ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The impact of the capitation grant policy on primary school education in Ghana: a case study in the Ashanti Region

Many children in Ghana do not attend school because their parents simply cannot afford to pay levies charged by the schools. Despite the policy of fee-free tuition in basic schools, many districts In the Ashanti Region of Ghana charged levies as a means of raising funds, for example for school repairs, printing cultural and sporting activities; this has the effect of deterring many families particularly the poor from sending their children to school. The survey analyzed the capitation grant and how it has affected enrollment rates of primary schools in the selected districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Focus group discussions, participant observation, questionnaires and in-depth interviews were among the methods employed for data collection from a sample of five hundred respondents (500) randomly selected from selected districts in the Ashanti region, for a thorough analysis of the relationship between capitation grant and primary school enrollment in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Relevant data obtained were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Generally, the capitation grant was found to have very little significant influence on primary school enrollment in the selected districts in the region. The grants in the schools among the selected districts were to remove the financial barrier created by the levies charged by the schools, but irrespective of the grant it was realized that pupils were still paying levies. These levies negatively influenced their enrollment levels, because it had the effect of deterring many families particularly the poorest from sending their children to school, thereby affecting the enrollment rates of primary schools in the selected districts in the region. Also the enrollment increase was not marked by a corresponding increase in teacher population, and therefore the quality of education was greatly affected. It was concluded that any strategy or recommendation aimed at tackling capitation grant and primary school enrollment in the selected districts in the region need to focus on abolishing all primary school tuition fees and levies as part of renewed attempts to resurrect our educational system which has been in decline, and suffering reduced enrollments after the initial growth following independence.

Source: KNUST
The impact of the College of Art on the socio-economic development of Ghana

The College of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, is socio-economically important to the development of Ghana. However, due to certain problems like poor infrastructure, inadequate tools and equipment, lack of certain relevant courses, little scientific application and insufficient financial assistance among others, it has not contributed most meaningfully to make Ghanaians fully realise its significance to the nation’s development. In view of this, this thesis emphasises the need for restructuring courses offered in the Art College and outlines valuable suggestions and recommendations (like financial aid, acquisition of modern equipment, integration of more scientific knowledge in art, adequate space, etc.) that will make them more relevant to the socio-economic development bf this nation. This would help promote and project the image of the art programmes in this institution, both locally and internationally. In fact, this literary work shows by its analysis, presentation, arguments and suggestions that art is important in all human endeavour that require some degree of skill and help create better living conditions Also, it has emphatically buttresses the capabilities of art and disputes the erroneous notion that art is mere drawing and painting The thesis further enumerates and explains comprehensively how art is important in such sectors of the economy as agriculture, commerce politics health delivery and transportation to mention just a few It gives a vivid pictorial overview of diverse artistic images executed at the College of Art and how they relay visual communicativee messages in order that they would serve utilitarian purposes for the development of nations, especially Ghana. As a valuable store of information for researchers, policy-makers, curriculum planners and businessmen, this thesis dilates on the socio-economic relevance of the art school in the manpower training so as to make artists and, Ghanaians in general to be better inclined and self-motivated to initiate plans and actions towards achieving their socio-economic aspirations. In another development, this thesis explains how total socio-economic development is influenced by artistic and psychological tendencies that form the central core of man’s intellectual faculties. It portrays how knowledge and skill are mutually employed in creative activities to enhance development. By these indications, this thesis hopes that the future of the College and Ghana as a whole could become brighter if the suggestions and recommendations offered would be adopted. Implementing these ideas should help accelerate the development process so that our nation could also catch up with developed nations.

