ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Male prioritization over girls' education in the Gomoa East District of Ghana

One of the basic goals of ameliorating gender inequality is education. This is recognised as a pivot for advancing women's well-being. However, the obstacles to achieving gender inequality are overwhelming, given the entrenched patriarchal positions in some cultures. Worldwide, boys are given more resources and opportunities than girls. This bias systematically weaves its way into how parents treat their children based on sex. The social positioning of the male child as linchpin of support for older persons and the perceived future role of girls as mothers, the patri-local marriage system, community pressure and the usefulness of girls at home affect the decision-making process regarding girls' education. The situation continues to remain a staggering problem in Ghana even though official documents and data give the impression that girls' participation in school has improved tremendously in the past decade. In this qualitative study, I sought to understand male prioritization on girls‘ education in the Gomoa East District of Ghana, a matrilineal society. The study was conducted in four selected communities within the district. Data collection was done through interviews, focus group discussion and direct observation. Parents, girls, community leaders and education officers served as participants for the study. The findings show consistency in parental arguments on values assigned to male education. While some differences existed between the views of urban and rural communities on girls‘ education, the common understanding was the need for girls to be educated. The implications drawn from this study are that gender awareness campaign and sensitizing parents on the need for education for all should be key in stakeholders' intervention to eliminate male priority. Else gender division as a form of deprivation will continue to operate in relation to the decision-making process by parents regarding girls' education.

Source: UEW
Management of learning resources among heads of senior high schools at Atwima Mponua District and Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality in the Ashanti Region

The study investigated management of learning resources among heads of Senior High Schools at Atwima Mponua and Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The objectives of the study were to find out how heads manage learning resources in Senior High Schools, identify challenges associated with heads’ management of learning resources and adopt measures to improve heads’ management of learning resources. The study used descriptive survey design. The population for the study was heads of Senior High Schools. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather data. The pilot test yielded reliability co-efficient of 0.81. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study found that heads replaced teaching and learning resources that were obsolete. Heads were found to have inadequate knowledge and skills on the proper management of learning resources. Storage facilities for learning resources were found to be lacking. It was recommended that District Directors of education should provide heads of schools with quality learning resources. Ghana Education Service should organize training for heads to equip them with knowledge and skills on management of learning resources. Ghana Education Service should provide the schools with adequate storage facilities to enable the heads store the learning resources safely.

Source: UEW
Management of Nkonya Alavanyo conflict

Conflict is an essential and unavoidable human phenomenon because where there is human interaction; there is a likelihood of personal likes and dislikes, and human rights abuses. These agreements and disagreement among individuals and groups lead them to conflicts. Conflicts are neither constructive nor destructive but the ways these are handle make them either positive or negative. This study was undertaken to examine the management mechanisms of Nkonya and Alavanyo conflict in the Oti and Volta Region of Ghana. The study analyzes the management process with particular focus on the use of Multi Track Diplomacy Theory, the mechanisms and approaches adopted by the mediation committee as well as the challenges that are associated with the mediation process. The research utilized qualitative approach and purposive sampling methods. The study concludes that various conflict management mechanisms have been employed in the Nkonya - Alavanyo conflict. However, the conflict management processes imparted knowledge which gave more credibility to the Multi-Track Diplomacy Theory of conflict management as the appropriate mechanism for this conflict. The study finally recommends that, not limited to Nkonya and Alavanyo but the entire country, there is the need to include peace education in our school curricular, organize adult‟s education for all chiefs and elders, create meaningful job for the youth to engage them in the development of the nation. When there is no peace, the country will never develop and moreover when the youth are engaged in meaningful work, they will not be engaging themselves in conflict that will destroy their peace of mind.

