ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of foreign bank presence on local banks and banking innovation in Ghana

Over the past ten years, the number of foreign banks in Ghana seems to be increasing at a very fast pace and it appears this will not slow down anytime soon. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of foreign bank presence on local banks and banking innovation. The study was exploratory in nature and employed primary data to draw its conclusions. Purposive sampling methods such as expert sampling and snowballing were used to identify the participants of the research. The participants were engaged in semi – structured interviews and qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results suggest that domestic banks are being positively and negatively affected by foreign bank presence. On one hand, local banks were reaping the benefits of implementing new technologies and processes that foreign banks introduced when they entered the country. However, because of the advanced technologies that were used by foreign banks as well as their easier access to capital, they have created serious competition for the local banks. As a result, most local banks are losing their market share and even in some cases, they have closed down because they cannot keep up with the competition.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating The Impact of Pricing Structures on Customer Choices And Willingness To Pay For Beauty Services

This study highlights the impact of pricing structures on customer choices and willingness to pay for beauty services. The beauty sector in Ghana is a dynamic and evolving sector generating a good amount of revenue for the country, thus, changing customer behaviours raise a need to study the effectiveness of pricing structures typically used in this industry. Existing literature shows that various pricing structures such as bundle pricing, psychological pricing, skimmed pricing and premium pricing have a significant impact on customer behaviours but fails to show how these pricing structures impact customer choices and willingness to pay, especially within the context of beauty salons. Using a convenience sample of 62 Ashesi students, data was gathered through the use of structured questionnaires. Nevertheless, ethical considerations such as confidentiality and data protection were made clear to participants before primary data was gathered and analyzed. This data was analyzed with the Multiple Linear Regression technique in SPSS to draw conclusions for this study. Findings revealed that premium pricing significantly increases willingness to pay, possibly suggesting that consumers tend to link higher prices with luxury and exclusivity. However, premium pricing also reduces the likelihood of patronizing a beauty salon compared to bundle pricing, which indicates a high price sensitivity, likely attributed to financial constraints of the target demographic. As suggested by the Framing Theory, results also suggest that bundle pricing enhances customer choice due to its positive framing efforts demonstrating affordability. As such, this paper underscores the significance of tailoring pricing structures to effectively maximize revenue and enhance customer retention in beauty salons.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the impact of technical and vocational educational education (TVET) on youth unemployment in Ghana

Economists believe that human capital is necessary for development. This has resulted in a focus on the expansion of not just tertiary and secondary education, but also vocational education, and the use of manpower planning, as far as the Asian tigers are concerned (Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore) (Harris, 1996). Taking a cue from successful outcomes in Asia, this study therefore sought to find out how technical and vocational education has impacted youth unemployment in Ghana. TVET did face and continues to be plagued by persistent negative perception and other challenges even in the international context. Yet some countries, especially those in East Asia were able to grow rapidly and generate jobs especially for the youth because TVET played an important role in their development strategy. Thus, it makes sense to investigate the effect of TVET on youth unemployment in Ghana. Data was collected with Questionnaires and interviews from both current vocational school students and graduates, and a COTVET official. The research confirmed that though TVET faces a lot of challenges such as, lack of school materials, inefficient Ghanaian market, uncertified schools etc. TVET has played and still plays a significant role in creating employment for the youths especially those who come from low income families. It is imperative that the government and all other administrators of TVET understand and implement the recommendations made in this research project appropriately in order for the economy to benefit from TVET.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the Impact of Venture Capital Investment on Ghana’s Economy

