ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Perception and practice of Christian leadership in the Deeper Life Bible Church

This thesis examined the perception and practice of Christian leadership in the Deeper Life Bible Church. The problem that necessitated research in this area of study is the fact that, Christian leadership has been criticized by many within and outside the church. Many allegations have been leveled against some leaders of the Deeper Life Bible Church. Thus, issues that were prevalent were compromise of leadership roles and characteristics. Others were immoral acts, lack of attention for the youth, disparity of remuneration between junior and senior pastors and lack of supervision, among others. This seems to suggest that some leaders within the church are violating the ‘holiness principles’ the church stands for. To ascertain the truth of these allegations, the study sought to find out how leadership is perceived and practised in the Deeper Life Bible church today. Primary data was collected by means of one-on-one interviews with non-members and some prominent leaders of the church who know the history of the Deeper Life Bible Church. These leaders ranged from the Regional Overseer to Home Caring Fellowship leaders. Participatory observation was used to confirm information gathered through interviews and relevant literature on Christian leadership were also consulted. The leadership pattern of Jesus Christ as presented in Luke’s gospel was used as the assessment criterion. In view of this, the leadership characteristics and style of Jesus were discussed. These leadership characteristics include holiness, humility, compassion and love. Jesus adopted the servant style of leadership to accomplish his earthly mission. The study also discovered that Jesus always prayed before and during his ministry on earth. His call to save and serve humanity was confirmed by God during his baptism. Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome principalities and powers during his ministry. After analysing how leadership is practised in Deeper Life Bible Church alongside the leadership pattern of Jesus Christ, it was discovered that ideally the church wants to follow Jesus’ example in leadership. In practice however, the church experiences some lapses. The study suggested some recommendations to correct the lapses in the leadership style. The research recommends that some policies and processes be reviewed in order to bring sanity in the financial disbursement and supervisory role of the Church. The research is important because it will contribute to knowledge in church history, as well as teachings in the Deeper Life Bible Church in Ghana and the world at large. The study also serves as a catalyst in renewing the moral life of members, especially leaders in the Deeper Life Bible Church.

Source: KNUST
Perception Of Attributes And Health Benefits Of Cocoa

Studies have shown that cocoa and chocolate have many medicinal properties. Many clinical benefits are derived from cocoa including dietary antioxidants, inhibition of dangerous clot formation and improving blood circulation. The aim of this study was to assess consumer perception of attributes and health benefits of cocoa. A total of 282 respondents were interviewed or questionnaire were given to be completed. Respondents were residents in 4 municipal assemblies in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. In all six attributes that served as input variables were the focus of the investigation to ascertain how consumers perceive these to influence health benefits of cocoa. The regression model was used to analyze the perception attribute and useful deductions were drawn to ascertain the acceptance of attributes and health benefits of cocoa. The results showed that consumers perceive cocoa to have many clinical benefits. Two attributes or input variables namely Cocoa and cancer management and cocoa butter as skin remedy had no significance in the prediction of response variable. It is recommended that Government provide the enabling environment and introduce tax waivers to support local manufacturers of cocoa. This will reduce cost of operations. There is the need for an intensive consumer education, sensitization and awareness creation in order to shift consumer attitudes and perception.

Source: KNUST
The Perception of Patients and Clinicians on the Use of Artemisinin – Based Combination Therapy for the Management of Uncomplicated in the St Dominic Hospital, Akwatia.

It is estimated that malaria contributes about 44% of all out patient cases and about 25% of all deaths in children under five. For nearly two decades several studies and reports in the country have thrown doubts on the efficacy of chloroquine in the management of malaria. Artemisinin - Based combination therapies/Act have replaced chloroquine in the management of malaria. The objective of this study is to determine the perception of patients and clinicians on the use of ACTs in the management of uncomplicated malaria at the St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia. The design of the research is a cross-sectional. Questionnaires were administered to both clinicians and patients. Patients treated for uncomplicated malaria at the hospital were sampled for the study. Results showed 86.07% of patients responding to ACTs being effective, and 57.03% also said that the ACTS had no overly unbearable side effects. Among clinicians 82.4% said the policy is a good one to have been adopted by Ghana and 58.8% of them are very satisfied with treatment outcomes whereas 35% are also satisfied with treatment outcomes. Only 5.9% of them are fairly satisfied. 52.9% of clinicians also said that side effects of the ACTS are quite mild and tolerable. In conclusion both patients and clinicians see the ACTS as efficacious but with side effects that are quite tolerable.

