ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Perceived factors influencing organisation and administration of sports in senior high schools in Central Region

Organisation and administration of sports at the Senior High School (SHS) level plays an important role in giving recognition to sports in Ghana. Sports in SHSs is however, bedevilled with infrastructural, personnel, funding, and motivation challenges which renders its organisation and administration a mirage. This study investigated the organisation and administration of sports in SHSs in the Central Region. The study employed the descriptive survey design. A total of 137 (Male = 97, Female = 40) headmasters/mistresses, heads of department, and P.E. teachers were sampled through stratified, simple random, quota purposive and convenience sampling techniques, from SHSs in the Central Region. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to gather data. All the data collected were tested using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. The study revealed statistically significant relationships between availability of P.E. teachers, funding, motivation for the P.E. teacher, and organisation and administration of sports, but no statistically significant relationship between lack of facilities and equipment and intramural programmes, and organisation and administration of sports. It was concluded that having enough and qualified P.E. teachers, adequate facilities and equipment, consistent intramural programmes, funds, and well structured motivational measures will improve sports in schools. It was recommended that Ghana Education Service (GES) should post enough P.E. teachers to all SHSs in the Central Region. Headmasters/mistresses should make adequate budgetary allocations for the provision of sports facilities and equipment, motivation of P.E. teachers, and organisation of intramural programmes.

Source: UCC
Perceived Factors on Performance of Teams Among Female Colleges of Education in Ashanti Region, of Ghana, During Ashba Games

It is important for one to note that sport is used to work towards numerous developmental goals, especially public health and wellbeing, enhancing leisure activities and education, that promotes stability, socialization, tolerance, community building, and employment opportunities. This made me to investigate perceived factors on performance of teams among female colleges of education in Ashanti region, of Ghana, during ASHBA Games. The study was rooted in the quantitative method using the descriptive survey design. For the sample, 312 respondents were selected from female Colleges of Education teams in Ashanti-Brong Ahafo (ASHBA). This study revealed that lack of Sports Skill Foundation negatively influences the performance of Female Colleges of Education teams in ASHBA Games. Again, it was found that the unavailability of facilities has a great influence on the performance of Female Colleges of Education teams in ASHBA Games. It was again found that the availability of equipment influences the performance of Female Colleges of Education teams in ASHBA Games. Attitude of students was found to have influenced the performance of Female Colleges of Education teams in ASHBA Games. Motivation of the students was found to influence the performance of female Colleges of Education teams in ASHBA Games. Finally, it was found that institutional policy on admission of students with sports background could determine the performance. It was recommended that Colleges of Education in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo (ASHBA) and other stakeholders should provide motivational packages for females who outshine in the sports.

Source: UCC
Perceived factors responsible for poor academic performance of Junior High School pupils in Asikuma circuit of Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district

The purpose of this study was to identify factors responsible for the poor academic performance of pupils in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district. Descriptive design was used. The target population for this study consisted of school children and teachers. The study population was made up of pupils, and teachers of Asikuma Circuit Junior High Schools. Simple random sampling was used to select four public Junior High Schools, namely Asikuma Presby JHS, Col Baidoo JHS, Asikuma Catholic Boys JHS and Asikuma Catholic Girls JHS. The researcher also used all the teachers in the selected Junior High Schools for the study. Questionnaire was deemed most appropriate for the study. The questionnaires were designed respectively for school teachers and pupils on factors which were perceived to be affecting academic performance in the school. Percentages and frequencies were used to analyze the background information of the participants and all the four research questions. The study found that school environmental factors such as inadequate teaching and learning materials, equipped classrooms for teaching and learning and non-availability of libraries in schools was a major cause of poor academic performance. Again, failure by parents in providing breakfast for their children before leaving to school and failure to provide subject textbook are the major home conditions responsible for the poor academic achievement of pupils. Teacher’s regular absence from school and lateness to school has contributed immensely to the poor performance of the pupils in Asikuma Circuit Junior High Schools. Pupil’s absenteeism, peer group influence, lateness to school, not enjoying their teacher’s lessons, contribute to pupil’s poor academic achievement in Asikuma pupils in Asikuma Circuit Junior High Schools.

