ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Impact of COVID‑19 and Religious Restrictions on the Well‑Being of Ghanaian Christians: The Perspectives of Religious Leaders

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ghana government instituted a ban on social gatherings, including religious gatherings. To understand how the unantici pated restrictions and interruption in normal church routines afected the well-being of congregants in Ghana, we interviewed 14 religious leaders. Thematic analysis revealed psychospiritual impacts including decline in spiritual life, loss of fellow ship and community, fnancial difculties, challenges with childcare, as well as fear of infection. Religious leaders intervened by delivering sermons on hope, faith, and repentance. Some religious leaders sensitized their members on health hygiene and COVID-19-related stigma. The study sheds light on the perceived impacts of COVID-19 and restrictions of religious gatherings on congregants in Ghana.

Source: UG
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on mother and child health – the case of Ghana

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Impact of COVID-19 on animal production in Ghana

Implications • COVID-19 has affected the importation of animals and livestock products into Ghana with the potential of lowering the consumption of animal protein. • There has been a reduction in the availability of feed re sources and farm inputs for animal production, leading to price increases. • Animal production activities, including feeding, man agement, and disease control, have been adversely af fected as a result of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • Capacity building programs in animal breeding have had challenges as a result of restrictions, leading to the rescheduling of most programs.

Source: UG
Impact of Covid-19 on Maternal Health Seeking in Ghana

The Covid-19 pandemic is widely speculated to have disrupted the delivery of primary health care in low-income countries. Yet, there is little rigorous empirical research identifying this effect. This paper estimates the impact of COVID-19 on facility and skilled delivery and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services by comparing these outcomes for women who were pregnant/delivered before and during the Covid-19 period. The results show that Covid-19 led to 23% and 25% reductions, respectively, in the likelihood of facility delivery and four or more ANC visits during pregnancy. These findings highlight the need to build more resilient health systems in low-income settings.

Source: UG
Impact of Cowpea-Based Food Containing Fish Meal Served With Vitamin C–Rich Drink on Iron Stores and Hemoglobin Concentrations in Ghanaian Schoolchildren in a Malaria Endemic Area

The overall goal of the department is to conduct research and provide solutions to nutritional problems in Ghana. In pursuance of this goal, the Nutrition Department since its inception has focused its research in the areas of maternal, infant and young child nutrition, food consumption and food security and micronutrient deficiency and interventions. These are priority food and nutrition problems in Ghana.

Source: UG
Impact of customization and innovation on hospitality firms’ performance

This study examines how process innovation and customization, both individually and in combination, improve hospitality firms’ financial and non-financial performance. The paper investigates both process innovation and customization as important firm-level capabilities that have the capacity to improve the performance of hospitality firms due to the nature of their operations. This paper uses data from hospitality firms operating in Ghana. The study finds that hospitality firms’ customization capability allows hospitality firms to benefit from using the customer as a key resource and as a production partner to provide the desired value for customer satisfaction. This study further finds that process innovation and customization produce higher levels of firm performance when they are deployed together as they have complementary properties. This study, therefore, offers that customization capability should target at improving innovation capability in order to achieve higher overall firm performance for hospitality firms.

Source: UG
Impact of democratic political transition on the Economy of Ghana

In this chapter, we examine the impacts of democratic political transition on the economy of Ghana based on the assessment of the impacts on the macro-economy and industry groups. This examination is done from a human development perspective. Human development incorporates shared economic growth that ensures minimal adverse impact on the environment while protecting citizens against deprivation, securing for them peace and security as well as participation in economic and political governance processes. It is dependent on the attainment of peaceful democratic transitions given the rancour that is characteristic of the quadrennial national elections in Ghana. This is because democratic political transitions since 1992 have coincided with reduced focus on the socio-economic development of the country. The current winner-takes-all political system encourages the emergence of electoral winners and losers who are less likely to make efforts to develop a more inclusive governance structure to tackle the numerous socio-economic problems facing the country. The rest of this chapter is organized along the following lines. The next section deals with the economic theoretical framework of the study. The macroeconomic analysis of impacts of democratic transitions are discussed next with emphasis on impacts measured on the bases of inflation, economic growth, money supply and exchange rate and government revenues, expenditures and budget deficits. This section is followed by a discussion of impacts on selected industries and the stock market. A few conclusions are reported at the end of the chapter.

