ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The image of African women in a patriarchal society a study of Buchi Emecheta’s the joys of motherhood and Amma Darko’s beyond the horizon

This thesis examines the image of African women in a patriarchal society. The purpose of this research work is to find out how Buchi Emecheta uses this text to present African women, how Amma Darko uses her book to present African women, whether these two novelists present women differently or similarly and also to find out whether Emecheta and Darko present African women different from the way some male authors have presented women. The investigation was done through the use of Joys of Motherhood written by Buchi Emecheta and Beyond the Horizon authored by Amma Darko. The theoretical frameworks for this study are African feminism and postcolonial African literary theory. The researcher carefully selected one standard novel of each author. In each, the key female characters were identified, their role and relationship with men and other women were analysed. This study reveals that Buchi Emecheta presents African women in a number of ways and notable among them are; they are presented as second-class citizens, very assertive, very hardworking, they can face difficulties in the absence of their husbands, they are appendages of men and capable of fostering peace and tranquillity. Amma Darko, in contrast, presents African women diversely as people who are naïve, who are exploited easily, as people who cannot make their own choices, as sex commodities and as property that must be sold to the highest bidder. Similarly, it is revealed that both Emecheta and Darko presented African women as: people that can be battered, people who should not resist the sexual pleasures of men, means through which their parents get wealth, people who are hardworking, appendages of men, people who are created for the sake of men and people who are incapable of making their own decisions.

Source: UEW
The image of african women in a patriarchal society_a study of Buchi Emecheta's the joys of motherhood and Amma Darko's beyond the horizon

This thesis examines the image of African women in a patriarchal society. The purpose of this research work is to find out how Buchi Emecheta uses this text to present African women, how Amma Darko uses her book to present African women, whether these two novelists present women differently or similarly and also to find out whether Emecheta and Darko present African women different from the way some male authors have presented women. The investigation was done through the use of Joys of Motherhood written by Buchi Emecheta and Beyond the Horizon authored by Amma Darko. The theoretical frameworks for this study are African feminism and post colonial African literary theory. The researcher carefully selected one standard novel of each author. In each, the key female characters were identified, their role and relationship with men and other women were analysed. This study reveals that Buchi Emecheta presents African women in a number of ways and notable among them are; they are presented as second-class citizens, very assertive, very hardworking, they can face difficulties in the absence of their husbands, they are appendages of men and capable of fostering peace and tranquillity. Amma Darko, in contrast, presents African women diversely as people who are naïve, who are exploited easily, as people who cannot make their own choices, as sex commodities and as property that must be sold to the highest bidder. Similarly, it is revealed that both Emecheta and Darko presented African women as: people that can be battered, people who should not resist the sexual pleasures of men, means through which their parents get wealth, people who are hardworking, appendages of men, people who are created for the sake of men and people who are incapable of making their own decisions.

Source: UEW
Imagery in Dagaaba riddles

The study examines imagery in riddles in Dagaare, a Gur language spoken by the Dagaaba in Northern Ghana. A riddle is a popular genre that appeals to people of all ages, gender and status. It is a short utterance that requires deep thinking before a response. This study identified and analyzed the types of imagery employed in Dagaaba riddles in the context of the Dagaaba society and their culture. Dagaaba riddles are characterized by figurative meaning and employ both perceptual and conceptual imagery. Imagery is the use of descriptive and figurative language to represent ideas, actions and entities in a way that appeals to our senses. The study looked at symbolism, simile, personification, repetition, satire, metaphor and parallelism as some of the imagery embedded in the riddles. Imagery serves to project the Dagaaba world view and defines a frame of reference for the people’s beliefs, and identity. The main function of imagery is pictorial. It concludes that, the imagery employed shortens and delivers the thought forcefully and also makes it easy for riddles to remain in one’s mind.

Source: UEW
Imaging: The ‘constructor’ of modern, post-modern and contemporary life.

