ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An analysis of socio-demographic patterns in child malnutrition trends using Ghana demographic and health survey data in the period 1993¿2008

Abstract Background A small but growing body of research indicates that progress in reducing child malnutrition is substantially uneven from place to place, even down to the district level within countries. Yet child malnutrition prevalence and trend estimates available for public health planning are mostly available only at the level of global regions and/or at country level. To support carefully targeted intervention to reduce child malnutrition, public health planners and policy-makers require access to more refined prevalence data and trend analyses than are presently available. Responding to this need in Ghana, this report presents trends in child malnutrition prevalence in socio-demographic groups within the country&#8217;s geographic regions. Methods The study uses the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS) data. The GDHS are nationally representative cross-sectional surveys that have been carried out in many developing countries. These surveys constitute one of the richest sources of information currently available to examine time trends in child malnutrition. Data from four surveys were used for the analysis: 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008. Results The results show statistically significant declining trends at the national level for stunting (F (1, 7204)&#8201;=&#8201;7.89, p&#8201;&#8804;&#8201;.005), underweight (F (1, 7441)&#8201;=&#8201;44.87, p&#8201;&#8804;&#8201;.001) and wasting (F (1, 7130)&#8201;=&#8201;6.19, p&#8201;&#8804;&#8201;.013). However, analyses of the sex-specific trends revealed that the declining trends in stunting and wasting were significant among males but not among females. In contrast to the national trend, there were significantly increasing trends in stunting for males (F (1, 2004)&#8201;=&#8201;3.92, p&#8201;&#8804;&#8201;.048) and females (F (1, 2004)&#8201;=&#8201;4.34, p&#8201;&#8804;&#8201;.037) whose mothers had higher than primary education, while the trends decreased significantly for males and females whose mothers had no education. Conclusions At the national level in Ghana, child malnutrition is significantly declining. However, the aggregate national trend masks important deviations in certain socio-demographic segments, including worsening levels of malnutrition. This paper shows the importance of disaggregated analyses of national child malnutrition data, to unmask underlying geographic and socio-demographic differences.

Source: UG
An assessment of mental health policy in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia

Abstract Background Approximately half of the countries in the African Region had a mental health policy by 2005, but little is known about quality of mental health policies in Africa and globally. This paper reports the results of an assessment of the mental health policies of Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. Methods The WHO Mental Health Policy Checklist was used to evaluate the most current mental health policy in each country. Assessments were completed and reviewed by a specially constituted national committee as well as an independent WHO team. Results of each country evaluation were discussed until consensus was reached. Results All four policies received a high level mandate. Each policy addressed community-based services, the integration of mental health into general health care, promotion of mental health and rehabilitation. Prevention was addressed in the South African and Ugandan policies only. Use of evidence for policy development varied considerably. Consultations were mainly held with the mental health sector. Only the Zambian policy presented a clear vision, while three of four countries spelt out values and principles, the need to establish a coordinating body for mental health, and to protect the human rights of people with mental health problems. None included all the basic elements of a policy, nor specified sources and levels of funding for implementation. Deinstitutionalisation and the provision of essential psychotropic medicines were insufficiently addressed. Advocacy, empowerment of users and families and intersectoral collaboration were inadequately addressed. Only Uganda sufficiently outlined a mental health information system, research and evaluation, while only Ghana comprehensively addressed human resources and training requirements. No country had an accompanying strategic mental health plan to allow the development and implementation of concrete strategies and activities. Conclusions Six gaps which could impact on the policies' effect on countries' mental health systems were: lack of internal consistency of structure and content of policies, superficiality of key international concepts, lack of evidence on which to base policy directions, inadequate political support, poor integration of mental health policies within the overall national policy and legislative framework, and lack of financial specificity. Three strategies to address these concerns emerged, namely strengthening capacity of key stakeholders in public (mental) health and policy development, creation of a culture of inclusive and dynamic policy development, and coordinated action to optimize use of available resources.

Source: UG
An Assessment of the Contribution of UK-Funded Projects to the Fight Against Organized Crime and Narcotics: The Case of Ghana Between 2010 to 2020.

