ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Workers Needed To Foster Improved Academic Performance: Perspectives Of Social Workers And Education Officers In Ghana

This study examines the perceptions of social welfare and education officers in Ghana about school social work practice and its possible contributions to improving academic performance at the basic level of education. Qualitative data was collected through two focus group discussions with social workers and education officers. Participants expressed views that school social work interventions are needed to strengthen the bond between the home and the school and help students deal with psycho-social problems and reduce the burden on teachers. Suggestions were also made. made on the best ways to foster the practice of school social work in Ghana. Theses coalesced around three core themes: active engagement of stakeholders, a robust funding mechanism to develop and sustain social work interventions in schools and a long-term agenda to train and recruit more school social workers.

Source: UG
Working Abroad in Ghana: Cultural Considerations in Radiologic Science

Many countries are experiencing a shortage of radiologic science professionals, prompting an increasing number of foreign technolo- gists to move to those countries. Some tech- nologists accept the challenge because they want to apply their skills where the need is greatest. Financial reasons entice others, whereas still others are drawn by the oppor- tunity to learn or experience something new. Whatever the individual motivation for this migration, the result is that a growing global need is being addressed.1 Working in a setting where the cultural aspects (eg, language, food, customs, traditions) are unfamiliar can be challenging. Culture shapes how people think and act, as well as how they interpret certain actions; it plays a role in every situation, including when patients receive medical care. Radiologic technologists who strive to learn about the people they serve experience fewer clashes and conf licts inherent in cross-cultural com- munication.2 In addition, adopting patient interaction practices that consider the prevailing cultural norms results in more patient cooperation and satisfaction dur- ing imaging examinations.

Source: UG
Working conditions and environmental exposures among electronic waste workers in Ghana

Objective: To investigate and describe informal e-waste recycling and working conditions at Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews which were qualitatively analysed from a grounded theory perspective. Results: Workers obtained e-waste from the various residential areas in Accra, then dismantled and burned them in open air to recover copper, aluminum, steel, and other products for sale to customers on-site or at the nearby Agbogbloshie market. The processers worked under unhealthy conditions often surrounded by refuse and human excreta without any form of protective gear and were thus exposed to frequent burns, cuts, and inhalation of highly contaminated fumes. We observed no form of social security/support system for the workers, who formed informal associations to support one another in times of difficulty. Conclusions: e-waste recycling working conditions were very challenging and presented serious hazards to worker health and wellbeing. Formalizing the e-waste processing activities requires developing a framework of sustainable financial and social security for the e-waste workers, including adoption of lowcost, socially acceptable, easy-to-operate, and cleaner technologies that would safeguard the health of the workers and the general public. © W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2013.

Source: UG
Working Conditions and Exposure to Work Related Injuries and Accidents at Kokompe-Accra Ghana

The occupational environment in which artisans work may expose them to work-related injuries, chronic illness, stress and, disability. In order to understand the issue of workplace safety among artisans in the informal small-scale enterprises, there is the need to explore their general level of safety. Consequently, it will be possible to suggest possible ways of improving their health conditions and safety in the work place. This paper examined the general level of safety of automobile artisans at the Kokompe Artisanal Centre in Accra as well as assessing their level of awareness about occupational accidents and injuries they are exposed to and the preventive measures in place. The qualitative in-depth interview and observational methods were used to examine incidences of work-related injuries and accidents among the artisans. In all 58 artisans including auto-mechanics, auto-electricians, auto-welders, auto sprayers and auto-spare parts dealers were selected through convenience and snowballing sampling techniques. The working conditions of the artisans were poor due to haphazard siting of temporary workshops by squatter artisans resulting in multiple exposures to different hazards: physical, psychosocial and ergonomic hazards leading various forms of work-related physical injuries well as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work-related illnesses. The contributing factors of accidents and injuries were: human, environmental and mechanical factors. The physical environment and the nature of work are both hazardous since the work entails improper sitting posture, lifting of heavy objects and generally working without any safety measures. The artisans were mostly aware of the many dangers associated their work which is largely unregulated. For policy implication, city authorities must consider a re-engineering of the entire workplace of the artisans by planning and demarcating the structure in accordance with standard practice to enable work to be done in a safe and healthy environment.

Source: UG
Working Conditions in Ghana’s Export Processing Zone and Women’s Empowerment.

