ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The determinants of pregnancy-induced hypertension among pregnant women in the urban and rural areas in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Hypertensive disorders among pregnant women account for 12 to 20 percent of the total maternal deaths in the world. Yet in spite of it being identified as the most common medical problem encountered during pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension has received less research attention. Using an exploratory cross-sectional design and a random sample of 250 women in the third trimester of their pregnancy, this study determined the factors that account for the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) among women in urban and rural area in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Specifically, the study ascertained the level of knowledge of pregnant women on PIH, determined the prevalence of PIH among the sample, evaluated the relationship between PIH risk factors and development of PIH, and identified proximate determinants of PIH among the pregnant women. Data for the study was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS (v20) software programme. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means were used for univariate analysis. Relationship between PIH risk factors and PIH status was determined by Pearson correlation and chi-square test for independence. Factors which account for incidence of PIH were determined through the multivariate analysis technique, specifically logistic regression. The results of the analysis showed a relatively high knowledge of PIH issues among both rural and urban women. Prevalence of PIH among the sample was (16.8%). Compared to rural women, PIH was more prevalent in the urban sample (10.4%). Age, education, hypertensive before current pregnancy, having PIH with pregnancy, family history of hypertension, family history of PIH, having a relative who smokes, eating fatty foods, and having a good appetite as independent factors significantly related with PIH status (p = .038, .013, .000, .000, .014, .030, .002, .039, and .034 respectively). The binary logistic regression analysis to identify the proximate determinants of PIH revealed that these significantly related factors put together, influence the likelihood that pregnant women would develop PIH. However, of these factors only PIH with previous pregnancy proved to be a statistically significant (p = .002) determinant of PIH. Pregnant women who had PIH with their pregnancy were 6 times more likely (OR=6.43) to develop PIH with their current pregnancy. On the basis of this result, it is recommended that pregnant women with a previous history of PIH be advised by their healthcare professionals to increase their prenatal checkups.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of private sector investment in Ghana, 1970-2011

Private investment is viewed as a powerful tool for maintaining and expanding the capital stock and production capacity of an economy.Many developed and developing countries have for several decades relied greatly on it to solve their macroeconomic problems, particularly those related to growth and development.For this reason the government of Ghana is taking steps to smooth the way for the private sector through various policies to increase their investment levels. Hence, this study seeksto focus on the various factors that either stimulate or hinder private investment in Ghana. Using annual time series data from 1970 to 2011 the study employed the ARDL methodology to estimate the results. The results indicate that gross domestic product affect private investment in the long run and inflation affect it in the short run. However exchange rate affects private investment both in the long and short run periods. This results suggest the need for the government to promote growth enhancing policies likes improvement of physical and human capital to stimulate private investment.The findings and recommendations of this study will therefore provide vital information relevant for policy formulation and implementation aimed at boosting private investment in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of Purchase Decisions of Consumers of the Products of Nestle Ghana Ltd.

This study titled “The determinants of purchase decisions of consumers of the products of Nestle Ghana Ltd.” enables Nestle Ghana ltd to understand how consumer‟s purchase decision differs from person to person and the major determinant that affects consumer‟s purchases of Nestle products. The purpose of the current study is to identify the determinants of purchase decisions of consumers of the products of Nestle Ghana ltd. The study is based on responses of 250 respondents from consumers of Nestle products that were collected through a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was carried out to analyze the result. The study found out that consumers of Nestle product ranked “perceived quality”, “brand name”, “price”, “trust”, “advertising”, “loyalty” and “brand satisfaction” as the major factors that influence their purchasing decision. Perceived quality was rated as the most important factor. A good brand name creates an identity that resounds with your consumers which reinforces the emotional relationship between the company and consumer. As per the findings of this study, Quality is a major determinant of purchasing decision of consumers of Nestle Ghana products, it is therefore imperative that Nestle Ghana maintains the high quality level as perceived by its customers and also work on how to reduce cost in other to have a good Return on Investment (ROI) which would be the ultimate indicator to remain competitive.