Source: UEW
The management of the operations of small-scale mining industries in the Obuasi municipality

Small-scale mining has become an activity that provides livelihoods to growing numbers of rural people in Ghana. This has attracted most of the youth and other groups of people into the business. This study sought to explore the management of operations of small-scale mining industries in the Obuasi Municipality. The study sought the views of small-scale miners from the communities under study (Ahansoyewodea, Pomposo, Akrokerri, Kwabrafoso, Asonkori and Akaporiso) at Obuasi Municipality. The instrument used to gather the data was questionnaire and interview. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the miners. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed for data analysis. The result of the study shows that 86.7% of the respondents experienced improvement in living conditions as a result of the business. All the respondents (100%) indicated that they don’t receive any support from the government. More than half of the respondents (53.3%) have not received any education on the hazards of mining. Generally, this study has confirmed that the issue of the management of the activities borders on legislative instrument and policies implementation, public institutional failure, rural poverty, use of rudimentary tools, poor technology, and low level of education among the miners and the attitude of some miners.

Source: UEW
Management practice of work-study conflict among personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service

The study sought to investigate work-study management practices in the Ghana Immigration Service. The mixed method research design adopted was the exploratory sequential design. The population of the study comprised officers who were attending school in various institutions of learning without study leave and directors of the Ghana Immigration Service. The sample size of the study was 210 participants. The sample included 10 officers drawn from 10 areas and 200 student-officers made up of inspectors and assistant superintendents selected from the 10 areas. Structured questionnaire and semi structured interview schedules were the instruments adopted for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for the study. Data were analysed by means of both descriptive statistics (Mean, standard deviation and percentages) and inferential statistics and also thematic analysis that involves verbatim quotation from participants. It was revealed that the main factors which accounted for work study conflict were differences in values, inability to cope with job demands, needs for work conflict guidelines. The study further revealed that work study conflict situations occurred very frequently because candidates pursuing further studies often failed to formalized permission to study. Again, the study indicated that students’ officers handled work-study conflicts through complying with work place conflict guidelines, handling delays in promotion issues and settling disputes. The study concluded that in every establishment there bound to be disagreements that leads to conflicts and that the GIS should ensure that officers who would wish to up grade themselves professionally, should do so within the context of respect and loyalty to organizational objectives. The study recommended time management seminars for junior officers and workshops on organizational culture in which individual objectives and organizational objectives and loyalty would be highlighted in the Ghana Immigration Service. The study further recommended that the Ghana Immigration Service should deploy officers at specific departments of study so that the officers render their optimal efforts to the development of the Service. The deployed position should be commiserated with relevant remunerations and specialties of students’ officers returning from further study. It is further recommended that the professional development committee should identify vacancies in individual departments and urge personnel of the service to pursue specific programmes that are aligned to the interest and mandate of the GIS.

Source: UEW
Management practices of headteachers in junior high schools in the Ahafo-Ano North Municipality of the Ashanti regionManagement practices of headteachers in junior high schools in the Ahafo-Ano North Municipality of the Ashanti region

The study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of management practices of head teachers in Junior High Schools in the Ahafo-Ano North Municipality of Ashanti Region. The objectives of the study were to find out the management practices of head teachers, identify challenges head teachers face in the management of the school and to find out ways to improve head teachers management practices in Junior High Schools in the Ahafo Ano North Municipality. Descriptive research design was used for the study. The targeted population was all the head teachers and teachers of the eight junior high schools in the Tepa circuit ‘B’ of the Ahafo-Ano North Municipality. The accessible population was 70, consisting of 8 head teachers and the 62 teachers in the eight junior high schools. Census sampling was used to select all the 8 head teachers and 62 teachers for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. It was found among others that provision of feedback and appraisal for teachers self-confidence and delegating responsibilities to other teachers when necessary were management practices portrayed by head teachers. Inadequate funding, inadequate school facilities, work overload and poor condition of service were some of the challenges in head teachers’ managerial practices. Provision of incentives, provision of regular feedback, and provision of adequate training were ways to improve head teachers management practices. It is recommended based on the findings that the Ghana Education Service (GES) should organize workshops, seminars and forums to upgrade the knowledge of head teacher on management practices that improve teaching and learning.

