ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Studytok: Leveraging Microlearning in Education

Short-form content has become a dominant form of communication in everyday life. Across various social media platforms, users are constantly exposed to vast amounts of information delivered in videos ranging from 15 seconds to 3 minutes. While this format of- fers quick access to content, it has also contributed to declining attention span and retention, particularly among students. This applied capstone project seeks to leverage the strengths of short-form content through the concept of microlearning, an educational approach that delivers concise, focused learning experiences. By harnessing its ability to convey knowl- edge quickly and support better retention, the project introduces a platform that empowers students and educators to create, share, and access educational videos tailored to their fields of study and other areas of interest. StudyTok blends educational value with the familiarity of social video platforms to provide a dynamic and engaging environment for learning.

Source: Ashesi
Sustainability orientation of firms in Ghana and its impact on financial performance

While sustainability orientation has become a cornerstone of corporate strategy globally, its financial implications remain underexplored and contextually ambiguous in emerging markets. In Ghana, although some firms are adopting sustainability practices aligned with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, the impact of these efforts on financial performance is uncertain. This ambiguity is compounded by fragmented regulatory enforcement, resource constraints and the perception of sustainability as a cost rather than a value driver. This study examines the impact of Sustainability Orientation, comprising environmental, social and governance dimensions on the financial performance of firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Anchored in Institutional Theory, the research also explores the moderating role of Regulatory Compliance in this relationship. While existing literature from developed economies suggests a positive link between sustainability and performance, evidence from emerging markets such as Ghana remains limited and inconsistent due to regulatory gaps and resource constraints. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from secondary sources including annual reports, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that all three components of sustainability orientation significantly and positively influence financial performance, with governance orientation exerting the strongest effect (β = 0.547), followed by social (β = 0.290) and environmental orientation (β = 0.282). Additionally, regulatory compliance significantly enhances the effect of environmental orientation on performance (β = 0.411), but has limited influence on social and governance components. The study contributes to both theory and practice by validating Institutional Theory in the Ghanaian context, highlighting how external regulatory and institutional pressures shape corporate sustainability strategies. It provides practical insights for firms, policymakers, and investors on how sustainability can serve not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic driver of financial value. The study also calls for stronger regulatory frameworks and deeper contextual research in emerging markets.

Source: Ashesi
SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS TO HOUSEHOLD RUBBISH BURNING IN URBAN GHANA: A STUDY OF ACCRA

Waste disposal and management has been a global concern, affecting both high- and low income countries. Accra, the capital city of Ghana, faces severe waste management challenges that have direct and indirect public health implications. Shifting away from the practice of burning domestic rubbish to more sustainable waste management solutions is essential for the health and wellbeing of our communities. However, challenges within the Ghanaian waste disposal and management system, such as waste collection service inefficiency and resource constraint hinder the full realization of a more sustainable way of disposing and managing waste. This study's significance lies in its potential to explore and assess alternate domestic burning solutions without having to cause harm to the environment and residentsr nfluencing residents

Source: Ashesi
Sustainable and green finance in the adoption of digital financial services (DFS) by SMEs in Accra, Ghana

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the cornerstone of Ghana's economy but face persistent financial barriers that hinder growth and technological adoption. This study explores how the awareness and perceptions of Sustainable and Green Finance (SGF) influence the adoption of Digital Financial Services (DFS) among SMEs in Accra. By integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study examines the relationship between SGF awareness, perceived influence, and DFS adoption. A cross-sectional survey of 246 SME owners/managers was conducted using structured Likert-scale questionnaires. Data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results reveal a significant positive relationship between SGF awareness and DFS adoption, both directly and through the mediating effect of SGF influence. Although awareness levels were relatively low, SMEs that perceived SGF as beneficial, particularly for financial accessibility, community development, and environment impact, were more likely to adopt DFS. Barriers such as high transaction costs, limited internet access and a preference for cash were found to negatively influence DFS adoption but were not overwhelming. This study provides empirical evidence that sustainable finance can act as an enabler for digital transformation in the SME sector. It contributes to the literature on green fintech in developing countries and offers insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and sustainability advocates. Promoting SGF awareness and tailoring financial products to SME needs may drive broader DFS adoption, fostering inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability in Ghana.

