ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Impact of sexual harassment on female students in senior high schools in the Akuapem-North Municipality

This research sought to ascertain the impact of sexual harassment on the academic and social life of female students in the Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Akuapem North Municipality. Making informed decision when confronted with acts of sexual harassment is a great hurdle to the female senior high student. A descriptive survey design was used to investigate phenomenon. The populations of the study were 104 female students in 4 Senior High Schools in the Akuapem North District. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to arrive at the sampling size. A total number of 80 students were sampled from the four Senior High Schools. The simple random sampling was used to select 20 female students from each of the four Senior High Schools. Questionnaires were used to collect information about the existence of sexual harassment and its negative implications on female students in Senior High Schools. The data revealed that acts of sexual harassment is on the increase in the senior high schools and is having diverse negative effects on the female students in the senior high schools. A valid and interesting finding which includes acts of sexual harassment incidence in a single sex school is made available in this study. It is recommended that the sex education should be encouraged in all senior high schools. Also there is the need to establish guidance and counseling units in the various schools.

Source: UCC
Impact of social support on the quality of life of persons living with breast cancer in the greater accra region, ghana

Several works have explored the relationship between social support and quality of life. This study investigated social support as having an impact on the Quality of Life of cancer of the breast patients in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Ferran's quality of life model and Khan's theory of social support Kahn`s (1979) theory assumes that effect, aid and affirmation are important factors in transactions to support others, led the study. A descriptive method was used for the research. Patients diagnosed of “breast cancer” for at least 6 months and being treated were selected as samples and they were 63. The EORTC Research Group's Questionnaire on “Quality of Life” QLQ–C30 and the “Multidimensional scale of perceived Social Support” were administered. The data was analysed using descriptive and inference statistics. Concerning this present investigation, the outcome revealed breast cancer patients experience financial difficulties, extreme physical distress, and household chores. The study also found that people with breast cancer lost their hair, were worried about their future health, had sickness, skin problems, headaches, and hot flashes. In addition, the subjects depicted with breast cancer were supported by their families and a few special people that gave them aid through emotional means and care they needed. At last, it was found that social support affects the Quality of Life of respondents. Considering the results, it was found that social support improves the Quality of Life of cancer of the breast patients Quality of life, so it is recommended that healthcare professionals encourage sufferers of cancer of the breast families, friends and caregivers to continue to support them.

Source: UCC
Impact of Socio-Demographic Factors on Job Satisfaction among Academic Staff of Universities in Ghana

The study examined the effect of age, rank, marital status and gender on job satisfaction among academic staff of universities in Ghana. The descriptive survey design was employed for the study. A proportional stratified random sample of 361 academic staff made up of 287 males and 74 females completed a validated survey questionnaire. The results of ANOVA show a significant positive effect of age, rank and marital status on job satisfaction among academic staff of universities in Ghana with senior lecturers being the most satisfied academic staff among the ranks. Independent samples t-test results found no significant difference between male and female members of the academic staff with regard to their levels of job satisfaction. It is recommended from the study that universities in Ghana engage young academics who have the opportunity of progressing on the academic ladder.

Source: UCC
Impact of Socio-Economic Background of Parents on Menu Components of Children in Upper West Akim District

Malnutrition is a leading cause of deaths in children below age five in the developing countries. For MDG goal to be met, malnutrition is to be reduced to the barest minimum if not eradicated. For this the study sought to assess the menu components among children below five years and explored the background characteristics of parents affecting child‟s menu component and nutritional status in the Upper West Akim District. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional design, and used the multi-stage cluster sampling method. A total of n=120 parents from four communities were used. A self- developed interview schedule was used for the data collection exercise. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, chi-square test for association). The findings revealed that mostly, the background characteristics of parents tend to influence the dietary intake of their children. Exclusive breastfeeding of children had direct relationship with nutritional status of their children. The results further highlighted that parents in the Upper West Akim District do not provide good menu component for their children. The anthropometric characteristics of the children showed a direct impact on the dietary intake of the children in the District. It is therefore recommended that training should be organized for parents in the Upper West Akim District to improve upon their nutritional knowledge on the feeding of their children. Additionally, food based recommendations should be developed, promoted and supported through policy initiatives.

