ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Experiences of female directors in public sector institutions a case study of Electricity Company of Ghana (E.C.G)

Although women are being actively elevated to top management positions in recent years, they still have to put up with some unpalatable experiences in order to achieve personal and organisational goals. In this study, the qualitative approach was adopted to examine the experiences of female directors in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Particularly, the study relied on interviews and participant observatio n to generate the data. Based on thematic analysis and via the lens of the Stereotype and Feminist Standpoint theories, the study observed that despite occupying leadership positions, there were constraints of female directors to perform the their roles and fu nctions. The study also found that the authority of these women sometimes suffered resistance from colleagues and subordinates. Additionally, female leaders in the ECG are sometimes excluded from decision decision-making processes on occasion they should be involve d. The analysis also show that gendered discrimination is somewhat institutionalised in this organisation with other women contributing to the discrimination against women leaders. In ascertaining how these practices are dealt with, the participants indica ted that the they employ resilience, avoidance and confrontational strategies. The study recommends that government institutions should develop stringent regulations to deal with such issues in order to ensure equity and organisational growth.

Source: UEW
Experiences of immigration Officers’ right to security at Aflao border.

The study sought to provide empirical evidence on the experiences of Immigration Officers’ right to security at Aflao border. Through the lenses of interpretivism, qualitative approach and phenomenology design were adopted for the study. The employed Lockean Human Right Theory and Securitization Ttheory were adopted as theoretical frameworks to underpin the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 12 Immigration Officers for the study. Semi-Structured interview guide was used as the instrument for data collection. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found that, the Aflao border by nature is a cultural border, has a strategic location, experiences high levels of human mobility and trade activities, has challenging terrain and porous, has approved entry points and characterized by economic and occupational migration. Findings also revealed that, threat to officers’ right to security, infiltration and impersonation, porous borders, threats to officers' lives, lack of understanding of security and support, smuggling of goods, human smuggling and trafficking, lack of infrastructure and equipment and communication constraints were security challenges confronting Immigration Officers at the Aflao border. It came to limelight that due to security challenges at the Aflao border, there was effective collaboration with sister agencies. However, there was lack of cordiality with Togolese officers, revenue loss due to smuggling, fear and panic, ineffective border management, effect on rights to personal security, food security, economic security and environmental security of Immigration officers. The study concludes that, the security challenges confronting immigration officers at the Aflao border are complex and multi-faceted, indicating the importance of safeguarding immigration officers’ rights to security, safety, and well-being. Therefore, the study recommends that, the Ministry of the Interior should improve infrastructure and equipment at the Aflao border to increase border management effectiveness and officers' right to security. Again, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior should provide more comprehensive training and capacity building programs for immigration personnel that focus on security, human rights, risk assessment, and effective border management.

Source: UEW
Experiences of parents of children with autism in aboom unit for children with intellectual disabilities in Cape Coast, Ghana

This qualitative phenomenological study described experiences of parents of children with autism in Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. Ten parents participated in the study. Data were collected and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Semi-structured interview and observation were used to generate detailed descriptions of the phenomena. Data analysis from the narrative dialogues brought out four main themes (a) emotional impact (b) financial challenges (c) support services, and (d) coping strategies. The results revealed that, parents experience greater stress and sadness in caring for a child with autism. Their increased responsibility in caring for their children resulted in their spouses and other family members blaming them for the cause of the child's disability. Increased time in caring for a child with autism made spouses feel neglected, thus causing marital conflicts and of other siblings in the family. Parents of children with autism were faced with superstitious beliefs, and stigmatization for associating themselves with a child with autism. Other significant findings include financial demands on parents and a connection between disability and poverty, especially mothers, as well as difficulty accessing education for their children. The study recommended that the government, non-governmental organizations, and the social welfare department should ensure continuous in-depth public education and sensitization on disability to help tackle stigma. Future research should investigate experiences of siblings and extended family members of children with autism.

