ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Building Strong Libraries and Library Associations through Continuing Professional Development: the case of Ghana Library Association

Qualified librarians in Ghana possess a postgraduate qualification in librarianship from any school of library and information studies. To ensure that they remain in tune with the changing trends and new developments in the profession, librarians should maintain a process of continuing professional development on a formal and informal basis. Library associations at the local, national, regional and international levels are of great importance to libraries, the profession and the society. Library associations must act as major players in the continuous development of the profession within this rapidly changing world. Librarians in Ghana and for that matter Africa need to be educated to understand and adapt to new ideas, new technologies and new services. The Ghana Library Association (GLA), must be able to provide educational opportunities through conferences, workshops, publications, among others. The Association of Information Specialist in the Republic of Georgia provides such needed training for its librarians. This helps to influence the development of standards of education for the profession like it is done in the US and Canada. The global community is a reality in the twenty-first century. Many of the issues that were national issues for libraries, such as copyright and technological standards are now international issues. Decisions made at international venues now have a dramatic impact on how libraries in a specific country are able to function, and determine what services they can provide. In this regard, the members of the GLA need to work together share experiences and ideas on initiatives beyond the countries borders. This paper provides a brief overview of the general role of the Ghana Library Association and how Continuing Professional Development (CPD) could help build strong libraries and the library Associations in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Building the capacity of students in creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills: Aesthetic narrative of Ayigya Township, Ghana

The study set out to investigate the environmental aesthetics present in habitual areas, specifically in Ayigya Township, Ashanti Region, focusing on picture-making tendencies for optimal skill development. A total of 346 respondents from various structures were specifically chosen to participate in the study using the Narrative Case Study Design under the qualitative research approach. Semi-structured interviews, observation, and photographic documentation were used for the data collection. The data were analysed using photographic documentary and qualitative narrative analysis. The findings demonstrated how dispersed aesthetic elements are in everyday life and how this appreciation would have a positive impact on the Senior High School student’s capacity for creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It is suggested that students develop alternative means of expressing their creativity. The study contends that art teachers must help students to use aesthetics in their environments to develop the tools and materials for their artistic productions.

Source: KNUST
Burden Of Intestinal Parasitic Infections And Associated Risk Factors Among Basic School Children In The Tabiasi Community In The Upper West Region, Ghana

Intestinal parasitic infections have become a global public health burden and this burden is even higher among children in developing countries. It affects the cognitive development, health, growth, academic performance and nutritional status of infected children. This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among Tabiasi Basic school children. A cross-sectional study using the simple random technique was conducted to obtain data from 401 Basic school children aged 5 to 19 years in Tabiasi. The study used structured questionnaires to interview the school children on their socio-demographic characteristics, availability of water, sanitary facilities and hygiene practices. Stool samples collected from the children were analysed using direct wet mount/concentrated methods for identification of protozoan trophozoites and cysts, helminth ova and larvae. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the school children was (14.71%). The prevalence of intestinal protozoa recorded was 8.98% and helminth infections recorded was 5.74%. Prevalence of individual parasites were; Giardia lamblia 8.23%, Entamoeba histolytica 0.75%, Hymenolepis nana 0.50%, Hymenolepis diminuta 1.25%, Ascaris lumbrioides 1.50% and Hookworm 2.49%. Based on gender, more females (15.05%) were infected compared to the males (14.36%). Infection across age groups was highest among the 5-10 age group (16.81%). Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica infections were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with risk factors such as gender, age, improper personal hygiene practices and availability of potable water. The nutritional status of over 70% of the studied children was normal. The prevalence of malnutrition recorded was underweight (14.96%), stunting (4.98%), overweight (3.24%) and obesity (0.99%). These malnutrition variables have a lot of health implications and that may affect the children‟s performance at school.

Source: KNUST
Building resilience to shocks of climate change in Ghana’s cocoa production and its effect on productivity and incomes

Climate change is happening and cocoa producers are aware of its causes as well as its effects on their farms. However empirical evidence has revealed that a small number of farmers adopt climate change adaptation technologies to build resilience to the shocks meted out to them by climate change. In this paper, using data from Ghana, we employ propensity score matching to control for selection bias and to analyse adoption of adaptation technologies, its determinants as well as impact on cocoa productivity and incomes. The results showed that most cocoa farmers do not adopt climate change adaptation technologies and for those who adopt some technologies, diversification of income sources was the major innovation. Also, eight factors including gender, age of respondent, involvement in other economic activities, farm size, membership of a farmer association, access to extension service, access to credit as well as annual income from cocoa production were found to significantly influence adoption of climate change adaptation technologies. Finally, cocoa farmers who adopted climate change adaptation technologies recorded significantly higher farm productivities and incomes vis-�a-vis nonadopters. To build resilience, cocoa farmers are encouraged to join farmer based organizations and extension officers should be supported to be able to reach out to farmers to educate them on climate change resilience technologies.

