ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Culture (Language) as a predictor of financial inclusion in Ghana

This thesis aims to explore and survey the impact language has on financial inclusion using Ghana as the country of study. Despite the key roles financial inclusion plays in inclusive development, Africa has not been able to fully realize it (Triki & Faye 2013). Akudugu (2013) in his research on financial inclusion in Ghana, found that 60 percent of the Ghanaian population was excluded from the financial market. Considering the enormous importance of financial inclusion to the growth of the country, it is of key relevance to examine the roles language plays in the inclusiveness of Ghanaians in the financial market. In the study, a survey was used in collecting relevant data from the targeted respondents. 141 participants were sampled randomly and an online questionnaire with both closed ended and open ended questions were administered to them. The study concluded that, language influences accessibility and usage of financial products using the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis to establish that language influences financial decisions and the appreciation of financial services. Using the foreign or non-native language theory asserted by Hadjichristidis et al (2019), it was established that, the use of English language by financial service providers influences the accessibility and usage of their services. In affirmation of Rogers (1983) findings on language homophily, the study found that not attending to customers in a common language which is similar to theirs tends to reduce language homophily resulting in a low appreciation and usage of the service being rendered to them. Keywords: Culture, investment, financial inclusion, psychology, homophily

Source: Ashesi
Currency risk management techniques of multinational companies in Ghana

Currency fluctuations are a world-wide phenomenon which present upside and downside risk for multinational companies. Currency risk exposure can be hedged (managed) using different strategies. The study's main objective was to find out how MNCs in Ghana manage currency risk, and some of the problems they encounter in trying to manage their exposure to currency risk. This study adopted a quantitative approach to find out the techniques MNCs in Ghana use in managing currency risk. The specific quantitative approach employed in this study was a descriptive analysis technique, tables and graphs were used to enable easier interpretation of data. The MNCs that responded to the questionnaire confirmed that currency risk was the most significant exposure to their companies, hence most of the firms find it as important risk to be managed. The results of the study indicate that, 19% of the firms that participated in the questionnaire had no proper risk management function. It also emerged that transaction risk exposure is considered as the most critical exposure for Multinational companies in Ghana. Overall, MNCs in Ghana exhibited a low-level use of instruments for hedging against currency risk. Recommendations aimed at increasing CRM practices among MNCs in Ghana are made. This paper is of importance to MNCs that are exposed to currency risk and to financial institutions that are interested in providing hedging tools to these companies.

Source: Ashesi
The current situation of roads in Accra and its effects on real estate development (housing) within the city

Housing is a one of the most fundamental rights every human being deserves for survival and existence. Every human being in one way or the other has the longing desire to own a home. A country with a healthy environment, good labor force, good infrastructure, good society, affordable and decent housing produces a good urban economy. However, in Ghana, a difficult issue most citizens are facing is the inability to afford or rent decent housing in a decent neighborhood. This study therefore seeks to assess the state of infrastructure, especially roads within the city of Accra and how the state of roads and road networks presently has a huge effect on the real estate industry within the city of Accra. This study was undertaken based on primary and secondary information. Research instruments such as questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussions were used to gather data. The data was analyzed with tools such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS and Numbers (Macintosh). Recommendations were also made from the research findings. Among these were the enforcement of the laws of the state in accordance with the planning and building regulations by city authorities. This would ensure that the necessary road infrastructure would be provided in the various districts and localities.

Source: Ashesi
A customer retention strategy for Phoenix Insurance Company

Phoenix Insurance Company is a Ghanaian-owned establishment that contracts in claim settlement and insurance of properties founded in the year 1995. The key objective of this project is to find the main challenge Phoenix Insurance faces, and to go through needed stages to uncover an adequate result for the challenge. Phoenix Insurance has suffered customer churn and has difficulty in retaining its clientele. This has led to them having low customer retention and making it problematic to attract new customers. A qualitative research approach was used to discover the most effectual means by which Phoenix Insurance can retain its customers. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from both the workers of Phoenix Insurance and its customers, and a convenient sampling method was used based on the convenience of the interviewees. Findings from the study, such as poor claiming processes and lack of motivation, were used to craft a solution suited to the identified problem of Phoenix Insurance. The solution is a customer retention strategy based on the customer loyalty plan, which involves prospective ways to retain a customer. The customer loyalty plan consists of seven main components, namely, service quality, trust, switching costs, commitment, corporate image, customer satisfaction, and communication. With all these, when implemented, the customer retention strategy will be able to help Phoenix Insurance decrease its customer churn and increase its retention ratio, thus attracting new customers. The results suggested that there is high customer churn in the company; as a result, claim management processes, product pricing, competition, internal processes, and lack of customer appreciation. The researcher recommends Phoenix Insurance to communicate properly with their customers to gain feedback for improvements, appreciate customers, and work harder to gain customer trust. For reviews, a future reader or researcher can research deeper into Customer Relationship Management and how it can affect the company. I could not elaborate on Customer Relationship Management because its technicalities, a future researcher, can build a CRM Application for the company for the fast and reliable claim processing.