Source: UEW
Experiences of pupils with physical disabilities in three basic schools in the Assin South District in the Central Region of Ghana

This study described the experiences of pupils with physical disabilities in three basic schools in the Assin South District in the Central Region of Ghana. Three research questions guided the study. The study employed the phenomenological design which made use of the semi-structured interview guide to solicit for information from participants. A sample of 9 participants were purposively sampled from the Assin South District. Data from the study was analysed through the thematic approach. The findings revealed that pupils with physical disabilities had a poor social interaction with peers as their interaction was centred on peers in their neighbourhood and those who offered help. The relationship that existed between teachers and students with the disability was a fair one which accounted for improved attendance and academics of pupils. Pupils also had difficulties engaging in some academic activities as a result of not being regular to school, low self-esteem and lack of customized furniture. It was recommended that school authorities should create opportunities for pupils with physical disabilities to socialize with their peers. Also, extra tuition and counselling should be provided to pupils to improve on their academics skills

Source: UEW
Experiences of students with deafness towards learning at Takoradi Technical University, Ghana

This was a qualitative study that explored the learning experiences of all 21 students with deafness at the Takoradi Technical University. The study employed a phenomenological design with a 28-item semi-structured interview instrument that was used to collect data for the study. Findings from the study that impacted negatively on the students‟ academic performance and social competence included: (a) lecturers having limited knowledge about the needs of students with deafness, and therefore not very supportive to students with deafness; (b) communication barriers, such as inability of lecturers and hearing peers to sign Ghanaian Sign Language, (c) inability of students with deafness to use and understand spoken language; (d) inadequate sign language interpreters and note takers; (e) lack of extended time for students during quizzes and examinations, and (f) hindrances to participate in extracurricular activities such as games, athletics and field trips/excursions. On the positive side, hearing peers related well with students with deafness, and the students were fully involved in group work. Recommendations to improve student learning include alternative supports like proper tutoring and real time captioning, and more support staff, such as sign language interpreters and note takers.

Source: UEW
Experiences of students with orthopaedic impairments in inclusive schools at Sekyere south district of Ashanti Region

This study explored the experiences of students with orthopedic impairments in inclusive schools at Sekyere South of the Ashanti Region. Four research objectives which guided the study. The study used a qualitative research methodology to examine the experiences of students with physical disabilities at a few basic schools in Ghana's Sekyere South District. The study used a phenomenological research design. Twelve students with orthopaedic impairments made up the sample size. Data from a mini-focus group interview and the study were combined. The interview questions were guided by the themes in the research questions. The findings showed that facilities in different schools are challenging for children with orthopaedic impairments to access. Additionally, it was shown that students with orthopaedic impairments find it difficult to enter the school environment. Therefore, the researcher recommended that, the school authorities and the district education directorate in conjunction with District Assembly should provide I.C.T centers, libraries, washrooms and playing field and make it independent of a student's disability, available to all students. Also, it is recommended that, teachers needs to educate students with or without disabilities on the need for them to involve each other effectively in activities in the school and outside the classroom. Finally, there is the need for the District Education Office to have accurate data on students including those with disabilities and regularly update these records for proper and up to date information on students in the district.

Source: UEW
Experiences of students with physical disabilities in accessing key facilities in the university of education, Winneba

The purpose of the study is to explore the experiences of students with physical disabilities in accessing key facilities in the University of Education, Winneba. It is qualitative research that adopted a phenomenological case study research design. A purposive sample size of nine students with physical disabilities was used for the study. The method for data collection was an interview. Data were analyzed using a content analysis technique and themes from respondents. The result of the study showed that students with physical disabilities experience difficulties in accessing most of the key facilities in the University. Apart from the lecture halls and the residential facilities which they struggled to use on daily basis, they were unable to use the rest of the facilities. Students with physical disabilities face a lot of challenges when climbing the staircase with their crutches and artificial limbs to access almost all the facilities. They also depend heavily on their classmates, roommates, colleagues and friends. In some cases family members and time management to cope with the challenges. Recommendations of the study include the need to provide greater attention to the maintenance of the lift at the faculty block to reduce the challenges in using the staircase. Also the need to construct rumps and handrails to provide them with support.

