ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of student-teachers’ attitude towards breakfast meals: A case of Al-Faruq College of Education

The skipping of breakfast among the adult youth, especially students in senior high schools colleges of education is a global issue that requires full attention of stakeholders in education to address it. In this study the Theory of Planned Behaviour was explored as an acclaimed model to analyze student-teachers’ attitude towards breakfast consumption in the Al-Faruq College of Education in Wenchi, the Bono region of Ghana to ascertain the causes of this phenomenon and propose suitable interventions to address this problem. The mixed approach method was employed describe student-teacher’s general disposition about the patronage of breakfast meals served in the College’s dining hall and the causes of non-consumption of the aforementioned meals among the study target group. The researcher used 715 studentteachers at the various academic levels as the population. To give credence to the study, the researcher used the randomized stratification sampling method to select a sample size of 359 respondents, which represented 50.2% of the population. A survey questionnaire was and two interview guides were used to elicit responses from the respondents. The study established that skipping of breakfast is a common place in the Al-Faruq College of Education and as a result has led to 20% to 30% student-teachers developing negative attitudes toward breakfast meals served in the dining hall of the Al-Faruq College of Education. The study found that late serving of breakfast, low quantity and poor quality of the breakfast served among others were the causes of non-patronage of breakfast meals because they were not of high quality. The study, therefore, recommended that dining hall and meals orientation of student-teachers should be organized, strict enforcement of dining hall rules and regulation, and the keeping of the dining hall clean to attract student-teachers.

Source: UEW
Assessment of surface water quality and potential health effects on its users. A case of Awusavu reservoir.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface water reservoir's quality for residential and agricultural use as well as any possible health risks to its users. Following established national and international guidelines, a total of forty water samples were collected: sixteen samples were taken in a two-sampling series during the dry season and twenty-four samples were taken in a three-sampling series during the wet season. The physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics were examined on the water samples. The result obtained for colour, turbidity, total iron content, and bacterial load were higher than the WHO/GSA recommended values. The water is deemed unsafe for its intended use based on the computed CCMEWQI result. The NPI value ascertained the presence of pollution, resulting from the high concentration of iron. The MI value indicated the presence of at least one metal accumulation in the surface water. But, the HPI value indicated no toxic health risk level relating to heavy metals. The increased levels of iron, turbidity and microbial growth can cause health challenges like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhoea. A paired sample t-test was employed to investigate the impact of seasonal variations on the parameters. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of the physicochemical parameters between the two seasons, which might be attributed to the addition and dilution of neighboring compounds into the reservoir during rains. The area's brief experience with drought may have contributed to the lack of significant changes in heavy metal and microbial concentrations during the seasonal transition. Therefore, it is advised that the Ningo-Prampran District Assembly make sure that tap water is available everywhere in the community and inform the public about the risks associated with using contaminated water and poor sanitation practices.

Source: UEW
Assessment of sustainable use of indigenous building materials (IMB) the perspectives of consultants in the Central Region

The promotion and use of indigenous building materials are critical for the preservation of our ancestral architecture and technology. The housing needs continues to grow. To alleviate the shortfall, the circumstance necessitates more research activities. Housing issues (shortage, poor quality, high expense, etc.) are more prevalent in developing countries than in developed countries. According to Ghana's 2019 Budget Statement, Ghana's housing shortfall is 1.7 million units. The aim of the study is to assess the perspective of consultants in the sustainable use of indigenous building materials to meet the housing needs of people in the Central region of Ghana. The research design adopted for the study was a cross-sectional survey. The population for this study therefore constituted all construction professionals in the built environment in the Central region with interest in the use of indigenous building materials for the construction affordable houses. This study used purposive sampling as its sampling technique. The study found out that using indigenous building materials promotes a safe and healthy environment, preserves natural resources, and improves environmental quality. It again found that, using indigenous building materials stimulates material reuse during major restorations, lowers construction costs and improves economic sustainability, and lowers the cost of cooling and heating homes. The study concluded that using indigenous building materials is a means for the construction industry to advance toward environmental protection. The study recommends that Ghana government should promote the use of indigenous building materials in the Ghanaian construction projects since its usage comes with sustainability. Professionals within the construction industry should encourage the use of indigenous materials in construction projects by specifying them in their designs.