Globalisation and the spread of export processing zones (EPZs) have created new opportunities in Ghana for women to obtain paid work. However, the empowering effects of this employment are quite poorly understood. This article examines the relationship between working conditions in EPZs and the empowerment of women. Although EPZs are globally depicted as characterised by harsh working conditions which militate against women's empowerment, the situation in Ghana is relatively better and this type of employment has enhanced the economic and psychological well-being of some women. However, the insecurity of jobs in the EPZs is a major hindrance to their empowerment

Source: UG
Working conditions in Ghana’s export processing zone and women’s empowerment.

Globalisation and the spread of export processing zones (EPZs) have created new opportunities in Ghana for women to obtain paid work. However, the empowering effects of this employment are quite poorly understood. This article examines the relationship between working conditions in EPZs and the empowerment of women. Although EPZs are globally depicted as characterised by harsh working conditions which militate against women's empowerment, the situation in Ghana is relatively better and this type of employment has enhanced the economic and psychological well-being of some women. However, the insecurity of jobs in the EPZs is a major hindrance to their empowerment.

Source: UG
Working conditions in the Ghanaian media

Ghana’s media remain one of the most celebrated across the continent, for its expansive and liberal ecosystem. With an exponential growth rate and a generally liberal atmosphere for discourse, it is easy to assume that all is well in the media. However, anecdotal evidence about the economics and management practices in the media suggests that all may not be well, particularly, with professionals who work in the space. This chapter examines working conditions in the media by exploring issues of entry and exit, remuneration, welfare, resources for work and policies to govern individual conduct. It reports evidence of high levels of opacity in recruitment practices. Media personnel are also poorly paid with many working without the beneft of healthcare support nor pensions. The study also reveals that media organisations, generally, have no codifed protocols to guide employee behaviour. The chapter concludes with a number of recommendations for regulators and media owners/ managers and associations.

Source: UG
Working practices and incomes of health workers: Evidence from an evaluation of a delivery fee exemption scheme in Ghana

BACKGROUND: This article describes a survey of health workers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) which was carried out in 2005 in two regions of Ghana. The objective of the survey was to ascertain the impact of the introduction of a delivery fee exemption scheme on both health workers and those providers who were excluded from the scheme (TBAs). This formed part of an overall evaluation of the delivery fee exemption scheme. The results shed light not only on the scheme itself but also on the general productivity of a range of health workers in Ghana. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was developed, covering individual and household characteristics, working hours and practices, sources of income, and views of the exemptions scheme and general motivation. After field testing, this was administered to 374 respondents in 12 districts of Central and Volta regions. The respondents included doctors, medical assistants (MAs), public and private midwives, nurses, community health nurses (CHNs), and traditional birth attendants, both trained and untrained. RESULTS: Health workers were well informed about the delivery fee exemptions scheme and their responses on its impact suggest a realistic view that it was a good scheme, but one that faces serious challenges regarding financial sustainability. Concerning its impact on their morale and working conditions, the responses were broadly neutral. Most public sector workers have seen an increased workload, but counterbalanced by increased pay. TBAs have suffered, in terms of client numbers and income, while the picture for private midwives is mixed. The survey also sheds light on pay and productivity. The respondents report long working hours, with a mean of 54 hours per week for community nurses and up to 129 hours per week for MAs. Weekly reported client loads in the public sector range from a mean of 86 for nurses to 269 for doctors. Over the past two years, reported working hours have been increasing, but so have pay and allowances (for doctors, allowances now make up 66% of their total pay). The lowest paid public health worker now earns almost ten times the average gross national income (GNI) per capita, while the doctors earn 38.5 times GNI per capita. This compares well with average government pay of four times GNI per capita. Comparing pay with outputs, the relatively high number of clients reported by doctors reduces their pay differential, so that the cost per client - $1.09 - is similar to a nurse's (and lower than a private midwife's). CONCLUSION: These findings show that a scheme which increases demand for public health services while also sustaining health worker income and morale, is workable, if well managed, even within the relatively constrained human resources environment of countries like Ghana. This may be linked to the fact that internal comparisons reveal Ghana's health workers to be well paid from public sector sources.

