ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Longitudinal Data on Student Academic Performance (Case study, actuarial science (2007-2011)

One of the most important things in an academic institution that projects its image is the quality of the output or intelligence level of its products (i.e. students from that particular institution). As the saying goes “garbage in garbage out”. The quality of student’s intake of an institution will affect the graduate produced. Therefore, there is a need to take a proper look at how to get the best strategy in selecting fresh student’s base on effective admission criteria. The data of 62 actuarial students of (2007 – 2010), administrative records of their semester weighted average (SWA) were used for the study. The objective is to determined if academic performance depends on age, is there a difference between the academic performance of regular and fee-paying students, can admission aggregate affect student SWA and also does the type of school attended have effect on academic performance. The data was analyzed using random effect model. From the chosen model all model, fitted to the data set and the analysis was done, it can then be concluded based on the results from the random effects model that the SWA depends on the age; (older students score low SWA and younger students score high SWA’s), admission aggregate (student with higher aggregate tend to low SWA), type of school attended and the admission mode (fee-paying or regular). The performances of type B and C schools students are better as compare to that of type A. Meanwhile, in all the models it appeared, students decrease from semester one and increase after semester four.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of Loan Portfolio of Rural Banks in Ghana : (A Case Study of Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank Limited)

Loans are the largest asset of banks and indeed the main source of operating income to the rural banks. Banks, by regulations, make provisions for bad debts and higher provision for bad debt invariably reduces profits of banks and shareholders' wealth. Therefore, the inability of a bank to manage its loan portfolio efficiently and effectively may lead to a reduction in profit and liquidity and even the collapse of the bank. Rural banks basically give only short-term and medium-term loans. The study attempted to analyse the loan portfolio of rural banks to establish the causes of loan default and which of the two terms of loan is more prone to loan delinquency. The descriptive survey method was used to seek answers to the research questions. Structured, closed and open-ended questionnaire and interview were used to collect data for analysis. Simple random and stratified random sampling techniques were employed to select 180 loan ^defaulters and 120 non-defaulters to cover all the short-term and medium-term loan products from all the branches of Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank Ltd. Findings showed that the short-term loans have more loan delinquency than the medium-term loans in AKRB and causes of loan delinquency were found to be delayed approval, lack of business knowledge, decongestion exercise, insufficient amount, inadequate loan monitoring, poor weather condition, and loan diversion as well as high interest rate. It was also found out that female customers pay their loans better than the male customers. It is recommended that AKRB could recover its expired loans through loan rescheduling, refinancing, internal recovery task force and external debt recovery agencies. They should also prevent current and future loans from going bad through proper loan appraisal, monitoring and diversification of loans to reduce risks by lending to all the productive sectors.

Source: KNUST
Analysis Of Maternal Mortality In Wa District

The research examined the occurrence and incidence of maternal deaths in Wa district from 1998 to 2010 as well as assessed the factors that contribute to ma- ternal deaths at the Upper West Regional Hospital (UWRH) from 2008 - 2012. Poisson and logistic regression models were employed. Poisson regression model was used to examine the occurrence and incidence of maternal deaths while lo- gistic regression was used to assess the factors that contribute to maternal death at UWRH. SAS and STATA statistical software were used to analyze the data. We found that, the mean number of occurrence of maternal mortality was high in 2001 and 2009 as compared to 2010 and also established that the mean number of occurrence of maternal mortality did not signi cantly reduce over the study period 1998-2010. The incidence of maternal mortality was high in 2001 but low in 2002, 2004 and 2008 as compared to 2010 (reference year). We also found that, the mean incidence of maternal death cases did not change. Finally, it was revealed that age, parity and delivery type contributed significantly to pregnancy outcome at the UWRH.