Source: UEW
Management practices of medical waste among healthcare facilities the case of the Sekyere enclave of Ashanti region of Ghana

Management of medical waste (MW) is an important subject bedeviling many developing countries like Ghana. Countries across the globe are struggling to develop methods and infrastructure for appropriate disposal of the increasing medical waste generated. This study assessed the management practices of medical waste in healthcare facilities in the Sekyere enclave of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Questionnaires, personal observation and an in-depth interview were employed to obtain data for the work. Data for the study were analysed using descriptive statistics and the results presented in tables and graphs. Medical waste generated were mostly not sorted at the health facilities. All the health facilities had dump sites. Eight (8) out of the Nine (9) health facilities visited had incinerators. Many janitors lacked knowledge on medical waste management. Some janitors indicated there were risk associated with medical waste handling. About half 47% said diseases were the major risks while about one- third 34% said needle pricking. The study revealed that mortuaries engaged in open burning of waste. Liquid waste from mortuaries were discharged into general sewage systems. Most facilities 39% burnt their waste in the open. Landfill recorded, 33% and burning and landfill 28%. All medical storage areas must be large enough so they do not overflow and separate spaces must be provided for different types of waste. All the health facilities engaged in segregation of waste at the point of generation but the segregated waste ended up being mixed with the municipal solid waste. It is recommended that the assemblies ensure that methods used to transport medical waste should be appropriate to the individual circumstances of health facilities and compliant with national transport regulations that is stipulated in the ministry health medical waste policy regulation.

Source: UEW
Managerial approaches of teachers towards pupils’ aggressive behaviour in physical education practical lessons a case study of basic schools in Offinso municipality

The study examined the managerial approaches towards the aggressive behaviour exhibited by the Basic School Pupils of the Offinso municipality. The respondents were sampled using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. They were chosen from four basic schools (B.S.3 through B.S.5) and was made of twenty (20) boys, twelve (12) girls, and twenty one (21) teachers. Anecdotal Record technique and questionnaires were the instruments used to gather data on the various respondents which included, (21) Teachers, and thirty two (32) pupils were selected over a period of four weeks. Correlation between frequencies of aggressive behaviours and teachers’ approaches with regards to managing them were determined. The research revealed that there were some Aggressive Behaviours that were serious and kept occurring in the physical education practical lessons. Evidence from the data suggested that a total of seven (7) aggressive behaviours were exhibited by pupils. Noise making, Name calling and teasing were recorded as the most frequently occurring aggressive behaviour, using punishment and redirection of children’s attention were the most approaches used by teachers. It is recommended that teachers should enforce the Ghana Education Service code of discipline for Basic Schools but in some situations, they have to be allowed to use their own discretions to decide the type of punishments they mete out to the pupils.

Source: UEW
Managerial human relations and teacher motivation, perception of stakeholders in some selected basic schools in Upper Denkyira East Municipality

To date education continues to remain the most important tool to measure the level of development of a country. However, the achievement of institutional goals cannot be done by the school manager alone. There should be active collaboration between the school manager and teachers. This is because they are the most important human resource in every institution This study examined human relation practices among basic school administrators in some selected basic schools in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality. It also examined the type of motivation available for teachers in the basic schools. Again, it assessed the effects of human relations practices on teacher motivation in some selected basic schools in the Upper Denkyira Municipality. The population of the study was 1500 basic school teachers in the Upper Denkyire East Municipality. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 110 basic school teachers from 7 circuits. Also, interview guide was used to collect data from 7 head teachers in the selected schools. The study was analysed with the aid of SPSS to generate tables. The study revealed that head teachers adopt two human relation managements. These include management by walking around and management by objective. The paired sample t-test was performed to assess the significant mean difference of teachers’ response on what type of human relation management greatly improve motivation. The result was that management by objectives contributes significantly to teacher motivation. The conclusion was that the type of managerial relationship is a source of motivation for teachers. It was recommended that head teachers should use the management by objective often times as part of their management style.

