ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing soybeans producers’ choice of marketing channels in the Saboba district of Northern region, Ghana

The study focused on factors influencing the choice of marketing channels by soybeans farmers in the Saboba District of the Northern Region. Two hundred and forty (240) soybeans farmers and ten (10) agents of the marketing channels were randomly selected for the study. The study specifically looked at the marketing channels that are available in the study area, the distribution of farmers among the marketing channels, services provided by the marketing channels, challenges faced by farmers in trying to access the marketing channel, and the influence of economic and non-economic factors on the producers’ choice of marketing channels. It was revealed that there are four marketing channels in the study area; these include the direct sales to the NGOs, sedentary wholesalers, itinerant wholesalers, and the microprocessors. These marketing channels offer different services, which affect the marketing costs and the incomes received by farmers in diverse ways. The most patronized market in the study area is the direct sale to the NGOs, followed by the itinerant wholesalers, sedentary wholesalers, and micro-processors being the least patronized. Farmers who sell their soybeans directly to the NGOs enjoy production and marketing services such as; agronomic training, ploughing, transport, pre-finance, production credit support, linking farmers to input suppliers, purchase by grades, and purchase by weight. The itinerant wholesalers, sedentary wholesalers and microprocessors provide production and marketing services such as; production credit support, prompt payment, cash payment, and negotiated price. Benefits such as higher price, assured market and input supplies are enjoyed by farmers who sell directly to the NGOs. Proximity to the buyers is the benefit farmers who market through the itinerant wholesalers, sedentary wholesalers and microprocessors enjoy. Factors such as delays in payment, delays in buying, inadequate information, low demand, low price, inability to meet grades, not purchasing by weights are the constraints faced by farmers in marketing of their soybeans. Multinomial logit model was used to analyze the influence of the economic and non-economic factors on the producers’ choice of marketing channels. It was revealed that factors such as; age, mode of payment, speed of payment and price of soybeans influence farmers decision to sell directly to the NGOs relative to the sedentary wholesalers. The cooperative membership of farmers, household size and marital status were found to have influence on the farmers’ decision to the sedentary wholesalers relative to the direct sale to the NGOs. The marital status of the farmer, cooperative membership, experience, and contractual agreement were found to have influence farmers choice of itinerant wholesalers relative to the direct sale to the NGOs. The speed of payment, mode of payment, and age of the farmer have a influence on the farmers choice of direct sale to the NGOs relative to the itinerant wholesalers.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing supervised delivery in Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan area (S.A.E.M.A)

Maternal mortality is a global concern. The high maternal mortality of 204 per 100,000 live births in Ghana leaves much to be desired. Most maternal deaths are caused by five obstetric complications, namely, haemorrhage, sepsis, unsafe induced abortion, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and obstructed labour. One way of reducing this predicament is to ensure all pregnant women have access to skilled care during labour and delivery. A study was undertaken between August and October 2003 to assess the factors influencing supervised deliveries in Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Area. Two (2) sub-metros (Kwesimintsim and Essikado) were selected out of the 5 sub-metros in the metropolis. This was done by simple random sampling. The survey was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 169. The sample size was determined by using Epi-Info Stalcac 2000. This comprised 150 clients, 14 health workers from the maternity units as well as 5 TBAs. The sampling techniques used were purposive, simple random and systematic sampling methods. Primary data were collected using questionnaires for clients and interview schedule for nurse midwives as well as TBAS. Secondary data were also collected from health care facilities. The data was coded and analyzed using Epi-Info statistical package. The study results revealed that socio-demographic as well as geographical factors, like distance and means of transport to health care facilities had no negative impact on supervised delivery. However, high delivery charges (57.1%) at health care facilities, clients’ inability to fully appreciate the benefits of supervised delivery (72.0%) and the poor attitudes of some health workers towards clients influenced low supervised delivery in SAEMA. It is recommended that the Government of Ghana provide funds to MOH/GHS to make supervised delivery at health care facility virtually free for all pregnant women in the metropolis. Additionally, programmes to intensify the awareness of the benefits of supervised delivery in the metropolis must be mounted by the MHMT in order to address the partial appreciation by clients on the benefits of supervised delivery. Lastly, an award scheme must be meted out to health workers by the MHMT based on their attitude towards clients.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing the cost of tendering for work by contractors in Ghana