Source: KNUST
Analysis Of Metal Content Of Seized Cocaine In Ghana

The trafficking of cocaine has become a global challenge now and Ghana is no exception. Cocaine is a whitish powder, which is, produced both from natural and synthetic means. The aim of the project was to study the metal content of seized cocaine in Ghana and the data used for batch identification. Ten metals namely Pb, Cu, Mg, Mn, Cr, As, Ni, Fe, Co and Ca were analyzed in 37 cocaine samples which were sampled from seizures made from 2010 to 2014 and samples selected based on within-seizure and between-seizure classifications. Seized cocaine samples were obtained from Ghana Standards Authority by the help of Narcotic Control Board of Ghana. All seized illicit cocaine samples used were classified under natural cocaine. Analyses of the metals were done using ICP-MS and data analysis done using ANOVA at 95% confidence level. The results showed that, Calcium recorded the highest amount in all the samples with a mean ppm value of 64.94±54.60 with Magnesium, Zinc and Iron recording moderate amounts. All the samples analyzed contained Calcium since lime is known to be used as one of the additives in the production of cocaine. All the cocaine samples, which were sampled, based on within-seizure classification under class A showed no significant differences between each pair. With three sample pairs under class B in the within-seizure classification, one of the pairs, 103A and 105B showed no significant differences between them even though they were sampled from two different packages from the same seizure. Five samples from five different seizures also showed significant difference among them showing that they came from different batches or origin. It could be confirmed that seized cocaine contained some poisonous heavy metals like Lead, Arsenic and Chromium, which had amount that could affect the user. Based on the data gathered from the withinseizure class A group, it could be proposed that a missing cocaine could be identified by its metal content if no adulterants were added during the time it could not be found. With the information on the metal content of cocaine, the identity of seized cocaine can be achieved with the purity during forensic screening in order to protect the cocaine during investigations.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of Maternal Mortality with Time; a Case Study of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital – Kumasi (2000-2010)

This study examined the occurrence and incidence of Maternal Deaths as well as maternal mortality ratios at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi from 2000 to 2010. The study explored the feasibility for application of Poisson models and time series autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) in the study of occurrence and incidence of Maternal Deaths and to predict Maternal Mortality ratios respectively. Analyses were based on data available at the Bio-Statistics Department of the Obstetrics & Gynaecology directorate of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for the period 2000-2010. The Statistical Analysis software (SAS) as well as the R-consol statistical analysis software was used in analysing the data. We found that, the mean number of occurrence of maternal death cases were high for all the years considered and established that the mean number of occurrence of maternal death cases has not significantly reduced over the period 2000 to 2010. The result also shows that there was a statistically significant in the incidence of maternal deaths difference between year 2010 (the referenced year) and years 2004, 2005 and 2008. Their chi-square values were 3.95, 5.12 and 5.83 with p-values of 0.0469, 0.0236 and 0.0158 respectively. Finally, the hospitals Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is relatively stable but has a very high average MMR of 967.7 per 100,000 live births which is about twice the National ratio of 451 per 100,000 live births. An ARIMA model fitted was used to predict maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) for the next eight quarters. We conclude that statistically the mean rate of maternal death cases is not significant over the period of time under study, mean number of occurrence of maternal death cases has not significantly reduced over the period 2000 to 2010 and that the ARIMA model is adequate for forecasting quarterly maternal mortality ratios at the hospital.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of mimo antenna configuration effects on Wimax Network deployment in Ghana

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) technology has gained growing interest due to its applications and advantages. It is fast emerging as a last-mile problem solution for broadband access technology. This thesis presents operational scenarios for the deployment of a Fourth Generation (4G) WiMAX system in a typical Sub-Saharan African environment. The work in this research has been specified based on real world conditions considering the regulatory rules stipulated by the National Communication Authority for radio frequency spectrum utilization in the 2.6GHz licensed band in Ghana. Appropriate propagation models and network planning tools have been used to design the optimized final radio network plan for the various Multi-Input Multi- Output (MIMO) configurations. A parameter called Interference to Noise Ratio (INR) was introduced to optimize the BER performance of the deployed 2x2 MIMO configuration in the presence of multiple interferers. The INR parameter was used to fit the BER results and then subsequently optimize the 2x2 MIMO configuration performance in the striped case to create a wide virtual bandwidth. The fitting INR parameter helped to improve the BER performance once the threshold INR was exceeded. This result extends the principle of successive decoding to MIMO systems affected by partial band interference under the assumption of a common receive correlation matrix. Unsuppressed sidelobe emissions also distort the performance of MIMO antenna systems used in deploying multicarrier networks. In order to accurately evaluate the performance of the MIMO antenna configurations used in the network deployment scenario, a mathematical model for estimating the effective beamwidth and sidelobe suppression factors for MIMO antenna systems used in multicarrier deployment scenarios was developed. The derived step function can be used to minimize the effect of antenna sidelobe emission in a realistic iii deployment scenario and also as an operational guideline tool to model added isolation factors. This function may provide a means to determine practical antenna sidelobe suppression factors in subsequent WiMAX deployments. Coverage, capacity, and interference predictions have been performed using MATLAB, 4-NEC 2 and Genex-U-Net for the predefined areas of Accra and Tema, Ghana. Simulation results for different downlink/uplink ratios with different frequency reuse schemes and antenna configurations have been presented. A total of 11 base stations have been suggested to provide coverage of -92dBm using 32 sectors adaptive 4x4 MIMO antenna configuration to provide a 3dB gain over the deployed adaptive 2x2 MIMO system thereby reducing deployment cost. Finally, based on the high system performance of the evaluated network, secure communication models and network architectures have been proposed in three case study areas. Keywords: Performance Evaluation; Capacity Simulation; Interference Modeling; WiMAX Radio Planning; Successive Cancellation Technique.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of non-performing loans: A case study of Dunkwa area Teachers Co-Operative Credit Union (DATCCU)