Source: UEW
Assessment of teachers’ instructional strategies used in creative arts lessons in public primary schools in the Effutu Municipality

The purpose of the study was to assess teachers’ instructional strategies used in teaching creative arts lessons in the Effutu Municipality. The study was underpinned by the pragmatist paradigm and influenced by the mixed method research approach. The sequential explanatory mixed method design was used for the study with a target population of 75 lower primary school teachers in the Effutu Municipality. The study sampled all 75 lower primary school teachers from public basic schools in the municipality using census technique.5 teachers were purposefully sampled for the interview. The data was gathered using questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. While the reliability of the instrument was ascertain through a Cronbach Alpha coefficient value of 0.78, trustworthiness of the interview were ensured through credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. The data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean of means, standard deviations and thematic approach. The study revealed that brainstorming, dramatization, independent learning, cooperative learning and experiential learning were the instructional strategies used in teaching creative arts lessons in the Effutu Municipality. Again, classroom size, teachers’ beliefs of teaching and learning, learners’ interest, availability of resources, teaching experience, time allocation, academic qualification, national curriculum, and availability of technology were factors that influence teachers’ choice of instructional strategy. However, the national curriculum and learners’ interest have the greatest influence on teacher’s choice of instructional resources for teaching creative arts lessons while academic qualification does not influence the respondent’s choice of teacher’s instructional strategy in the Effutu Municipality. It was therefore recommended that head teachers should encourage the use of appropriate instructional strategies and resources in the teaching and learning creative arts.

Source: UEW
Assessment of teaching and learning of preschooler’s with attention deficit disorder in the mainstream school in the Suhum Municipality

The purpose of the study was to assists teachers’ assessment of learners with attention deficit disorder in teaching and learning in the mainstream schools in the Suhum Municipality. The sequential explanatory design was employed. The total population size was 56 early childhood teachers and learners in the Municipality. A census selection was employed to select 50 teachers. The sampling technique led to the selection of Early childhood teachers in the Municipality based on their academic qualification in the Municipality. Maximal variation sampling technique allows the researcher to categorise participants according to their different academic, professional qualification and gender, for data collection. (6) pupils were selected through purposive sampling technique by observation. Two instruments, interview guide and a questionnaire were used for data collection. Findings from objective one, prevalence of ADHD symptoms as rated by teachers, the study found out that majority of the respondents affirmed that there are about 1-5 pupils with ADHD in their class. Findings from objective two, teachers’ assessment of learners with ADHD in the sociopersonal context suggest with most of the respondents were of the view that pupils with ADHD; make careless mistakes in school work often had difficulty sustaining attention in task or play, often had difficulty organizing task and activities. from objective three signifies that a huge percentage of the respondents affirmed that pupils with ADHD have trouble following instructions often forget to write down homework assignments, do them, or bring completed work to school. The following recommendations were suggested that Managing pre-scholars with ADHD is very difficult and so teachers are encouraged to do their best to create a conducive atmosphere for such pupils in the classroom. The characteristics of pupils with ADHD portrays them as destructive but teachers are advised to organize class activities to meet the unique needs of every pupil in the classroom. Teachers are urged to monitor the pupils with ADHA in class and especially during lessons since they may disrupt the process and disturb other pupils.

Source: UEW
An assessment of technologies used in the small-scale palm oil processing industry in the Tano North and South Districts of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

This study assessed the technologies used in small scale palm oil processing industries in the Tano North and South Districts of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Questionnaire survey, focus group discussions and non-participant observations were used to collect data on the practices used by the processors and the types of equipment used. Processors in the two districts were found to have adopted the semi-mechanized technology aside the traditional processing technology. Four types of equipment were identified namely; mortar and pestle, digester with separate hand operated screw press, the flushing extractor and the digester with separate hand operated hydraulic press. The mortar and pestle was perceived to be the easiest to use and maintain as well as the most appropriate. On the other hand it was agreed to be the least effective and profitable among the four types of equipment. The digester with separate hand operated hydraulic press was agreed to be the most effective and profitable equipment but the most difficult to use and maintain. This implies that if processors who use the digester with separate hand operated hydraulic press are well trained in the use and maintenance of the equipment, a lot of benefits will be derived.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the availability and utilisation of biology laboratory facilities by teachers in selected schools in the Central Region of Ghana