Source: KNUST
Burden of respiratory viral infections among inmates of a Ghanaian prison

Respiratory viral infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Information on circulating respiratory viruses among prisoners is lacking, although this is of public health importance and knowledge would assist in putting in place preventive measures to forestall disease outbreaks. The aim of this study therefore was to get the footprint of such diseases that have epidemic potential to be described and quantified for control. Prisoners on remand numbering 203 in a prison in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, were interviewed using prevalidated questionnaire, nasopharyngeal samples taken and screened by real-time PCR for common respiratory viruses in February, 2018. Of the total number of 203 participants enrolled, majority were males (n = 198, 97.54%). The modal age unsurprisingly was in the active working class of 18 to 35 years (n = 155, 76.36%) with 48 (23.65%) of participants older than 35 years. Inmates reported nasal congestion (n = 83, 40.89%), cough with or without pharyngitis (n =108, 53.20%) and fever (n = 74, 39.48%). Viruses detected in throat samples were Influenza A (n = 1, 0.49%) and Rhinovirus (n = 8, 3.94%). There was no statistically significant association between respiratory virus positivity and age (p = 0.118), gender (p > 0.900), duration of incarceration (p = 0.239) and reported symptoms (p = 0.724). The prison population may have a lower prevalence of respiratory viruses circulating in them. This may be dominated by those with high antigenic diversity.

Source: KNUST
Bureaucratic red tapeism and public service delivery in district assemblies: a case study of Sekyere South District Assembly.

The research examined the impact of bureaucratic red tapeism on public service delivery at the Sekyere South District Assembly in the Ashanti Region. The investigation examined the research objectives and questions so as to make the evaluation of the results meaningful. Simple random sampling and convenience sampling technique was employed to elicit responses from staff and clients respectively. Two hundred and twenty (220) questionnaires were administered to the staff and clients. There was a 100% response rate. The analysis was done with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The investigation exposed that the Assembly provides services in accordance with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). However, the provisions of these public services were characterized by cumbersome rules and procedures. To some extent, absence of staff affecting work procedures and usage of administrative procedures as a means of political control were often the incidences of red tape. Also, poor coordination and information exchange, needlessly complex rules and procedures, and inefficient procedures and administrative system were sometimes the incidences of red tape. Again, bureaucratic red tape demonstrated an adverse effect on public service delivery in the Assembly. Assessing the measures put in place to reduce red tape in the Assembly, it was realized that examination of administrative rules and procedures before implementation, establishment of client service unit and periodic education of residents on rules and procedures existed to reduce red tape. Following the findings and limitations of the study, some recommendations are suggested by the researcher; regular review of existing methods, procedures, rules

Source: KNUST
Burden of respiratory viral infections among inmates of a Ghanaian prison

Respiratory viral infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Information on circulating respiratory viruses among prisoners is lacking, although this is of public health importance and knowledge would assist in putting in place preventive measures to forestall disease outbreaks. The aim of this study therefore was to get the footprint of such diseases that have epidemic potential to be described and quantified for control. Prisoners on remand numbering 203 in a prison in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, were interviewed using prevalidated questionnaire, nasopharyngeal samples taken and screened by real-time PCR for common respiratory viruses in February, 2018. Of the total number of 203 participants enrolled, majority were males (n = 198, 97.54%). The modal age unsurprisingly was in the active working class of 18 to 35 years (n = 155, 76.36%) with 48 (23.65%) of participants older than 35 years. Inmates reported nasal congestion (n = 83, 40.89%), cough with or without pharyngitis (n =108, 53.20%) and fever (n = 74, 39.48%). Viruses detected in throat samples were Infl uenza A (n = 1, 0.49%) and Rhinovirus (n = 8, 3.94%). There was no statistically significant association between respiratory virus positivity and age (p = 0.118), gender (p > 0.900), duration of incarceration (p = 0.239) and reported symptoms (p = 0.724). The prison population may have a lower prevalence of respiratory viruses circulating in them. This may be dominated by those with high antigenic diversity.

