ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Investigating the prevalence of Conflicting Land Court Judgments (CL-CJ):- Case study of Greater Accra

Since the distant past, there has been a growing perception of increasing occurrences of seeming conflicting Land-Court Judgements (CL-CJ). Apart from resulting in prolonged conflicts, conflicting Land – Court Judgements also have adverse effects on implementation of land Administration and Management in Ghana. The causes of these could be varied. This study investigates some major causes and the prevalence of such conflicting land court judgements from respondents of the judiciary, land administration policy makers, land managers, professional surveyors, and private land owners. A purposive sampling approach, through the use of un-structured interview guide was used in administering of questionnaires and interviews. The data was quantitatively analysed through the use of Microsoft Excel tables and charts to interpret results. Potential causes of conflicting land-court judgements were categorised into six groups with their percentage frequencies, as inconsistent systems – 31%; undue influences – 11%; wrong documentation – 27%; un-researched professionals – 4%; wrong boundaries – 19%; and fake documentation – 8%. The prevalence of conflicting land-court judgements was found to be 44% of selected resolved land cases for the period of the study (1960-1999). An updatable geodatabase of land judgment information was developed and incorporated into a LandJudgment Information Management System (L-JIMS). A cartographic model developed was used to facilitate the prevention and detection of CL-CJ, it also helped in the review of already existing cases in the Lands records. The thesis recommends the use of cadastral plans for all land litigations and legal proceedings in the superior courts (high, appeal, and supreme), the use of specialised jury benches for land adjudication and the use of a Land Judgment Information Management System (LJIMS) to check judgements against existing ones prior to ruling or review.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the Production of Auto – Antibodies at Different Stages of B Cell Development

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is associated with the production of anti -nuclear autoantibodies. The production of class switched IgG autoantibodies is important in the pathology of the disease. Understanding autoantibody production and the mechanism by which these B cells escape from tolerance is crucial in studying SLE. Recently, a study showed that similar to mature B-cells, immature B-cell also undergo class switch recombination(CSR) and express the enzyme activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) which is required for CSR. Based on this result, it could be suggested that anti-nuclear IgG autoantibodies are produced at early B-cell development. To test this hypothesis, an auto-immune mouse model, 564Igi-AIDtg is used to determine the developmental stage at which class switched autoantibodies are produced. The 564Igi mouse has an anti-RNA antibody gene knocked-in the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy and light gene loci. These mice are on an AID-deficient background and contain an inactive GFP-AID transgene where AID is only functional once GFP gene is excised by cre recombinase. Since CD21 B-cell surface marker is expressed on mature B-cells, while CD19 is expressed throughout B-cell development, by crossing the 564Igi-AIDtg with a cre+ mouse where the cre recombinase is under the CD21 or CD19 promoter, AID can be expressed in different B-cell stages. My results show that most of the 564Igi CD21cre unlike the 564Igi CD19cre mice do not have RNA binding antibodies and do not make antibody staining nucleoli. This observation suggests that immature B cells make class switched anti-RNA and idiotype positive IgG2a and IgG2b self -reactive antibodies.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the project management planning practices used by Churches: the case of construction of Chapels in the Obuasi Metropolis.

The construction of the Chapels requires effective project planning practices to improve on the performance of projects executed by churches. The popularity and wide usage of project planning practices has been obvious in numerous sectors. However, very little is heard about project planning practices in churches. Hence the study aimed at assessing the project management planning practices used in Congregational Chapel construction projects. With this aim, three objectives were set which were to identify the project planning practices used by churches in the construction of chapel projects, to identify the project planning Practices currently adopted by Churches in the construction of Chapels and to identify the challenges confronting project planning practices in the construction of Chapels. The study adopted the quantitative research strategy in which structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to charismatic churches registered in the Obuasi Municipality. As at the time of study, there were 227 Charismatic registered churches in the Obuasi Municipality according to Christian Council of Churches, Obuasi Metropolis. A sample of seventy (70) was attained using the Yamane formula hence, seventy (70) questionnaires were distributed whiles fifty (50) were retrieved for the analysis. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and mean score ranking. From the analysis, it was found that despite the fact that churches in the Obuasi municipality followed some planning practices, there were a couple of them due to challenges and difficulties they were not able to adopt such planning practices in the course of making plans for construction of their chapels. The study concluded that, some of the churches lack knowledge in project planning practices as well as the entire project management practices. The study recommended that churches should strive to employ professional project managers to be on their boards since there is the need to open branches of the churches in several towns in the region and across the country.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the Pharmacogenetic Basis of Nevirapine-Induced Cutaneous Reactions among Selected HIV Patients in Ghana