Photography has become ubiquitous in contemporary experience, manifesting mostly onscreen. This paper explores the scopophilic trends of modern, post-modern and contemporary living as anticipated in the work of Freud and affirmed by Lacan in the coinage scopic regime. It explores how pervasive imaging has become today and exposes how layered the visual can be in contemporary society. Locating photography’s place in contemporary experience brings into focus decades of thought on semiotic discussions. These discussions introduce the political, social and cultural aspects of photographic experience from the 18th century till date. Enwezor’s reflections on the ubiquity, form and power that the image wields especially on contemporary society, condense these contextual implications the image conjures. Our conclusion is that, despite the unease about the impact of the image on society, it seems to have come to stay as a constructor of contemporary life. This paper therefore introduces the photographic image and highlights some of the concerns that surfaced with its introduction. Important theories and trends are discussed with respect to the proliferation of the image today. The imaging technologies and culture of modern men are explored while the coded messages that images transmit are exposed. Views and projections of critical thinkers from different generations and locations are helpful in analyzing the culture of viewing that has pervaded the living conditions of the 21st century citizen. The conclusion is clearly a matter of interpretation since the discovery of the truth in an image is subjective.

Source: UEW
Immigration officers’ understanding of human rights, a survey of the Eastern Frontier Stations

There were four objectives that underlay the conduct of this study. These were to: examine how much knowledge personnel of the immigration service have of human rights: explore the various sources where the personnel received their human right knowledge from: ascertain the level of human rights understanding immigration personnel have when it comes to practical situations in their operations: and to analyze the correlation that exist between their knowledge and practical understanding of human rights. Investigating the above objectives became very necessary because though immigration personnel are expected to respect and protect people’s rights in their duties, it was however not known whether they have the requisite knowledge and understanding of human rights. The study was conducted as a survey using mixed methods. Data was collected from 120 respondents who were all immigration personnel using questionnaire as the only tool. Respondents were sampled using stratified random and convenient sampling methods. The data collection covered 12 border stations all along the Ghana-Togo boundary. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and Microsoft Word. After all the analyses, the findings made by the study were that a large majority of the respondents did not have accurate knowledge of fundamental human rights. It was also found that the knowledge they had of human rights were received from different sources other than G.I.S. trainings. There was also the finding that respondents’ positions on various University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh 16 practical scenarios were based on their personal attributes and other considerations, and not on human rights tenets. In the end, it was concluded that the respondents had inadequate knowledge of the concepts and principles of fundamental human rights as a result of lack of proper training in Human Rights Education (HRE). There was also the conclusion that the respondents generally lacked a deeper practical understanding of human rights as a result of their inability to readily recognize issues of human rights in their daily operations. Meanwhile, personnel of the immigration service perform very critical functions along Ghana’s borders where they come up against smugglers, criminals, and regular travelers. And the findings made by this study about their inadequate knowledge and understanding of human rights, has the potential of impairing their good judgment and thereby endangering people’s fundamental human rights. It is therefore imperative that the recommendations made in this study are accorded the needed considerations.

Source: UEW
Impact assessment of the use of the l1 to support the teaching and learning of English among primary three learners in the Okai Koi North Municipality

Teaching and learning English as a second language has over the years proven to be a very difficult task for both teachers and learners of English in Ghana. Authors and researchers around the globe have proposed several seamless modes through which the second language can be taught and learned effectively. One of such modes is the use of L1 (Mother tongue) in teaching and learning different aspects of L2 (English language) in the classroom. This present study, therefore, sought to assess the impact of the use of L1 (Ga) in the teaching and learning of L2 (English language) among primary three pupils in the Okai Koi North Municipal Assembly (ONMA) of the Greater Accra region of Ghana. In essence, the study aimed at exploring the extent to which primary three teachers and pupils use the Ga language in the English language classroom, the impact of the use of L1 in the L2 classroom and some challenges that confront both teachers and pupils in their attempt to use the Ga language during English language lessons. Underpinned by the pragmatists’ paradigm, this study employed the mixed method approach and the sequential explanatory design. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observation. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and that of the qualitative was analyzed using the thematic approach. A total of fifty (50) respondents, made up of ten basic three teachers and forty basic three pupils formed the sampled population for the study. These participants were sampled using census, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. The findings of the study provided an indebt information on the extent of L1 use in the L2 classroom by both teachers and pupils in the ONMA as well as the impact and challenges existent when the L1 is used in the L2 classroom. The recommendations in this study were done specifically to inform the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ghana Education Service (GES) and other stakeholders on the effectiveness of the L1 use in the L2 classroom in Ghana.