Source: Ashesi
Dementia in Ghana: Care options available and how technology can be used to publicize them

According to the 2010 census in Ghana, the population of the elderly grew by 87% between 1960 and 2010 (Ghana Statistical Service, 2013). With this growth in the number of elderly people, comes a higher number of occurrences of diseases that afflict the aged, such as dementia. The objective of this thesis, is to find the care options available to the demented in Ghana, those actually being used by the families of the demented in Ghana, and ways by which technology can be used to publicize dementia and its care options in Ghana. Qualitative research was done using non- probability sampling to select respondents to partake in this study. Findings from this research were got by interviewing medical professionals, family members/guardians of the demented and experts in educating the public on various issues using technology in Ghana. All respondents targeted are based in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The findings show that there is a general ignorance on dementia plaguing Ghanaians which causes them to respond wrongly to people diagnosed with dementia. However, there are several care options available in Ghana for the demented. The main problem here is the lack of information about the care options available which makes it difficult for families with demented members to access them. Also, technology experts say that technology will serve as a great medium to publicize dementia and its care options in Ghana, however, success is based on which segment of people are targeted as recipients of the messages. Technologies that can be used for the publication range from mass media such as radios to processor- embedded devices such as Virtual Reality tools.

Source: Ashesi
The demographic transition and the demographic dividend: Does Ghana stand a chance?

There is a lot of talk on this new wind of economic benefit – the “demographic dividends.” Many regions of the world have had their share of the demographic transition and dividend. Still, most countries in Africa are yet to receive it or might even miss it if they do not put in place the necessary structures and systems to reap it. The study, therefore, seeks to find the state of Ghana concerning the dividend. It explores the preconditions of attaining the dividend, which might have delayed Ghana’s chances of harnessing the DD and the roles stakeholders should play to enable Ghana capitalized on its demographic transition and dividend. The study, through a qualitative research approach, made use of both primary and secondary data collection sources. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The analyses revealed that to gain and maximize the DD, Ghana must invest in the areas of education, health, governance, and economy. Ghana can leverage on the DD if this is done. However, there are significant challenges, such as a high dependency ratio and a low level of education among the youth that needs great attention.

Source: Ashesi
Designing a market segmentation and positioning strategy for Unitech Premiere Computers Limited

Unitech Premiere Computers is a computer retail outlet which was established in 2017 and currently located at Achimota. It provides computer gadgets, its accessories and repair services. After three years of operating in the computer retail industry, it aims to increase its market share by providing superior services to its customers. However, efforts to climb the competitive ladder have proved futile. To determine the cause of Unitech’s inability to increase market share, qualitative research was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from the Chief Executive Office and the General Manager while qualitative data was gathered from customers and potential customers via an online questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using the root cause analytical tool. Analysis showed that the primary hindrances to Unitech’s market share acquisition is the absence of a precise market position and poor marketing strategies targeted at mass audiences. This project solved this problem through a proposed market segmentation and positioning strategy. The market segmentation defined the different customer groups that exists in the computer retail market. After segmenting the market, segments Unitech can competitively with its resources were highlighted. Then, various service and product attributes that are relevant to customers were identified from market research. Results were used to determine the current and aspired market position of Unitech concerning selected service and product attributes. The gap between the aspired and current market position of Unitech was bridged using bespoke marketing strategies. This solution would reflect positively into customer satisfaction, increased sales and ultimately market share acquisition.