Source: Ashesi
Sustainable Financial Technology for Future Cities: Balancing Technological Advancement with Inclusion

This study explores how financial technology (Fir Tech) can support financial inclusion within Ghana's urban environments, particularly in shaping equitable. sustainable future cities. A scenario-based mixed-method approach was used in the research. integrating quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews to investigate how trust. usability, affordability, and digital literacy inliuencc FinTcch adoption among diverse socio-economic groups. Guided by the Triple Bottom Line (IBL) hamcwork, the study emphasises economic and social sustainability dimensions while extending the Technology Acccplancc Model (TAM) and Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) to suit low-digital-literacy contexts better. Key findings indicate that affordability is the strongest predictor ofFir Tech adoption, followed by usability and trust. However, qualitative insights reveal that usability alone is insufficient when digital literacy gaps persist, suggesting the need toadapt TAM to account for these moderating factors. Trust concerns, particularly fraud and regulatory oversight, also significantly affect adoption. validating lAMs focus on perceived trustworthiness. lhc study's integration of Endings highlights that while IinIcch ollhrs polcnlial for inclusive financial ecosystems, barriers such as high transaction fees, digital literacy dcliuits, and trust issues must be addressed. Practical recommendations include implementing fee caps, enhancing govcmment regulation for emerging platforms. and promoting financial literacy campaigns. The research contributes theoretically by refining TAM and IDT for low-literacy environments and emphasis's that achieving inclusive Fir Tech ecosystems requires balancing technological advancement with social equity. these findings bridge individual-level adoption behaviors and broader policy-level implications for inclusive urban development. The study aligns with Ghana's smart city aspirations and global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Source: Ashesi
Sustainable food packaging in Ghana

This research is aimed [at] the behavioral, psychological and systemic obstacles to the uptake of sustainable food packaging in Ghana, including stakeholder attitudes, cultural processes and structural inequalities. Amidst growing awareness of environmental hazards of traditional plastics, the study discovered entrenched inertia in the uptake of sustainable packaging, which was underpinned by economic survialism, fragmented policy implementation, and under-theorized sociocultural discourses. The research filled this lacuna by using a qualitative critical realist approach to unearth underlying mechanisms that influence stakeholder behaviors. Data was gathered through 20 semi-structured interviews with food producers, sellers, consumers and policymakers who were chosen through convenience sampling to give a variety of views. Thematic analysis indicated that while environmental awareness existed, it was routinely overshadowed by contextual realities: prohibitive costs of biodegradable alternatives exlcued informal vendors, uncertainly about functional performance undermined acceptability, and political-economic structures favored plastic producers. Notably, health concerns emerged as a potent stimulus, with informants linking traditional conventions like waakye leaf-wrapping to reduced chemical expose and cultural identity. The results were consistent with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), illustrating how subjective norms (e.g. social acceptability of plastics) and perceived behavioral control (e.g. affordability limitations) interfered with pro-environmental intentions. The research drew the conclusion that Ghana's shift towards sustainable packaging needs culturally responsive solutions such as the reestablishment of indigenous materials and institutional interventions to render subsidies available. By reframing sustainability as a matter of public health and Ghana's food culture, policymakers can close the gap between awareness and practice.

Source: Ashesi
Swords of the Ancestors: Gamification of Akan (Asante) Cultural Education for the Youth of Ghana

This capstone project, Swords of the Ancestors, aims to address the gap in digital tools that teach Akan (Asante) cultural heritage to the youth of Ghana. The project’s primary objective is to design and develop an engaging video game that gamifies the learning of Asante culture through interactive gameplay. The project’s problem stems from the growing disconnection of young Ghanaians from their cultural roots, influenced by globalization and the dominance of foreign media. The project was developed using Unity. It is an open-world action-adventure game where players assume the role of a young warrior tasked with restoring shrines and collecting cultural artifacts embedded with cultural documents to defend their village. Players collect historical artifacts and cultural documents through exploration, combat, and quests, thus learning about Asante traditions in an immersive and interactive environment. The key findings of this project demonstrate that gamification can successfully engage the youth in learning about cultural heritage. The game mechanics, including combat, movement, and quest systems, have been tested and refined through an iterative development process. Player feedback and manual playtesting revealed that the game successfully maintained interest while providing cultural education through cultural documents. The project highlights the potential for digital games to bridge the gap between traditional cultural education and modern digital experiences, thus contributing to preserving and promoting Asante heritage among Ghana’s youth.

