ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis of reports on domestic violence in Ghana

The incidence of the print and electronic media reports on violence and abuse in the domestic setting heightened the interest for this study and has therefore served as a major source of motivation for this research work. The work seeks to investigate the causes of domestic violence vis-à-vis the consequences of such acts. The major findings indicated that domestic violence in Ghana can best be described as violence against women and children. It was also discovered that domestic violence transcends race or tribe and social status. It was realized from the study that the youth in our society are vulnerable to domestic violence as victims. However, the middle ageds were found to be the most perpetrators of domestic violence. The study also revealed that about half the number of perpetrators of domestic violence had no apparent reason. Some other causes include parental irresponsibility, infidelity and mere misunderstanding. Furthermore, it was realized that consequences of domestic violence vary from minor injury to permanent disability and in some cases death. It is recommended that women and the youths need to be empowered through education, employment opportunities and legal literacy. Institutions like DOVVSU and Department of Social Welfare, should be well resourced to provide support and counselling to victims of domestic violence. The perpetrators of domestic violence in some cases may also need to be counselled.

Source: UCC
Statistical analysis of revenue contributions of some high risk goods at Tema Port

The study analyzed imports revenue contributions from six high-risk commodities obtained from the Inspection and Control Services Company at Tema port. The six items were Auto-parts, Rice, Computers and Accessories, Household Electricals, Poultry Products and Used Clothing. The data covered five years from 2004 to 2008. The objective was to obtain revenue estimates of these six items. Another objective was to provide forecasts of yearly total revenue based on the five years revenue data. In order to achieve these objectives, dummy variable regression model and trend model were used. Initial exploration of the data revealed that the revenue contribution of the six items increased with increasing line items. It was observed that even though the line item of rice was the least in the period, it contributed the highest to revenue. The dummy variable model involved only three of the six initially selected items. These three variables, which are Auto-parts, Rice, and Household. Electricals, were found to contribute significantly to the total revenue from the six items. The model explained 86 percent of variation in revenue from the three items.Using a linear trend model, it was found that the average yearly total revenue from import was expected to increase by an amount of $8,761,463.00 each year. By this pattern, the total yearly import revenue in 2011 was expected to reach $129,600,314.00. The findings of this study show that an outright ban on Auto-parts, Rice, and Household Electricals, would not be in the interest of revenue mobilization.

Source: UCC
Statistical evaluation of environmental contamination, distribution and source assessment of heavy metals (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) in some lagoons and an estuary along the Coastal Belt of Ghana

An environmental pollution investigation was carried out to determine the concentrations of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) (heavy metals) in the surface water and river water bed sediments of lagoons and estuaries along the coastal belt of Ghana. The study assessed the environmental pollution situation and evaluated their sources and distribution of these metals. The total concentrations of Al, As, Cd, and Hg were determined by the neutron activation analysis technique. Water and sediment samples were collected from the Benya, Fosu, and Narkwa lagoons in the Central Region and from the Pra estuary in the western part of Ghana. Some indices, such as contamination factor, pollution-load index, contamination degree, and geoaccumulation index, were used to assess eco-environmental quality of the sampling sites. The analysis indicated that the Fosu lagoon was fairly polluted with Cd. The investigation indicated a highly localized distribution pattern closely associated with the two pollution sources (garbage/solid waste dumps and industrial activities) along the coastal belt. The resulting environmental deterioration required a concerted evaluative effort by all stakeholders

Source: UCC
Statistical judgement into selection of social development projects

The study was to determine beneficiary community members’ expectation of the benefits of social development projects in Education Rights, Gender and Women’s Rights and Food Rights. Sixteen criteria were gotten, initially, using participatory rural appraisal. These were included in the basic information section of a questionnaire. The questionnaire also sought classification and identification information of respondents. It was administered to one hundred respondents selected through purposive sampling to ensure equal representation from identifiable sections of the entire population, in twenty communities. Factor analysis of the data has identified a four factor solution that underlies decisions for project selection. The first most important factor is economic empowerment. The second most important factor is education. The other two factors which cannot be ignored are quality of life and social empowerment.