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) have been in Ghana for a long time but their effort in the growth of the economy has been greatly recognized recently. MFI’s provide financial services to the less privileged, especially in rural areas that find it difficult to access financial services from the universal banks. Loans granting is a major activity of MFI’s and it constitutes a major source of revenue to MFI’s if well managed but if not well managed, can even lead to the collapse of the said institution; the reason loans are termed double-edged sword. Unfortunately, not all loans granted to clients earn the expected returns, and when this happens, can have a negative effect on the institution in question. Given the role played by MFI’s in economic development, it is imperative to delve into the causes of NON-performing loans so as to put in place both proactive and direct measures to help reduce this menace. Moreover, since MFI’s cannot stop giving loans, the study sought to find out the effects of NPL’s on the performance of MFI’s; specifically on operating profits and interest income so as to make recommendations to avoid future occurrences. The research work focuses on the activities of DATTCU in the last four years, thus 2011-2014. Data wise, both primary and secondary data were used for the study. It was found out from the study that in the four year period, DATTCU had substantial amount of its loans going waste as a result of Non-Performing loans. This affected the performance of DATTCU by reducing operating profits and interest incomes. It was further revealed that a low rate of education has negative effect on the rate of NPL’s. Business failure was adjudged to be the major cause of non-performing loans, though other causes ineffective monitoring, poor loan appraisal, crop failure among others were also identified as causes of non-performing loans. It was further found out from the study that Business and agricultural sectors had chunk of the non-performing loans recorded by DATTCU. To help solve the problem of NPL’s some measures were recommended to the management of DATTCU. Amongst the recommendations are: Incorporation of entrepreneurial courses in the curriculum of schools, Training programmes, effective programs and improvement in credit appraisal.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of Npk in Human Male and Female Urine

This study was to analyze the concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in male, female and composite urine stored over six months and its use in agriculture. Urinals were constructed to allow for easy collection of separate urine which was stored in transparent bottles for six months in a greenhouse. Monthly triplicate analysis of male, female and composite urine was done for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, temperature, pH and colour change. Bray P1 and Flame photometry methods were used in analyzing phosphorus and potassium contents respectively. Nitrogen content was analysed by Kjeldahl digestion and a non-digestion (direct) methods. The temperature, pH and colour were determined using mercury thermometer, temperature/ pH meter and a colour chart. The results indicated that the digested female urine nitrogen was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of male urine from month 2 to month 5. However, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) with respect to the direct method. Contrastingly, male urine phosphorus content was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the female on the 2nd and 3rd months, but there were no significant differences in potassium content for all the different urine. Generally the yield of NPK in all the urine sources peaked on the 4th month. There was a moderate positive correlation between the direct female urine N, and the storage time. The phosphorus levels correlated positively to storage time and temperature but weakly negative to pH. Generally, the urine nitrogen strongly correlated positive to potassium but moderately to temperature and pH. The colour of mature urine is yellow for females and brown for males. The NPK contents in both male (30.4(3.4*)-1-43.7) and female (34.4(6.5*)-1-62.8) urine are comparable to chemical fertilizers. However, the digested female urine nitrogen is significantly higher than that of male urine but vice versa for phosphorus for 2nd and 3rd months of storage. Ecosan urinals should be designed to separately collect urine for specific NPK requirements for crop production. This study will help famers and Governments to save money on the importation of chemical fertilisers.