Source: Ashesi
Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide from Clay Ore for Biomedical Applications

The purpose of this project is to synthesise and characterize iron from clay ore which would be used in biomedical applications. Two sources of clay samples were obtained from the Savannah and Volta Region for the studies. The clay sample from the Savannah Region revealed a milky colour, while the clay sample from the Volta Region had red colour. The as-received clay was characterized with X-ray fluorescent (XRF) spectroscopy to determine the major oxides and elemental compositions. The results from the XRF studies shows that, the Savannah and the Volta clays contains 10.2 mass%, and 8.49 mass% hematite (Fe2O3). Iron synthesis was achieved via chemical leaching with phosphoric acid, and hydrochloric acid. The leached substance was analysed with ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Kinetics of iron released was analysed using kinetic modules such as Zeroth order, First order, Second order, and Higuchi model. The results agreed with the Zeroth and Second model with a linear fit and regression coefficient, R2 = 0.994 and R2 = 0.998 respectively. The iron in solution was precipitated from solution using sodium hydroxide to enhance the yield of the iron. The implications of the results were discussed for the synthesis and further characterization of conjugated iron nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Source: Ashesi
Tablet-based math application for primary school pupils in Grade 1 and Grade 2

Education is one of the basic needs of a child. The knowledge imparted through education is key to the recipient’s growth and skilfulness. In most cases, education is attained by attending a school (face to face) where several subjects are taught. Of all the subjects taught in schools, mathematics is a fundamental subject that cuts across all disciplines, hence a significant field for all school-going children. For some children, they find it easy to understand basic mathematical concepts and excel tremendously in the subject. However, quite a number struggle to learn both deep mathematical concepts and the most essentials skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, and decimals. As a result, this project seeks to develop a tablet-based math application for primary school pupils in grade 1 and grade 2, based on the Ghanaian education system. The app simplifies addition, subtraction and object grouping for pupils by making it fun through interactive game like activities.

Source: Ashesi
Tax Compliance and the E-Commerce Era among SMEs in Ghana

This study investigates the factors influencing tax compliance among e-commerce small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, particularly considering the rapid digital transformation accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As e-commerce expands, understanding SME compliance behavior has become critical for revenue mobilization and policy design. Grounded in pragmatism and guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected from 33 e-commerce SME owners through structured surveys and interviews with four senior Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials. Quantitative data were analyzed using a Linear Probability Model (LPM), while qualitative responses were examined thematically. The Theory of Planned Behavior provided a helpful framework, linking attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control to compliance behavior. Findings revealed that awareness of tax obligations significantly predicted compliance, supporting the theory d intention. However, perceptions of complexity and fairness in the tax system did not show significant associations. Qualitative insights identified key barriers such as informality in online businesses, mistrust in tax authorities, and limited access to tax education. Despite these challenges, opportunities for improved compliance were noted, including expanding digital tax tools, simplifying tax procedures, and strengthening public-private partnerships. The study concludes that targeted awareness campaigns, transparent communication, and simplified tax regimes are essential for fostering compliance among e-commerce SMEs. Policymakers are encouraged to leverage technology and rebuild institutional trust to integrate more digital entrepreneurs into the formal tax system, supporting Ghana

Source: Ashesi
Telehealth Platform for Reproductive Health Services

Access to reproductive health services remains a significant challenge for women, particularly in contexts where fear, ignorance, and societal stigma prevail. These barriers often prevent women from seeking help, especially in cases such as early pregnancies resulting from carelessness, rape, or lack of awareness. The primary goal of this project is to provide accessible, stigma-free, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare to women via a telehealth platform. Leveraging Machine Learning (ML), a mobile application, and an IoT-enabled smart ring, the platform monitors vital health parameters such as basal body temperature and heart rate. It utilizes an ML model to analyze the collected data to predict ovulation, menstrual cycle patterns, luteal phase duration, and potential pregnancy indicators, offering users more accurate and personalized reproductive health insights. The mobile application also incorporates the WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) wheel to guide family planning decisions and provides access to video consultations with licensed doctors. Through this integrated system, the project aims to empower women to make informed reproductive health decisions without fear of judgment. The anticipated outcome is a significant improvement in access to reproductive health services and a reduction in societa lstigma. By combining telemedicine, Machine Learning, and IoT technologies, this project represents a transformative step toward more inclusive and user-centered reproductive healthcare.