Source: UCC
Statistical modeling of the Ghanaian weather using markov chains: A case study of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale

In this dissertation, Markov chain was used to model the rainfall pattern and sunshine duration for three regional capitals in Ghana (Tamale, Kumasi and Accra). Data on mean monthly averages and daily figures of measured parameters (sunshine duration and rainfall) for five years were used. To achieve these goals, a statistical basis was presented before adopting the three main approaches for modeling. Transition Matrix shows the short-run behavior of Markov chain; the steady-state probability, indicating the long-run behavior of Markov chain; and finally, the mean first passage times. The chain for the transition matrix for each region was found to be ergodic. The steady-state probability gave the possibility of weather change in a particular day on the condition that it was rainy or sunny for the last two days or the previous day. The mean first passage times of the weather gave the average number of daily rainfall before sunshine and an average number of daily sunshine before rainfall. The study showed that among the three towns, Kumasi has the highest probability of rainfall followed by Tamale and then Accra. Secondly, Tamale has the highest probability of duration of sunshine followed by Accra and then Kumasi. Kumasi has the highest average number of occurrence of daily rainfall compared to Tamale and Accra. Finally, Tamale has the highest average number of occurrence of daily sunshine compared to Accra and Kumasi.

Source: UCC
Statistical Modelling of Fertility Rate of Ghana

The purpose of the study is to model the fertility rate of Ghana. The study is based on Ghana’s fertility data that spans the years 2014 – 2020. Three standard fertility models – the Hadwiger, Gamma, and Beta model – are fitted to the data with the view of selecting the best model. The study shows that there were, on average, 332 live births per 100,000 women for the period 2014 – 2020. In the period, number of live births lingered between 41 per 1,000,000 women and 741 per 100,000 women. The results further show that the distribution of Ghana’s fertility is positively skewed. A significant observation in the study is that there is, on yearly basis, continuous decline in the fertility rate of Ghana. Ghana’s fertility is highest among women in the 25 – 30 reproductive ages. The study finds the Hadwiger model most suitable for modelling Ghana’s fertility data. The results indicate that forecasted fertility rates for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 appear to be higher than the actual ASFRs for the year 2020 for women below the age of about 30 years. The projected values show that there will be 393, 393, and 392 live births per 100,000 women for the respective years 2021, 2022, and 2023. In addition, for the period 2021 – 2023, the ASFRs of Ghana will continue to decline with highest fertility rate occurring among women in the 25 – 29 reproduction years. The study is of the view that Government and its agencies, the National Population Council, and other planners and policy makers adopts the Hadwiger fertility model in their quest to estimate various fertility rates of Ghana for planning and decision-making process. Also, the study recommends further investigation into factors that influence the decline in fertility rate of Ghana.

Source: UCC
Status and challenges of the higher agricultural education sector in Ghana

African universities have to play a central role in Africa’s development through the provision of quality training, knowledge and innovations. This is particularly crucial in ensuring a food secure Africa through a knowledge-based transformation of agriculture and related activities. Information on the state and challenges of higher agricultural education can inform actions aimed at positioning institutions to play the roles expected of them. The overall objective of this study was to assess the current status of the higher education sector in Ghana to identify current challenges and gaps and develop specific recommendations towards enhancing its performance and contribution to science, technology and innovation. Focusing on the five main public universities in Ghana, the study comprised a desk research and interviews with key officials of selected institutions. The findings suggest low quality of service to students due to large gaps in funding, teaching staff, and academic facilities. The demand for higher education in general far exceeds the supply. The total number of applicants to agricultural programmes increased sluggishly between 2004 and 2014, with female applicants hovering around 20%. Funding gaps, low technical or infrastructural capacity and declining number of applicants to science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes are key issues that require urgent attention

Source: UCC
Status and Conservation of Nesting Turtles on the Eastern Coast of Ghana