Source: Ashesi
Designing a performance measurement tool and a strategic planning Guide for Pro-Life

Pro-Life Multimedia is a youth development NGO located at Awoshie, a suburb of Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The organization was established in 2009 and they organize many social programs to aid the development of the youth at Awoshie. This project was carried out with the main aim of identifying and resolving some key human resources management and operational challenges Pro-Life is facing. A needs assessment was conducted within the premises of Pro-Life, and the most crucial needs identified were the need for a performance measurement tool and a strategic planning guide. Performance measurement is a formal process used to measure employee’s behavior and job related attitudes. Performance measurement is important because it enable employees to constantly improve because of the feedback system incorporated. From the need assessment, Pro-Life did not have a performance measurement system and it affected them because it led to some employees taking their jobs for granted. Strategic planning is the process by which members of an organization envision its future and develop the necessary procedures and operations to achieve that future. Strategic planning is important because it serves as a framework for decisions making and it explains the business to others, in other to inform and motivate them. Pro-Life does not have a strategic plan and it has affected their ability to fund operations. To address these issues, an employee performance measurement tool and a strategic planning guide were designed for the organization. The frequent use of the deliverables aforementioned will help Pro-Life to grow and develop since it will enable mangers to effectively direct their employees towards the attainment of the organization’s strategic goals.

Source: Ashesi
Designing a strategic investment framework for BanqMoni Limited

BanqMoni Limited is a financial technology service provider that started operations in August 2017 with a mission to making banking convenient for Ghanaians. This mission is achieved through its platform that allows individuals to directly make instant deposits into any bank account within Ghana at any time from their mobile money account. The firm has a reliable source of funding from shareholders that ensure that cash outflows for the year are budgeted and catered for. Owing to this, revenue earned through the platform sits in a zero-interest current account with the firm’s settlement bank unproductive. Thus, BanqMoni is unable to deploy its surplus cash efficiently. According to the CEO, this problem tends to erode the firm's future earnings as the bank continues to deduct bank charges. Insights from literature reviewed affirms that there is a tradeoff between profitability and liquidity. Maintaining unproductive surplus cash has an implicit cost in the form of losing out on possible investment income. Hence, it is essential for firms to hold an optimum level of cash to avoid the adverse effects of keeping excess cash or low cash levels. Based on in-depth research, cash management and investment analysis framework that replicates the Miller-Orr cash management model was designed in Microsoft Excel to ascertain the firm’s optimal cash as well as how much funds to invest and returns to expect from the investment. An investment policy was also documented to enable the firm to make prudent investment decisions. Through this framework, the firm will be able to maximize its surplus cash and earn additional investment income that will improve the overall profitability of the firm.

Source: Ashesi
Determining the technical feasibility of an agricultural commodity exchange in Ghana

This paper seeks to explain the concept of an agricultural commodity exchange and provides the reader with a practical understanding of the concept. The focus of the study is Ghana. The paper also seeks to highlight the conditions that will enable the Ghanaian economy operate under such a system. The paper's main objective is to determine the technical feasibility of such a system in Ghana, given various constraints this economy faces.

Source: Ashesi
The deterrents of cannabis use among students: A case study of Ashesi University College

The use of cannabis is prevalent among students in Ghana. According to Today News (2014), statistics from the Narcotic Control Board reveal that out of a total number of 50,000 drug users, 35,000 are students from junior, secondary and tertiary institutions. However, there also exist a good number of students who are not users of cannabis. This research sought to identify factors that deter students, who are non-cannabis users, from using the drug and to rank the factors. These objectives were met by handing out questionnaires to 310 students from Ashesi University College, Berekuso, Ghana. The options to the questions asked in the survey were informed by the deterrents found in literature and the Theory of Planned Behaviour; a theory that categorizes the factors that influence an individual's decision to adopt or maintain a particular behaviour. The data collected was organized using the PSPP software and analyzed with Descriptive Statistics, Chi-Square Tests and Factor Analysis. It was found out that most students rated health threats as their most important disincentive to using cannabis. In view of this, an educational campaign on the negative effects of cannabis on mental and physical health using multi-sectorial approach is recommended to reduce if not eliminate the abuse of cannabis among the youth in Ghana.