Source: Ashesi
Text to speech synthesis for Ghanaian local languages (Twi)

Businesses in Ghana do communicate with each other through letters, telephones, fax, and emails. Due to the growth of technology, most of these businesses are providing their services online to make it convenient for customers. However, these mediums of communication have some limitations when it comes to language. In the instance where the parties involved in the communication speak and understand different languages, it becomes difficult to understand. Businesses would like to reach out to these people in a language they can understand. Statistics have shown that almost half of the Ghanaian Adult (15 and above) population are illiterates however they also need to do business as well to take care of their family. The challenge is that due to their inability to understand the message, either in text or audio, they tend to be left out in this age of technology growth. As a solution, this paper intends to develop a text-to-speech application system in Twi which can be used to develop prompts for Interactive Voice Response.

Source: Ashesi
Text-to-speech for Ghanaian language (Akuapem Twi) on an embedded system

This paper presents the development of an End-to-End Text to Speech (TTS) system for Twi, a language spoken in Ghana. The aim of this work was to provide a solution for synthesizing speech from text in Twi language, which can be beneficial in various applications, such as language learning and accessibility for visually impaired people. Two different versions of the TTS system were implemented, and tests were conducted to evaluate their performance. In addition, we tested the system on an embedded platform, namely Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect and Raspberry Pi, to assess its feasibility for deployment on resource-constrained devices. While one implementation produced static sound, the other successfully generated Twi speech output with satisfactory quality. The performance of the first implementation was evaluated by plotting the training and validation losses against the number of epochs and drawing conclusions based on the results. The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. Section 2 describes the related work and existing TTS systems for Twi language. Section 3 provides an overview of the proposed TTS system, including the architecture, dataset, and training process. Section 4 presents the results of the experiments and their analysis. Section 5 concludes the paper with a discussion of the limitations and future directions for improving the proposed TTS system.

Source: Ashesi
The “No Bed Syndrome” in Ghanaian tertiary hospitals

Executive Summary The global shortage of hospital beds, particularly in developing regions, poses a significant challenge to public health. Over 80 countries, including Ghana, fall below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of five hospital beds per 1,000 people. In 2019, the African region reported the lowest hospital bed per capita average at 1.3 beds per 1,000 people, well below the global average of 2.7 beds. This bed shortage, dubbed the “No Bed Syndrome” in Ghana, remains a critical issue for healthcare delivery. It is characterized by a hospital-bed-to-1,000-people ratio of 0.9 in 2021. This shortage impedes patient access to quality healthcare, leading to hospital overcrowding, heightened health risks, and even fatalities. In addressing this phenomenon, we examined the Ghanaian healthcare system, investigated the causes and effects of the bed shortage, and explored existing interventions to mitigate the issue in tertiary hospitals. The study adopted a sequential mixed method approach, which consisted of conducting key informant interviews with healthcare workers followed by quantifying the insights gathered from the interviewees. The study revealed four significant insights: • The concept of “bed capacity” involves not just the availability of beds but also the availability of resources, including healthcare professionals, to make those beds functional. • The hierarchical structure of Ghana’s healthcare system promotes decentralization but the inadequate distribution of resources across lower-level facilities causes the public to disregard the ideal structure and go directly to tertiary hospitals.

Source: Ashesi
The Bantu Project: Community-Driven Natural Language Processing for African Languages: A Case Study on Shona and Twi

AI is rewriting the future, but only for those whose languages it understands. The most powerful models today - ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek - are built on the transformer architechture and trained on mountains of English and other globally dominant language corpa. Meanwhile, the vasst regions of Africa remain on the margins of this revolution, not due to lack of intelligence or innovation, but because of a crushing shortage of language data and insfrastructure. This capstone paper addresses the widening gap by introducing the Bantu Project, a community-driven ecosystem for developing Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools for low-resource African languages. At its core is the Ntu system, a web-based, gamified platform that enables native speakers to crowdsource and curate translation, image annotation, and transcription data in their local languages. The system leverage cutting-edge transformer models fine-tuned on corrected public corpora and enhanced by novel techniques such as cross-lingual image annotation and auto-correction via language expert models, to develop accurate and accessible machine translation and transcription datasets and models. Currently supporting NLP tasks in Shona and Twi, the Ntu system not only improves the representation of African languages in NLP but also empowers communities to participate directly in AI development. This paper outlines the design, implementation, and impact of the Bantu Project as a scalable and replicable framework for other low-resource languages which aims to improve AI participation for African communities.

Source: Ashesi