Source: KNUST
“The determinants of private sector investment in Ghana”

This study presents an empirical assessment of the factors that have stimulated or deterred private sector investment in Ghana over the period 1970-2002. Employing modem time series econometric techniques such as unit root and Granger causality tests, cointegration and error correction techniques within an ARDL framework, which has been found to yield more robust estimates, the study revealed intriguing results. While majority of the results confirmed theoretical propositions, others contradicted the postulates of theory. The results suggest that private investment is determined in the short-run by public investment, inflation, real interest rate, openness, real exchange rate and a regime of constitutional rule, while real output, inflation, external debt, real interest rate, openness and real exchange rate significantly influenced private investment response in the long- run. Among numerous policy recommendations, the study suggested policies which aimed at sustained increases in productive public investment in infrastructure and export-led growth strategies. Furthermore, judicious use of HIPC funds in areas that enhance private sector development and fiscal discipline should be vigorously pursued. Finally, political and institutional reform complemented by a credible macroeconomic environment which enhances private sector investment growth is strongly recommended.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of purchase decisions of consumers of the products of Nestle Ghana Ltd.

This study titled “The determinants of purchase decisions of consumers of theproducts of Nestle Ghana Ltd.” enables Nestle Ghana ltd to understand how consumer‟s purchase decision differs from person to person and the major determinant that affects consumer‟s purchases of Nestle products. The purpose of the current study is to identify the determinants of purchase decisions of consumers of the products of Nestle Ghana ltd. The study is based on responses of 250 respondents from consumers of Nestle products that were collected through a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was carried out to analyze the result. The study found out that consumers of Nestle product ranked “perceived quality”, “brand name”, “price”, “trust”, “advertising”, “loyalty” and “brand satisfaction” as the major factors that influence their purchasing decision. Perceived quality was rated as the most important factor. A good brand name creates an identity that resounds with your consumers which reinforces the emotional relationship between the company and consumer. As per the findings of this study, Quality is a major determinant of purchasing decision of consumers of Nestle Ghana products, it is therefore imperative that Nestle Ghana maintains the high quality level as perceived by its customers and also work on how to reduce cost in other to have a good Return on Investment (ROI) which would be the ultimate indicator to remain competitive.

Source: KNUST
The Determinants of Rural Bank Profitability

The aim of this study sought to examine the determinants of RCB’s financial profitability. The assessment was on internal factors and external factors. The study used mainly secondary data extracted from the annual financial statement of the selected banks. The study used a panel data with two hundred observations, where it looked at the period 2006 – 2010 for fifty rural banks in Ghana. The empirical results reveal some interesting evidence on the determinants of RCB’s profitability. The findings suggest that the size of the RCB’s assets and increased non-interest income, are the internal factors that affect rural bank profitability, whiles GDP and the growth of money supply are external factors that affect rural bank profitability. However, loan loss provisions, total overhead expenses and inflation negatively affected rural bank performance. It is recommended that it might be necessary for bank management to take all the required decisions as to the proportion of their assets they will want to hold to enhance the financial positions of the bank. Again government should ensure a stable economic growth that could translate into rural bank profitability

Source: KNUST
Determinants of rural banks deposit mobilization in Ghana

The general objective of this study is to examine whether equity to asset ratio or capitalization, Liquidity ratio or Liquidity risk, Loan to asset ratio or credit risk, Return on asset or profitability and Log of assets or bank size are the factors that determine rural banks deposit mobilization in Ghana. The research included 112 rural banks in Ghana out of a total number of 137. These banks have been selected depending on the availability of their quarterly data from 2009Q1 to 2013Q4. Panel least regression with fixed effects has been used for analysis. The results of the findings suggest that, liquidity ratio, loan to asset ratio and bank size are significantly determinants of rural banks deposit mobilization. In view of the above findings, it is recommended that the Bank of Ghana, being the main supervisory body should as a matter of policy, strengthens its liquidity reserve requirements of the rural banks by making sure that they keep enough cash and near cash assets. Another implication of the findings is that, the credit management practices of the rural banks should become a matter of concern to all relevant authorities especially the Board of Directors of the various rural banks.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of Real Exchange Rate in Ghana