Source: KNUST
The perception of purchasing clerks in quality control management practices in the cocoa industry in Ghana: the case of Juaboso District

Ghana is one of the major producers of cocoa in the world. The crop contributes to about 22% of Ghana‟s Gross Domestic Product. Quality determines the value placed on a product. Therefore the value that will be placed on Ghana‟s cocoa will be determined by its quality. However there are instance where Ghana cocoa is rejected for reasons of not meeting quality standards. The study therefore seeks to assess the perception of purchasing clerks toward quality control management practices in the Juaboso District of western region. The significance of the study is to help policy makers of the industry to involve purchasing clerks in quality management practices. Related literature was reviewed in connection with the topic. The study was a descriptive study and the population was purchasing clerks. The sampling technique used was a non–probability sampling and specifically purposive sampling was used. The sample size for the study was 54. Data was collected using both primary and secondary approach. Questionnaire and interview were the main research instruments. The data was analyzed using SPSS and the main findings were that. Majority of the purchasing clerks do not have knowledge about operational guidelines. Most of the purchasing clerks have not been given any effective training when they were employed. The recommendations made were that there should be effective training of purchasing clerks in relation to quality control issues. Also, purchasing clerks should be given operational guidelines to help them function effectively. DEDICATION

Source: KNUST
Perception of Ghanaian Consumers on Genetically Modified Foods (GM Foods)

Genetic engineering produces Genetically Modified (GM) foods, which have become a part of the food cultivated in most parts of the world. GM foods have been cultivated for reasons such as improved crop variety, improved nutritional quality, increased yield and availability of foods throughout the year. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of Ghanaian consumers, exporters/importers, farmers and agricultural experts on Genetically Modified food technology and the associated human and environmental risks. A cross-sectional data was collected in the month of April, 2016 through a survey. A total of 314 questionnaires representing 78.50% of administered questionnaire were successfully retrieved and used in the analysis. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test for group independence were used to analyse data with IBM’s SPSS version 21, and Microsoft Excel (2013). The findings of the study revealed that 64.01% of respondents already knew about GM foods while the remaining 35.99% had never heard about the technology. Respondents had attained knowledge via television (23.42%), through newspaper (18.96%), peers (18.22%), radio (15.99%) and workshop (15.51%). It was observed from the study that respondents who had attained tertiary education (58.81%) were also more knowledgeable in GM than all other respondents whose education was below tertiary (41.20%) level. It was also found that 76.53% respondents generally perceived GM foods to be safe for both human and environmental health, and of this 83.12% were willing to accept and consume GM foods. Acceptability of GM foods did not differ much from male (44.34%) to female (55.66%) respondents; however, respondents with children (46.53%) were somehow reluctant to accept GM foods than those who did not have children (53.47%). Exporters/importers (60.00%) did not think Ghana would lose its export market by adopting biotechnology, if the country export GM foods to only countries that accepted GM foods. Farmers (48.72%) similarly, indicated preference in cultivating GM crops to non-GM crops for issues of post-harvest loses and differences in pesticide control requirement. However, experts’ opinion on GM’s risk to human health (47.06%) and the environment (29.41%) was split, and unclear. The study therefore recommended that while GM should be promoted, it should be done in moderation, not to displace traditional crops, and that experts should research further into the short and long-term effects of GM foods on both the environment and on human health.

Source: KNUST
Perception and Willingness to Participate in Social Security Insurance by the Informal Sector: A Case Study of Commercial Drivers in the Kumasi Metropolis

