ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impact of microfinance on small scale businesses in the Accra metropolis.

Microfinance institutions are accredited to offer loans to small businesses to enable growth of their business and to accelerate economic growth. The study therefore examined the impact of microfinance on small businesses in Ghana. A cross-sectional design involving a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed as the design of the study. A quota sampling technique was used to sample three hundred and eighty (384) stakeholders from small businesses and microfinance companies in the Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA). Logistic regression analysis was performed where it was ascertained that loans from MFIs and Age of Business did not statistically significantly contribute to SME growth probably due to high interest rates charged by MFIs and high inflation, high cost of inputs, location of business, availability of stocks among others. However, Size of Business and Impact of Other Services offered by MFIs had a positive influence on SME growth. Similarly, other services offered by MFIs such as book keeping, stock taking, and savings caused some level of growth in SME operations. Further loan application analyses generally showed that most owners of SMEs who willingly applied for credit facilities from MFIs within the metropolis were granted and applicants have said that such assistance have been very beneficial in the growth of their businesses. The general conclusion from this study is that Microfinance businesses have positively impacted on the businesses of Small-Scale Enterprises in the Greater Accra Metropolis. MFIs must therefore review the terms of loans offered to SMEs to ensure positive effect of their loans on the growth of SMEs.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Microfinance on the Empowerment of Rural Women: A Case Study of Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region

The main objective of microfinance scheme or programme is to provide opportunity for the poor to access financial services in order to engage in income generating activities. This as it were, would lead to economic empowerment of the poor women who are deprived of the paid jobs. However, there has been a debate in recent times on whether these MFIs really provide the opportunity for women who forms majority of the poor all over the world to assess financial services thereby improving their welfare. The study therefore sought to assess whether products of MFIs have really contributed to the growth or otherwise of women entrepreneurs thereby empowering them economically. Simple random sampling techniques were employed in selecting the sample. The main research instruments used in the study were structured questionnaire and interview. The study revealed that even though MFIs have to some extent empowered rural women economically, its full benefit is yet to be realized by these women due to its high interest rate, inflexible payment schedule, group formation etc. It is therefore recommended that the interest rate should be reduced and be made known to the customers. And to make repayment flexible it is recommended that repayment be made in such a way that trusted members are given a payment per month instead of the two weeks payment. Again MFIs should continue to organize training programme for the women entrepreneurs. They should also embark on educational programmes on microfinance product. This would offer the client the opportunity to be familiar with the operations of MFIs.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Microfinance on the livelihoods of women in rural communities: A case study of Jaman South District, Ghana

The Ghanaian economy, like all developing economies, has about 52% of its population being women and mostly found in the rural areas (Asiama and Osei, 2008). Therefore there was the need to extend financial services to the rural communities in Ghana. This idea gave birth to the establishment of the Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) in Ghana. These banks targeted low income clients through the provision of small loans and other facilities like savings, insurance, transfer services to poor low-income household and microenterprises. The Jaman South District, one of the deprived districts in the Brong Ahafo Region, was selected to study the impact of Microfinance Institution (MFI) on the livelihoods of women in the area. A case study was adopted for the study. Primary and secondary sources of data collections methods were used as two sets of questionnaires were administered in the study; one each for clients of the MFI and the officials of the MFI. Combinations of purposive and convenient sampling methods were used to select the MFI and the clients for the study. The main findings were; that the presence of MFIs has contributed to large extend increased in access to credit and savings mobilization. This contributed in women’s ability to improve their petty trading, hence increase in their income, and subsequently led to good health and education for their families, acquisition of assets and taking part in household decision making. Based on the findings it is recommended that financial education be intensified to educate women on financial services. Also more MFIs should be encouraged to establish their branches in rural areas.

Source: KNUST
Impact Of Mining On Vegetation Cover: A Case Study Of Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality

ABSTRACT Land use and land cover (LULC) change, also known as land cover change is a general term for the human and physical modification of the earth’s terrestrial surface. LULC changes are the direct and indirect consequences of human actions to secure essential resources for a successful livelihood. It has therefore become very necessary to analyze such changes for the effective management of natural resources and the protection of our environment to ensure its continuous existence and usage. Anthropogenic factors such as urbanization, mining and population increase in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality are causing rapid changes to LULC. These factors and others are putting a lot of pressure on the forest vegetation and this has dire consequences on the availability and protection of the vegetative cover. In view of this, the study focused on assessing the impact of mining on vegetation cover with particular focus on Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality. Multi-spectral satellite images of the study area from 1986 to 2016 were spatially analyzed to identify the LULC change patterns. Modelling and analysis of these images were performed using Erdas Imagine Software and R. Six LULC classes were identified including: forest, open vegetation, cultivated areas, bare lands, built-up and mine sites. The results showed that during the period under study (1986-2016) there have been losses in forest, cultivated land and open vegetation while bare lands, built-up and mine sites have seen substantial increases. Also, an annual rate of change of 5% was realized within the 30-year period under study.