Source: UCC
Perceived Fairness Of Visitor Attraction User Fees In The Central Region Of Ghana

This study examined the perceived fairness of visitor attraction user fees at attraction sites in the Central Region of Ghana. The study employed a pragmatist philosophy of research – a mixed-method approach using a cross-sectional design. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from 301 visitors whereas an In-depth interview guide was used to elicit information from the attraction site managers. Descriptive analysis, factor analysis, cross-tabulation, ANOVA and Independent sample T-test, as well as inductive content analysis, were used for the data analysis. The findings revealed that the basis of the pricing policies at visitor attractions included market segmentation, competition, activity-based pricing, economic trends, cost of operation, seasons, feedback, and stakeholder consultation. Again, the study revealed that four main factors accounted for the perceived fairness of visitor attraction user fees, visitors also perceived the attraction user fees as fair hence, their post-visit intentions toward the attractions were positive. It was concluded that the findings highlighted the complexity and multifaceted nature of pricing decisions at the visitor attractions. Additionally, visitors largely perceived the attraction user fees as fair and reasonable. It is recommended that visitor attractions continue to provide high-quality experiences and activities at affordable user fees to the visitors as well as updating visitors on new tourism offerings in the region.

Source: UCC
Perceived Ideal Body Size of Ghanaian Women– “Not too Skinny, but not too Fat”

Body size issues are gaining public health attention because of the fast rising epidemic of overweight and obesity across the globe. This study explored Ghanaian women’s subjective perceptions regarding ideal body size for women. A purposive sampling strategy was employed in recruiting 36 women across the body weight spectrum from Tamale (n=17) and Accra (n=19) in Ghana. Qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data from the interviews were analysed deductively. The mean body mass index of participants was 33.5±10 kg/m2: 16 of the participants were obese, 8 overweight, 11 normal weight, and one underweight. The participants almost unanimously had a preference for an ideal body size slightly above the normal, but not necessarily obese. Typically described as “not too skinny, but not too fat”, this preferred ideal reflected a fuller, curvier and shapelier, as opposed to the western ideal of thinner body type. Women often felt pressured by peers and family members to have a slightly heavier body size. Health education efforts are needed to focus on messages that seek to challenge existing body size perceptions that may inhibit women’s willingness to maintain a healthy body weight

Source: UCC
Perceived impact of continuous professional development programme on physics teaching at the colleges of education in Ghana

The colleges of education in Ghana have been involved in continuous professional development for over four years with support of Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL). The main purpose of this research was to assess the perceived impact of the continuous professional development programme on physics teaching at the colleges of education. The study employed a mixed method design specifically concurrent parallel design. An online survey was conducted which was followed by interview with some of the physics tutors. The survey data were analysed using means and standard deviations and ANOVA. Data from the interview were analysed typologically. It was found that the professional development is perceived by the physics tutors to have great impact on their teaching practice as tutors are able to use gender responsive pedagogies and inclusivity strategies to involve students interactively in physics classrooms. It was also found that the commitment of school leadership and support of the professional development team help in the implementation of the professional development ideas. The study however, found that unwillingness of tutors to change, tutors’ perception, lack of resources, lack of time and the long period of the professional development are some of the factors thwarting the implementation process. It was therefore recommended effort should be made by the college authorities to provide basics resources like projectors for teaching in the colleges. It was also recommended that there should be an explanation by the T-TEL team to tutors as to why the programme has extended so long and if possible a time that the professional development will end.

Source: UCC
Perceived Impact of Developmental Activities of Licensed Buying Companies on Performance of Cocoa Farmers in the Western Region of Ghana

A descriptive survey approach was used to study the perceived impact of development activities of Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) on performance of 499 cocoa farmers in the Juabeso and Aowin Suaman districts in the Western Region of Ghana in the post-privatisation era. Views were also sought from the LBCs, and COCOBOD. The use of adjusted scales by LBCs and poor impassable roads were mentioned as important constraints in both production and marketing of cocoa. LBCs provided various developmental activities, social facilities and services to the cocoa farming communities. Farmers' perception of LBCs developmental activities on their performance was high with respect to farm output but there was least improvement in their participation in LBC and community activities. Farmers also indicated that their involvement in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of extension programmes were motivational factors for them. The important factors that most motivated farmers to sell to an LBC were mainly market related: bonus payment, prompt payment of sold beans, nearness of the LBC's shed in the village, the use of unadjusted scale and award of scholarship to their children. Recommendations are made for improving the performance of the cocoa industry at the farmers and policy levels. The importance to increase frequency of extension contacts, strengthen farmer groups. improve farmers participation in development programmes and the monitoring of LBCs marketing activities is highlighted.