Nevirapine (NVP) is a potent nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, widely prescribed for the treatment of HIV-1 infections, as part of HAART treatment in developing countries. The use of NVP, however, is linked to some mild to severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of which various skin reactions and liver toxicities are notable. Major NVP-related hypersensitivity reactions have been associated with various mutations in cytochrome P450 enzymes and HLA alleles but these associations are yet to make their translations into clinical usefulness. As more pharmacogenetic associations are established, it may soon become necessary that patients be offered genetic testing prior to NVP treatment to reduce their risk of developing these related ADRs — as in the case of Abacavir hypersensitivity. HLA class I and II molecules, by means of their extraordinary high polymorphic nature, have and continue to pose great challenges to high resolution HLA typing using current available methods. In the present study, HLA-A and -B genes from a Ghanaian HIV population were typed by Sanger sequence-based typing (SBT) using locus-specific PCR. Following BLAST analysis in the IPD-IMGT/HLA database, 10% of HLA-A and 28.6% HLA-B samples typed were successfully assigned genotypes at the allele-level, whereas 83.3% HLA-A and 64.3% HLA-B genotypes were successfully assigned to the serotype level. The majority of alleles typed were ambiguous at the allele-level resolution. These results reflect the current state of HLA typing by SBT using locus-specific PCR and further corroborates the need to: a) augment locus-specific PCR with sequence-specific primers (SPPs) and/or sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOPs), b) incorporate sequences from outside the peptide binding regions for HLA typing, and c) opt for higher DNA sequencing resolving power as provided by next generation sequencing. No significant association was found between alleles observed and NVP-induced rash in this study but allele frequency distribution between the rash and tolerant groups may suggest different alleles are involved in NVP-rash among Ghanaian population — although this requires further testing.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the potential of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for infrastructure development at Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA)

Local government procurement systems in Ghana do operate in rather challenging and complex political, economic, cultural, religious and technological context. Roads and housing gaps exist perennially with demand far outstripping its provision. With the continual dwindling of government finances and other demands being made on scarce resources, PPP seems a viable alternative for infrastructure development at the local government level. This Study was therefore conducted to investigate the potential for this approach to infrastructure procurement to succeed given the characteristics of the local government system. Primary data were collected with questionnaires administered to respondents from some MMDAs in the Ashanti region. The key respondents selected from the MMDAs were the following critical stakeholders: Procurement Officer, Finance Officer, Planning Officer and the Chief Executive. The collected data from the key respondents was examined, categorized and tabulated using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).The findings showed that national development priority was rated as a factor highly related to the implementation of PPPs in MMDAs. Expansion of economic activities, economic feasibility of projects and reforming procurement of public projects were rated as related factors for the PPP success. The very critical need factors for PPP in MMDAs are more infrastructure facility needs the complication of state budget constraint, restricted recourses to public financing. State capital locked up in investment and high public service overheads were also rated as critical imperatives for utilizing PPP in infrastructural development. Limited private sector capacity to execute PPP projects and lack of trust between the public and private sectors were rated very critical barriers to the implementation of PPP projects. To establish private interest and trust in PPP, the study recommends the need to entrench the principles of transparency in PPP projects.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the record keeping practices of small and micro scale enterprises in Sunyani municipality.

The role of Small-scale Enterprises (SSEs) in socio-economic development as a means for generating sustainable employment and income is increasingly recognized. The study focused on investigating the records keeping practices of Small and Micro Scale Enterprises at Sunyani Municipality. The study made use of a descriptive survey design using a quantitative approach which was completed with administration of questionnaires. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 100 respondents for this research and it involved a crosssectional study of individuals who operate Small Scale Enterprises within the Sunyani Municipality. The findings revealed that majority of Small Scale Enterprises at Sunyani Municipality are into retailing. Also, a large section of the respondents had operated their business for between 1 to 5 years and majority of the respondents had between 1-5 employees. Small Scale Enterprises operators use Petty Cash as kind of records kept and use papers to keep records. The benefits of record keeping practices are that, record keeping enable Small Scale Enterprises operators to settle their debts, enable them to pay salaries, to purchase some equipment’s/materials needed to run their businesses, to meet daily expenses, to pay their rent, to expand their business and to determine whether or not their business is operating at a profit. The major factors responsible for the failure of SSBs to keep proper books of accounts are because keeping records is time consuming, it is expensive to hire qualified accountant as well as most Small Scale Enterprises operators lack knowledge in accounting. The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) with support from Government and NGOs should assist the Small Scale Enterprises operators to keep proper records by organizing training or some form of education for them.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the relationship between sources of finance and small & medium enterprise growth: the role of financial literacy