Source: KNUST
Impact of mining on air quality within the Hwini-Butre and Benso area in the Western Region of Ghana

Mining is one of the main sources of particulate matter contamination to the environment. A six-month study on the impact of mining on ambient air quality within the Huni-Butre and Benso mining concession area was carried out in the Mpohor Wassa East District of the Western Region, Ghana. Air quality samples were collected at six sampling sites between August 2010 and January 2011 using deposit gauge bottles (AS/NZS 3580) to sample dust fallout from the ambient air, and dusttrak Aerosol Monitor (8535) to determine real-time suspended dust concentrations. Dust fallouts were also analysed for total solids, insoluble solids, combustible solids and ash contents while the dusttrak aerosol monitor measured ambient PM10 concentrations. The levels of nuisance dust and mass concentrations of suspended particulate matter at Yayaho, Subriso, Ningo, Anlokrom, Mpohor Pentecost area and Mpohor Police station were determined. Results revealed that the levels of particulate matter, mainly suspended dust were above WHO threshold limit in some of the communities. Insoluble dust fallout values ranged between 3.6 mg/m2/month and 109.2 mg/m2/month, while suspended dust recorded values within 5.1μg/m3 and 74.0μg/m3. The highest PM10 was recorded at Yayaho and the minimum at Mpohor Police Station. Both short term and long term exposures to such particulate matter have serious health effects on the inhabitants of the area. The study brings to the fore the need for annual and daily fine particle monitoring and development of ambient air quality standards and targets for mining companies to help protect the health of populations of communities in these mining environments. Studies to assess the relationship between air pollution levels and health problems in mining communities have been recommended

Source: KNUST
The impact of mining operations on the respiratory health of miners at the Anglogold Ashanti (Obuasi) Limited

The adverse effects of underground gold mining on the respiratory health of the miners at AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi) was assessed through structured questionnaires, Sputum analysis using the Ziel-Neelsen Staining method and Respirable dust levels on a personal basis for an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) using cyclone filter sampling method. Most of the miners who participated in the study were relatively young men with a mean age of 41.2 years (range 29 55). The mean length of service was 14.8 years (range 3 — 32). The most frequent respiratory symptom reported was Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)(67.0%), closely followed by phlegm (sputum) production in approximately half of the population and cough was the least reported symptom (28.5%-37.7%). Smoking was not popular among the miners only 7.5% were smokers and mostly young men between the ages of 20-35 years. Dyspnoea was the most frequently reported symptoms amongst the smokers (68%). Chronic bronchitis was found to occur in about one-third of the population but Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) was not detected in the sputum samples analyzed, The mean 8-hour TWA of respirable dust was 0.40mg/rn3 and 60% exceeded the WHO Occupational Exposure Level (OEL) of 0.1mg/rn3- 0.2mg/rn3. Respirable dust exposure within most of the occupational groups was inordinately high since their mean TWAs were above the OEL. Supervisors and drillers were most at risk. The miners commonly used rags instead of prescribed respiratory equipment (RPE). These rags had no nominal protective factors hence; the effectiveness of exhaust ventilation remained the key to providing the mineworkers with protection against respirable dust exposure. This study has provided evidence that exposure to mine dust, at the levels of exposure observed, (mean TWA of O.4Omg/m3 and 60% exceedance of the WHO Occupational Exposure Limit) was associated with impairment of respiratory health. There was frequency in subjects reporting of work-related respiratory symptoms.

Source: KNUST
The impact of monetary compensation on employee retention in Ghana Health Service: a case study of Ghana Health Service in Central Region

The shortage of health professionals as a result of employee retention in Ghana is a major concern for people living in the country. The worry stems from the fact that health service delivery is labour intensive and human resource crisis adversely affects the quantity and quality of health services delivered to clients. For this reason, one wonders whether compensation has impacted on employee retention or not. The study emphasised on examining the influence of monetary compensation on employee retention within the Ghana Health Service located in Central Region of Ghana as a case study. In this study, a descriptive approach was adopted. The study relied on the census technique to collect views from the entire three hundred and forty one staff of the hospitals. In all, one hundred and seventy one (171) questionnaires were retrieved. The study made use of cross tabulation and frequencies in its data analysis. The study revealed that Health workers perceived monetary compensation through an increase in pay as a very important medium of retaining them in their various hospitals. However, less than half of the health workers were dissatisfied with the reduction in pay as a medium to affect employee retention. With regards to the alternative factors that motivated them, the health workers identified job security, work condition, supervision, recognition, decision-making, opportunities for advancement and organizational culture. It was therefore recommended that management should ensure the motivation of employees by developing conditions of service that will attract, develop and maintain employees in the various hospitals in the region.