Source: KNUST
The impact of the modified taungya system on the standard of living of forest fringe communities in the sub-humid forest zone of Ghana

Ghana’s forest has decreased from 8.2 million ha from the 1900 to 4.94 million ha in 2000 due to high rate of deforestation. This is attributed to factors including excessive and illegal logging, unsustainable agricultural practices, bush burning, mining and quarrying, settlement and related infrastructural construction and urbanization. Widespread poverty in the forest fringe communities has been identified as a consequence of forest degradation. The Modified Taungya System (MTS) was introduced as a means to arrest the rate of deforestation in the country and to enhance the socio-economic livelihoods of the forest fringe communities.The study evaluated the impact of the modified taungya system on the livelihood of participating forest fringe communities in the National Forest Plantation Development Programme (NFPDP) of the Forestry Commission. It also evaluated the degree of success of this system as means of afforestation, and increasing food production in the sub-humid forest zone of Ghana. An interview survey was conducted in which data was collected from 360 randomly selected farmers in four forest districts: Offinso, Kumawu, Nkawie and Bekwai in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A total of twenty communities were randomly selected with eighteen respondents from each community. The farmers were predominantly illiterate, within the age of 35-54 years and with small farm holdings. About 81% relied totally on food from the forest reserve for their livelihood, while 71% also had farm holdings in off reserve areas. Land within the reserve was allocated to farmers free of charge but compensation is paid to landlords on land from off reserve. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between produce from the two sources of farmland i.e. from the Off Reserve and the Forest reserve for the households. The study confirmed the modified taungya system has been able to achieve its stated objectives in the area by: increasing food supplies, evident by 69% of respondent being able to meet family food needs at least 10 months in a year, employment as it offered about 900 jobs in the study area, and Improvement in livelihood 67% reported being able to afford household assets, and Poverty reduction, as about 60% of the respondent is able to send their children to school

Source: KNUST
Impact of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on utilization of health services in the Asante Akim South District of Ghana

The method of financing health care determines its accessibility and affordability. Improving ways to finance health care and protect populations against the cost of illness has thus been central to health care policies of successive governments in Ghana since independence. In 2003 the Ghanaian government, as of its Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy, initiated the National Health Insurance Scheme, a socialised mutual health insurance scheme governed by the principles of equity, solidarity and affordability, to improve the access to health care. This study aims to evaluate the role of the District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme in enhancing access to health services in the Asante Akim South district of Ghana through lowering the financial barriers to health care. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study supported with records review. With the aid of a closed-ended questionnaire 250 clients, aged above 18 years, accessing services at the district hospital were interviewed via systematic random sampling technique during an exit interview in the month of April 2008. The areas covered during the study included insurance coverage, barriers to enrolment in the scheme, the ability of the scheme to reach-out to the poor in the district, and the effects of the scheme on health services utilization, and individual and household data. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse the data collected and the results shared with the decision makers and those who matter. The study showed that although an estimated 55.8 percent of the district population has registered with the ; NHIS in the Asante Akim South district, only 48% of the population are card bearing members who are able to access health care services purchased through insurance. The study identified perception of respondents about the premium was seen as a major barrier to enrolment in the scheme. It also showed that 67.6 percent clients accessing health services belonged to either very poor or poor quintiles. The per capita outpatient attendance had increased to 0.41 from 0.31, representing a 31.3 percent rise in per capita attendance barely two years after the inception of the NHIS. The inception of the NHIS has had a strong positive effect on utilization of health services in the district, with the majority of clients accessing health services under the scheme being poor. The NHIS could thus be used as a tool to attain the MDGs. The study recommends the need to for educational campaigns in the district to emphasize on changing community perception about the premium and vulnerability to illness. It also recommends increase in the premium as one of the strategies to sustain the operation of the Scheme.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of the Establishment of the Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU) by the Revenue Agencies Governing Board on Tax Revenue in Ghana