Many research and public discussions have centred on the significance of aid to country development. Without a doubt, development aid remains an essential aspect of Ghana's development narrative. It is a major financial inflow that helps to buffer Ghana's development. Over the years, the development literature is replete with donor nations' contributions aimed at augmenting developing countries' efforts toward growth and socioeconomic development. This examined the overall contributions of UK aid to Ghana's development, specifically its contributions to the fight against organized crime. The study was guided by the theory of international cooperation which highlights the gains of bilateral and multilateral relationships because of the shred benefit it presents to the actors involved. The study adopted a case study approach, which is qualitative method in the research. According to the study's findings, the United Kingdom was instrumental in the nation’s journey in fighting organized crime. Another finding demonstrated that the UK had contributed immensely to law enforcement agencies in their fight against the menace of organized crime. Another important finding is that the collaboration between the two states led to an improvement in intelligence sharing, logistical support, better training and generally a better service delivery of the Narcotics Control Commission. Aside this contribution to the Narcotics Control Commission, the UK government has also made considerable contributions to the efforts of the Economic and Organized Crime Office. The study however identified some challenges such as the lack of coordination, regional differences, legislation issues, financial challenges, and poor technical and skill capacities as some major factors inhibiting the progress made in combating organized crime. The study recommends the need for government to ensure the provision of financial, logistical and infrastructural resources to enhance and accommodate the operations of law enforcement agencies in the country. The study concludes the UK-Ghana partnership has made some considerable contributions towards the fight against Organized crime within the country.

Source: UG
An Assessment of Tourism in International Relations: A Particular Focus on the Ghana-African Diaspora Relations

International tourism has been a key component of relations in the international system, although this has not been adequately discussed by IR scholars. Existing discussions have highlighted different issues such as the different types of tourism, the history of international tourism, the political and socioeconomic conditions that influence international tourism, the link between tourism, globalization, and development, the positive and negative effects of tourism on states, the nature of tourism in Africa as compared to other parts of the world, and the programs that tend to drive international tourism, among other things. This dissertation builds on the idea of Pan Africanism to investigate the development of international tourism and how the “Year of Return” initiative has impacted tourism and other dimensions of the Ghanaian state including the relations between Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora. The study principally argues that tourism has significantly evolved in international affairs over time and successive Ghanaian governments have improved some aspects of tourism through organizing programs and initiatives that have promoted and strengthened the bond between Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora.The analysis triangulates insights from both primary and secondary sources. Fieldwork included semi structured interviews involving sixteen participants. The study found that the Year of Return celebration has had significant impact on Ghana’s tourism and international relations as a whole as it impacted economic growth, improved bilateral and multilateral relations and promoted development across the country. Based on the key findings, the study recommends that the Ghanaian and other African states should be more committed to improving tourist sites such as national parks, slave castles, forts, and other historical sites to increase their patronage and relations with Africans in the diaspora. African governments also need to invest more in the requisite infrastructure in the hospitality industry and road networks needed to attract tourists.

Source: UG
An Empirical Assessment Of The Impact Of Access To Credit On Farm Output: A Case Study Of Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality Ghana

The study examined the socio-demographic features of farmers and credit accessibility in the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality Ghana. It also identifies the sources and factors influencing access to credit in the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality. Primary data were obtained from 1,200 households and farmers within the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal. The empirical analysis employed a logistic regression technique, the Tobit model, and the Endogenous Switching Regression Model (ESRM) to explore the accessibility of credit on productivity in the agriculture sector. The results revealed that age and gender are statistically significant in determining access to credit from both the logit and the endogenous regression models. The endogenous switching regression model further reveals that educational status, land ownership, and access to knowledge on credit significantly influence the amount of credit received by a particular farmer within the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality. These findings have practical implications for the modernization of the Agriculture sector in Ghana. It is therefore important for various stakeholders to increase financial literacy among farming communities and financial institutions to increase credit accessibility in the Agriculture sector. It is therefore recommended that extension services provision, diversification of agriculture production, and easy access to credit from financial institutions in the Municipality be established to ensure increased agriculture production.