Source: Ashesi
Developing a cost-effective stock control system for the Ashesi shop

The Ashesi souvenir shop is a relatively small shop with a restricted target market. The shop since its inception in 2016 has been experiencing lapses in its inventory control as there have been continuous stockouts due to a poor understanding of what to order, when to order and how to order. According to research, the shop can prevent significant losses in revenue by developing a cost-effective stock control system which provides key information on the usage value, unit cost and accessibility of the shop's items, which are all strategic elements of arriving at the optimal decision of what to order, when to order and how to order. To address the problem, the following solution was proposed. The solution entails the combined application of two models; namely, the SDE model and the HML models which arrive at optimal decision areas of what to order, how to order, and when to order items essential to revenue generation in the shop. Both models reduce wastage and improve the efficient disbursement of funds to increase profitability. The final element of the solution is an all-inclusive POS system to synchronize all stock related information. To bring this to bear, the management would need to spend resources and time to find the multiple vendors within the region as well as expend financial resources on the POS system. To complete this project, it is critical that the solution is carried out during the off-season when the shop is not in full operation. This will enable that the models are effectively carried out with little distractions.

Source: Ashesi
Developing a derivative securities market in Ghana: requisite conditions

The development of a derivative securities market in Ghana was studied with the focus on the requisite conditions which form a foundation upon which a successful derivatives market would thrive. The study addressed the availability of participants, the presence or absence of a legal regulatory framework and the possibility of developing a derivatives market. The importance of this study is to provide a platform for which business could unbundle and redistribute risk through hedging, allow for price discovery and increase the inflow of global resources into Ghana. The researcher used SPSS 16.0 software for windows in analyzing the quantitative data on the level of awareness of derivative instruments, the possibility of developing a derivative market in Ghana, organizations currently involved in any form of derivative trading and number of derivative contracts traded. The qualitative data collated through interview was analyzed using content analysis. Themes and keywords from the interview were isolated and described. The study found that Ghana is ready for the development of a derivatives market but lacks the needed legal and regulatory framework for derivatives trading. It is recommended that policy makers should pass the law allowing the development of a derivatives market. With effective investor education, Ghana could start gradually probably with the establishment of a commodity exchange since the economy is commodity based.

Source: Ashesi
Developing a sourcing and distribution strategy for Tieme Ndo social enterprise

Tieme Ndo is a social enterprise startup that supplies farm inputs such as fertilizer, improved seeds and weedicides to rural farmers at Nandom in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The startup is committed to boosting crop yields among rural farmers and empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty. Tieme Ndo started operation last year in May but was not able to supply the right kind of fertilizers, seeds, and weedicides to farmers at the right time. Thus, leading to low crop yields among its portfolio of farmers. Hence the need for this project. The project seeks to identify the operational challenges Tieme Ndo faced in procuring and distributing farm inputs to farmers during its pilot and to orchestrate an efficient means for procuring and distributing the right kind of farm inputs to farmers at the right time. To do this, three workers of the organization were interviewed including one of the co-founders. Agriculture farm input dealers were also interviewed. Various sourcing and distribution strategies often used by organizations around the world were reviewed. Finally, the author proposed parallel sourcing as the sourcing strategy and distributor storage with customer pickup as the distribution strategy. Based on the factor-rating model, three farm input dealers were recommended: AMG, RMG, and M&B Seeds and Agricultural Service Ltd to be the suppliers of fertilizer, seeds and weedicides to Tieme Ndo. The proposed solution will help Tieme Ndo save cost of renting an additional warehouse and will also help the organization hold enough sock – about 1000bags of fertilizer and seeds for cash sales.

Source: Ashesi
Developing an integrated marketing communications plan for African Polistas

African Polisats is an organization that boasts of being a pan-African polo club deeply rooted in the Ghanaian and South African community. It is currently chaired by Harold Awuah - Darko. With the organization’s knowledge of polo and the aim of teaching and nurturing generations of horse lovers, the team recently introduced its riding school which targets not only the elite but horse lovers including children and all others willing to learn and play polo at a fee. Having been in operation for over a decade, the organization has acquired its clients mainly through referrals. This was as a result of low brand awareness among its potential customers. This conclusion was reached after an extensive needs assessment on the organization which exposed relevant gaps within the firm’s operations. In conducting this needs assessment, qualitative research was employed to gather in-depth analysis and specific themes related to the research topic. Methods employed included observations, semi-structured and unstructured interviews and internet research. Pictures were taken during periods of observations which can be found in the appendix. An aide-memoire guided the researcher through unstructured interviews. Interview guidelines aided the conduction of semi-structured interviews. Findings from the research showed low marketing efforts of African Polistas among potential clients. The marketing mix was then employed to develop an Integrated Marketing Communications Plan which was best fit for the organization. Recommendations and conclusions were reached in the latter part of the chapters which illustrated the end of the project’s journey.

Source: Ashesi