Every country relies on tax revenue to run its economy. In Ghana, as part of the tax restructuring process, the Revenue Agencies Governing Board established the Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU) as a means of enhancing revenue collection from few traders who account for a large percentage of total tax collection. After four years of operations this research was to establish: • The impact of the LTU on tax revenue in Ghana • Its performance in relation to the performance of the other revenue agencies, • Public perception about their operations and identify some of the problems they” have encountered over the period. Using simple random sampling, some of the businesses operating under the LTU were selected .Using questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions; their impressions about the performance were sourced. LTU staffs were also interviewed. Data was obtained from the research unit of Revenue Agencies Governing Board (RAGB), and the LTIPS (Large Tax payer Information Processing Unit). Revenue performance of the LTU and the other revenue agencies were also gathered. Expert knowledge was gathered through interview from some management staff of the LTU and the other revenue agencies. It was found among other things that: Revenue has been increasing over the period but increases in indirect taxes far outweigh that of direct taxes. Percentage growth in collection of the LTU for the first three (3) years was lower than those experience by the other revenue agencies. Performance in 2007 and 2008 showed signs of improvement. Although the LTU has introduced a joint audit system and traders have a one stop centre in dealing with their tax issues, there is relatively low level of change in the perception that businesses have about the LTU. Whilst others saw the LTU established as an improvement in procedure, others still had their reservation especially with long hours spent submitting returns of the various tax types delay in processing refund claims, tax clearance certificates and providing information. They perceive staff of the LTU as the same as those in the other agencies. They however, attest to the LTU staff high competence. Although it is a new institution, it is grappling with institutional rivalry, inadequate staff and logistics, inadequate funds. One major problem affecting the LTU is its lack of autonomy therefore suffering interference from the mother agencies The problems being encountered should be seen as teething problems and sponsoring agencies should help to resolve them.

Source: KNUST
The impact of the promotion of six lesser-used species on Ghana’s timber trade and industry

The issue of promoting lesser-used timber species with the aim of enhancing timber trade and industry in Ghana was examined in the light of the diminishing stock of primary species. The impact of promoting six lesser-used species namely; Antiaris toxicaria (Chenchen), Celtis mildbraedii (Essa), Ceiba petandra (Onyina), Petersianthus macrocarpus (Esia), Cylicodiscus gabunensis (Denya) and Sterculia oblonga (Ohaa) was considered with respect to availability, processing, utilization and market avenues. The study thus involved information search on stocking data, log production and export statistics of all important classified (FIP Class 1) species including the six selected LUS. TEDB, FPIB, Forestry Department and Wood Processing Firms were interviewed using structured questionnaire to find out the stocking levels, available processing facilities, processing problems, available markets, incentive packages and other strategies for promoting the six LUS. The results of the survey showed that, of the six species Onyina and Chenchen have been widely used by the industry for veneer and plywood production due to their ease of peeling. Essa and Esia have been used for furniture but not to a large extent, whiles Denya is not used much due to its high density. It was found that majority of the mills participate in trade fairs with the aim of promoting their LUS products. Inadequate seasoning and preservation facilities were identified as a major constraint in their promotional efforts. Other equally important promotional problems noted were unknown working and technical properties of the LUS. It is noted that the industry would need to develop an aggressive and effective marketing strategy that requires a thorough understanding of the inter-relationships between those factors that influence end-user acceptance of new species in both the local and foreign markets. Areas that need to be focused in promoting LUS in Ghana have been identified for further studies. These include manpower training in machining, kiln-drying and sawing techniques, establishing appropriate drying schedules, chemical treatment and acquisition of the appropriate machinery to take care of the machining characteristics of the species.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of the Public Procurement Act2003, Act 663 on Contracts at the Department of Feeder Roads, Ghana