Source: UCC
The impact of socio-economic factors on students’ academic performance: A case study of Saint Monica’s College of Education, Mampong-Ashanti

This study investigated the impact socioeconomic factors have on the academic performance of students of Saint Monica’s College of Education in Mampong Ashanti. Consequently, the focus of this study was on how parental income levels impacted on the academic performance of students; the extent to which parental income influenced students’ academic performance and how family size influenced students’ academic performance. The population of the study comprised first and second year students, tutors and parents of the students. The sample was made of 100 students, 10 tutors and 12 parents. Student respondents were selected through the simple random sampling methods and tutors and parents were respectively selected through the purposive and convenient sampling procedures. Three separate questionnaires were used for data collection. Data collected were analysed with the use of descriptive statistical tools such as frequency tables and percentages. The results of the study showed that parent’s educational background, parent’s occupation, income levels and family size have impact on the academic performance of students. Also, it was found out that poor family background has negative effect on one’s academic performance since parents would not be able to provide one’s academic needs as expected. It was therefore recommended that every assistance students need must be provided by their parents to ensure smooth academic work. Also, school authorities must identify needy students and assist them accordingly. In conclusion, it was realized that the findings of this study confirmed earlier studies done in the same area.

Source: UCC
Impact of solid waste disposal on the health of residents of Kpone-Katamanso municipality

Wrongful disposal of solid waste materials contributes meaningfully to high rate of diseases in the world of which Ghana is of no exemption. It is in line with this that this researcher took it upon himself to examine the negative effect of wrongful disposal of solid waste among residents along the Sea shores of Kpone-Katamanso Municipality. This research use a descriptive design to collect data. Questionnaire survey with key stakeholders were carried out. The population of the study was thousand (1000) residents staying within the various communities in the municipality of the Greater Accra Region. The Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 100 respondents who are mostly food vendors, Land Lords and Tenants who stays in the various communities within the Municipality preferable Kpone, Kokompe and Community 25. Questionnaire was use to collect data for the study in which it was drawn from both primary and secondary sources whiles SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data collected. After critical analysis of the data, the result of the data indicates clearly that majority of the sickness recorded by the Municipal hospital is as a result of wrongful disposal of solid waste within the various communities in the Municipality. The study further made a specific recommendations to the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal assembly of relocation of their major refuge damp which if it is well implemented can help to reduce that rate at which resident fall sick as a result of wrongful disposal of solid waste substances in their various communities and Ghana as a whole.

Source: UCC
Impact of solution focused brief therapy on Psychological well-being and resiliency attitudes of widows in ebenezer methodist society, prampram Ebenezer Noble Nartey

This study assessed the impact of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) on psychological well-being and resiliency attitudes of widows in the Ebenezer Methodist Society, Prampram. Six hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Forty widows met the inclusion criteria and were used as the sample. The 40 participants were put into two groups- the experimental and control groups. Each group consisted of 20 participants. The quasi-experimental design was used for the study. The Outcome Questionnaire 45 (OQ 45), Ryff’s scales of Psychological Well-Being and the Resiliency Attitudes Scale (SAS) were used in collecting the data. The study found that SFBT was very effective in improving the psychological well-being and resiliency attitudes of widows. The results further indicated that years of widowhood, psychological well-being can be adjusted with the help of SFBT. The study again found that, there was a significant strong positive correlation between the socio-economic status and psychological well-being of widows (r=.902, p<.01). Finally, the results showed a strong relationship between socio-economic status and Resiliency Attitudes of widows (r=.823, p<.01). It was recommended that widows in the Ebenezer Methodist Society, Prampram, should be exposed to solution-focused brief therapy to improve their psychological well-being and resiliency attitudes during widowhood.

