children about condoms to prevent HIV/AIDs. To test the hypothesis, we used 2003, 2008, and 2014 demographic and health surveys (DHS) datasets. About 61%, 54%, and 55% of adults have supported the teaching of children about condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS in 2003, 2008, and 2014, respectively. The results indicated that adult’s exposure to family planning content through reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, and watching television (TV) was significantly related to their support for teaching children about condoms. Media exposure was related to adult’s support for teaching chil dren about condoms, but there were large numbers of non-media exposed adults who supported the teaching of children about condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS and of media exposed adults who were not in support. We propose that from a public health standpoint, media exposure and other factors should be considered when designing health education programs to garner adult’s support in teaching children about condoms. Some of the other important factors that policymakers should consider include encouraging adults to use modern contraceptives and creating opportunities for all Ghanaians to attain formal education to the highest level.

Source: UG
Media Reportage Of Suicide Among Police Officers In Ghana: A Mixed Method Analysis

Rates of suicide have been recorded among the police in some parts of the world. Despite the attention that this topic has received, it appears that not much is being researched in Africa. Besides, research on suicide in Ghana has been skewed towards the public, to the neglect of the police. The sparse literature on suicide among the police, both in Africa and in Ghana, inspired this study. Our objectives were to examine the state of suicide among the police in Ghana as reported in the media, the differences between private and public news outlets with respect to their reportage of police suicide, and reasons that account for suicide among the police in Ghana. Using a mixed-methods approach and the purposive sampling technique, contents of news items from seven popular news portals on suicide among police officers in Ghana between the years 2015 and 2021 were reviewed. Sixty-nine (69) news items were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative content analysis. It was observed that there were more reports of suicide on male officers compared with their female counterparts, with the rifle, pistol, and hanging being the modes for carrying out the act of suicide. Almost an equal number of superior and subordinate officers were reported to have committed suicide. To ensure that they completed their act, officers resorted to the use of lethal means, such as shooting themselves through the eye, head, throat, chin, and jaw. The reasons for committing suicide clustered around the themes of psychosocial precipitants, too high expectations, expected to man up, failed marriage, education of children, institutional lapses, failed paternity test, proposals, lack of public support, fed up with this life, can’t take the disgrace, and access to deadly weapon. Generally, media outlets failed to comply with the acceptable guidelines for reporting suicide. The use of a mixed method afforded us the opportunity to glean some reasons that account for suicide among the police in Ghana, showing how the psychological state of the officer, society, and faulty institutional structures within the service could lead to officer suicide. Also, there is a need for media outlets to be educated on the need to adhere to the standard guidelines for reporting suicide

Source: UG
Media Representation of Women Parliamentary Candidates in Africa A Study of the Daily Graphic Newspaper and Ghana’s 2016 Election

Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.

Source: UG
Media Use for Health Information Dissemination to Rural Communities by the Ghana Health Service

The study investigated the patterns and challenges of media use for disseminating health information to rural communities by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), focusing on the Shai Osudoku district of the Greater Accra Region, as a case study. A case study approach using the convenient and purposive sampling techniques was used to sample 210 community members within Shai Osudoku district, two directors with the GHS and four community health workers. Descriptive analyses were used to examine the quantitative data, while qualitative thematic content analysis was used for the interview data from the GHS staff. The study found out that the GHS mostly used print media for health information dissemination namely leaflets, posters, billboard, and interpersonal channels like doctors, community health workers, family, friends, town cries, group discussions, etc. MoTech (Mobile technology for community health) and telehealth are some of the technologies being piloted in delivering health information or care via the mobile phone to rural communities in the district. Challenges in disseminating health information in the communities were inadequate mobile network connectivity, infrastructure, training and sensitization, among others. The findings suggest that the GHS can enhance its health information dissemination roles by supporting the use of traditional media with the overwhelming advantages of media such as mobile phones to disseminate health information to rural communities. The study recommends that future research focus on exploring potential mechanisms for monitoring the quality of health communication delivery using the new media.