The paper analysed the determinants of real exchange rate in Ghana (1980-2010).The problem statement of the study was that, maintenance of a stable value for the Ghanaian cedi against the US doller continued to pose serious challenges to policy makers in Ghana, for instance the real exchange rate depreciated against the USD by 4.5% in 2003 , 2.2% in 2004, 0.9% in 2005, 1.1% in 2006 and 4.8% in 2007 (Bawumia, 2010) and the Ghanaian cedi experiencing a ‘free fall’’ recently, it became very important for a study to be conducted to re-examine what really goes in to the real exchange rate determination in Ghana. The study adopted a typical developing country model develop by Edwards (1989) as well as time series analysis and employed Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to estimate the model specified for the study. The empirical results of the study suggested that in the long-run real exchange rate determinants were; terms of trade, openness, and the rate of growth. All these variables maintained their sign as good determinants of real exchange rate except OPENNESS that was not consistent in the short run. Investment as percentage of GDP was not significant in the long run but was significant in the short run whilst Election year (POL) had a depreciation effect on Real exchange rate but wasn’t significant determinant. Finally improvement in terms of trade had a depreciation effect on real exchange for both long run and short run. The recommended that, export promotion should be highly encouraged as part of the trade liberalization policy. In addition, there should also be diversification of our exports. This can be done by adding value to our exports so that they attract competitive prices on the world market. Domestic consumers should also be encouraged to use domestic goods and services. This can be achieved through the organization of rural trade fairs and exhibitions at the district level to showcase made in Ghana goods and this would help reduce domestic expenditure on imported goods so as to ensure favourable balance of trade, thereby, resulting to an appreciation of the real exchange rate in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of rural household 'pluriactivity' and its effect on food security: a case study of Savelugu-Nanton District of Northern Region of Ghana

Over the years, emphasis has been placed on agriculture through the development and diffusion of appropriate technologies. However, general increase in national food production does not necessarily ensure household and individual food security. In the economics literature, participation in pluriactivity has been found to improve household welfare. Participation in non-agricultural activities allows farmers living near subsistence levels to acquire cash to meet their basic needs in addition to that supplied by own production. In most rural Ghana particularly in the Northern Regions, food insecurity and poverty is high. The study examines factors that influence household members' participation in pluriactivity as well as the effect of pluriactivity on household food security. The household is food secured if it can satisfy its food needs without mortgaging standing field crops for current consumption. This study employs a cross-sectional data collectcd from a sample of 150 households from ten villages in Savelugu-Nanton district of Northern Region of Ghana. About 91 percent o f the sampled households participated in pluriactivity which contributed on the average, 60 percent of the total household income. The empirical analysis revealed that educational level, age, dependency ratio, animal wealth significantly had positive effect on the probability of husbands participation in pluriactiviy. Access to micro credit package, level of education, age, and household size had positive effect on wife's probability of being pluriactive while duration of harvested food crop, Number of out migrants, Dependency ratio had negative effect. The impact of household pluriactivity on food security was analyzed by employing probit analysis. The results indicate that husband's pluriactivity had significant positive effect on household food security while wife's pluriactivity showed an insignificant negative relationship with household food security. This implies that income from pluriactivity of some wives is not sufficient enough to supplement the husband's income in solving their food security problem hence they had to mortgage their standing field crop for current consumption needs. Duration of harvested food crop and animal wealth included in food security had significant positive effect on the household food security. It is therefore recommended that in as much as efforts are made in promoting alternative income sources, attention must be given to improve their primary activity being agriculture (both crop and animal production).

Source: KNUST
Determinants of share price of listed companies - a case study of Ghana Commercial Bank Ltd

A study to investigate the factors that determine the price of Ghana Commercial Bank share listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange Market was carried out at Kumasi from May to October 2008. The design used was a descriptive survey, which employed a self-made questionnaire as the main instrument for the study. Three sets of questionnaire were prepared each for shareholder, potential investors and head officer. The items contain on the instruments consisted of both opened and closed structured questions. The study used 34 shareholders from five branches of Ghana Commercial Bank in Kumasi, 30 potential investors of the shares of the Bank and personnel at the head office of the bank at Accra, to serve as respondents. The data collected with the instruments were analyzed and the results presented using frequencies and percentages. The results of the study showed that the prices of the shares of the Ghana Commercial Bank listed on the stock market are determined by many factors. The price of the shares is influenced by many factors. The price of the shares is influenced by operations of management, dividend paid to shareholders, the profit level of the company and the assets owned by the company, there is a highly positive linear correlation between dividend paid to the shareholders and the profit earned by the company. Similarly linear relationship between dividend and assets base of the company shows a highly positive correlation.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of sustainability reporting quality of firms listed on the ghana stock exchange