Source: UCC
Perceived Impact of Divorce on the Academic Performance of Junior High School Students in Osino in the Fanteakwa District, Eastern Region, Ghana

The main purpose of the study was to examine the impact of divorce on the academic performance of students in Osino in the Fanteakwa District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design using the mixed-methods approach. A sample of 158 students from divorced homes in Osino were selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that majority of the students found it difficult to resolve their personal, everyday life challenges since their parents dissolved their marriages. Others reported that social and community activities become so hard to keep up with since the divorce of their parents. The students reported that grades in class have been affected negatively after the divorce of their parents. Students found it difficult to focus in class and have stable mind and good mood to learn. There were differences in the academic performance of students from divorced homes on the basis of gender and duration of divorce, but not on the basis of age and whom the children lived with. It was recommended that school heads set up support systems in their schools particularly the kind that could provide some financial aid and emotional support to ease the challenges experienced by children from divorced homes.

Source: UCC
Perceived Impact Of Premarital Counselling On Communication Between Christian Couples In The Presbyterian Church Of Ghana, Kumasi Metropolis

This study assessed the perceived impact of premarital counselling on marital communication among Christian couples in the Presbyterian Church in the Kumasi Metropolis. The research design was descriptive research design. Out of an accessible population of 640 married people, purposive sampling was used to select 196 married people as respondents. The study used close-ended questionnaire on four-point Likert -type scale to collect the data. Data analysis was done using Mean, Standard Deviation, Spearman Rank Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression. The results showed that majority of married couples perceived that premarital counselling is an effective exercise in the Presbyterian church of Ghana in the Kumasi Metropolis. A good number of the participants believed that premarital counselling is vital to the success of marriage. It also indicated a significant and positive relationship between premarital counselling and communication in marriages. Also, the study revealed that premarital counselling has a positive influence on marital communication as it provides an avenue for couples to accommodate each other in communication whenever they marry and it is vital to ensure the success of marriage. The study recommended that every effort must be made for premarital sessions to be led by people who are well vested in marital issues and not elders and people who are perceived to be having good marriage lives.

Source: UCC
Perceived Impact of Professional Development on Competence and Instructional Practices Among Junior High School Teachers in the Adansi-south District

The study examined perceived impact of professional development on competence and instructional practices among junior high school teachers in the Adansi-South District. A descriptive survey design approach was used for the study. Using the census technique, junior high school teachers from the various public schools were contacted with 285 participants responding to a structured questionnaire. Statistical procedures adopted in the data analysis were mainly means and standard deviations, multiple regression, and one-way MANOVA. The study found that the predominant teachers’ professional development was the ones that were concerned with planning in the classroom. Teachers also believed they had high levels of professional competence. Also, teachers believed they had good instructional practices. Teachers’ professional development predicted both professional competence and instructional practices. There were no significant gender differences in teachers’ professional competence whilst there were gender differences in instructional practices. Finally, there were no significant gender differences in teachers’ professional development. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service and head teachers should ensure that teachers go through regular continuous professional development. Educational policy makers as well as organisers of Continuous Professional Developments should organise training programmes that are relevant for teachers in the classroom

Source: UCC
Perceived impact of rural credit on the Cereal farmers in the Koulikoro Region of Mali