The Public Procurement Act, 2003, Act 663 was enacted to ensure sanity in the procurement process after several years of foul play. Procurement represents huge part of government budget and this underscores the importance of procurement. As a result several studies have explored the implementation challenges leading to reforms in the public procurement. However, there is paucity of information regarding the impact of the Act on procurement processes, especially in certain key areas. Against this backdrop, the study aimed at assessing the impact of the Procurement Act on contracts at the Department of Feeder Roads. Hence, the specific objectives included: to identify the challenges in the procurement of works, services and goods in the Department of Feeder Roads; to examine the benefits of the implementation of the Public Procurement Act (663) in the Department of Feeder Roads; and to identify the impacts of the implementation of the Public Procurement Act (663). Adopting both qualitative and quantitative approach to enquiry, the study reviewed various literatures in the discipline. Subsequently, questionnaire survey was used to elicit information from the people involved in public procurement. The study focused on three Feeder Roads Department within three different regions. Data gathered were thus analysed using descriptive statistics, one sample t-test and ANOVA. The findings from the survey point out to the fact that the following were the impact of the Act on contracts in the Department: Delayed payment, Enhances competition, Cumbersome and expensive procedures or requirements, and Communication enhancement. Major challenges identified were Provides too many requirements for a tender document, Delays the Award of contract and Poor Record management. In addition, the research revealed that cost savings, value for money, increase in accountability among others were the benefits of the Act. The study recommended v that Training avenues and Institutions be provided, Setting up a Professional Procurement Body, Good Record Keeping and Management of procurement information.

Source: KNUST
Impact of the Use of Financial Incentives on Project Delivery in Ghana.

Financial inventive systems are mitigating measures that are neither against the contract nor obligatory, but the client does it to boost productivity. The usage of one or more of the existing incentive schemes to improve contractor’s performance and enhance timely completion of projects remains recommended for good practice in the Construction industry. However, projects in Ghana continue to face great challenges resulting in cost and time overruns and quality deficiencies. Although an appropriate use of incentive schemes on any given project is known to result in successful project performance (and vice versa), very little is known about the nature of this relationship from literature. Having persistently suffered a great deal of project failures over the years, the Ghanaian Construction Industry stands to benefit from detailed knowledge and understanding of how exactly financial incentives impact on project delivery. Stimulated by the depth of this information, this research aims at investigating the impact of the use of financial incentives on project delivery in Ghana. The methodological approach adopted for this research was the multi-method qualitative study, ie using either two or more qualitative techniques (interviews and archival records). The respondents of the research involved Consultant’s and Contractor’s team who executed the three cases selected from the Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC). With the aid of framework analysis, the collected data were analysed. The key findings of the research show that contractors’ access to credit is improved when clients and consultants grant them financial incentives which in turn boost their performance. It also motivates them at the various phases of the project life cycle. The distinct contribution to knowledge arising from this research includes the affirmation of the impact of financial incentives on project delivery. Hence, it is suggested that proper background checks (audited accounts, history of precious works, etc.) of the Contractor must be done before giving him any financial incentives and Stakeholders (Clients and consultants) must monitor the use of the incentive by the contactor. Implications for future research include assessment the risk factors in giving financial incentives and the effect of financial incentives on project delivery teams.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of the Use of Pidgin on Students’ Use of English Language: A Case Study of Selected Secondary Schools in Three Districts in Kwahu Area of Ghana

There have been arguments and discussions as regards the impact of the use of Pidgin English by students of secondary schools in Ghana. One school of thought holds that Pidgin English negatively affects the performance of students in examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), but another school of thought holds a contrary opinion. This thesis sought to establish the correlation between the use of Pidgin English and performance in examinations. Pidgin English in Ghana has a stigma attached to it, but it enjoys some prestige among students at the secondary and tertiary levels of education. It is not probable that Pidgin English will ever be used as a medium of instruction in Ghanaian schools because of the social stigma attached to it. Many secondary and tertiary students are comfortable using Pidgin English in informal situations and the low performance of students in English language examinations may be attributed to the use of Pidgin English. This research is considered as part of an on-going search to find the correlation between the speaking of Pidgin English and performance in examinations especially the WASSCE. Apart from the link that may be established between performance in examinations and the speaking of non-standard English or Pidgin English, problems may be rife in the secondary schools where most students do not perform well in examinations, more especially in English language papers. There is the need therefore to find the factors that cause students in Ghanaian secondary schools not to perform well in examinations. The research findings did not clearly establish a link between performance in examinations and the speaking of non-standard English or Pidgin English

Source: KNUST