The study examines the relationship between sources of finance and the growth of small and medium enterprises, as well as the role that financial literacy plays. The research objectives include investigating the effects of personal savings, retained earnings, bank loans, and support from family and friends on SME growth in the Kumasi metropolis. Additionally, the study aims to explore the moderating effect of financial literacy on the relationship between sources of finance and SME growth in the Kumasi Metropolis. This theory employed the resource-based view theory. A sample size of 135 was considered for the study. The study employed a random sampling technique. The findings showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between source of finance and SME growth. The study revealed that there is a significant and positive relationship between the source of finance and SME growth in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study concludes that the level of financial literacy among SME owners or managers can either enhance or diminish the impact of the source of finance on SME growth. The following recommendations are made based on the research objectives: It is strongly recommended that organizations initiate comprehensive programs comprising workshops, seminars, and online courses. These initiatives should aim to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for making informed financial decisions, effective budget management, and a solid grasp of fundamental financial concepts. To ensure the effective application of acquired financial knowledge and skills, organizations should establish transparent and user-friendly internal financial reporting systems. These systems aim to enable employees to readily access and understand financial information, fostering a culture of heightened financial awareness and responsibility. Also, by encouraging fresh ideas and exploring innovative avenues to enhance products, services, or operational processes, smes can adapt to evolving market dynamics and remain competitive

Source: KNUST
Investigating the relationship between organisational culture and employee performance: the moderating role of organisational leadership

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between organizational culture and employee performance, with a focus on the moderating role of organizational leadership. The sample size of the study consisted of 200 staff members from CSIR-FORIG, out of a population size of 350. A structured close-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 and presented in tables showing the means and standard deviation. The study revealed that organizational beliefs, norms, and values significantly impact employee performance. Specifically, the study found that strong belief systems, religious activities, and morale support programs positively impact employee performance. Outcome orientation, promoting trust among employees, and providing a stabilized culture were identified as significant norms that enhance employee performance. Additionally, innovation, valuing human resources, and fostering unity among employees were found to be important organizational values that positively affect employee performance. The study also found that organizational leadership has a significantly positive effect on employee performance and that it moderates the relationship between organizational culture and employee performance. The study recommends that management establish morale support programs, promote trust among employees, and provide a stabilized culture to enhance employee performance.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the relationship between tax officials and taxpayers: a study of domestic tax revenue division of the Ghana Revenue Authority in the Kumasi Metropolis

In December 2009, the Ghana Revenue Authority (G.R.A) was established and was committed to ensure efficiency in revenue mobilization. After the merger, little is known about the relationship that now exists between the tax official and the taxpayer. This study sought to look at the relationship whether improved or not in the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (D.T.R.D) of the G.R.A in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study was a cross-sectional explorative study of 200 individual taxpayers who have traded for two or more years with active files in the Kumasi metropolis and who were sampled using proportional allocation method of random sampling from each of the trading areas: Allabar, Roman Hill, Central Market and Kejetia. Appropriate statistical analyses such as frequencies, chi-square and logistic regression were employed. Results of the study revealed a positive relationship between taxpayers and tax officials. The bivariate analysis using cross-tabulation revealed that due payment of tax, tax process explanation, tolerance, collaboration and cooperation, knowledge of uses of taxes, knowledge of tax system, demand of money to reduce tax, demand of money to examine tax returns, patience, display of professionalism, politeness and preferential treatment significantly relates to taxpayers perception of their relationship with tax officials. The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that only due or prompt payment of taxes and knowledge of tax system made a unique statistically significant contribution to predicting a positive relationship between taxpayers and tax officials. The study recommends that tax authorities put persuasive measures in place to raise tax morale and also take tax education serious to increase the level of knowledge of taxpayers.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the saving habits of trotro drivers in Kumasi metropolis of Ghana.