Source: KNUST
Buruli ulcer disease: prospects for a vaccine

Buruli ulcer disease (BUD), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a neglected bacterial infection of the poor in remote rural areas, mostly affecting children. BUD is a mutilating disease leading to severe disability; it is the third most common mycobacterial infection in immunocompetent people after tuberculosis and leprosy. It is most endemic in West Africa, but cases have been reported from more than 30 countries. Treatment with antibiotics is possible, long-lasting and requires injections; there are cases of treatment failures, and the disease is prone to resistance. A vaccine against M. ulcerans would protect persons at risk in highly endemic areas, and could be used as a therapeutic vaccine to shorten the duration of treatment and prevent relapses. There is considerable evidence supporting the

Source: KNUST
Buruli ulcer treatment: Rate of surgical intervention differs highly between treatment centers in West Africa

Background Antibiotic treatment proved itself as the mainstay of treatment for Buruli ulcer disease. This neglected tropical disease is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Surgery persists as an adjunct therapy intended to reduce the mycobacterial load. In an earlier clinical trial, patients benefited from delaying the decision to operate. Nevertheless, the rate of surgical interventions differs highly per clinic. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in six different Buruli ulcer (BU) treatment centers in Benin and Ghana. BU patients clinically diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2016 were included and surgical interventions during the follow-up period, at least one year after diagnosis, were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the effect of the treatment center on the decision to perform surgery, while controlling for interaction and confounders. Results A total of 1193 patients, 612 from Benin and 581 from Ghana, were included. In Benin, lesions were most frequently (42%) categorized as the most severe lesions (WHO criteria, category III), whereas in Ghana lesions were most frequently (44%) categorized as small lesions (WHO criteria, category I). In total 344 (29%) patients received surgical intervention. The percentage of patients receiving surgical intervention varied between hospitals from 1.5% to 72%. Patients treated in one of the centers in Benin were much more likely to have surgery compared to the clinic in Ghana with the lowest rate of surgical intervention (RR =46.7 CI 95% [17.5–124.8]). Even after adjusting for confounders (severity of disease, age, sex, limitation of movement at joint at time of diagnosis, ulcer and critical sites), rates of surgical interventions varied highly. Conclusion The decision to perform surgery to reduce the mycobacterial load in BU varies highly per clinic. Evidence based guidelines are needed to guide the role of surgery in the treatment of BU

Source: KNUST
Business Continuity for Financial Institutions: A Case Study of SG-SSB Limited

Increasing competition in the financial sector, demands by customers for 24hr continuous service, increasing regulatory or policy requirements, and increasing threats have exerted pressure on financial institutions to develop comprehensive contingency plans that ensure the continuity of their business processes. A properly-designed, implemented and tested Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is the best insurance against financial peril for any financial institution or organisation in general. The main aim of this project is to affirm the relevance of business continuity plan to financial institutions. It involved an investigation into the existence of such a plan, the major operational areas and scenarios the plan covers, stakeholders involved in the development of the plan, the training and understanding that stakeholders have on the plan and whether the plan is tested periodically. Societé Generalé Social Security Bank (SG-SSB) Limited was used as a case study. Data was collected via mailed questionnaire and oral interview with the BCP manager. 100 questionnaires were sent out and with a 69% response rate. Percentages, mean, variance and standard deviation were calculated from responses and inferences were drawn from them. The research findings revealed that SG-SSB has a business continuity plan in place which covers its major operations based on specific scenarios or incidents. It was also revealed that the company’s board of directors; senior Management; BCP manager; and staff were the main stakeholders involved in the development of the plan even though not every staff was involved. The company has programs and communication channels in place to train and inform staff so that they know their obligations and there is also a program to test the plan periodically in order to review and update it. All respondents affirmed the relevance of the BCP to financial institutions and the BCP manager stressed on the priority the bank places on the plan not only in meeting its parent company’s policies but for various reasons, pressures and demands in the financial industry.