The general purpose of the study seeks to examine the determinants of the sustainability reporting quality of firms who have been listed on the Ghana stock exchange (GSE).In this study, the quantitative design was employed, because the only way numerical data will be obtained to analyse the variables or determinants; company financial performance, company size, age, and governance structure was through the quantitative design. Panel data was used in the study to analyse reports over the subsequent time period and to determine sustainability reporting quality. This research concentrated on the annual reports of companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2021. The Ghana Stock Exchange currently lists fortytwo (42) equities (from thirty-seven (37) companies) this represented the entire population for the study. The study used the entire population as the sample size since the study employed the census approach. The study discovered that companies in environmentally sensitive industries typically have sustainability reporting scores that are higher than those of companies in unaffected industries. The findings showed that among companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, industry type, firm age, board size, and board age are important influences on sustainability reporting. The findings further indicated that there is a negative but insignificant link between leverage and sustainability reporting found in our analysis is not consistent with some previous research. The analysis results are consistent with previous studies on some factors (board size) but not on others (leverage, board gender diversity, board experience, board composition, and board age). The study recommended that Policymakers and regulators should strengthen corporate governance frameworks to promote better board practices and enhance the role of boards in overseeing sustainability reporting. The study further recommended that policymakers and regulators should consider developing industry-specific guidelines and regulations for sustainability reporting.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of skilled birth attendance among women in rural communities of Bolgatanga municipality of upper east region, Ghana

Mostly in the rural areas of developing countries, where women have little access to high quality reproductive health care and are more likely to have home delivery, alone or with only an untrained assistant, over half a million maternal deaths occur each year. Studies have shown that skilled birth attendance is the most promising avenue to curb maternal mortality. Maternal mortality ratios for the past three years in Bolgatanga Municipality were 822/100,000 LB in 2005, 844/100,000 LB in 2006, and 165/100,000 LB in 2007. This study aimed at assessing the determinants of skilled birth attendance in rural communities of Bolgatanga municipality, Upper East region, Ghana. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey in Bolgatanga municipality; it took place between July and October, 2008. A total of 263 women (aged 15 to 49 years) who had given birth not more than a year prior to the survey, were studied using a structured questionnaire and a focus group discussion guide. Even though 99.97% registered at ANC, only 48.67% delivered at the health facility. Delivery at health facility was associated with: the number of ANC visits (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.23-0.83, p = 0.011), level of education (OR = 7.3, 95% CI: 1.68 - 31.72 p = 0.008), religion (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12 - 0.68, p = 0.005), distance to reproductive health facility (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09 - 0.36, p = 0.001), duration of first ANC visit (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.18 - 5.04, p = 0.016), and level of awareness of pregnancy danger signs (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04 - 0.56, p = 0.004) Coverage of skilled birth attendance in the municipality is below the target set by Municipal Health Administration and International Conference on Population and Development +5. The study recommends improving education for the women and the girl child, strengthening outreach services and community based approaches, and development of effective referral systems to improve skilled attendance.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Financing by Financial Institutions in Ghana.

This study investigated the definition of SME’s as viewed by the financial institutions in Ghana. The study also investigated the SME loan eligibility criteria of the Ghanaian financial institutions. Data was collected through interviews of 10 bank and 5 non-bank financial institutions in Tema metropolis. The findings of the study indicate that there were some differences in the list of lending criteria of the bank and non-bank financial institutions. However, the most important lending criteria for both bank and non-bank financial institutions is collateral. In addition although their relative level of importance differed the other common lending criteria were ‘Audited account where applicable’, ‘Registered business and its documents’; ‘Not less than six months accounts operation’. The definition of SMEs based on turnover was also found to be mainly two; annual turnover between GH¢1 and GH¢1,000,000; and annual turnover between GH¢5,000,000 and GH¢6.000, 000. Practical implications and future studies were discussed. Bank financial institutions under this study were not having guarantor tax document and age of business as lending criteria for advancing credit to SME’s. It was observed that low emphasis was placed on criteria such as business registration, credit history, and recommendation by risk managers. The non-bank financial institutions are interested in major criteria such as collateral, guarantor, business registration documents, bank statement, audited account, recommendation by risk managers and credit history. The non-bank financial institutions place little premium on criteria such as tax documents and age of the business. The study therefore recommended that credit bureaus should be established to assess the peculiarities of SME’s

Source: KNUST