Shoreline characteristics and turtle nesting activities on the eastern coast of Ghana was investigated between April 2017 and March 2019. Physical parameters of the beach, distribution, abundance, morphometric data of turtles and nesting activities were monitored within the study areas. Four species of turtles, namely, Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Erectmochelys. imbricata) were encountered. An aggregate of 1,397 and 632 turtle activities occurred at Songor Ramsar Site (SRS) and Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS) respectively. Activities of Olive ridley turtles were well distributed in SRS with 2.95 nests per kilometer. Leatherback turtles were common in KLCRS with 2.93 nests per kilometer. Predators of turtle eggs were mostly dogs, ghost crabs, pigs and humans. Dogs were most successful egg predators accounting for 23.6% and 16.6% egg predations in SRS and KLCRS. Olive ridley nests were vulnerable to predation, accounting for 56.2% of total nests predated. A total of 1,183 crawling gaits and nests were encountered, of these 60.4% and 39.6% occurred in SRS and KLCRS. Out of 545 dead turtles encountered, 97.98% occurred in SRS whiles 2.01% occurred in KLCRS. Variations occurred in the sex of the dead turtle encountered during 2017 - 2018 (p = 0.038). Leatherbacks were preferred species poached accounting for 93.9% of total poached turtles with monthly and annual poaching rate of 2.03 and 0.37 respectively. Unstable shoreline dictated by high to moderately low erosion, accretion and sand dunes influenced turtle activities. Nesting activities were high when dunes height and erosion were low whiles accretion was high and vice versa. Beach illuminated by artificial lights influenced nesting trends with over 75% of turtle nesting activities occurring in darker and isolated beaches. Recommendations for improving data collection, reducing effect of shoreline changes and involvement of stakeholders to protect turtles are made.

Source: UCC
The status of decentralization of educational administration in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese district in the central region of Ghana

This study was conducted to find out the status of decentralization of educational administration in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District in the Central Region of Ghana. The sample for the study was made up of 245 respondents selected from the District Education Office, 50 schools and 50 School Management Committees (SMCs). This consisted of 146 teachers, 48 head teachers, 47 SMC chairpersons and 4 officers of the district education office. The purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample for the study. Five research questions were constructed to guide the study. The researcher used three sets of questionnaire, one each for head teachers, teachers and chairpersons of the school management committees. An interview guide was designed in order to gather information and views of officers at the district education office. The tools that were used for the analysis were frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that there is deconcentration of functions to the school level. However, devolution of functions to the school level leaves much to be desired because majority of SMCs are not performing their functions. A number of challenges faced by school administrators were unearthed by the researcher and these include the inadequate funds to run the school, increase workload and the late supply of logistics. Finally, the study revealed that the attitudes of teachers and head teachers towards the decentralization policy were to a very large extent positive. A number of recommendation were made among which is that the Ghana Education Service and District Assemblies should create the necessary conditions that will allow schools to raise funds from local sources.

Source: UCC
The status of English as a subject in an English medium context: The Ghanaian situation

Whatever the subject, whatever the area of specialization, we need to acquire proficiency in English to function. When we examine the goals of English language teaching in Ghana, it is clear that English is taught to enable us to use the language to communicate effectively. We need English to pursue studies in other subjects. For further studies for employment, for social recreational and administrative purposes. Since English is not our native language, its use as a medium of communication in our schools and society, depends upon it being taught effectively as a subject in our schools.

Source: UCC
The status of food and nutrition practical work in senior high schools in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana.

The study examined the status of teaching and organising Food and Nutrition practical work in the senior high schools in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana. Three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The mixed methods research design was adopted and used for the study. The population for the study comprised four (4) Home Economics Heads of Department, five (5) Food and Nutrition teachers and 162 third year students offering Food and Nutrition in four senior high schools within the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana. The census sampling technique was employed for the study. Three instruments comprising a questionnaire, observation checklist and interview guide were used to collect data. The questionnaire data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.00), computer software. Descriptive statistic was used to analyse the observation data and thematic analyses for the interview data. The results of the study showed that students were not taken through enough practical due to financial challenges faced by students, qualified teachers exhibited adequate knowledge of the subject matter and all the schools lack well equipped food laboratory for organising practical work. Students‟ poor performance is mainly as a result of lack of material resources in the schools. It is recommended that The Ministry of Education, PTA, NGOs, churches and Old Students Associations should aid the schools by providing the material resources needed for Food and Nutrition practical work.

Source: UCC
The status of guidance and counselling services provided in senior high school in Sekondi Takoradi metropolis

Evaluating the status of Guidance and Counselling services rendered at Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Schools would help reveal its strength and weaknesses to provide recommendations for improvement. This would in turn contribute to the improvement of students’ behaviour which will positively affect school attendance and academic standards of education. The study sample constituted 137 respondents. Lottery sampling was used to sample the students and to allow respondents to have equal chances of being selected. The administered questionnaire and the interview data were transcribed and simple frequency was used for analysis. The study brought to the fore the strengths and the weaknesses of Guidance and Counselling Services in the schools. The laudable aims of the Guidance and Counselling Services can be realized if frequent evaluation measures are employed to ascertain the implementation levels of the Guidance Services in the school. It was recommended that the services need to be strengthened to enable the individual students acquire knowledge, skills and desirable attitudes to help them develop their facilities to maximum, contribute to development and improvement in the quality life of themselves, their society and the nation.