Source: UG
Impact of demographic factors on technological orientations of BOP entrepreneurs in Ghana

The study explores relationship between technological orientations and demographics of bottom of the pyramid (BOP) entrepreneurs in Ghana. The study reviewed literature on the BOP concept. Based on the reviewed literature, hypotheses were developed for testing. Data was collected from 287 micro-entrepreneurs using a structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis. The study found some relationships between technology acceptance, connectivity to networks and entrepreneurial demographics. This provides the information necessary for information communications technology (ICT) and technology companies seeking to expand to these new markets as top of the pyramid markets saturate. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0219877014500370

Source: UG
Impact of digital financial inclusion on the participation in farmer-based organisations, structured market and off-farm work in Ghana

This paper examines the impact of mobile money account ownership of farmers' participation in farmer-based organizations (FBOs), structured markets, and off-farm work. Relying on recursive bivariate probit model, our results reveal that owning a mobile money account increases the likelihood of farmers' participating in an FBO, structured market and off-farm work by 15.4%, 33.3%, and 37.5%, respectively. Furthermore, mobile money account ownership is influenced by socioeconomic and institutional factors as well as the presence of mobile money vendors within a community. Our finding call for sustained efforts to deepen digital financial inclusion for increased participation in FBOs, structured markets, and off-farm work.

Source: UG
Impact of digitised ‘teaching-learning’ virtual platforms on tertiary students’ learning objectives and teaching outcomes

This study explores and understands the impact of remote teaching using digitised teaching-learning virtual platforms on students’ learning objectives and outcomes in Ghanaian Universities. Using a self-administered questionnaire, quantitative data from four hundred and four graduate students whose courses were delivered online due to the COVID-19 pandemic were gathered. Data were analysed using a systemic analytical approach. Confirmatory factor analysis was con ducted first, followed by an analysis of moment structures for multiple levels of variables using structural equation modelling. It was found that students’ trust in the quality of information they received online, their interactions with instructors, and their interactions with virtual platforms positively affected their trust in the usability of digitised ‘teaching-learning’ virtual platforms; this had a positive impact on their attainment of learning objectives. In conclusion, students’ per ceptions of the usability of virtual platforms as classrooms for teaching and learning are influenced by a psychological dynamic between the quality of information they receive from their instructors and the quality of their interactions with instructors and the virtual platforms. The findings offer a good pedagogic understanding of the dynamics of virtual teaching-learning design practices, which may be applied to effectively design virtual classrooms and assignments to improve student learning.

Source: UG
Impact of discipline issues on school effectiveness: The views of some Ghanaian principals

This research focuses on discipline issues as one of the major concerns of educators in public schools in Ghana. Qualitative and quantitative enquiries were undertaken into discipline issues and their implications on student learning as perceived by senior high school principals in Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The study reveals that senior high school administrators perceived indiscipline as an issue affecting their administration, and prevented the provision of congenial atmosphere for effective teaching and learning. In addition, it tarnished the image of the schools before the outside world, thus discouraging donors, parents and other interest groups from having interest in the schools. Recommendations for involvement of students in decision making and the provision of guidance and counselling services are explored

Source: UG
The impact of economic outlook on green fnance: insights from linkages between green and infation‑indexed bonds

While inflation-indexed bonds focus on mitigating the impact of inflation and preserving the purchasing power of investors, green bonds prioritize investments in environmentally responsible projects. These bond types offer distinct investment opportunities that cater to the diverse preferences and objectives of investors. With this in mind, this study aims to explore the dynamic relationship between inflation-indexed bonds and green bonds using wavelet analysis, quantile regression, and the Diebold-Yilmaz procedures for the period spanning October 2016 to January 2021. By considering green bonds as indicative of green energy outlooks and inflation-indexed bonds as a reflection of overall economic conditions, we investigate the hypothesis that inflation-indexed bonds dominate green bonds within a sample of emerging markets. Our findings reveal significant interdependence between green bonds and inflation-indexed bonds across various wavelet time scales. Consistent According to recent research, inflation-indexed bonds exhibit a dominant influence on the relationship, while the nature of this dependence alternates between positive and negative. Furthermore, quantile connectedness analysis demonstrates that spillover transmissions are more pronounced during extreme positive and negative market conditions. The outcomes of this study hold relevance for both investors and policymakers alike.

Source: UG
The impact of employee perception on the successful institutionalisation and implementation of performance management systems in developing countries: The perspective from Ghana's public service

Performance management (PM) has become a key instrument in the quest to ensure optimal operations by organisations in the public sector. Some scholars, though, believe that PM has failed because of employees' negative perception and management's exclusion of employees from its development. Studies on the relationship between employee perception of PM and its effectiveness in the public sector are limited. We argue that management must value employee perception more highly than they do at present because it is unlikely employees would be willing to take an active part in implementing a change with which they disagree or that they see as having no value. This study examines the effect of employees' perception on the institutionalisation and implementation of PM in developing countries, with specific reference to Ghana. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Source: UG
The impact of exposure to mass media campaigns and social support on levels and trends of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Nigeria: Tools for enhancing effective HIV prevention programmes

People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs) often face stigma and discrimination, especially in developing countries. HIV-related stigma is expressed through social ostracism, personal rejection, direct and indirect discrimination, and denial from families and friends. Consequently, it is associated with reduced adoption of preventive and care behaviours, including condom use, seeking for HIV test and care-seeking behaviour subsequent to diagnosis. Ignorance about the epidemiology of the disease on modes of transmission and prevention aggravates HIV-related stigma in Nigeria. Behaviour change communication activities through mass media have been shown to be an effective approach in improving people's knowledge about the disease. This paper monitors trends in the level of accepting attitudes towards PLWHAs in Nigeria between 2003 and 2007. It also evaluates the impact of exposure to mass media and social support on the levels of accepting attitudes towards PLWHAs. A significant and positive trend was evident between 2003 and 2007 (p<0.0001). Furthermore, exposure to mass media communications on HIV and AIDS issues and social support were significantly related to the reduced stigma and discrimination against PLWHAs (p<0.0001).

Source: UG
The impact of external causes on South Africa's expectation of life

The paper examines the deleterious effect of external causes, especially road accidents and suicidal behaviour, on South Africa's expectation of life for possible policy interventions. Employing the multiple and associated single decrement life table techniques, the study estimates the total number of South Africans who would eventually die from external causes by the time they reach age 75 from a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 live births, on the assumption that the mortality conditions of 1996 prevailed. The results of the analysis show that if the prevailing mortality conditions continued throughout their life span, about 9.1 % of the population might eventually die firom external causes by the time they attain age 75. This is very high, as demonstrated also by a tremendous gain in life expectancy to the tune of about 17 years that would result in the absence of external causes. Disabilities result from some of these external causes, especially injuries sustained during road accidents, which in turn impact adversely on the economic condition of the victims. This is because the disabled person is unable to work and earn a living, and therefore cannot take care of himself and his dependents. The end result is the perpetuation and worsening of poverty. It is suggested that both the people and government of South Africa should work together to bring about a substantial reduction in external causes of death with a view to ultimately raising the expectation of life of the citizens. © Copyright 2004 - Union for African Population Studies.

Source: UG
Impact of Extreme Temperature and Soil Water Stress on the Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Climate change is a major environmental stressor that would adversely affect tropical agriculture, which is largely rain-fed. Associated with climate change is an increasing trend in temperature and decline in rainfall, leading to prolonged and repeated droughts. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of climate variables such as temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and soil water on the phenology, biomass, and grain yield of soybean crops. A greenhouse experiment was set in a split plot design with three average environmental conditions as the main plots: E1 (36 ◦C, RH = 55%), E2 (34 ◦C, RH = 57%) and E3 (33 ◦C, RH = 44%). Additionally, there were three water treatments: W1 (near saturation), W2 (Field capacity), and W3 (soil water deficit) and two soybean varieties (Afayak and Jenguma). These treatments were replicated nine times. The results showed that high temperatures (E1) accelerated the crop development, particularly at flowering. Additionally, increased atmospheric demand for water under a high temperature environment resulted in high evapotranspiration, leading to high transpiration which probably reduced photosynthetic activity of the plants and thereby contributing to biomass and grain yield loss. Biomass and yield were drastically reduced for the combined effect of high temperature (E1) and drought (W3) as compared to combined effect of ambient temperature (E3) and well-watered condition (W1). Increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall distributions associated with climate change poses a potential threat to the soybean production in Ghana.

Source: UG
Impact of extreme weather conditions on healthcare provision in urban Ghana

Extreme weather events pose significant threats to urban health in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where there are systemic health challenges. This paper investigates health system vulnerabilities associated with flooding and extreme heat, along with strategies for resilience building by service providers and community members, in Accra and Tamale, Ghana. We employed field observations, rainfall records, temperature measurements, and semi-structured interviews in health facilities within selected areas of both cities. Results indicate that poor building conditions, unstable power supply, poor sanitation and hygiene, and the built environment reduce access to healthcare for residents of poor urban areas. Health facilities are sited in low-lying areas with poor drainage systems and can be 6 °C warmer at night than reported by official records from nearby weather stations. This is due to a combination of greater thermal inertia of the buildings and the urban heat island effect. Flooding and extreme heat interact with socioeconomic conditions to impact physical infrastructure and disrupt community health as well as health facility operations. Community members and health facilities make infrastructural and operational adjustments to reduce extreme weather stress and improve healthcare provision to clients. These measures include: mobilisation of residents to clear rubbish and unclog drains; elevating equipment to protect it from floods; improving ventilation during extreme heat; and using alternative power sources for emergency surgery and storage during outages. Stakeholders recommend additional actions to manage flood and heat impacts on health in their cities, such as, improving the capacity of drainage systems to carry floodwaters, and routine temperature monitoring to better manage heat in health facilities. Finally, more timely and targeted information systems and emergency response plans are required to ensure preparedness for extreme weather events in urban areas.

Source: UG
Impact of farm management practices and agricultural land use on soil organic carbon storage potential in the Savannah Ecological zone of Northern Ghana

In recent times, there has been increasing interest in the importance of agricultural soils as global carbon sinks, and the opportunity of enhancing the resilience of degraded agroecosystems - particularly in savannah regions of the world. However, this opportunity is largely a function of land use and/or land management choices, which differ between and within regions. In the present study, we investigated the role of agriculture land use and farm management practices on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in the savannah regions of northern Ghana. We evaluated selected land use types by using an integrated approach, involving on-farm interviews, community transect walks, land use monitoring, and soil sampling. Our results indicated that, at the landscape level, community land use and resource needs are important determinants of SOC storage in farmlands. We determined low SOC accumulation across the investigated landscape; however, the relatively high SOC stock in protected lands compared with croplands implies the potential for increasing SOC build-up by using recommended management practices. Low incomes, constraints to fertilizer use, low biomass availability, and reductions in fallow periods remain as barriers to SOC buildup. In this context, global soil carbon storage potential and smallholder food production systems will benefit from an ecosystembased adaptation strategy that prioritizes building a portfolio of carbon stores at the landscape level.

Source: UG
The Impact of FDI Inflow on Domestic Firms’ Uptake of CSR Activities: The Moderating Effects of Host Institutions

This study examines whether foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow helps or hinders local firms’ uptake of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in a developing host country. The study further examines the interaction effect of host institutions on the relationship between FDI inflow and local firms’ uptake of CSR activities. Results of hierarchical regression analysis of data from a sample of 227 local firms in Ghana, reveal that local firms’ uptake of CSR improves significantly with an increasing inflow of FDI through knowledge transfer. Host institutions are also found to influence the transfer of CSR activities from foreign firms to local firms. However, when the quality of institutions is very high, the impact of FDI on local firms’ CSR activities diminishes. Research and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Source: UG
The impact of fisheries on the environment of Lake Volta

The major environmental impacts of fisheries on the Volta Lake ecosystem arise from (a) fishing operations, (b) fish processing activities and (c) the fishers' settlements. Fishing methods involving poison, dynamite and an array of non-selective gear pose a serious threat to the environment and biodiversity. The West African manatee Trichechus senegalensis is threatened by the drag net fishing operations. Similarly, intensive fishing for the Nile perch, Lates niloticus has depleted the population of this top predator, leading to decreased forage-carnivore ratio in the Lake. There is evidence that the size at first maturity has decreased in respect of at least 5 fish species. These environmental problems can be addressed by a number of measures such as (a) diversion of surplus labor from capture fisheries, (b) educating people on the conservation and fishery management laws, (c) regulation of fishing gear, (d) afforestation drives, (e) involvement of village community in the decision making process and (f) a ban on hunting West African Manatee in the lake. © International Scientific Publications, New Delhi.

Source: UG