Source: UCC
The impact of stress on job effectiveness and home interaction among career women in the banking institutions in Cape Coast and Takoradi municipalites

Research on the influence of work stress on the mental health of many workers like medical officers, air traffic controllers, nurses and teachers have been given some attention or recognition by the researcher on stress. However in Ghana one group of workers who seem to have been neglected is female bankers. The researcher decided to find out the impact of stress on job effectiveness and home interaction among career women in the banking institutions in the Cape Coast and Takoradi municipalities' A sample of one hundred and sixty (160) female bankers were obtained through the purposive sampling was used for this study. A questionnaire designed by the researcher was used to collect the data. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were employed for the study. The study revealed that in terms of effect of work related stress on the family interaction of female bankers in both Cape Coast and Takoradi Municipalities on marital status, age and number of children were significant. Again the study revealed that female bankers were normally not able to combine their work and home duties. The study also revealed the most stress symptoms reported by the female bankers are; have no concentration at work, unable to meet deadlines, unable to sleep, worry a lot and become easily irritated. On coping strategies the study also revealed that while most female bankers preferred "talking to a colleague" and going for a short walk as stress coping strategies at work, at home they preferred "relaxing, and "try to balance their diet', as stress coping strategies. Based on the above, it is recommended that the various banking institutions must provide some stress relieving packages in place for their employees to reduce stress experienced by their workers.

Source: UCC
Impact of Student Protests in Some Selected Universities in Africa

“Previous studies have revealed that there has been a worldwide increase in the number of student protest activities such as petitions, demonstrations, riots, and boycotts. However, it appears studies on student protests in Africa have not paid specific attention to the effect that student protests have on the academic and administrative policies of universities. As such, this study sought to investigate the impact of student protests on both the academic and administrative policies in some selected universities in Africa. To achieve this, the study adopted the qualitative approach and specifically the multiple case study approach to select some universities in Africa. The primary data included interviews with former student leaders and Dean of Students as well as newspaper reports of student reports. The analysis of the data revealed that a primary cause of student protests is the undermining of student involvement in the decision-making process by university management. Others include the excessive increase in tuition fees and student maltreatment by the security personnel. Student protests were found to have a substantial effect on administrative policies resulting in changes in policies in universities like KNUST and U.E.W., where there were reforms in the security apparatus. In South Africa, the effect was even more significant as the campaign attained a national character and resulted in changes in country-wide educational policies like zero increase in tuition fees. On academic policies, it was revealed that student protests mostly distort the academic calendar, which presents enormous challenges to academic delivery. The study recommends that student protests can be minimised if university management effectively involves students in the decision-making process and dialogue with students when tensions brew in the student body.”

Source: UCC
Impact of sustainable rainfed lowland rice development project on the livelihoods of small-scale rice farmers in the Ashanti and Northern Regions of Ghana

The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, collaborated with the Japan International Cooperation Agency in the Sustainable Development of Rainfed Lowland Rice Production project to meet the increasing demand for rice and improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers in the Northern and Ashanti regions of Ghana. However, no formal studies have been conducted to determine the impact of the project on the livelihoods of farmers. The study used a cross-sectional convergent mixed method to collect data from 331 farmers, 12 AEAs, national MoFA staff and two regional Department of Agriculture staff. A structured interview schedule, document review, interview and focus group guides were used to collect the data. Statistics such as means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages were used to describe the data while Pearson Product Moment correlation, dependent sample t-test, Chi-square test and Ordinary Least Squares multiple regression were used to find relations or differences in the data. The study revealed that the farmers perceived the SDRLRP project to be highly effective. The adoption of technologies in both regions was very high, but higher in Northern Region compared to the Ashanti Region. The income status and livelihood of the majority of the farmers improved after participating in the project. The educational status, farming experience, participation, perceived effectiveness, knowledge and skills influenced the livelihood outcomes of the farmers in the project. The study recommends that MoFA should implement more agricultural technology training programmes to improve the livelihoods of farmers and use the existing rice farmer groups as trainers to reach other rice farmers in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Impact of Tax Planning Activities on the Financial Performance of Listed Firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange

ABSTRACT This dissertation was aimed at assessing the impact of tax planning activities on firms’ performance among the listed firms on the GSE. It also examined the effects of demographic characters; board size and non-executive membership impose on tax planning of firms. By employing a pooled panel regression on a panel data set of listed companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange over the period of 2010 to 2019, the study found that the size of firm and the stage of growth along its life cycle do have a positive and significant impact on its tax planning activities. In addition, the size and composition of the board of directors also significantly affects a firm’s tax planning decisions and activities. Large boards are adversarial while the presence of non-executive directors enhances tax planning. Finally, tax planning was observed to be negative and significant to firm performance. Based on the findings of the study, it is worthwhile that companies engage in periodic analysis to assess their growth trajectory in order to select and implement appropriate tax planning activities that commensurate their growth stage. Furthermore, shareholders should consider the inclusion of non-executive directors on the board even as they strive to maintain a reasonable board size. Finally, management should engage on cost and benefit analysis on tax planning in order to select and implement a feasible strategy to leverage for firm performance.