This research attempted to investigate the overall impact that VC funding has had on Ghana's GDP growth and employment rates. Empirical research has been conducted extensively in VC-dominated countries such as the US. However, extensive research on the Venture capital space focused majorly on the short-term impact of VC investment on their portfolio companies (SMEs). Results from empirical research conducted in African countries and developed countries show these positive relationships. On the other hand, long-term effects on developed economies suggest that VC contributes largely to GDP and employment rates. However, there is a lack of empirical research on such long-term effects on developing economies such as Ghana. The research utilised the quantitative approach to identify relationships between VC investment, employment rates, and GDP of Ghana, using the multivariate multiple regression model. Secondary data was obtained from the Ghana Venture Capital Association, Venture Capital Trust Fund, VC industry experts and the World Bank. The sample size consisted of a time series of 14 data points from 2009 to 2022 but 13 used for analysis. The results show that VC has no significant impact on Ghana's GDP. Exchange rate and gross capital formation have a statistically significant relationship with GDP; however, exchange rate has a negative impact on GDP. The results also show that VC investments in Ghana have a strong positive impact on employment rate. Corruption control was statistically but had a negative effect on employment rates. The findings of this research will serve as a first-hand information on how government of Ghana can leverage Venture Capital to foster economic growth and some policies it can adopt to make this successful.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the incorporation of "Green Design" in the design of Ashesi University's campus at Berekuso

Global warming has become a major problem to countries around the world. This is usually caused by greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. The main cause of these emissions is through human activities such as mining, building construction and manufacturing. These gases are considered to be harmful because it contributes to the increase in temperatures around the world. Research has proven that, the construction industry contributes about 40% of the overall greenhouse gases emitted. Thus there is the need to prevent or reduce these carbon emissions. Building construction, which is one such human activities, can reduce its carbon emissions by adopting sustainable building methods: the construction of green buildings. Green buildings have been known to have a positive impact on the environment as compared to the traditional forms of building. It can be classified under various aspects including green architecture, green design amongst others. This study focuses on green designs and how it can be incorporated into the real estate development process. It is described as the use of environmentally friendly products or designs in a building which reduces its negative impact on the environment. This research investigates the incorporation of Green Design in the design of Ashesi University‟s campus at Berekuso. Firstly, it establishes if green designs were incorporated into its design and seeks to find out how these green designs have been incorporated. The research also sought to rate the building under study using the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the influence of brand activation on customer brand loyalty in the Ghanaian soft drink market: A case study of the Sprite brand

Brand Activation refers to a form of experiential marketing that not only facilitates consumer-brand interaction, but creates trust and attachment between the consumer and brand as well. This research paper seeks to investigate the influence of brand activation on customer brand loyalty towards the Sprite brand in Ghana. The objectives of this study are to determine whether there is a significant relationship between brand activation and customer loyalty towards the Sprite brand, as well as understand why and how brand activation is being used in the Ghanaian soft drink market. It also makes recommendations as to how brand activation can be used to more of an advantage by the Coca Cola Company, in terms of creating and retaining loyal customers. The study involved both secondary and primary research, from a critical review of the literature on the subject matter, to data gathered from surveys and interviews. Survey respondents comprised of consumers who were involved or exposed to the 2013 Sprite Ball Championship Brand Activation, as well as those never activated by Sprite before. The Customer Loyalty of both groups were measured before and after the Sprite activation period and an independent t-test was used to measure the significance in loyalty changes. Interviewees included one marketing executive each from Coca Cola and EXP Ghana (A marketing agency that undertakes brand activations). Results revealed that it was the non-activated consumers, though not exposed to the Sprite activation, who seemed to become more loyal after the Sprite Ball Championship at a higher rate in comparison to the activated group. The independent t-test also showed insufficient evidence to suggest a significant relationship between brand activation and customer loyalty towards the Sprite brand. Recommendations were made for Coca Cola to implement mini follow-up activations, as well as more personal marketing towards individuals, in order to strengthen the relationship between Sprite and its consumers, increasing customer loyalty in the process.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the Influence of Personal Values on the Ethical Decision-making Behavior of Ashesi Students in Academic Settings