Source: UEW
Experiences of students with physical disabilities in mainstream senior high schools in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of students with physical disabilities in mainstream senior high schools in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District, Ghana. The study was purely qualitative and used phenomenology as its research design. A census method was used to select all the eleven students with physical disabilities for the study due to the small nature of population. Interview guide in the form of probe was developed to guide the interview for the data collection. Data were analyzed using a content analysis technique and themes generated from the transcription of the data collected from the participants. The results of the study revealed that students with physical disabilities did not experience difficulties with teachers teaching methods and the curriculum. Even though there were available in the schools teaching and learning materials and also library facilities, the students with physical disabilities experienced difficulty using them because they were not user-friendly. Also, students with physical disabilities did not experience problems with teachers and students attitudes towards them as there is friendship and interaction among them. However, the study showed that students with physical disabilities’ challenging experiences were associated with the use of schools buildings, the library and toilet facilities. In view of these, it was recommended that more attention should be directed towards making physical structures and facilities more accessible and use-friendly and accommodation be made to other rigid systems so that students with physical disabilities can experience full participation in the schools.

Source: UEW
Experiences of students with visual impairment in studying Information, Communication and Technology at the University of Education, Winneba

This study explored the experiences of students with visual impairment in studying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the researcher utilized semi-structured interviews and observations for data collection. The sample included 36 students organized into seven focus groups, as well as two ICT instructors who were purposefully sampled. The findings unveiled several noteworthy outcomes. Firstly, students with visual impairment relied on voice applications like JAWS and NVDA to navigate computers and mobile phones. However, a lack of basic computer skills such as typing, creating and saving files or documents were prevalent and were attributed to limited participation during practical ICT sessions. Additionally, while a few students independently utilized technology for information access, many depended on sighted peers for support. Meanwhile, students demonstrated their capability to locate, retrieve, and analyze digital information using references of course manuals, notes, and prior knowledge. The study highlighted various impediments that hindered students from integrating ICT into their academic pursuits fully. These included limited access to technology devices, financial constraints, and inadequate ICT skills. Consequently, the students often preferred traditional braille-based methods of reading and writing. Recommendations emerged from the findings, focusing on enhancing ICT education for students with visual impairment at UEW. Proposed strategies encompassed the adaptation of course content for teaching and online platforms to meet specific needs of the students, the provision of robust assistive devices in ICT labs and libraries, and specialized training for instructors in utilizing technology for individuals with visual impairment.

Source: UEW
Experiences of students with visual impairments at university of education, Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana

This phenomenological study explored experiences of students with visual impairments at the University of Education, Winneba. Thirty students with visual impairments were purposively sampled for the study. Focused group semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were coded and analyzed using thematic approach. Results of the study showed that the students with visual impairments were accepted and supported by their sighted peers in the university, which created friendship among them. However, the students indicated that they had fewer intimate friends due to lack of trust in their sighted colleagues. Although the students were fairly satisfied with the nature of assessment items and opportunity for alternative medium of assessment in the university, they believed that most lecturers did not have adequate knowledge on how to modify instruction in teaching students with visual impairments. It was further revealed that, the university library materials were not provided in accessible formats to promote accessibility of information. It was recommended that the Department of Special Education should periodically sensitize lecturers on how to modify instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Also, management of the university libraries should organise periodic training for students with visual impairments on the available electronic resources (e-resources) and how to retrieve them to their academic advantage.