Source: UCC
Impact of teachers’ acquaintance on fidelity implementation: views of senior high school french teachers in Ghana

Curriculum illiteracy on the part of teachers has over the years posed a lot of threat to success of programme implementation in many parts of the world. In Ghana, the centralized curriculum design system even tends to alienate teachers the more from the syllabus they are supposed to implement. This study, first of its kind in Ghana, therefore seeks to examine the impact of teachers‟ acquaintance with the syllabus on fidelity implementation from the view point of teachers of French at the Senior High School level. Data was collected via questionnaire from 88 French teachers sampled from four districts of the Western Region of Ghana. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the participating districts for the study. In the selected districts, census was used to select teachers in both public and private SHSs. The study revealed that a majority (91.7%) of French teachers did not make notes from the syllabus and only 94% of them intimated that they did not often refer to the syllabus as a source of information in teaching. It was again discovered that a significant positive correlation exists between teachers acquaintance with the syllabus and fidelity implementation (r(72) = .45, p < α since α = .05 and p = .040). Based on this, it was recommended that as a policy, the Ministry of Education (MoE), the umbrella body of the Curriculum Research and Development Division (CRDD) of the Ghana Education Service (GES), come out with forums that would help French teachers have access to national curriculum design platforms where their interventions could be considered. This new proposal when pursued would improve the degree to which the French curriculum is implemented with fidelity in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Impact of team building interventions on employees’ performance in the Anglican Education Unit, Tamale

The objectives of the study were to assess the extent to which team building interventions have helped to promote teamwork; examine how these interventions have enhanced organizational effectiveness; assess the extent to which the interventions have helped to address obstacles to employees’ performance and identify the constraints in operationalizing team building interventions. Research questionnaires were administered to seven teams to diagnose work group/team effectiveness. Interviews and focus group discussions were also conducted with the seven teams, and three interest groups involved in strategic planning of the project to assist in achieving the objectives of the study. Projects reports, staff performance and appraisal records, and other documentations were reviewed to help develop the findings. The data was organized, categorized into themes and patterns which formed the basis of the findings. The results showed that team building interventions implemented in the Anglican Education Unit has helped to promote teamwork. The results again showed that team building impacted positively on the performance of employees in areas as shared purpose and common goals, improved quality of work life, increased productivity among others. It is therefore recommended that the Anglican Education Unit strengthens the application of its team building interventions and to consolidate these benefits accrued from previous interventions for its own growth and development.

Source: UCC
Impact of the Ghana school feeding programme on education and poverty reduction in the Savelugu-Nanton District

Poverty in the Savelugu-Nanton District has a long history reinforced by its geographical location and cultural practices of the people. The study set out to assess the impact of the Ghana School Feeding Programme on basic education and poverty reduction in the Savelugu-Nanton District in the Northern Region of Ghana. This impact study, involved content analysis and field survey that assessed the implementation process and examined the effect of the programme on the beneficiary communities. This involved four sets of survey instruments and a study sample of 52 persons from the Ghana School Feeding Programme institutional set up, donor agencies and beneficiary schools and communities. ANOVA was used to compare schooling attainments for the effects of the school feeding programme in the beneficiary communities. The main findings of the study were irregular funding, lack of collaboration and participation by major stakeholders and the noncompliance with selection criteria. The food production component was implemented in the study area. Though school enrolment and drop-out were improved, there was no improvement in school attendance. It was concluded that the implementation processes was not fully effective and therefore, failed to attain a model for community-based development in the Savelugu-Nanton District. It is recommended to the Government of Ghana to review the policy through parliament for full compliance and adequate funding. Further, food production by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture should be tied into the programme to sustain the school feeding.

Source: UCC