This research investigates how personal values influence ethical decision-making among students at Ashesi University, focusing the persistent issue of academic dishonesty despite the institution's strong emphasis on ethical leadership. Recognizing the potential impact on students' future professional conduct and the integrity of educational institutions, this study aims to understand how personal values affect ethical decision-making in academic settings. The objectives are to explore the relationship between personal values and ethical behavior, identify specific values that significantly influence ethical decision-making, and assess the potential long-term effects on students' professional conduct. By filling the existing research gap, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of personal values in promoting academic integrity at Ashesi University. The findings of the study indicate that students' personal values significantly shape their ethical decisions, with integrity, loyalty, and honesty being the most influential values. The study therefore recommends the strengthening of ethical training programs as well as fostering a campus culture that consistently upholds and rewards ethical behavior.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the legal and institutional pre-requisities for a successful implementation of crowd investment in Ghana

This study investigated the ease of access to capital by Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) in the Ghanaian economy as the Ghanaian media have highlighted that Ghanaian SMEs suffer to find financing to survive and grow. The study explored the Crowdinvestment concept as a solution to the financing problem faced by businesses in Ghana. The study was exploratory in nature and employed both primary and secondary data to draw its conclusions. Random sampling and purposive sampling methods such as snow-ball were used to identify the participants of the study. The participants were either engaged in a one-on-one interview or asked to fill out questionnaires depending on the group of participants they fell in. Qualitative Content Analysis and graphical representations were used to analyze the data. Even though the study found that the current Ghanaian investment and business environments are favorable to the concept, it also revealed the necessity of education in the success of the concept in the country. Since the concept is new, the education of all stakeholders through research and pilot projects was found to be imperative. The study also elaborated on the various factors, legal, legislative and institutional, that need to be critically considered for the crowdinvestment concept to work in Ghana.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the potential benefits of medical group practice to the private health care sector in Ghana

The aim of the study was to investigate the benefits of medical group practice to the private healthcare sector in Ghana. The 51 respondents of the study consisted of doctors, hospital administrators, and the Director of Private Hospital and Maternity Homes Board. The research instruments used was the semi-structured interview guide consisting of open-ended and close-ended questions. The non-probability sampling technique was applied to select 10 private hospitals in Accra: 40 doctors and 10 hospital administrators; and the Director of Private Hospital and Maternity Homes Board. The results of the study showed that the main benefits of the medical group practice included flexibility among the physicians, internal referrals, reduction in the startup cost for physicians and reduce the expenses made by patients.The measures that could be taken to enhance the successful operations of medical group practice in Ghana include education and a well research of the practice done by physicians. There is, therefore, the need for all stakeholders such as health professionals, civil society organizations, the community and the government to implement these and other measures to enhance the implementation of medical group practice.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the prospects and challenges of a cashless economy in Ghana

It is conventional knowledge that cash has been the most common medium of exchange (Manda and Margana, 2019). However, in line with technological advancements, cashless economies have emerged (Otoo, 2020). Based on this, scholars have conducted several studies to examine the benefits and challenges of the cashless system in most economies. While this is commendable, research on the cashless system in the Ghanaian context is scant. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the benefits associated with the cashless system, its challenges in the Ghanaian context, Ghana’s readiness to adopt the cashless system and the strategies Ghana can adopt to facilitate the efficiency of transition to a cashless economy. The study adopted a mixed methodology and an expert judgement estimation technique to collate all-encompassing data which captured the research questions. The study adopted convenience and simple random sampling techniques to gather information from 20 banks, 71 owners of SME’s, two seasoned Bank of Ghana officials and 15 ordinary Ghanaian citizens. The findings suggested that the cashless system is convenient, reduces long queues in banks and reduces risks associated with bacteria transmission and losing physical cash to robbery attacks and fire outbreaks. The study further indicated that the cashless system is expensive and prone to cyber-attacks and internet issues. The study revealed that Ghana is generally ready to transition into a cashless economy. Based on the results, the study recommends that Government has a crucial role in collaborating with the network service providers to reduce the charges associated with the cashless system. The study also recommended that the Government has a crucial role in creating more awareness about the cashless system in Ghana.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating The Socio-Economic Challenges Faced by Female Migrant Hawkers at The Kasoa Toll booth