Social security insurance policy is an essential mechanism for a sustainable poverty eradication and development. The state-based pension scheme in Ghana tends to be better adapted to formal conditions and this limits the participation of majority of the populace, especially those in the informal sector. This study sought to investigate organised commercial drivers' perception and willingness to participate in informal social security insurance in the Kumasi Metropolis. Specifically, the study examined the drivers' knowledge and perceptions on social security insurance policy, analysed the extent to which their socioeconomic characteristics and perception influence their willingness to participate in the social security insurance scheme, and the constraints to participation. Cross-sectional data on 300 drivers were collected using survey questionnaire for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages, graphs and pie chart were used to summarise the socioeconomic characteristics of the drivers and the constraints to their participation in social security insurance scheme. The knowledge and perception of the drivers were analysed using frequency and percentages and a three point likert scale. The determinants to participation in social security insurance scheme were analysed using the logit/logistic model. The study found that majority of the drivers have heard, are aware and understand the importance of social security insurance scheme for socioeconomic development of the nation. The participants agree and consider social security insurance as a good policy for socioeconomic development of society in general. The personal characteristics of the drivers such as marital status and their perceptions about the insurance scheme have influence on their willingness to participate in the social security scheme. The respondents' low confidence in the scheme among other constraints, may negatively affect participation and sustenance of the scheme. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that programmes aimed at encouraging the participation of the informal sector, particularly commercial drivers, in the social security insurance scheme should consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the heterogeneous people and their perceptions about the policy. Policy efforts by the government and other stakeholders (such as private insurance firms) toward improving the communication, visibility and availability of the insurance scheme to the informal sector are crucial for increased participation, performance and sustenance of the social security scheme in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
The perception of stakeholders to the development of forest certification policy in Ghana - the case of Dunkwa Forest District

The project is centred on the forest certification, which is a guarantee that the forest resource come from well-managed forest. In this study the focus on certification is its role as a tool in ensuring that stakeholders contribute effectively in sustainable forest management. The research work therefore concentrate on the perception of stakeholders to the development of certification policy in Ghana. Certification initiatives are being perused by Ghana government and the perception of stakeholders to the development of the policy is needed. The emphasis in forest management is now towards stakeholder participation. The study aims at finding out whether certification can have effect on sustainable forest management and to identify the costs and benefits which stake holders are likely to incur when certification policy is fully implemented. Dunkuwa Forest District is being used as the study area. Primary and secondary data, field observations and focus group interviews and discussions indicate that stakeholders have the perception that certification would have a high potential to greatly support and improve sustainable forest management in Ghana. These are to be achieved through better enforcement of law and regulations. Stricter compliance with district quota allocation for regulating timber harvesting outside forest reserves (DFA), prosecution of forest offenders, enhancing better prices of forest produce among others. Many stakeholders perceived that certification will create real change in forest management. These will he practicable in Ghana though requires local modifications. The survey also identified costs (sacrifices,) and economic benefits, which stakeholders would incur when certification policy is fully implemented. Generally some of the costs (sacrifices) cover forest protection, monitoring and patrolling, educational awareness creation, stock survey & yield allocation, physical attacks, strict compliance with laws and regulations, commitment and collaboration with respect to time and funds. In industry costs indentified are in the areas of strict adherence to standards and prescription, better motivation of worker. District Assemblies also incur some costs in directing financial resources into afforestation programmes and their commitment towards collaboration in environmental issues. When the certification policy is finally implemented Forest Managers will obtain some economic benefits which include sound forests management, sustainable flow of forest resources and reduction in illegal timber operations. The communities and stool landowners are also to benefit from better terms in Social Responsibility Agreements (SRAs) and increased access to wood resources for construction. The District Assemblies are to experience higher revenue inflows and quality environment. Generally the study concludes that stakeholder concerns should be integrated into certification policy before implementation

Source: KNUST
Perception of the services and disservices from urban forest and trees in the Garden City of West Africa

The growth of trees in urban areas brings forth an extensive array of services and disservices, the comprehension of which can assist urban forestry professionals in advancing a more sustainable urban forest ecosystem. This paper assesses the perception of urban residents on the services and disservices from urban trees in a less represented geographic area. Using a mixed method approach, primary data was gathered from 396 urban inhabitants in the study area. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess perception of services and disservices from the urban trees. Using a principal component analysis, it was found out that the most important services provided by urban trees were health and climate improvement as well as energy, esthetic and environmental benefits. These services explained 50.8% of citizens’ perception variance and are linked to basic human needs. Additionally, the Monte Carlo parallel analysis-based on exploratory factor analysis revealed that the underlying problems that needs to be addressed were related to poor management and maintenance of urban trees, destruction of infrastructure by trees and issues related to safety including parks and gardens serving as hideouts for criminals in the city. These components were predicting 53.3% of the problems and disservices of urban trees. The results provide a valuable insight for urban forestry professionals. The findings imply that institutional assistance should be increased, and the legislative structure changed to address these challenges to sustain urban forestry.