Source: UG
Working practices and incomes of health workers: evidence from an evaluation of a delivery fee exemption scheme in Ghana

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Working together to improve the quality of mathematics education and students achievements: exploring the views of Ghanaian parents

Parental involvement in their children’s education and for that matter mathematics education has become one of the main areas of research interest. The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes of Ghanaian parent-students towards their children’s education and the factor that influence their participation. An exploratory survey approach was used in this study, and a 38 item semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting data. A total of 130 parent-students from enrolled in diploma and degree programmes in three universities took part in the study. Similar to the findings from other similar studies, the majority of these parents acknowledged the importance of parental involvement and indicated their willingness to be involved in their children's education. It was, however, interesting to note that majority of these parents have never seen or had access to the two main mathematics resources used in their children’s schools: the mathematics syllabus and the mathematics textbook. In addition, the majority of these parents see the teacher as the custodian of knowledge and seem to rely over on them for the success of their children. It is recommended that school and teachers have to be proactive in designing Maths Clubs and other activities to get parents actively involved.

Source: UG
Working with indigenous, local and scientific knowledge in assessments of nature and nature’s linkages with people

Working with indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) is vital for inclusive assessments of nature and nature’s linkages with people. Indigenous peoples’ concepts about what constitutes sustainability, for example, differ markedly from dominant sustainability discourses. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) is promoting dialogue across different knowledge systems globally. In 2017, member states of IPBES adopted an ILK Approach including: procedures for assessments of nature and nature’s linkages with people; a participatory mechanism; and institutional arrangements for including indigenous peoples and local communities. We present this Approach and analyse how it supports ILK in IPBES assessments through: respecting rights; supporting care and mutuality; strengthening communities and their knowledge systems; and supporting knowledge exchange. Customary institutions that ensure the integrity of ILK, effective empowering dialogues, and shared governance are among critical capacities that enable inclusion of diverse conceptualizations of sustainability in assessments.

Source: UG
Working with or against the system: Ethical dilemmas for entrepreneurship in Ghana

The aim of this paper is to address entrepreneurship and ethics from the perspective of the Ghanaian entrepreneur in small and medium-size enterprises to extend our understanding of issues influencing entrepreneurial behavior in developing economies such as Ghana. Our study specifically addresses three typical situations in which business ethics are challenged: (1) When applying for business information and permits, (2) When competing for business contracts and financing and (3) When dealing with tax authorities. Relying on in-depth case-study data from 22 entrepreneurs, the paper conceptualizes entrepreneurial behavior related to business ethics and identifies several important challenges to overcome to enable economies to build a more effective market economy. © 2013 World Scientific Publishing Company.

Source: UG
Workplace and sexual harassment: Time to take a second look at the law?

With the recent allegations regarding Harvey Weinstein and other famous figures in the entertainment industry taking over the news in recent months, there has been a renewed focus on sexual harassment (SH) worldwide. This paper takes a legal look at SH particularly in Ghana. In its submission, this paper discusses the controversies surrounding the meaning of SH and offers arguments characterizing it as an abuse of power at the workplace. The 21st Century dynamics of the menace are also examined and its prevalence presented in a global context. In conclusion, this paper offers relevant insights for improving Ghana’s laws on SH. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2019.

Source: UG
Workplace Conflict and Job-related Wellbeing Among Local Government Servants: The Role of Job Resources

Drawing on the job demands-resources model, this study examined the effect of workplace conflict as a work demand on job-related well-being (proxy by job satisfaction) while assessing the direct and buffering roles of job resources (employee development and supervisor support). The study employed survey data from 130 employees of a major local government institution in Accra, Ghana. and the data were analysed using multiple regression and Hayes’ PROCESS macro moderation technique. The findings revealed that while workplace conflict has a significant negative effect on employee job-related well-being, employee development and supervisor support have significant positive effects but their interactions with workplace conflict show insignificant effects on employee job-related well-being. Our study provides new empirical evidence to extend the workplace conflict and employee well-being literature generally and within the local government setting in particular. Furthermore, it contributes to the job demand-resources model by validating the dual pathways (job resources and job demands) of improving well-being while suggesting that a mismatch between the level of job demands and job resources may render their interactive effects ineffective.

Source: UG
Workplace violence against nurses: A cross-sectional descriptive study of Ghanaian nurses

The aim of this study was to document the incidence, sources, and effects of workplace physical violence against Ghanaian nurses. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 592 nurses employed in public general hospitals in Ghana. Participants were selected using a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques. Nine percent of the participants experienced physical violence in the 12 months preceding the study. The majority of perpetrators were relatives of patients. Chi-square tests suggested significant relationships between type of hospital and workplace physical violence, and between intention to quit the nursing profession and workplace physical violence. Workplace violence had several negative effects on nurses including having disturbing memories about the incident and being “super alert” and vigilant. Strategies to curb workplace violence could include awareness creation among health care workers and the general public. Policies and legislations must also be put in place to address this social problem. © The Author(s) 2017.

Source: UG
‘The World Bank and Ghana’s Poverty Reduction Strategies: Strengthening the State or Consolidating Neo-liberalism?

The article explores the World Bank's PRSP approach in Ghana to determine if it entails a break with the neoliberal paradigm, ft does so by focusing on the concept of good governance within Ghana's poverty reduction strategies (GPRS 1 & II). and considers the model of the state that is implied. The priority governance areas of security and the rule of law. public sector reform, decentralisation and civil society participation are all examined. Six key findings emerge that suggest governance measures entail an ongoing project of state transformation that involves downsizing the state and re-orienting the public sector to serve private sector interests. The Ghana case strongly indicates that the governance agenda within World Bank-influenced poverty reduction strategies is not a break with neoliberalism but part of an ongoing effort to embed and consolidate neoliberal hegemony.

Source: UG
The World Bank: false financial and statistical accounts and medical malpractice in malaria treatment

The World Bank has an annual budget of US$20 billion, and is the largest organisation operating with a mission to reduce poverty worldwide. Malaria destroys about 1 million lives a year; the disease is the leading parasitic cause of death for Africa's children and impoverishment for their families. Here we examine how these factors meet in the new Global Strategy & Booster Program, which is the Bank's plan for controlling that disease in 2005–10.1 We believe this plan is inadequate to reverse the Bank's troubling history of neglect for malaria. In the past 5 years, the Bank has failed to uphold a pledge to increase funding for malaria control in Africa, has claimed success in its malaria programmes by promulgating false epidemiological statistics, and has approved clinically obsolete treatments for a potentially deadly form of malaria. Crucially, the Bank also downsized its malaria staff, so that it cannot swiftly execute the restoration it plans under the Global Strategy & Booster Program. We summarise the evidence, show that the Bank possesses demonstrably little expertise in malaria, and argue that the Bank should relinquish its funding to other agencies better placed to control the disease.

Source: UG
‘The World Beyond the Horizon”

In recent decades the world has been transformed by unprecedented economic and political developments. A new world order is shaping up with the establishment of new markets and growth opportunities. The globalisation of trade and finance has driven fundamental changes across the world alongside the rapid development of some emerging economies. Globalisation has also brought about an increasing interdependence between nations, institutions and people. In tandem, we are witnessing major social trends including, for example, the ageing of populations in the most developed economies. This contrasts sharply with the rapid growth of populations, urbanisation and educational investment in many developing countries. Innovations in technology have connected people in radically new ways. We all now have access to an almost infinite volume and range of information and knowledge. At little or no cost. The internet has killed distance! The world is becoming ever more diverse and complex – and riskier. This makes it increasingly challenging for everyone to respond appropriately. This presentation will explore this rapidly changing landscape beyond the horizon by identifying and highlighting the impact of some of the most significant trends and the implications for society, government and business.

Source: UG
The World Guide to CSR: A Country-by-Country Analysis. In: Analysis of Corporate Sustainability &amp; Responsibility (Ghana)

Although CSR took root in Ghana in the mid 1950s, fragments could already be found in 1939, when the National Liberation Council (NLC) government investigated cases of corruption in Ghana. Literature on CSR in Ghana is still evolving as research attempts are being made to understand the nature and form of CSR in Ghana and the entire West African region. There are no Ghana-specific CSR models. Research suggests that in Ghana CSR concepts are played out in the education, health, community development, sports and philanthropic areas (Ofori 2005, 2006; 2007, 2009; Ofori and Hinson 2007; Ofori and Ofori 2009). Ghana CSR activities broadly follow Carroll’s (1979) and more recently, BSR’s (2004) model which define CSR from four dimensions: economic, legal, ethical and discretionary. However, it is evident that in Ghana, a lot of philanthropic actions are executed under the discretionary mode (Visser et al. 2006)

Source: UG