Lack of credit, especially among small-scale farmers, has been one of the factors that impede the adoption of numerous innovations recommended by Agricultural Extension services in MALI. The situation has been mainly attributed to inadequate establishment of services in areas where poor and marginalized farmers (especially women) live. An unfortunate assumption has been that poor farmers do not save and, therefore, constitute a high credit risk. To address this state of affairs, Sasakawa Global2000, in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture, has established fourteen farmers' rural savings and loan banks in Mali since 1997. The study was conducted to determine perceived impact of rural credit on the cereal farmers in the Koulikoro region of Mali. A descriptive correlation survey research design was used for the study. The target population was farmers who are associated with the CREPs sited in two districts, namely: Niamabougou, and Soundougouba. Fifty-eight male and twenty-nine female respondents out of 385 members of the two CREPs were selected through stratified random sampling for the study. The results indicated that the majority of CREPs members were small-scale farmers cultivating land areas ranging between 0.5 ha and 20 ha. Most of them (74.0%) were males with 26.0% being females. The proportion of young members (representing 31.2%) fall within the ages of 21 and 40 years. The study showed that majority of CREP credit recipients where farmers who used their credit for agricultural production, animal farming and trading. The result also revealed that small-scale farmers could be financially sound savers and borrowers and that farmers' rural savings and loan banks have demonstrated simplicity and flexibility in organising savings and credit services that could fill the gap left by formal banks. They have reached small-scale farmers and increased their income. Indeed, women perceived their financial situation to be better than before CREP . However, like men, they found the level of their savings mobilisation to be poor. The perceived impact of the CREP was found to be significantly and positively associated with land size, production, level of saving and credit services and also with the level of social condition standards. Regression analysis indicated that about eighty-five percent (85.2%) of the variance in the level of CREPs impact was explained by the level of social condition standards, level of production, and level of savings mobilisation and level of credit and services. Among the recommendations offered are that the impact of the CREP can be improved by: * Strengthening cereal's bank policy. * Giving general attention and care to women in terms of: membership of CREP, and access to credit. * Having effective relationship and collaboration with other credit institutions and * Mounting effective monitoring and training programmes for CREPs members .

Source: UCC
Perceived impact of single parenting on academic and social lives of junior high school pupils in wassa amenfi east municipality, ghana

The study ascertained how single parenting affected the academic and social lives of junior high school pupils in Wassa Amenfi East Municipality. The target population for the study was all junior high school pupils from single parent families in the municipality. The accessible population for the study was junior high school pupils from single parent families from the six selected public schools in the municipality. Purposive sampling procedure was utilised for the research. The sample size for the study was 255 single-parented junior high pupils, which comprised 110 males and 145 females. Adapted questionnaire was used for data collection. Means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, independent samples t- test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse the data. The study found that single parenting impacted negatively on the academic lives of junior high school pupils in the municipality. Single parenting did not impact negatively on the social lives of pupils. In light of the results, the study recommended that junior high school pupils from single-parent families should be prioritized by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the disbursement of scholarship opportunities.

Source: UCC
Perceived Impact of Stress on the Academic Performance and Health of Students in Colleges of Education in Ghana

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived impact of stress on the academic performance and health of students in Colleges of Education in Ghana. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 275 students was selected from St. Vincent College of Education, Atebubu College of Education and OLA College of Education using stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaire adapted from Student-Life Stress Inventory, the Africultural Coping Systems Inventory (ACSI), and Duncan-Williams’ (2015) Scale on Impact of Stress. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the respondents expressed stress often as depicted by their desire to be loved by everyone, finding perfect solution to problems, worrying a lot, procrastinating a lot, dealing with too many changes, huge work overload, interpersonal issues and academic workload issues. It was also found that the major causes of stress included high academic workload, lack of learning materials/resources, poor performance in examinations and difficulty reading and understanding modules. Finally, the study found that stress can impact on academic performance and health of students negatively. It was recommended that authorities of Colleges of Education should collaborate with counsellors to organise workshops for students on how to deal with their experience of stress.

Source: UCC
Perceived Impact of the Agriculture and Food Security Programme of the Hunger Project on the Livelihoods of Beneficiaries in the Mfantsiman Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana

The Hunger Project- Ghana implemented the Agriculture and Food Security Programme in the Mfantsiman Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana to ensure food security of the households in the communities. The programme that provided inputs, supported extension delivery, trained farmers and linked them to potential buyers had not been assessed to determine the impact on the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The study used a descriptive survey design to sample 175 beneficiaries from six communities and used content validated interview schedule to measure the perceived impact of The Hunger Project’s programme on livelihoods of beneficiaries. Stepwise multiple regressions were used to assess the relationship and determine research variables influencing perceived impact. The study revealed that the components of the programme were moderately effective in achieving its goals. Beneficiaries generally perceived a moderate impact of the programme on their livelihoods. However, the perceived impact of the programme on social capital was described as high. The study concluded that educational level and sex of beneficiaries influence the perceived effectiveness of the Agriculture and Food Security Programme on the livelihoods. The study recommends among others, the need for THP to work to improve market linkage component to help beneficiaries market their produce after harvest.

Source: UCC