Source: UEW
Managerial role in ensuring successful total quality management programme in Ghanaian printing firms

Purpose - Most of the total quality management (TQM) programmes implemented in the printing industry fail to produce the intended benefit, because of the view that quality achievement is workers responsibility. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role management plays in the implementation of TQM programme in the Ghanaian printing firms. Design/methodology/approach - The study employed mixed method in gathering relevant data. A cross-sectional survey questionnaire was given to 145 managers of registered members of Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association, Southern Sector to assess the role management plays in TQM programme. Key informant interview was conducted among ten randomly selected production managers of printing firms to complement the survey data. Findings - The study finds out that organizational performance (OP) is not significantly influenced by the level of commitment of top management in a printing organization. Rather OP is greatly influenced and determined by leadership styles of management and the quality policy which guides printing operations. Practical implications - The Ghanaian printing industry can ensure better OP by considering the kind of leadership style exhibited in the firm and develop quality policy to guides printing operations and activities. No matter the level of commitment of organizational resources, if it is not back by a good leadership style and a quality policy, TQM initiative will not yield the intended result. Originality/value - The study presents managerial issues and practices critical for successful TQM programme in the Ghanaian printing industry. � Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UEW
Managing conflicts between the youth and community leaders in civic engagement the case of the Asunafo south district

The purpose of this study was to find out the causes and effects of conflict and how it is managed within the Asunafo South District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive survey design and employed the explanatory sequential mixed method approach. 100 members of the research population were selected from the four communities used in the study to respond to the research questionnaire and the interview to obtain data for the study. Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to select the sample for the study. The results were analyzed using SPSS and the summary of results presented in tables. The study revealed that conflict is a daily occurrence in the communities and that it has negatively affected the Asunafo South District. The study also revealed that the relationship among the various participants used in the study was not cordial. The study again found that the existing conflict management strategies employed by the leaders had not entirely curb conflicts in the Asunafo South District. It is concluded that the existing conflict management strategies employed in the communities had not been effective to handle issues of conflict and that is the reason why in spite of all the measures put in place to deal with conflict situations in the district, conflict still existed. It is recommended that Opinion leaders and members from the Paramountcy be given training in conflict management so that they can handle conflicts effectively.

Source: UEW
Managing discords, disputes and conflicts (DDC) in the Ghanaian construction industry, an empirical examination of traditional procurement of assembly projects

The complexity of construction projects, as well as the diversity of stakeholders and their interests in any particular project make disputes, discords and sometimes conflicts (DDCs) in construction projects a regular occurrence in the construction industry. The study seeks to explore DDCs in the construction industry in Ashanti Region with a view to developing a framework of recommendations for minimising DDCs associated with assembly project to improve project performance. The study adopted a quantitative research approach involving the administration of survey questionnaires to a simple random sample of 119 consultants and 201 contractors working with fifteen Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ashanti region. The findings revealed seven critical factors influencing DDCs in relation to assembly projects in the Ashanti Region namely; poor communication between the parties, type of procurement method adopted, differences in views among stakeholders, adversarial nature of contracts among others. Further findings of the study revealed six key challenges to minimising DDCs associated with assembly projects in the study setting were; irregular payments, conflicting instructions, incompetent contractors, lack of proper communication channels and others. Also, the findings revealed that there can be effective management of DDCs to improve project performance through certain factors such as, employment of qualified personnel with specialized knowledge to handle key positions, appropriate procurement methods, and effective teamwork/teambuilding. Finally, the study recommends that, there should be carefully planned and regular schedule of payments of the total sum of the project, the design team should maintain as much as possible project drawings, specifications and construction methods that are adequate and free from deficiencies.

Source: UEW