Source: UG
An Examination of Cybercrime in Ghana and Its Implications for the Ghanaian in the International Community

Several studies on cybercrime focus on cybercrime and its consequences on the state, however very little attention has been paid to the impact of cybercrime on individuals and their international engagement. Anecdotal evidence from countries such as Nigeria and Russia suggest that the activities of a few cyber criminals have a grave impact on innocent citizens. The internet is a global community, thus crime in cyberspace is automatically globalized. This has forced policymakers to come up with stringent policies that tackle cybercrime. Using the Theory of Externalities and the Space Transition Theory, this work posits that the internet provides a safe space for people to commit crimes against others they may never interface with. These crimes lead to the innocent public suffering from the activities. This research, therefore, sought to examine the impact of cybercrime on Ghanaians as well as the Ghanaian community abroad. The study employed a qualitative method involving two focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with experts. One of the focus groups involved Ghanaians living abroad, while the other with experts in the field of cybercrime and its associated negative externalities. Further, a one-on-one in-depth interview was conducted among key stakeholders to explore the issue in detail. The findings of the research revealed that cybercrime has a negative externality on Ghanaians living in abroad, as well as on the image of the country. Findings also showed that there was discrimination against Ghanaians due to being perceived as a cybercriminal because of cases blown up in the media involving Ghanaians who had committed cybercrime. The study recommends a deliberate effort by the government in reducing the prevalence of cybercrime by proactively enhancing its cybersecurity framework. This should include the development of comprehensive, locally tailored legislation, widespread public awareness campaign, fostering robust public-private collaborations, crafting unique national cybersecurity strategy, prioritizing international cooperation, making substantial investments in cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, encouraging indigenous research and innovation in cybersecurity, and implementing a streamlined and accessible reporting system for cybercrime incidents. Further, the Cyber Crime Unit and Digital Forensic Laboratory of the Ghana Police Service should actively promote the reporting of cybercriminal activities and, critically, prioritize expeditious prosecution measures. Ensuring timely and swift legal action not only serves as a deterrent but also enhances the confidence of whistleblowers in the effectiveness of the legal system. These would lead to an improvement of the image of the Ghanaian in the international community

Source: UG
An Examination of the Framework to Combat Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: A Case Study of Ghana.

Maritime piracy poses a significant security threat to international navigation and maritime commerce, impeding economic development and tarnishing the reputation of affected countries. As a result, various strategies and frameworks have been devised to combat this growing menace, with individual countries bearing the primary responsibility for implementation. This study focuses on the frameworks for countering maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, specifically examining how Ghana is implementing these strategies. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing content analysis, thematic narration, and logical deductions of data and adopts the theory of international cooperation as the theory of analysis. Findings also show that at the international, continental, and regional levels, comprehensive arrangements are being implemented to address piracy, bolstered by support of implementing partners such as the European Union and the United States. Findings show that initiative like the Yaoundé agreements promote information sharing, cooperation, and coordinated responses towards countering piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Further, the study shows that Ghana has actively implemented these regional arrangements by establishing legal and institutional frameworks, enhancing operational capabilities, engaging in joint patrols, and conducting training programs. These notwithstanding, the findings indicate that challenges persist in implementing these frameworks, including limited coordination, resource constraints, divergent priorities, jurisdictional complexities, and inadequate maritime domain awareness. The study recommends that, overcoming these challenges will require strengthened coordination, increasing resources and funding, aligning priorities, improving legal frameworks, fostering international cooperation, investing in surveillance infrastructure, and building trust among regional stakeholders.

Source: UG
An Examination of the Role of Diplomacy in Ghana’s Bid to Host the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Secretariat