Source: KNUST
An analysis of personal financial literacy among cocoa farmers in Ghana

Many cocoa farmers do not have any idea as to how much time is required for any type of financial services and issues related to the use of money. This study is a quantitative study which analyses personal financial literacy among cocoa farmers in Ghana. The study looks at the evidence of personal finance literacy among cocoa farmers in the Central Region of Ghana, why some cocoa farmers are relatively more knowledgeable than others as well as how a cocoa farmer's financial knowledge influences his/her opinions and decisions on personal financial issues. The farmers were randomly selected from Assin Foso and Twifo Praso districts of the Central region. The total questionnaires sent out was 677 out of which 569 responded. From a survey of 569 cocoa farmers, the results show that the farmers have lower levels of financial knowledge. It is also evident that geographical location, age as well as the education levels of farmers significantly affects their level of financial knowledge. As a result, this study provides the following recommendations towards improving financial literacy among cocoa farmers as rural outreach, incorporating financial literacy into educational system and the establishment of financial literacy information sharing group.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of Primary Stakeholders Participation in Forest Resources Management: The Case of the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve, Ghana

Ghana’s forest resources are vital for the country’s sustainable development and various forestry reform initiatives have been implemented to improve governance in the forestry sector. Participatory approach such as collaborative forest management in Ghana aims at achieving representation of a broad segment of primary stakeholders, especially most vulnerable groups. The study aimed at analyzing primary stakeholders participation in forest resources management at various levels of participation. The link between primary stakeholders participation in forest resources management of the Krokosua Hill Forest Reserve in Juaboso District of Ghana and a set of socio-demographic factors was analyzed. The communities studied include five forest-dependent communities around the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve. A sample of 407 primary stakeholders was selected by the use of the proportional random sampling method. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools which included key informant interviews and direct observation were employed in the study. Household questionnaire interview were also conducted. The data were analyzed by the use of participation index and descriptive statistics such as frequency and cross-tabulation using chi-square. The study found the average participation index of primary stakeholders participation in forest resources of Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve to be 0.3. The index for their involvement in planning, implementation and monitoring stages was 0.3 and that for benefit sharing of benefit accrued from the reserve was 0.2. Significant associations were found between the following variables: primary stakeholders participation in planning and gender (p = 0.055), and education (p = 0.001); primary stakeholders participation in implementation and distance (p = 0.001); primary stakeholders participation in monitoring and age (p = 0.001), and distance (p = 0.001); and primary stakeholders participation in benefit-sharing and age (p = 0.018), and education (p = 0.001). The study concludes that participation of primary stakeholders in forest resources management is still low and depends on the socio-demographic profile of an individual and proximity of forest-dependent communities from the forests. These findings have implications on the sustainability of forest resources in Ghana. The main policy implication drawn from the findings are that resource managers should and policy makers need to be sensitive to create more practical right-based participatory strategies to secure meaningful representation and participation from forest-dependent communities. The success of the collaborative system approach relies heavily on a positive relationship between the forest-dependent community and the resource manager. In designing participatory management activities, differences in socio-demographic variables and empowerment interventions should be considered by resource managers and policy makers to ensure broad representation of primary stakeholders.

Source: KNUST
An Analysis of Personal Financial Literacy Among Polytechnic Students- A Case of Kumasi Polytechnics

The study assesses the level of financial literacy of Polytechnic students in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study surveyed 120 students to investigate their level of financial literacy through the administration of questionnaires. Findings from the study reveal that students need to improve their personal finance knowledge. The results show that the participants answered about 40.71% of the questions correctly. None of the mean scores for financial literacy categories were above 60%. The results also reveal that many of the students are familiar with issues relating to simple interest calculations and loan guarantee. In contrast, the students are less knowledgeable and inexperienced with issues concerning personal financial planning and budgeting,mutual funds and risk return associated with investment decisions. This led to the conclusion that the students are not well-informed about personal financial literacy issues. It is therefore recommended that stakeholders of Polytechnics should include financial literacy programmes in their academic curriculum.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of predictors of malaria mortality among children using a logistic regression model: a case study at Tamale Teaching Hospital

The main objective of this study was to apply logistic regressions modeling to analyze predictors of malaria mortality among children. Secondary data was obtained from inpatient morbidity and mortality returns register at Tamale Teaching Hospital, from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2010. The findings indicated there is a linear relationship between malaria mortality and predictors such as referral status, distance, treatment type and length of stay of children administered as malaria patients at the Tamale Teaching hospital from 2000 – 2010. The overall logistic model obtained was log it (P(y =1) = -3.192 + 2.741Referralstatus+1.947Distance - 0.898Treatment - 0.102Length Again, it was found that the predictors; age, sex and season were not good predictors of malaria mortality. However, the predictors; referral status, distance, treatment type and length of stay were relevant in predicting malaria mortality.

Source: KNUST