Source: UG
Mediating Knowledge Co‑Production for Inclusive Governance and Delivery of Food, Water and Energy Services in African Cities

Rising rates of urbanisation in Africa, without attendant improvements in criti cal infrastructure, have occasioned gaps in the provision of basic services in cities across the continent. Diferent systems and scales of service delivery — decen tralised and centralised, public and private — coexist and often compete in urban spaces but rarely connect in ways that ensure the needs of the poorest are met. Our paper interrogates the value of transdisciplinary research for bringing actors in these systems together to co-produce knowledge for inclusive and sustainable outcomes. Drawing on empirical data from two complementary projects in four African cities, we demonstrate the possibilities for facilitating this kind of knowledge co-produc tion among system actors in the food, water and energy domains. We show, through a comparative approach, elements of the co-production process that enable more responsive engagement by traditionally detached policy actors. From our fndings, we generate a framework that local researchers serving as ‘knowledge intermediar ies’ can use to stimulate research-policy-society interactions aimed at fostering sus tainable and inclusive service delivery across Africa. By synthesising the fndings from local case studies into a widely applicable framework, our analysis informs both the theory and practice of transdisciplinary sustainability research in the Afri can context where the imperative to bridge gaps in methodological innovation and service delivery is high.

Source: UG
The mediating role of social support in the relationship between stigma and emotional distress among homeless adolescents in Ghana

Research on youth homelessness has showed a link between emotional distress and social stigma. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship have received little empirical attention. This study was conducted to examine the mediating effect of social support that accounts for the link. Standard questionnaires that assessed emotional distress, stigma and social support were interviewer-administered to 193 homeless adolescents (50.4% male; Mean = 13.21 (SD = 2.06). The Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient and mediation analyses were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that both self-blame and general stigma were positively related to emotional distress; but negatively related to social support. In the mediation analysis, general stigma significantly predicted decreased perceived social support and had a direct positive influence on emotional problems. However, the levels of self-blame was neither significantly associated with perceived social support nor had a significant indirect influence on the level of emotional problems. Both self-blame and general stigma also did not have a significant indirect influence on the level of emotional problems through perceived social support. These findings call for further research to examine the complex mechanism underlying stigma and mental health outcomes

Source: UG
Mediating subjective task complexity in job design: A critical reflection of historicity in self-regulatory activity

This paper critically reflects on the influence of historicity in self-regulatory activity towards mediating subjective task complexity in job design. This is based on the growing interest of using the ‘practice’ approach in overcoming the gap between the theoretical understanding of what people do and the realistic understanding of what people actually do at the workplace. The paper argued that since an objective analysis of the number of alternatives presented in any given situation will not always coincide with subjective perceptions, and the individual’s lack of knowledge about the external world may result in his/her inability to accurately predict the outcomes of his/her decisions, then it is important to understand how an individual acquire knowledge about his/her external world of work, and also if its consequential effect on the routine is acquired through the recollections of the subconscious mind’s daily encounters at the work situations.

Source: UG
Mediating the climate change message: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of media practitioners in Ghana

While scientific evidence on the human agency of climate change seems compelling, public conviction and capacity to adapt and adopt mitigation measures remain tentative among developing countries and poor populations. It throws into question the presumed essentiality of the media in Africa in increasing public awareness and informing local policy responses. This study pivots on the argument that in order to be effective stewards and purveyors of climate change information, media practitioners must themselves be demonstrably informed and keenly committed. To determine this the study used the KAP survey model to assess the understanding (Knowledge), predisposition (Attitude) and response (Practice) of Ghanaian journalists to reporting climate change. The findings showed high awareness, but low knowledge, high conviction but low engagement of media practitioners and institutions towards addressing the incidence and consequences of climate change. In effect, awareness and empathy are prerequisite factors, but they do not inevitably lead to knowledge and engagement in competently mediating the climate message. The lack of compelling correlations between specific attributes of KAP of climate change also raises doubts about the predictive power of individual vis-à-vis institutional loci of control in defining and driving specific subjects up the news values chain.

Source: UG
Mediation effect of emotions on relational dynamics between entrepreneurs’ thinking processes and their entrepreneurial decision-making

This study provides understanding of how creative entrepreneurs’ thinking processes affect their entrepreneurial decision-making and the influencing role played by their emotions. Using a cross-sectional design, quantitative data were collected from 576 creative entrepreneurs and analyzed descriptively and inferentially. It was found that creative entrepreneurs’ thinking processes affect their entrepreneurial decision-making. Their emotions were also found to strongly negatively affect their entrepreneurial decision-making. It was concluded that in understanding how the thinking processes of creative entrepreneurs inform their entrepreneurial decision-making and their emotional orientations, which strongly determine the character of their entrepreneurial decision-making must be considered. The results of this study provide a good understanding of the dynamics of creative entrepreneurs’ thinking processes and their entrepreneurial decision-making and the mediating influence of their emotions, which could be used to effectively design creative entrepreneurship skills and practices toward improved entrepreneurial decision-making.

Source: UG