While the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) agenda has attracted much research attention, the role of diplomacy in selecting Ghana to host the Secretariat after beating six other countries is empirically unknown. This research assessed the role of diplomacy in Ghana’s bid to host the AfCFTA Secretariat. To achieve this, it employed the neo-functionalism theory of regional integration and used thematic data analysis to analyse in-depth interview data collected from six key informants to achieve the purpose of the study. The study found that the AfCFTA can broadly enhance economic growth and development in the continent by creating a single African market for inter and intra-regional trade, and creating employment opportunities, given that trade among African countries is currently low. Second, Ghana’s decision to participate in the bid was motivated by the expected diplomatic and socio-economic gains of serving as the Secretariat’s host. Third, Ghana’s success in the bid was significantly influenced by diplomacy. The country adopted a three-prong diplomatic strategy comprising submitting a formal bid, lobbying and campaigning, and providing options for structures to host the Secretariat. Fourth, despite its success, the country’s efforts faced several obstacles, including financial and logistical challenges, language barriers, threats to its diplomatic image, and inadequate training for members of the ad hoc Missions sent out. Consequently, the study recommends that countries create and carefully nurture diplomatic alliances for future diplomatic projects. Secondly, they must adequately articulate the reasons for bidding for any international project. Thirdly, they should set aside funds for such future endeavours, offer adequate diplomatic training for ad hoc diplomats, and employ the services of experienced translators where language differences exist. Also, countries should endeavour to deliver on promises that get them endorsed by their peers, as failure to deliver can dent their diplomatic image.

Source: UG
An Exploratory Methodological Approach To Enhancing Public Health Policy In Ghana’s Mining Operations.

Industrial mining significantly contributes to the economies and public revenues of numerous low- and lower middle-income nations, with its importance set to grow due to the increasing demand for critical minerals in the energy transition. Concurrently, the negative externalities associated with large-scale mining are set to escalate if not rigorously managed. Among these adverse impacts, the negative effects on public health have long been disregarded in the governance of large-scale mining projects. This study examines the regulatory and policy landscape governing public health within impact assessment practices in large-scale mining operations, high lighting the inadequacy of current regulatory approaches, particularly the limited attention given to public health within Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Focusing on mineral-rich Ghana, we investigate stakeholder perceptions regarding the adequacy of current EIA policy frameworks in safeguarding public health. Applying Q-methodology, we explore diverse perspectives on policy action, priorities, and the involvement of relevant actors in shaping progressive public health regulation within the mining sector. Our findings offer valuable insights into the policy space and potential strategies for strengthening public health in mining activ ities, with implications for EIA environmental management practices. Moreover, our findings suggest that the divergent policy preferences uncovered in Ghana highlight key obstacles to greater public health consideration through the inclusion of Health Impacts Assessment (HIA), especially in contexts with limited administrative resources. Our study reveals how roles, responsibilities, and authority over impact assessment and mine licensing processes can significantly shape stakeholder policy preferences toward HIA.

Source: UG
An exploratory study of the mandate and functions of national pharmaceutical services units: global trends and the cases of Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Nepal

Background: National pharmaceutical services units (NPSUs) – organisational units within the central government usually responsible for pharmaceutical services and management – have an increasingly narrow mandate. Anecdotal evidence points to an increasing focus, almost exclusively, on logistics management, while pharmaceutical care and policy oversight have become fragmented. This study examined NPSUs’ current functions and mandates, and proposed what should be the critical functions and roles of these units going forward. Methods: Using case studies of Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya and Nepal, the study relied on a literature review and in-depth interviews. We triangulated and synthesised the findings to identify NPSUs by level in the health ministry’s hierarchy and reporting line, mandate, and function.Results: We identified medicine regulation, procurement and supply chain management, selection and rational use of medicines, and pharmacy practice regulation as four broad sets of functions that NPSUs commonly have as their mandate. A clear position in the Ministry of Health’s hierarchical structure, the legal or administrative framework that mandates an NPSU’s functions, and national pharmaceutical policies and regulations to guide the pharmaceutical sector are three critical factors for effective functioning. It is essential to have a legislative framework that at a minimum identifies one NPSU as responsible for pharmaceutical policy and governance, serving as the steward for the pharmaceutical system. This role encompasses pharmaceutical system coordination and administrative functions, formulating and implementing policies for organising, managing, financing, regulating, monitoring, and evaluating the pharmaceutical system. As such, we recommend that NPSUs should at a minimum have four broad sets of functions: pharmaceutical policy and governance, medicine regulation, pharmacy practice regulation and procurement and supply chain management. Conclusion: The study substantiates the need for a pharmaceutical policy and governance unit that stewards the pharmaceutical system and is empowered to monitor and evaluate system performance and coordinate efforts for system strengthening.

Source: UG
An improved SYBR Green-1-based fluorescence method for the routine monitoring of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to anti-malarial drugs

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG