ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Law in Motion or Passionate Observer on the Shelf? The Ghanaian Disaster Experience

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the occurrence of disasters and the institutional mechanisms, as well as the legal response to such incidents. The paper provides a viewpoint by using discursive approach on arguments and examination of various legal and documented texts. Findings indicate that although the Ghanaian legal regime on disaster make reasonable provision for various breaches and remedies and establishes internationally acceptable rules in substance and procedure, in certain instances, most regulatory and enforcement agencies are often indisposed to enforcing the rules and fines. Meanwhile, factors contributing to disasters are mainly man-made attributable to non-regulatory compliance, unplanned residential and business communities, and erection of buildings in waterways, among others. It is proposed for an integrative approach and a shift from the traditional response-based thinking to a proactive response in disaster management, taking significant note of the legislations and judicial precedents in the country. © 2019, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.

Source: UG
The Law of Contract in Ghana

Contracts are made by people every day, whether the parties recognise it or not. Each time one spends money on anything – a bus ticket, an airline ticket, a pair of shoes, a meal in a restaurant, laundry services, books, or signs a lease, etc. one concludes a valid and legally binding contract. Contracts may be oral or written; may arise by parties’ conduct; may involve large or trivial sums of money and may be of short or long duration. The contents and subject matter of the contract also vary widely, creating different kinds of contracts including contracts of sale, hire purchase, insurance, employment, marriage, mortgage, leases etc. The Law of Contract is simply the branch of the Law, which governs the effort to achieve and carry out voluntary agreement. The principles of the law of contract are concerned with determining whether an agreement or transaction is binding or legally enforceable and if so, what the consequences of a breach of it are.

Source: UG
Law: A Tool for Measuring Human Conduct and Socialization

This article seeks to examine the meaning and content of law as perceived by some scholars to aid in the determination of whether the primary aim of law is to measure human conduct and facilitate socialization. Law is a phenomenon that has attracted several and diverse definitions from different schools of thoughts. As a social phenomenon its definition seems to be dependent and influenced by the socio-cultural experiences of the relevant proponent and thus subjective. This article critically examines various definitions of law, in a bid to unravel the true and proper meaning of law. It shows that law is not merely a tool for enforcing orders of the state or a superior being but primarily a tool for measuring human conduct and socialization.

Source: UG
Lay community perceptions and treatment options for hypertension in rural northern Ghana: a qualitative analysis

Objective Adherence to hypertension treatment is a major public health challenge for low and middle-income countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. One potential reason could be the discordance between lay and medical explanatory models of hypertension and its treatment. Understanding community perceptions and practices may contribute to improving hypertension control as they present insights into psychosocial and cultural factors that shape individual behaviour. We explore community perceptions regarding hypertension and its treatment in rural northern Ghana and how they differ from medical understanding. Design This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to collect data, which were analysed using a thematic approach. Setting A multisite study conducted in four rural communities in two regions of northern Ghana. Participants We conducted 16 semi-structured interviews and eight focus group discussions with community leaders and members, respectively. Results Three major themes were identified: community perceptions, treatment options and community support for people with hypertension. Community perceptions about hypertension include hypertension perceived as excess blood in the body and associated with spiritual or witchcraft attacks. Traditional medicine is perceived to cure hypertension completely with concurrent use of biomedical and traditional medicines encouraged in rural communities. Community members did not consider themselves at risk of developing hypertension and reported having inadequate information on how to provide social support for hypertensive community members, which they attributed to low literacy and poverty. Conclusion There is a substantial mismatch between communities’ perceptions and medical understanding of hypertension and its treatment. These perceptions partly result from structural factors and social norms shaped by collective processes and traditions that shape lay beliefs and influence individual health behaviour. Socioeconomic factors also thwart access to information and contribute to inadequate social support for persons with hypertension. These findings highlight the need for a public health approach to hypertension control targeting families and communities.

Source: UG
Lay representations of chronic diseases in Ghana: implications for primary prevention.

Ghana's health system is ill-equipped to tackle the country's double burden of infectious and chronic diseases. The current focus is on empowering lay communities to adopt healthy practices to prevent chronic diseases. Understanding how individuals make sense of health, illness and chronic illnesses is an important first step to developing practical interventions. Six focus group discussions with lay people (N= 51) in Accra, Nkoranza and Kintampo to explore: (1) knowledge of prevalent chronic diseases in Ghana; (2) chronic disease causal theories; and (3) chronic disease treatment. Nineteen conditions were listed cumulatively. Diabetes and hypertension were listed by all groups. Rural groups included HIV/AIDS on their list as well as diseases with alleged spiritual roots, in particular epilepsy and sickle cell disease. Multiple causal theories were presented for diabetes and hypertension; cancers were attributed to toxic foods; asthma attributed to environmental pollution. Biomedical care was preferred by the majority. Lay representations were drawn from multiple sources: medical professionals and chronically ill individuals were the most legitimate knowledge sources. This study provides insights on how lay representations of common chronic diseases and their major risk factors provide public health specialists with the conceptual tools to develop primary prevention strategies. The first challenge will be to train health experts to provide accurate information in practical language that lay people can understand and apply to their daily lives. A second challenge will be to develop sustainable behaviour-change interventions. Best practices from other African countries can inform interventions in Ghana.

Source: UG
Le triomphe de la vie dans Gouverneurs de la rosée de Jacques Roumain

Cet article examine les rapports dialectiques entre la mort, la vie et l’avenir dans Gouverneurs de la rosée, le célèbre roman de Jacques Roumain. Il s’agit pour Manuel, le héros, de l’emporter sur la haine, la sécheresse, l’oppression, la famine, bref sur les forces néfastes. A cet effet, il s’ingénie à trouver l’eau, élément vital, et à réconcilier les deux familles ennemies de Fonds-Rouge, en recourant au secours d’Annaïse, son amante, et celui de Délira, sa mère. Ces trois figures de la vitalité réussissent à gagner les autres paysans à la cause de la vie. Elles triomphent ainsi des forces maléfiques. Mort physiquement, Manuel, héros emblématique, prométhéen et christique, s’immortalise dans ses messages positifs, ses exploits, la reprise de l’action collective salvatrice et son enfant futur, tous légués aux paysans revitalisés. Eclatent ainsi les triomphes multiples de la vie sur la mort.

Source: UG
Leaching of trace metals from mixed electronic waste using four extraction methods

Rapid developments in technology in recent times, coupled with increasing demands for electronic products, have led to a rapid increase in electronic waste (e-waste) in the environment. The leaching of metals from e-wastes into the environment is a potential health and environmental hazard. The present study investigates the leaching potential of fourteen metals (Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn) in mixed waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) and plastic housing (PH) from recycling/dump sites. The assessment was carried out using rain water, deionized water, synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) solution and seawater over a period of 192 hours at regular intervals. The data obtained was compared to TCLP and WET limits. The toxicity characteristic potential of the elements extracted by these solvents were in the order deionized water>rainwater>SPLP>seawater. The levels of the 14 elements studied were generally low and in varying concentrations, with Ca, K, Mg and Na being relatively higher in all the leaching fluids. The results further proved that leaching from PCBs and PH was a significant source of trace metals from recycling/dump sites. Therefore, proper handling and disposal of these waste materials should be encouraged to lessen their impact on the environment.

Source: UG
Lead (Pb) exposure assessment in dried blood spots using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF)

Lead (Pb) exposure is often determined through the analysis of whole blood though venipuncture poses ethical, economic, and logistical barriers. Dried Blood Spots (DBS) may help overcome such barriers though past studies measuring Pb in DBS have been challenged with quality control, small sample volumes, and other issues. Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) may help address some of these challenges but has yet to be used to measure Pb in DBS. As such, the aim of the current study was to develop, validate, and apply a method to analyze Pb in DBS samples using TXRF for use in human biomonitoring studies. First, we developed a novel method (tested a range of parameters), and then used blood reference materials to validate the method against perfor mance criteria listed in ICH Q2A and Q2B and the European Bioanalysis Forum. Finally, we applied the method to two populations who exemplify divergent conditions (41 university members with relatively low Pb exposures sampled in a clinical environment; 40 electronic waste workers with relatively high Pb exposures sampled in a contaminated field setting). The limits of detection and quantification of the method were 0.28 and 0.69 μg/ dL, respectively. The overall precision and accuracy of the method were 15% and 111%, respectively. The mean (±SD) DBS Pb levels by TXRF in the university members and e-waste workers were 0.78 (±0.46) and 3.78 (±3.01) μg/dL, respectively, and these were not different from Pb measures in venous whole blood using ICP-MS. Bland-Altman plot analyses indicated good agreement between DBS Pb measures by TXRF versus whole blood Pb measures by ICP-MS in both groups. By combining data from the two population groups, there was no significant constant bias (intercept of 0.02 μg/dL) or proportional bias (slope was − 0.02) between the two measures, and the lower and upper LoA were − 0.86 and 0.91 μg/dL, respectively, with a LoA range of 1.77 μg/dL. These results demonstrate that TXRF-based analysis of Pb content in DBS is a good alternative to the gold standard (i.e., ICP-MS analysis of whole blood), and helps overcome some of the challenges asso ciated with current methods.

Source: UG
Lead in rice: Analysis of baseline lead levels in market and field collected rice grains

In a large scale survey of rice grains from markets (13 countries) and fields (6 countries), a total of 1578 rice grain samples were analysed for lead. From the market collected samples, only 0.6% of the samples exceeded the Chinese and EU limit of 0.2μgg-1 lead in rice (when excluding samples collected from known contaminated/mine impacted regions). When evaluating the rice grain samples against the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) provisional total tolerable intake (PTTI) values for children and pregnant women, it was found that only people consuming large quantities of rice were at risk of exceeding the PTTI from rice alone. Furthermore, 6 field experiments were conducted to evaluate the proportion of the variation in lead concentration in rice grains due to genetics. A total of 4 of the 6 field experiments had significant differences between genotypes, but when the genotypes common across all six field sites were assessed, only 4% of the variation was explained by genotype, with 9.5% and 11% of the variation explained by the environment and genotype by environment interaction respectively. Further work is needed to identify the sources of lead contamination in rice, with detailed information obtained on the locations and environments where the rice is sampled, so that specific risk assessments can be performed. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Source: UG
Lead levels and related biochemical findings occurring in Ghanaian subjects occupationally exposed to lead.

Blood and urine lead levels in relation to blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and also blood and renal status were evaluated in lead smelters, automobile mechanics and gasoline retailers in the city of Accra, Ghana. Relationship between high blood lead levels (mean: 108 ug/dl) and low ALAD activity (mean: 74.3 units) indicating lead over exposure was found in the lead smelters. Non-toxic lead exposure was, however, noted in the automobile mechanics and the gasoline retailers. Their respective mean blood lead levels were 27.8 ug/dl (mean blood ALAD activity 212.5 units) and 8.6 ug/dl (ALAD: 239.9 units). Personal habits at the work place appear to play a major role in facilitating exposure to lead among all the three groups of workers in addition to lack of control measures at the work place of the lead smelters to protect them against lead exposure. Anaemia was found in 48% of the lead smelters, 12.5% of the gasoline retailers but in none of the automobile mechanics. When compared with lead free subjects (mean blood ALAD activity: 270.9 units), urine microalbumin was significantly (p < 0.01) raised in all the lead smelters suggesting that they may be prone to renal glomerular damage. Plasma creatinine, BUN and uric acid were raised in only one of the lead smelters. The data supports the establishment of blood ALAD activity level at 100 units or less as indication of excessive body lead.

Source: UG
Leaders as organisational representatives: a structural model

Purpose Leaders are seen as representatives of their organisations; as such, their actions and behaviours towards their subordinates reflect on the organisations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of some dimensions under transformational and transactional leadership styles on perceived organisational support (POS) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 264 engineers and technicians from the country’s power transmission subsector through a survey. Covariance-based structural equation modelling was used in analysing the data with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences and AMOS. Findings The analysis indicated surprisingly that idealised influence predicted POS negatively while intellectual stimulation had no significant influence on employees’ POS. However, inspirational motivation, individualised consideration and contingent rewards predicted employees’ POS positively with contingent reward having the highest influence on POS. Practical implications The study’s findings indicate the importance that engineers and technicians in Ghana attach to support from their leaders, specifically inspiration and motivation, consideration for their needs and interests and rewards for their performance; thus, the study recommended that organisations must entreat their leaders to show such supportive behaviours towards their subordinates. Originality/value The study findings present fresh knowledge from a developing country perspective with regard to the importance that employees attach to these leadership dimensions.