Savings play an important role in economic growth and development of countries. The ultimate role played by savings in enhancing livelihoods of individuals and promoting sustainable economic growth through investment cannot be overemphasized. This role has drawn much attention in academic and policy discussions. However, much is not known regarding the savings habits of Trotro drivers in Ghana. This study sought to investigate the savings habit of Trotro drivers in Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to identify reasons or motives for saving among these Trotro drivers, barriers to savings, factors that will cause non-savers to save and finally to examine the relationship between saving and socioeconomic characteristics of the Trotro drivers. A sample of 400 drivers was selected from Sofoline, Tech Junction and Agogo in the Kumasi metropolis. Descriptive analysis and the probit regression were employed as the estimation techniques. The study showed that purchasing of expensive items in the future, safeguarding unexpected contingencies and financing of children education are the major reasons for saving. The study further showed that some of the Trotro drivers do not save due to high number of dependents and low income. It was also revealed that the factors that will cause non-savers to save are increase in income, high return on saving and fewer dependents. Finally, the study revealed that there is a negative relationship between age categorical variables, marital status, income categorical variables, educational categorical variables and saving. There was also a positive relationship between household size and saving. Given that some of the Trotro drivers do not save, the study recommended that financial literacy programs be offered to drivers to improve their knowledge on the importance of saving. This will not only motivate them to save to improve their living standards but also increase saving mobilization in the country to aid developmental projects.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the socio-economic effects of the single spine salary structure on teachers.

The low or uncompetitive salary and incentives to teachers is a major contributory factor to the abysmally poor learning achievements of primary and secondary students. Prior to the introduction of the single spine salary structure (SSSS), the Ghana Public Service have been operating over one hundred separate salary structures. The SSSS policy seeks to ensure that the public sector remuneration structure is rational, equitable, transparent and sustainable. Essentially, the policy involves placement of all public sector employees listed in Article 190 of the 1992 Constitution on unified salary structure known as single spine salary structure. A total of one hundred and sixty-five respondents were surveyed for this study. The cluster sampling technique was adopted and data collected with a structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed with SPSS. The study revealed that teachers lacked understanding of the policy on Single Spine Salary Structure. It also concluded that teachers are not getting the best out of the new policy introduced as compared to other professionals. Lack of motivation and job satisfaction are the main factors that hinder the social, economic and job performance of teachers. It is therefore recommended that the government, through the Ministry of Education takes a critical look at teacher remuneration and other incentive packages in order promote teachers’ recruitment and retention. It can also be concluded that, teaching even though is experiencing a remuneration problem, it is still appealing to most young people and that the most significant factor that affected both teacher recruitment and retention was employee remuneration.

Source: KNUST
Investigating the suitability of Hibiscus Sabdariffa calyx extract as colouring agent for paediatric syrups

Effects of temperature, light and pH on formulated paediatric syrups: - Paracetamol, Chloroquine phosphate, Diphenhydramine and Paediatric cough linctus, using Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract as colouring agent, were investigated. Paediatric syrups formulated with amaranth as colouring agent, and used as a standard in the experiments, had comparable stabilities with Hibiscus sabdariffa at room temperature and at 370C Stabilities of the paediatric syrups on exposure to light showed that syrups. Chloroquine phosphate and Diphenhydramine were stable, whether coloured with amaranth or with Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract. Syrups Paracetamol and Paediatric Cough Linctus were unstable on exposure to light, hence the need to protect from light by use of amber bottles. pH stability for syrups coloured with Hibiscus sabdariffa extract was poor compared with those coloured with amaranth. Formulations buffered at pH 5.0 showed marked stability over the four month test period. Microbiological tests performed on Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract proved to have antimicrobial properties, but very little anti-fungal action. Methanolic extract of H. sabdariffa had better anti- microbial activity. The colour value of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract was determined and found to be within the BP range of not less than 0.25. The colour value for Hibicus sabdariffa being found to be 0.26. That of amaranth was 0.46. Hibicus sabdariffa extract retained its colour value within BP standards for up to six months. The macroscopic, microscopic and physico-chemical properties of both test and standard colour agents were also investigated and found to have effects on colour stability. Colour extact from Hibiscus sabdarrifa calyces was found to be a suitable colouring agent for the four paediatric syrups, at room temperature and at 370C; and when stored in amber bottles, and buffered at pH 5.0

Source: KNUST