This research sought to investigate the availability and utilisation of biology laboratory facilities by teachers in selected schools in the Central Region of Ghana. This study was carried out in the Category C Senior High Schools and the instruments used for data collections were questionnaire and Biology Laboratory Facility Checklist. All the forty (40) Category C Schools in the region were used. Three biology teachers from each school, and therefore giving a total of 120 respondents were sampled using purposive sampling technique. Coding schemes were developed to organise the data into meaningful categories. The categorised data were converted into frequency counts and simple percentages, and used to answer the research questions addressed in the study. The study found out that because of the work load on the teachers, they find it very difficult to teach and conduct regular laboratory exercises with their students. Also, lack of adequate laboratory equipment and materials is a major contributing factor to teachers’ reluctance in conducting laboratory exercises since the government is finding it difficult to fund science laboratories in schools and teachers are likewise refusing to improvise. Lack of teachers’ motivation is also a factor that allows teachers refuse to conduct laboratory exercises. It is therefore recommended that enough laboratory materials should be provided in various schools and also teachers should be motivated to ensure effective science practical work.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the availability and utilization of ICT resources for teaching and learning purposes in JHS of the Effutu Municipality

This study examined the availability and usage of ICT for instructional purposes in the Junior High Schools in the Effutu Municipality. The population for the study included all teachers teaching in Junior High Schools in Effutu Municipality. Descriptive survey was the design used for the study. Simple random was used in selecting the schools that participated for the study. A sample size of thity-one respondents was used for the study. Census was used to include all teachers in the selected schools to form part the study. Findings showed the lack of ICT facilities in Junior High Schools resulting in the inability of teacher to integrate ICT in the teaching and learning process. The findings also showed that most of the teachers do not have the required competencies to integrate ICT in the teaching and learning process. It was therefore, recommended that government and other stakeholders of education aid in the provision of ICT facilities in the Junior High Schools within the Effutu Municipality to make teaching more effective. It also concludes that the schools faced a lack of ICT facilities, internet connectivity, and other ICT facilities. Thus, it is not easy to integrate ICT for instructional purposes. As such, teachers are forced to use traditional teaching and learning approaches. As a result, the lack of ICT facilities and internet access hampered the adoption of ICT in schools. The study also concluded that most teachers in Junior High Schools in Effutu Municipality lack the required competencies to integrate ICT in teaching and learning. The study also concludes that ICT facilities are scarcely used for instructional purposes in Junior High schools in Effutu Municipality.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the capabilities of small scale automotive workshops in how to service new vehicle models

The automobile industry is changing very fast with newer models being completely different from traditional vehicles. Thus skills acquired in repairing older vehicles might not be relevant for these newer models. This has the potential of making some artisans redundant and can be reversed with training of artisans on vehicle diagnostic kits. Therefore the main aim of this research was to assess small scale automotive workshops in Ho to ascertain their capabilities to service and carry out maintenance work on new model vehicles. The study also sought to know the influence of both formal and informal institutions on these workshops. The research design used was the descriptive survey type. A sample size of 98 was used and the sampling techniques employed were: representative sampling, purposive sampling and snowball methods. Five research questions were used to guide the study and the instruments used to collect data were observation, unstructured interview and questionnaire. The data was analysed by the use of frequency tables and in some cases, the tables were supported with Pie Charts for better understanding. The study revealed that the capabilities of the workshops under study to service and carry out maintenance work on new model vehicles were below expectation.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the capabilities of small-scale automotive workshops in Ho to service new vehicle models