Source: UG
Leadership and ‘tipping’ in workplace transformation: A critical review

The purpose of this is to critically appraise the idea of the “tipping point” from the perspectives of leadership in workplace transformation. It is argued that the desirability of any workplace transformations requires that we clearly understand the nature of the expected changes and the relationship between leadership and change. It is also argued that the sustenance of the regressive character of such transformation might be attributed to its “tipping” in the negative sense in contrast to Gladwell’s positive prescription of the “tipping point” in workplace transformation. It is concluded that the “tipping point” in workplace transformation should be a reflection of the performance indices based on the set objectives for the changes and the timescales and output measures ascribed to them.

Source: UG
A Leadership and Demographic View of the Nexus Between Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction in Ghana’s Banking Sector

The paper examines the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction levels of employees in the Ghanaian banking sector and whether the relationship is moderated by the transformational and transactional leadership styles. It also examines the influence of some demographic variables (age and educational levels) on the relationship. A cross-sectional design was used with standardized questionnaires to collect data. Both the simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select respondents. 208 bankers was engaged in the study. The results indicated a positive relationship between bankers’ emotional intelligence and their job satisfaction (β =.02, p =.38) although not statistically significant. However, transactional leadership (β =.18, p =.04) and transformational leadership (β =.17, p =.02) significantly moderated the relationship. The study shows the importance of leadership styles in facilitating job satisfaction among bankers and also reveals that age and high educational qualifications are not yardsticks for one’s level of emotional intelligence. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Source: UG
Leadership and Membership Structure of Migrant Associations: The Case of Nigerian Migrant Associations in Accra, Ghana

Migrant associations are a worldwide phenomenon, featuring in much of the migration studies literature. However, much of these studies focus on migrant associations in the USA mostly of Latino migrants from Central and Latin America. In Africa and more particularly Ghana, literature on migrant associations is paltry. The few that exist only explore their development impacts on the migration sending areas. In this paper, I explore three Nigerian migrant associations in Accra, Ghana. The leadership and membership structures of the Nigerian Women, Nigerian Committee of Brothers and the Edo State associations in Accra, Ghana are under the spotlight of this discourse. Data for the study were generated using multiple ethnographic methods of observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and informal discussions. Other data types were obtained from association minutes, and other relevant documents. The findings of the paper indicate that, the associations operate under relatively durable organisational structures with well defined tenures of leadership. Memberships of the associations are not large, ranging between a little over seventy (70) and above two hundred (200). The membership of the three associations indicate that, new migrants show higher leaning to the associations, but leadership responsibilities are mostly entrusted in the hands of older migrants. And as in all human institutions, the associations show elements of discord and schism.

Source: UG
Leadership and Organisational Culture: Relevance in Public Sector Organisations in Ghana

Public sector reforms have been on the agenda of a number of governments, including Ghana and development agencies such as the World Bank. F rom the review o f existing literature , it is notable that the impact of leadership and organisational culture on the performance of organisations is significant either positively or negatively and therefore essential factors in ensuring a reformed and more efficient publi c sector, especially in developing countries. This paper looks at the general discussions on leadership and organisational culture narrowed down to the Ghanaian context. Furthermore, the relationship between transformational leadership and organisational c ulture and their relevance in public sector organisations in Ghana are touched on. This conceptual paper identifies that leadership and organisational culture play a very important role in the performance of public sector organisations and in particularly the transformational style of leadership seems to result in more innovative and dynamic practices in public sector organisations .

Source: UG
Leadership as a Motivational Tool for Employees’ Job Related Outcomes

The study was aimed at examining ways leadership can be used as a motivational tool for improved job related outcomes using a cross section of employees from the Ghanaian rural banking sector. It tapped into the perceptions of employees to understand what they perceived to be the influence of certain leadership style on employee motivation, job satisfaction and job commitment. A survey was employed and it covered 50 employees. The measures of central tendency (mean) and measures of variability (range, and standard deviation) were used to describe results. The study found that employees are motivated by leadership that give precise directive and offers employees the needed support and room to operate. The study found giving employees responsibility improves employee satisfaction and that leadership that is task oriented and committed to relational behaviours would improve employee job satisfaction. The study finds that leadership has an effect on employee commitment. It found that employee participation in decision making in the organisation has an effect on employee commitment. The study concluded that, since leadership improves employee job outcomes, leadership could influence employees to improve service delivery. Further, leadership influences service delivery through improvement in motivation, satisfaction and enhanced commitment. Keywords: leadership, employee motivation, job satisfaction, job commitment, rural banking, job outcomes, Service delivery, employee satisfaction.

Source: UG