Throughout the world tendering in the construction industry tendering is acknowledged to be complicated, adding considerable cost to construction. Efforts to understand the cost of tendering are confounded by issues that are both visible and invisible to formal accounting of the construction process. Even in those cases where there are genuine intentions to capture costs of tendering there is a failure to do so. While there is currently awareness of the cost of tendering and that effort should be taken to minimise this cost, there is little precise understanding of it in terms of value or how it happens. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating factors that influence the cost of tendering incurred by construction companies through selective competitive tendering method in Ghana. The objectives of the study were to identify significant factors that influence the cost of tendering for construction works in Ghana and identify appropriate strategies to address these factors. A survey approach using questionnaire was adopted for the study. Data from the survey was largely analyzed using descriptive statistics. Fifty-four questionnaires were distributed to contractors, quantity surveyor, architect, engineers and project managers. Forty-three were retrieved. Three out of the forty-three were found to be too badly completed to be useful for the analysis and were therefore discarded. This brought the responses effectively to forty, representing a response rate of 74%. The study confirmed „bid security‟, „Tax clearance certificate‟, „auditor‟s report‟, „SSNIT clearance certificate‟, „quality of tendering and bidding documents‟, inability to quickly and reliably assess the birds‟, „labour certificate‟, „source of funding‟ and „price of tender document‟ as the most significant factors that influence cost of tendering. iv Findings from the study points to „implementation of an e-GP system‟, „blacklisting of non-performing contractors‟ and „early notification to non-responsive tenderers; as the most significant strategies which should be adopted to address these factors. The study also provides the much needed insight into the problem and makes recommendations to include in the tendering processes to reduce their cost. It is also recommended that contractors should be mindful of the cost associated with tendering in the Ghanaian construction industry in their decision making process concerning whether to tender or not to tender for a project. For this reason especially, it is concluded that tendering and associated costs need to be understood in greater detail. It is recommended that further studies should be carried out to extend the scope to solicit the views of other contracting firms and co-operate bodies responsible for tendering in the country. This will give a much wider perspective of the issue and how to address it.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing tax compliance among the informal sector in Tamale, Ghana.

Economic development of all nations is heavily dependent on the quantum of revenue generated for the provision of social services and for undertaking infrastructural development. Nevertheless, tax evasion and avoidance is assumed to be connected with the informal economy. This study examines the factors influencing tax compliance among the informal sector in Tamale, Ghana. A survey research design was employed in this study. A convenience sampling approach was adopted in selecting the respondents who are the commercial operators in the informal sector. A structured questionnaire was employed in the survey in collecting the quantitative data for this study. A sample size of 120 respondents was used in this study. A simple linear regression analysis was also employed in the inferential analysis and perception index was also used to assess the perception and attitude of respondents towards tax administration in Ghana. The perception index about the statements on the perception and attitudes of respondents about taxation in Ghana on the whole is 0.328 indicating a positive attitude. Hence all things being equal most of the respondents will have a positive outlook on tax compliance. The study revealed that attitude towards tax and perception of equity of the tax system tend to be negatively related to tax compliance. On the other hand, social norms and taxpayer‟s morale tend to be positively related to tax compliance among the respondents. On the challenges inhibiting the informal sector from paying taxes saw the distance to the tax office being far ranked first with the lack of understanding of tax laws and regulations being the least. Ways of improving tax compliance are “tax administration structure should be computerized to eliminate corruption” being ranked first with “tax laws should be simplified for easy compression” being the least also. It can be concluded that tax compliance is negatively influenced by attitude towards tax and perception of equity of the tax system whiles social norms and taxpayer‟s morale is positively related to it among the respondents

Source: KNUST
The factors influencing the decision of financial institutions in the procurement of works in Ghana

Successful infrastructural development through construction is best attained by structured financial support. Domestic construction firms have limited access to formal financial services. The aim of this study is to assess the factors influencing the decision of financial institutions in the procurement of works in Ghana. The principal tools for this study were questionnaires for a targeted population for collection of data with the procurement professionals in public financial institutions. Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS Version 20) employing mean score ranking for analysis. Type of works undertaken, time (contract duration), exchange rate fluctuations, technical skills and variations were revealed as the prime factors influencing the procurement of works in Ghana. Innovative ways of supporting contractors, professional indemnity insurance and lower interest rates were the factors suggested for improving procurement of works. Finally, further areas of research into the procurement of works on private financed institutions were identified.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing the distribution and retention of heavy metals in two Ghanaian soils

Two Ghanaian soils, Oda and Amantin were characterized to determine their pbysicochemical properties. The pHs were found to have mean values of 4.03 and 6.42 respectively. The organic matter content were found to be 1.09 x 106 mg/kg and 0.86 x 106 mg/kg respectively. While the cation exchange capacity of Oda was 93.30 milliequivalent per 100g of soil, that of Amantin was 27.33 milliequivalent per 100g of soil. The particle size distribution analyses revealed that the clay content of Oda and Amantin were 35.00 % and 6.46 % respectively. The silt content were 42.30 % and 68.60 %.The sand content also had mean values of 25.00 % and 22.52 % respectively. The retention of Zinc and Cadmium by Amantin and Oda soil series with varying parameters of soil properties were investigated. Batch adsorption was carried out at the actual (unadjusted) pH of the soil to determine equilibration time for the experiments. An equilibration time of 18 hours was measured. The pH values of 4.03 and 6.42 of the soil solutions were adjusted by the addition of acid or base and the adsorbed values were determined for Cadmium and Zinc at equilibrium. The amount of Zinc and Cadmium sorbed ranged from 15.90 mg/kg to 82.95 mg/kg at pH of 1.9 and 12.30 respectively. The adsorption depended significantly on the pH. The linear regression coefficients, R2 at 0 O1M ionic strength were 0 996 and 0 934 for oda and Amautin respectively for Zinc. However, at 0.IM ionic strength the value were Q9255 and 0.9932 respectively. For Cadmium, the regression coefficients were 0.8819 and 0.7505 respectively for Oda and Amantin at ionic strength of 0.OIM, whereas at 0.1M the R2 values were 0.8659 and 0.9346 respectively. The presence of a larger percentage of clay in Oda affected its adsorption behaviour. Tests on different solid / solution ratio indicated the dependency of adsorption on solid / solution ratio. The adsorption isotherms obtained were fitted by the linear Freundlich equation: Log Cs = log K + (n-1) log Ce, Ce is the concentration of solution after equilibrium is attained, Cs is the amount of metal adsorbed in mg/kg of soil, K and n are constants. K and n are experimental parameters that depended on the system of adsorbent and adsorbate.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing the final cost of construction projects in Ghana

Over the past five decades, cost, time and quality have been taken as the basis for the measurement of the success of project management. This phenomenon is perhaps not surprising, since over the same period these criteria have usually been included in the description of project management. The cost performance of building construction projects is a key success criterion for clients. Projects require budgets which sets the pace and guarantees the client’s financial commitment and provide the basis for cost control and measurement of cost performance of the project. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the final cost of a construction project. To achieve this aim the objectives set were; to identify the factors that affect the f inal cost of a project from the perspective of contractors; and to identify the factors that influence the accuracy of cost estimates in determining the final cost of a construction project. The study adopted the quantitative research strategy. Data was obtained using questionnaire from a convenient sample size of 50 from D1K1 to D4K4 contractors in the Central Region in Ghana. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel softwares. It was discovered from the study that Unexpected ground Conditions, Design changes, Shortages of material and plant, Exchange rate and Inflation/ relative price changes as the major factors affecting the final cost of a construction project. Concerning the second objective, Material (prices/ availability/ supply/ quality/ imports), Experience and skill level of the estimator(s), Quality of information and flow requirements, Project team's experience in the construction type, and Time allowed to prepare the estimate were the factors affecting the accuracy of estimates. Keywords: Construction Industry, Final cost, Estimate accuracy.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing the inclusion of market traders in electronic financial services

As a developing country, Ghana has the opportunity to maximize financial inclusiveness in various sectors. Financial inclusion in the informal sector is particularly low, especially among micro-business owners who are less educated. Since the micro-business sector in Ghana is a major determinant of employment, it is necessary for its challenges, including low financial inclusiveness of business owners, to be addressed. With this in mind, the current study assessed factors that influence financial inclusion through the among market traders. The study employed the quantitative approach. The study population was traders at the Agbogbloshie and Kaneshie markets in Accra. The simple random sampling method was employed to select 624 participants (i.e. Kaneshie = 302; Agbogbloshie = 322). A self-reported questionnaire of the variables was used to gather data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation test, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to present findings. The study found that gender has a negative effect on the use of electronic banking devices, which confirms that women made less use of these devices compared with men. Age, years in the business, income, dependents, financial support, loan frequency, and business training are other variables that make a negative influence on the use of electronic banking devices. The level of use of the said devices increases with one’s education, amount of money spent monthly, monthly money made, number of bank accounts the individual had, and number of training received by the individual on how to use the devices. Marital status also has a positive influence on the use of the devices, which means that those who were married had a higher level of use compared with those who were not married. The study concluded that traders should be regularly trained on how to use electronic banking devices.

Source: KNUST
Factors Influencing the Non-Participation of Indigenous Building Construction Firms (in Ghana) in International Competitive Tendering (ICT)

Construction of major projects are mostly awarded to foreign construction companies over the indigenous construction firms in Ghana. The first question that arises is that what are the first class indigenous constructions firms in Ghana doing and the reasons why they are not being awarded such projects. This study attempts look into the factors which influence the non-participation of indigenous building construction firms in Ghana in international competitive tendering. In order to achieve this aim; the specific purposes were set: to identify factors influencing the non-participation of indigenous building construction firms in international competitive tendering; identify the effects of these factors from the non-participation of the indigenous building construction firms in international competitive tendering; and identify how these factors could be managed to enhance and develop the interest of the indigenous building construction firms in international competitive tendering. The study adopted quantitative research method and probability sampling approach in selecting its sampling size from a number of populations. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel were used in the analysis of the data. The discussion on the analysis was based on the researchers’ survey and other relevant literature employed for the study and was analysed using descriptive statistics and diagrams generated using Excel. The rest of the sections were analysed using Relative Importance Index and Mean Score Rankings. The study revealed that the indigenous construction firms in Ghana are not able to compete with international firms due to lack of technical skills, lack of logistics/resources, inability to secure adequate working capital and low productivity. Majority of the respondents proposed entering into joint-ventureships and alliances or partnership. They also wish to participate in workshops/seminars organized for building construction firms to enhance their knowledge and performance in the industry. It is recommended that there should be adequate up to date training for engineers working with indigenous construction firms in advance technology and complex project to upgrade their capacities, since indigenous building construction firms do not undertake or participate in international competitive project. Civil works such as road, complex buildings etc. are to be given out to local contractors other than foreign firms to increase their productivity and enable them secure adequate working capital. Building Construction Firms must seek to understand all Conditions of Contracts for International Competitive Tendering.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing the patronage of stocks on the Ghana stock market

Generally, extant literature have largely focused on macroeconomic specific variables in determining the driving forces of patronage of stocks on the Ghana stock market albeit differences in results, leaving out how market intrinsic factors can influence patronage. To address this gap, this thesis examines the dynamic relationship between patronage of stocks and some key intrinsic and extrinsic variables. The study applies the Pearson correlations and linear regression to model the linkages between patronage (proxied by volume of trade), inflation (proxied by the consumer price index), stock price (proxied by the GSE composite index), and dividend. First, it is observed that there is a significant positive linear relationship between all explanatory variables and patronage. On the other hand, estimates from the correlation analysis suggest that only stock prices and dividend exert significant influences on investors in their asset allocation and portfolio selection decisions on the Ghana stock market. The findings have important implications for capital structure decisions of firms listed on the Ghana stock market.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing the perceived difficulties of Senior High School students in elective mathematics

Elective Mathematics, currently, is one of the important subject requirements for admission into attractive programmes such as medicine, engineering, business, statistics, mathematics, actuarial science, economics, business administration, and architecture, among others in tertiary institutions in Ghana. However, greater proportion of the country‟s senior high school students is “maths phobic.” Therefore, this thesis attempted to identify and model the socio-demographic variables that influence students‟ perceived difficulties in the subject. The study was conducted among 100 randomly selected students from two senior high schools in the Krachie East District of the Volta Region using both primary and secondary data. The binary logistic regression model was employed in the SPSS statistical software. The study concluded that respondents‟ programmes of study, ethnicity, and mothers‟ highest educational levels were there significant predictors of their perceived difficulties in Elective Mathematics

Source: KNUST