Ghana, like many developing countries, experiences a high rate of internal migration (rural-urban migration). This type of mobility is many times performed by people moving from rural dwellings to urban centers in search of economic opportunities. Over the years, women's participation in Ghana's rural-urban migration streams has seen a rise and street hawking is one of the popular informal economic opportunities taken up by female migrants in Ghana’s urban spaces. Despite its opportunity for financial freedom, the job is characterized by harsh working conditions, insecurity and the risk of physical harm and abuse. The objective of this study is to recommend solutions for sustainable, long-term positive impact in the lives of female migrant street hawkers by focusing on those who work near the Kasoa Tollbooth. To achieve this, the research asked questions concerned with why the females migrated and what socio-economic challenges they faced. The study also looked at whether the females still believe that the decision to migrate was the correct one, given different factors. The research was analyzed using the qualitative phenomenological approach which is advantageous in its ability to capture the experiences and essence of a phenomenon from the perspective of participants. Primary data was collected on the street hawkers at the Kasoa Tollbooth in the form of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. From the research, it was found that the female migrant hawkers at the Kasoa Tollbooth face many socio-economic challenges including injuries, illnesses, harassment by officials and theft. According to the respondents, the best way to help them achieve their long-term goals involves financial assistance either to open a shop, further one’s education or pursue a career with an existing skill

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the socio-economic challenges faced by female migrant hawkers at the Kasoa Tollbooth

Ghana, like many developing countries, experiences a high rate of internal migration (rural-urban migration). This type of mobility is many times performed by people moving from rural dwellings to urban centers in search of economic opportunities. Over the years, women's participation in Ghana's rural-urban migration streams has seen a rise and street hawking is one of the popular informal economic opportunities taken up by female migrants in Ghana's urban spaces. Despite its opportunity for financial freedom, the job is characterized by harsh working conditions, insecurity and the risk of physical harm and abuse. The objective of this study is to recommend solutions for sustainable, long-term positive impact in the lives of female migrant street hawkers by focusing on those who work near the Kasoa Tollbooth. To achieve this, the research asked questions concerned with why the females migrated and what socio-economic challenges they faced. The study also looked at whether the females still believe that the decision to migrate was the correct one, given different factors. The research was analyzed using the qualitative phenomenological approach which is advantageous in its ability to capture the experiences and essence of a phenomenon from the perspective of participants. Primary data was collected on the street hawkers at the Kasoa Tollbooth in the form of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. From the research, it was found that the female migrant hawkers at the Kasoa Tollbooth face many socio-economic challenges including injuries, illnesses, harassment by officials and theft. According to the respondents, the best way to help them achieve their long-term goals involves financial assistance either to open a shop, further one's education or pursue a career with an existing skill.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating whether Ghana’s real estate market Is at risk of facing a USA-style housing market crash

Ghana’s real estate market is a very import [sic] industry that help boost the economy of Ghana. Studies have shown that a lot of investors are coming into to Ghana; this can boost the the economy of Ghana and create more jobs for the citizens of the country. However, from a report by the Bank of Ghana (2007), developers that used Mortgaging as a source of financing, faced difficulties paying back raising concern given the historical challenges in housing financing in developed countries like the USA. The questions this research tackles are: is the Ghanaian real estate market at the risk of suffering a USA-style housing market crash? What are the risks of investing in the real estate market in Ghana? The research objectives are as follows To Analyse trends and developments in the Ghanaian real estate market; To Investigate the causes and consequences of the US Housing Crisis; To Identify differences and similarities between trends in the Ghanaian and US Housing Market and to Learn some lessons from the US Housing Market Crash to prevent a similar occurrence in Ghana. A mixed method approach was used for this research with a sample size of 60 for the quantitative part and eight interviews in all. The results for this research showed that Ghana’s main housing problem was the pricing of houses and land disputes. And the Interviews showed that the chances of Ghana experiencing a USA housing style market crash were unlikely but only possible if the [sic] was a global crash.

Source: Ashesi