Source: KNUST
Perceptions and attitudes influencing the management of solid waste in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Rapid uncontrolled urbanization in Ghana has saddled the country’s cities with problems of physical, socio-economic and environmental nature. Besides the physical problems of poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, con gestion and poor accessibility, solid waste management is a worsening situation in urban settlements in Ghana. Solid Waste Management is defined as the direct generation, collection, storage, transport, source separation, processing, treatment, recovery and disposal of solid waste. The study was therefore an attempt to examine the socio -economic factors influencing the management of solid waste in the Kumasi Metropolis particularly in Asawase and Nhyiaeso communities in Kumasi. Nhyiaeso and Asawase were chosen as a way of comparing how solid waste is managed in residential areas where there are wealthy individuals at the expense of communities where individuals have a lower income. Nhyiaeso represented communities with higher income whereas Asawase represent s communities with lower income. The study uncovered the fact that wastes generated in the metropolis are generally non-poisonous since they are mostly from food items. They also serve as a source of food for some farm animals. The study also revealed that bigger waste bins are needed in the collection of daily waste. Uncollected refuse accumulates in drains, roads, and open spaces; disrupting community life and creating additional problems in the operation of other public services. These and other facts came to light as a result of interviews conducted in Nhyiaeso and Asawase households. The research was a case study and the sampling technique was simple random sampling. The researcher therefore made recommendations for aggress ive policies and measures to address the challenges identified in order to promote a sustainable solid waste management in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Source: KNUST
Perceptions and Attitudes about the SHS Visual Arts Programme and their Influence on the Students in the Kumasi Metropolis

This thesis aimed at finding out about the perceptions and attitudes of Visual Arts teachers, non-Visual Arts teachers, Visual Arts students, and non-Visual Arts students about the SHS Visual Arts programme and how these affect Visual Arts students in the Kumasi Metropolis. The accessible population was 368 out of a target population of 6995. The descriptive and survey research methods were used to collect data. Both Convenience and Purposive sampling techniques were used to select the various categories of respondents. The Visual Arts heads of department were interviewed while the other respondents answered a questionnaire. The study found that the Visual Arts programme is not as competitive as the Science, Business and other programmes of the sample studied, 19% of the Visual Arts students did not opt for the programme as compared to 8% of the non-Visual Arts students; there is a high level of respect for the Visual Arts teachers by the non-Visual Arts teachers as 81% of non-Visual Arts teachers respect the Visual Arts teachers while 76% of the non-Visual Arts students respect the Visual Arts teachers. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: Career guidance and counselling programmes should be organized for JHS students, at least once every term by the Headmasters/Headmistresses to expose the students to the various career opportunities available. JHS students should not be forced into choosing any programme against their wish; instead, they should be guided in the selection of programmes they would pursue in the SHS. Non-Visual Arts teachers and non-Visual Arts students must also be informed about the programme so they will stop looking down on the programme, its students and teachers.

Source: KNUST
The perceptions and attitudes of health workers towards persons with disabilities in the Bekwai Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Disability is an important aspect of human health because every human being has the potential of being disabled at some point in life. Because of its importance, it is necessary to make disability and its related issues familiar to health workers to improve their understanding of the healthcare needs of persons with disabilities so as to increase access to health care for persons with disabilities. The study evaluated the level of knowledge and perceptions of health workers about persons with disabilities. It also assessed attitudes that are held by health workers towards persons with disabilities as a result of held perceptions about them. The study was quantitative using questionnaires to ascertain the level of knowledge of and attitude towards persons with disabilities. The study targeted all categories of health workers including doctors, nurses and pharmacists. The sample size for the study was 155 and included both males and female health workers selected purposively. The findings indicated that respondents’ attitude towards persons with disabilities was somewhat positive. However, their perception of disability was mixed. For example attitudinal assessment of respondents across the hospitals revealed that a little over half of the respondents (55.9%) agreed that ‘persons with disabilities should be helped even when they have not asked for help.’ On the impossibility of preventing disability through medication and early detection during pregnancy, majority of the respondents disagreed. Finally on whether respondents were willing to work with persons with disabilities in the same hospital, the responses across health professions indicated a general agreement of their preparedness to work with persons with disabilities. Health professionals are essential for providing health care for everyone in the country including persons with disabilities who are considered one of the minority and marginalized groups. The findings from the study showed that health professionals within the study area had adequate knowledge on disability related issues which could impart positively on their attitude towards persons with disabilities. Indeed, findings from the study established that the health care workers under consideration had positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities and this is as a result of their experiences which should be maintained and encouraged among all other health care providers.

Source: KNUST