Source: UCC
Status of implementation of the ICT curriculum in Ghanaian basic schools

The focus of the study was to ascertain the extent to which the ICT curriculum is effectively being implemented in basic schools. The aim was to find out teachers’ perception about the introduction of ICT at the basic school level; the availability of facilities for teaching the subject; teachers’ acquired content knowledge as well as their preferred in-service training methods. The study adopted a simple cross sectional survey design which employed descriptive statics for data analysis. A questionnaire was the main survey instrument. A representative sample of 63 public primary schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis was randomly selected, and all ICT teachers (84) in the selected schools were involved in the study. It was revealed that teachers had a positive perception about the teaching of ICT in primary schools. ICT facilities were woefully inadequate for the teaching of the subject in basic schools; the majority of teachers appeared to be knowledgeable in the use of computers and other peripheral devices; and, most of the teachers preferred workshops as a means of acquiring more knowledge and skills in the teaching of ICT.

Source: UCC
The Status of Provisions Made for Teacher Development under Ghana’s 2007 Educational Policy in the Wa Municipality

The current study is investigating the provisions made for teacher education under the Ghana 2007 educational policy in the Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana. There is a gap in terms of evaluating programmes of national interest in the Municipality, including educational policies. Educational goals are very clear, and yet educational institutions are unable to fulfill these goals, leaving lots of gaps in the professionalism of teachers. The gaps created in the education system are because teachers are the pivot around which educational policies revolve. A sample of 350 members was selected using purposive sampling and the lottery sampling methods. Members responded to a questionnaire and an interview session, and this exercise was conducted over an eight-week time frame. The results recorded most of the members acknowledged the provisions made for teacher development in the policy are relevant and are also being implemented in the Wa Municipality. However, a few of the members think teachers are not benefiting from the provisions because of the many challenges facing the implementation process.

Source: UCC
The status of public relations as a management function in the polytechnics in Ghana

This work examined the status of public relations as a management function in the polytechnics in Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the researcher used the simple random sampling, census and purposive sampling techniques to select the polytechnics and respondents for the study respectively. A sample of 330 respondents drawn from six polytechnics provided data for the study. The respondents comprised teaching staff, non-teaching staff, students’ leadership and business partners of the polytechnics. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used to elicit responses from the respondents. The study used the SPSS software in analysing the data. Kendall’s co-efficient of concordance, W, was used to determine the degree of disagreements in the ranking of the responsibilities of the public relations units by the polytechnics. The study revealed that the polytechnics had not given the necessary attention to their public relations sections to operate as an arm of the polytechnic management. The study therefore recommends that the polytechnics ensure that public relations units are well resourced to attract professional public relations practitioners to provide leadership. Secondly, the study revealed that public relations officers were not part of decision making team. It is therefore recommended that public relations officers should be part of Management in decision-making to help in strategically managing and presenting information communicated to the public in an acceptable form in order to achieve the desired publicity.

Source: UCC
Status of records management in public basic schools in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipality

Failure to keep accurate and up-to-date records on organisational resources has crippled many administrators and managers’ ability to render proper accounts of their stewardship. This study examined the status of records management in public basic schools in the Tarkwa- Nsuaem Municipality. The descriptive survey design method was adopted for the study. The population size consisted of 74 headteachers and five circuit supervisors whilst the sample consisted of 63 headteachers and the five circuit supervisors. Records in 35 schools were examined. Data were collected through questionnaire and observation of records, analyzed using the Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS), and presented in frequencies and percentages. Results of the study showed that whilst some schools kept adequate records, others did not. Again, whilst particular records were often managed well in the schools, others were not. Also, whilst some headteachers knew how to manage the records, others, particularly the newly recruited ones, did not. Again, it was usually the vital and important records like the inventory book, admission register, and cumulative records book, among others which were often the most neglected. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that in-service training be organised periodically for headteachers of the public basic schools by the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Directorate of Education on good records management. Finally, the Ghana Education Service should supply the necessary record books, registers, files, and computers promptly to the schools to facilitate records management.

Source: UCC