The automobile industry is changing very fast with newer models being completely different from traditional vehicles. Thus skills acquired in repairing older vehicles might not be relevant for these newer models. This has the potential of making some artisans redundant and can be reversed with training of artisans on vehicle diagnostic kits. Therefore the main aim of this research was to assess small scale automotive workshops in Ho to ascertain their capabilities to service and carry out maintenance work on new model vehicles. The study also sought to know the influence of both formal and informal institutions on these workshops. The research design used was the descriptive survey type. A sample size of 98 was used and the sampling techniques employed were: representative sampling, purposive sampling and snowball methods. Five research questions were used to guide the study and the instruments used to collect data were observation, unstructured interview and questionnaire. The data was analysed by the use of frequency tables and in some cases, the tables were supported with Pie Charts for better understanding. The study revealed that the capabilities of the workshops under study to service and carry out maintenance work on new model vehicles were below expectation.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the economic viability of using human waste at the Kumasi (Dompoase) landfill site for generating biogas as a domestic fuel

This study assessed the economic viability of using human waste at the Kumasi landfill site at Dompoase for generating biogas as a domestic fuel. With regards to the possibility of Turning Human Waste into Wealth, the results revealed that; methane gas can be trapped from human waste discharged at the landfill, 82.2% of respondents agreed that they would use gas obtained from toilet without further thoughts and also use fertilizer derived from human waste on their farms.The rate of collection of waste per week in a location, the number of toilets available in an area, the duration of opening and closing of public toilets, the scent/odour emanating from the public toilets, the availability of “flying toilets” in the area, urbanization,high population density, waste from breweries, sawmills and fitting shops, ineffective sewage system and leachate from landfillwere very seriousfactors thatmajority of the respondents consented to that these factorscontributed to environmental pollution and also affectedthe cleanliness of the city. A strong relationship should exist between the government and users of the biogas and manure products and this could be done through enough educative programmes. The study recommended that;the government (being the sole investor in landfill management) should seek funds and join hands with the private sector, NGOs and Corporate bodiesto convert landfill waste into biogas and manure and that it would be an economically viable project (as confirmed by 90% of the respondents). There is energy in waste and that waste should be treated like a resource and not a thrown away. This calls for recycling, restoration and re-using of waste in order to reduce environmental pollution.The reseacher is, therefore, of the conviction that for this project to succeed it will require a lot of effort from government, academia and the private sector.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the effect of food wastage on productivity in some selected hotels in Sunyani municipality

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of food wastages in some selected hotels in Sunyani Municipality. The study employed a mixed approach and descriptive survey in tackling the problem at hand. A sample size of 215 was used which comprises of 160 customers, 39 workers, and 16 managers. Random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the customers while the workers were purposively sampled. Questionnaires, interview and observation were adopted as the research instrument for soliciting information from the respondents. Findings from the study revealed that food wasting situations at the very various sampled for the study were very alarming since 61.1% admitted food wasted constitute a larger portion of waste generated in their hotels. It was also indicated in the findings that the hotels were making losses rather than profit and considering shutting down the restaurant section as a result of food that gets wasted and customers get stranded when they need food. However, it was established through the findings that the food wasting problems among the hotels can be reduced drastically if they employ qualify personnel, upgrade their kitchen and storage facilities to a standard, educate customers on food wasting, operate a customer -friendly food policies and food specialties. Finally, the study recommended that standard protocols that are used in operation of hotels in the country should be adhered to by the hotels sampled for the study to assist them in reducing the food wasting situation.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls in public sector organizations

The study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of internal control in Ghana‘s public sector. The design for the study was a case study. Twenty-five staff of selected public hospitals and a polyclinic were purposively sampled for the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the same was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The outcome of the study was that the hospitals had a systematic, comprehensive approach to internal control, which is consistently documented, understood at the management level, and communicated to personnel. However, there were still some inconsistencies concerning how internal controls were implemented and enforced and also all responsibilities were not clearly defined. It was also found out that it was easier to develop a good internal control system in smaller hospitals due to less personnel, more personal contacts, and less administrative bureaucracy. Following the outcome of the study, it was recommended among other things that policies and procedures must be observed consistently throughout the hospitals. Also, irregularities revealed by the internal financial controls system must attract prompt and effective corrective action. To assure continued effectiveness, the hospital's internal financial controls system must be reassessed frequently.

Source: UEW