Source: UEW
The impact of 5e learning styles on students’ achievement in photosynthesis in Adukrom Senior High Technical School

This quasi-experimental research work was conducted primarily to investigate the impact of 5E Learning Cycle Model (LCM) on students’ achievement in photosynthesis at Adukrom Senior High Technical School. Also, the study investigated students’ misconceptions about photosynthesis and their perceptions of using 5E LCM in teaching and learning the topic under consideration. One hundred third year Biology students of the school were selected as the respondents for the study using purposive sampling technique. This number was made up of 25 male and 75 female students, classified into two groups of control and experimental groups. Academic intervention was meted out separately to the two groups which lasted six weeks. The control group was instructed using the traditional method while the methodology for the experimental group was the used of 5E LCM. Research instruments employed in data collection were tests (pre-test and post-test) and interview. The results showed a significant difference between the post-test and pre-test of groups. The experimental group out-performed the control group. The results therefore proves that the 5E LCM is an effective instructional tool in enhancing students’ performance. Regarding the misconceptions of photosynthesis, it was found out that the students perceived the topic to be very complex as it contains a lot of terminologies. The study therefore, recommends the use of 5E LCM as a tool for lesson instruction to be used in the study institution.

Source: UEW
The impact of activity method on teaching integrated science at a selected junior high school

This study aimed at investigating how pupils of Ampabame No 1 Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Asokwa sub-metro performance can be enhanced through activity based approach. Fifty (50) Junior High School form three pupils were purposively sampled for the study. The nature of the study was an action research. The pre-test and the post-test research design was used, the same participants were pre-tested and post tested to find the effects of the intervention(i e practical activity),five science teachers were selected for the research. The instruments used for the study were test, observation, questionnaire and interview. Data were analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 16.0. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, in terms of frequencies, mean percentages, and standard deviation. The pre-intervention and post intervention findings revealed a remarkable improvement in pupils’ performance. The findings of this research indicated that, practical activity improves pupils’ understanding of science concepts. Observation of pupils revealed that they were highly excited when taught using activities. It is recommended that teachers consider the use of activity method during instructional period more than the lecture method to sustain pupils’ interest as well as enhance performance in science.

Source: UEW
Impact of anthropogenic disturbance on tree species diversity, vegetation structure and carbon storage potential in an upland evergreen forest of Ghana, West Africa

The impact of anthropogenic disturbance on tree species diversity, vegetation structure and carbon storage potential was assessed in an upland evergreen forest on a disturbance gradient (highly stressed, moderately stressed and non-stressed vegetation) in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. Five spatially separated plots with sizes 50 � 50 m were demarcated in each gradient and sampled for vegetation and soil attributes. Specifically, we sampled tree species diversity, vegetation structure and carbon storage potentials in each gradient. A total of 193 tree species belonging to 44 families and 131 genera were recorded. Tree species composition and diversity differed across the gradient. Significantly higher species diversity was recorded in the non-stressed vegetation gradient than in the stressed vegetation gradients. Similarly, the gradients differed in terms of basal area, the density of stands, the height of trees and carbon stock with significantly higher attributes in the non-stressed than the stressed vegetation gradients. Only the basal area and height of stands correlated significantly with tree carbon stock. Anthropogenic disturbances (illegal logging, farming, mining) contributed to the reduced tree species diversity, density of stands and removal of mature trees, which translated into a reduction in the forest's ability to store carbon � 2022

Source: UEW
The impact of artisanal small-scale mining on sustainable livelihoods: A case study of mining communities in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of artisanal small-scale mining on sustainable livelihoods in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana. The study seeks to answer the following questions: (1) what is the impact of artisanal small-scale mining on livelihoods in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality? (2) What measures could be put in place to ensure the sustainability of livelihoods in the municipality? Case study approach to inquiry was used in the study. The authors used interview guides (structured and unstructured) to collect primary data from a sample of 400 household heads, nineteen institutions, six Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) firms, six mineral processing companies, and two gold buying agents, and traditional authorities from the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. The findings of the study indicate among other things that; land has been rendered unproductive due to the inability of the dominant ASM firms to reclaim lands after mining. The workers’ exposure to cyanide and mercury makes them vulnerable to all manner of health risks which is a threat to the sustenance of livelihoods. Owing to the unsustainable nature of mining activities, the future indicates not only increases in unemployment, but also environmental degradation and health concerns. Keywords: Sustainable Livelihood (SL); Sustainable Development (SD); Management; Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM); Ghana.