Source: KNUST
Business ethics in the construction industry: a Comparative study of Nigerian and Ghanaian business Environments

Unethical conduct have been observed to be a major factor affecting the delivery of quality service and infrastructure in the construction sector of developing nations and these perceived unethical behaviours also vary from one society to another. The benefits that accrue from the construction industry to the GDP of developing nations cannot be over-emphasized. In view of the pivotal role that the construction industry plays in a nation, there have been calls for appropriate ethical conduct by all to ensure the desired objectives are met. This thesis highlights the comparison made between the perception of stakeholders and professionals in the construction industry of Nigeria and Ghana about the prevalence of unethical conducts in the industry. The comparisons have been based on the results of a research carried out through questionnaire survey administered in both countries. 100 questionnaires were administered in each country and the results analyzed using SPSS software. The results indicated that majority of the respondents from both countries agreed that unethical practices tend to increase the cost of construction and that government needs to intensify efforts in curbing the menace which include; bribery, unfairness in tendering process, over-billing, gifts and meals, compromise on quality, fraud and negligence of professional responsibility. This study recommends that there should be: less or no political interference in the entire contract award process, adherence to due process, and commitment to upholding ethical principles by all stakeholders and professionals alike.

Source: KNUST
Business failure in Ghana: the case of Ghana Airways Limited

Business Failure refers to the cessation of a company's operations following its inability to make profit or enough revenue to cover its operational costs. Ghana Airways Limited was a Ghana government airline established to be the national carrier in 1958. It was established as a business entity with the aim of making profit. The world over, companies contribute to national development and the well being of the citizens of the country. Ghana Airways as business entity went through so many changes just to stand on its feet. However, all efforts made could not provide the necessary results that the company needed to survive. The company finally folded up on 22nd June 2005. The research sought to ascertain the factors that caused the failure of the company. The researcher used personal interview for the data gathering. The entire workforce of the defunct company could not be contacted (this was of course impossible due to the scattered nature of the staff after the company had gone on liquidation). Therefore twenty ex-employees of the company and the official liquidator - Registrar General's Department and Pricewaterhouse Coopers were interviewed for information. The research proved that the main factor that brought Ghana Airways to its knees was government interference. Other factors such as poor management practices; lack of working capital, and the use of obsolete equipment also contributed to Ghana Airways failure. It was therefore concluded that the government should not interfere in organizations and give the management free hand to operate to make government companies achieve their goals. In private companies, good management practices, use of modern equipment and

Source: KNUST
The Business Plan Guide

The need for an appropriate method of business organization, and its associated advantages to the entrepreneur prompted this purpose of study. Most small scale entrepreneurs hardly bother with methodical and appropriate planning of their business schedules. “They often pursue their activities through basic instincts and a shrewd approach of knowing where to go or what is required”. This method though quite rewarding, can be much more successful if methodically planned and designed more professionally. Reasons necessitating such tactical planning results from advantages and rewards associated with it. The possibility of attaining prompt and positive response for assistance from financial houses, developing of new strategies in marketing, a clear and definate purpose of mission, and the pursuance of exploiting advantages with methodical planning are all essential needs of a small scale entrepreneur.

Source: KNUST
Business process reengineering in financial services sector: a case study of Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) Limited

With more and more banks entering the Ghanaian financial sector due to the stable political and macro- economic environment there has been the need for banks and other financial institutions in the financial services sector to come up with new products, services and processes in order to stay afloat. The competition has increased and the market has become very dynamic with more sophisticated consumers. Thus existing banks as well as new ones have to rethink and design products, services and processes that are efficient and cost effective with the aid of information communication technology to remain competitive and profitable. Employing quantitative (structured questionnaire) methods, one hundred and eighty (180) staff of Ghana Commercial Bank Limited was sampled. Out of this number 48% were females and 52% being males. The study therefore sought to find out how reengineering can contribute to improved performance and provide superior services that will continue to attract consumers and enable them to remain profitable. The research design used for the study is a descriptive survey and the result from the sample was used as the basis for discussions and conclusions. Even though return on assets and equity rose by 68% and 61% respectively in 2006 the second year of implementation the bank was not able to sustain this growth as it fell by 30% and 39% respectively in the ensuing year. This result show that the company enjoyed the benefits of reengineering in the early years of its implementation but as the years rolled by the benefits began to wane. The results further indicate that communication and an efficient feedback system as well as an effective and efficient change management system are crucial for the success of any reengineering project. The study thus recommends that the success of any business process reengineering must be the concern of all and that management being the leaders should be at the forefront in the drive for change and should be evident in their actions and this should be communicated clearly to all staff.

Source: KNUST