Source: UEW
Experiences of tenants in rented accommodation the case of rent paying residents in the Bekwai municipality of the Ashanti region, Ghana

The study investigated the experiences of rent paying tenants, in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The researcher adopted mixed method approach for this study. The instruments for data collection were a questionnaire and an interview guide. The population for the study consisted of tenants, houseowners and officials of the Rent Control department in the Municipality. A total of 400 tenants were selected for the study, using cluster sampling while one rent control official and 9 houseowners were purposively selected to participate in the study. The data from the questionnaire was analysed using Statistiscal Product and Service Solution tools such as descriptive statistics(frequencies and cross tabulations), mean, standard deviation and Relative Importance Index (RII), while the data from the interviews were analysed using the thematic approach. The study found single room as the major accommodation type used by tenants, followed by chamber and hall, two room apartment and full house rent for various reasons including proximity to the work place and access to toilet facilities. Also, 275(68.8%) of the tenants did not know about the rent law. The study recommends that, more single rooms should be provided by houseowners to meet the needs of the tenants. For effective implementation of the Rent Law, rent officials should pay working visits to various houses occupied by tenants to acquaint themselves of the conditions there. Moreover, the Rent Control officials should team up with the Bekwai Municipal Assembly to sensitise the public on the Rent Law. Also, the Municipal Assembly in conjunction with the Rent Control Department should print the Rent Law and distribute them to houseowners and tenants. Moreover, the two bodies should also enforce the Rent Law to help reduce the problems that tenants and landlords face in the Municipality.

Source: UEW
Experiences of tenants in rented accommodation- the case of rent paying residents in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Ghana

The study investigated the experiences of rent paying tenants, in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The researcher adopted mixed method approach for this study. The instruments for data collection were a questionnaire and an interview guide. The population for the study consisted of tenants, houseowners and officials of the Rent Control department in the Municipality. A total of 400 tenants were selected for the study, using cluster sampling while one rent control official and 9 houseowners were purposively selected to participate in the study. The data from the questionnaire was analysed using Statistiscal Product and Service Solution tools such as descriptive statistics(frequencies and cross tabulations), mean, standard deviation and Relative Importance Index (RII), while the data from the interviews were analysed using the thematic approach. The study found single room as the major accommodation type used by tenants, followed by chamber and hall, two room apartment and full house rent for various reasons including proximity to the work place and access to toilet facilities. Also, 275(68.8%) of the tenants did not know about the rent law. The study recommends that, more single rooms should be provided by houseowners to meet the needs of the tenants. For effective implementation of the Rent Law, rent officials should pay working visits to various houses occupied by tenants to acquaint themselves of the conditions there. Moreover, the Rent Control officials should team up with the Bekwai Municipal Assembly to sensitise the public on the Rent Law. Also, the Municipal Assembly in conjunction with the Rent Control Department should print the Rent Law and distribute them to houseowners and tenants. Moreover, the two bodies should also enforce the Rent Law to help reduce the problems that tenants and landlords face in the Municipality. University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh

Source: UEW
Experiences of “child brides” in selected Bulsa communities of upper east region, Ghana

This study explored the lived experiences of females who married before the age of 18. The study was carried out at Wiaga, Siniesi, and Dogninga in the Bulsa North and South Districts of Ghana's Upper East Region. The study investigated child brides' lived experiences and coping techniques, variables that impact child marriage, and approaches to alleviate the practise of child marriage among the Bulsas. The study was founded on the interpretative paradigm and phenomenological design in qualitative research to investigate the dynamics of child brides' experiences. The snowball sampling approach was used to pick 14 participants for the study. Data was gathered through interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with child brides, the headmaster, the circuit supervisor, and Queen's mother and anlaysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated repeating themes related to cultural, economic, and social aspects of the Bulsa practise. The study also revealed that despite the genuine experience of child brides being one of beating and victimisation, the victims have been conditioned to remain silent in order to save their husbands from being detained by law enforcement. Child brides face challenges including psychological, emotional, physiological, physical, and sexual abuse. The study reveals that child marriage is a big issue in the areas of investigation. To address the issue, deliberate educational/awareness initiatives by headteachers and opinion leaders’ activities should be implemented. This will be complemented with coaching and therapy in order to encourage females to speak up when required, as recommended by the study.

Source: UEW