Source: UEW
Impact of branding on consumer purchasing decision, a case of the telecommunication industry

The study investigated the influence of branding on consumer purchasing decision of mobile network provider. Specifically, the objectives of the study were; to assess the effect of brand awareness on consumer purchasing decision of mobile network provider, to measure the relationship between brand image and consumer purchasing decision of a mobile network provider and lastly to ascertain how the perceived quality of a brand affect consumer purchasing decision of a mobile network provider. This study followed the cross-sectional research design hence, quantitative methodology was adopted. The target population for the study constituted undergraduate students of the University of Education-Winneba, Kumasi campus. Therefore,a projected number of 7,500students within the Kumasi campus of the university was targeted for this study. Based on the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling table, the sample size for this study was 365 with a 95% confidence interval and 5% error of margin. This study used a self-administering questionnaire as its data collection instrument.The study distributed 365 questionnaires to the selected samples from the University of Education Winneba, Kumasi campus. From the questionnaires distributed, a total of 177 completed questionnaires were returned to the researcher. Out of these, 167 were usable for analysis, giving an effective response rate of 47.04 %. Data was subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. Findings from the study showed that most of the respondents agreed that how reliable and trusted a mobile service network is, is very critical to them when choosing a mobile service network. On this score, it is recommended to the mobile telecommunication networks that the farce that Ghanaian consumers will always look at cost and service charges when choosing a network than factors such as, quality and trusted network cannot be wholly true hence, they should see this as a wakeup call to provide its clients with quality services since how a person perceive their network coverage to be reliable and trusted tends to be key factor that shape their selection decision of a mobile service provider.

Source: UEW
Impact of capital structure on the financial performance of selected list firms on the Ghana stock exchange

The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of capital structure on the financial performance of listed firms in Ghana Stock Exchange. The researcher conducted a causal survey to collect data from companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange market in order to determine the current status of the subject under study with respect to one or more variables. The researcher chose to employ a select of listed Ghana Stock Exchange companies through a purposive sampling strategy. The researcher conducted a ratio analysis on the 2015 financial statements of the selected firms and afterwards carried out a correlation test to assess the relationship between the variables. For the purpose of this study, only profitability and gearing ratios were considered. The researcher found that, financial structure indeed affects the financial performance of firms listed at the GSE. There existed a strong relationship between financial structure (capital gearing and debt to equity) and profitability (ROCE, gross profit, net profit and asset turnover). The researcher hence recommended that, management and owners of corporations needed not focus on maintaining a specific leverage ratio but rather they should let the actual capital structure be dictated by business needs. However, they were urged not to load the business with more debt than it has the capacity to service as this would potentially lead to financial challenges that ultimately could lead to bankruptcy. Also, there was need for the firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange to have a strong capital structure which provides them strength to withstand financial crises and offers shareholders a better safety net in times of depressions.

Source: UEW
The impact of Chale Wote street Art Festival in James Town, Accra

This study examined the impact of the Chale Wote Street Art festival in James Town in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. A descriptive case study design was employed for the study and purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents consisting of 14 people: 2 festival Organizers, 4 Members of the Host Community, 2 Participating Artists, 3 festival Attendees, 2 Sponsors and 1 official from the Centre for National Culture were drawn for the study. The instruments used in collecting data were semi- structured interview and participant observation and data obtained was analysed thematically. The study revealed that Chale Wote festival had a positive impact on the host community of James Town and the other stakeholders. It is however recommended that indecent public exposure should be checked while encouraging participants to exhibit more realistic art forms to the public. Also volunteerism and efficient planning as a conduit to sustain the festival should be upheld.

Source: UEW