Source: KNUST
The impact of monitoring and evaluation activities as a viable tool in the performance of the Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies: A Case Study of The Accra Metropolitan Assembly

Monitoring and evaluation has become a critical success factor in the operations of most organizations and could be a viable tool for sustained competitive advantage. Effective monitoring and evaluation activities help organizations to achieve value for money for their projects and programs, as well as ensures efficient utilization of the limited resources of the organization. The research attempted to discuss the effect of the activities of the monitoring and evaluation unit on the performance of Accra Metropolitan Assembly. The aim of the study is to access the impact of monitoring activities as a variable tool in the performance of the municipal metropolitan assembly. The study was conducted using both the random and the purposive sampling techniques with hundred (100) questionnaires distributed to potential respondents. Eighty-five (85) of questionnaires were returned and analysed for the results of the study. Directors, Heads of Departments, Project Coordinators, Line Managers and Supervisors and a random selection of Assembly members were interviewed and questionnaires administered to them to provide the needed information for the study. The results show that 45% of the respondents are of the view that effective practices are not being implemented on monitoring and evaluation at the Assembly, even though 70% of respondents agreed to the significant role played by the monitoring and evaluation activities on the performance of the Assembly. In addition, the results of the study indicated that (91%) of the participants agreed that activities of monitoring and evaluation are not restricted to specific departments or units in the Assembly but every departments of the Assembly. The results also show that fifty-seven (57%) affirmed that monitoring and activities enhances and promotes the image of the Assembly, while (68%) believe that monitoring and evaluation unit of the Assembly enjoys the support of top management. It is recommended that adequate funding, requisite training and effective communication and collaboration with all the various departments in the Assembly must be initiated to deal with the challenges of monitoring and evaluation at the Assembly. It is further recommended that future researchers should attempt a comparative study of monitoring and evaluation activities of both private and public institutions, as well as identifying best practices for effective monitoring and evaluation exercises.

Source: KNUST
Impact of motivation on employees’ performances: a case study of Ghana health service (Tafo government hospital)

Motivation is the most important factors influencing organizational performance. Employee motivation is one of the policies of managers to increase effectual job management amongst employees in organizations. The study sought to assess the effects of motivation on staff performance in the Health Services of Ghana, especially Tafo government hospital. The study employs a descriptive cross-sectional design using a mixed method approach (quantitative and qualitative research approach). The target population included staff and management of Tafo Hospital in Kumasi. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed to select 80 respondents for the study. Questionnaire on motivational strategies was administered to the staff of the hospital while Interviews (semi-structured) were used for management members Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used in the analysis of the quantitative data whiles thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings suggest that Motivational strategies adopted by the hospital have been effective in ensuring that there is Opportunity for Advancement and have not been effective in ensuring that there is a good salary for staff. Workers were not totally impressed with the working conditions of the organization and the motivational strategies employed have not been effective in ensuring that the organization has good working conditions for staff. Also, motivational strategies employed by the organization have facilitated a good working relationship between subordinates and superiors and that there is generally good relationship among workers at the organization as a result of the Motivational strategies employed. The Working Conditions, as well as Good Relationships with staff and subordinates, affected work output. The Challenges identified were related to Finance, Organizational structures and Nature of Work. The Management of the hospital should ensure that the strategies that they adopted to motivate the staff of the hospital are effective.

Source: KNUST
Impact of Motivation on Employee Retention: A Case Study of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited

The retention of human resources has been shown to be momentous to the development and the accomplishment of the organization’s goals and objectives. Retention of employees can be a vital source of competitive advantage for any organization. Employee departures can have a significant effect on the execution of business plans and may eventually cause a parallel decline in productivity. The primary aim of this study was to discover the impact of motivation on the retention of employees. A total of 180 respondents were selected for this study using the simple random sampling method. The survey questionnaire was designed to collect data from respondents. The result of the study shows that motivational factors such as salary and fringe benefits were rated as most important to the workforce of the bank followed by job security and relationship with co-workers. The three strategies rated most important to the workforce are recognition, training opportunities, openness and trust, promotional opportunities, and effective communication. Considering the major findings from the research, it is recommended that management put in place structures that will bring about an improvement in the salaries of workers. Fringe benefits such as free medical care, transportation, canteen services etc should be provided. Furthermore, it is suggested that management encourages their employees to take courses such as distance learning, correspondence courses etc, to help improve job satisfaction. It is envisaged, that this study will lead to increased awareness of retention processes among managers and the need for further research in the subject area.

Source: KNUST
The impact of motivation on productivity at Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana; Kumasi Plant

Motivation is one management principle that when properly managed, creates delighted employees. A lot of study and research has also proven that delighted employees give out their best in the workplace. However, many employers and managers do not value the impact of employee motivation on productivity. As such, in trying to increase productivity, they ignore motivation and resort to other factors such as employee competencies, process efficiency and effectiveness, technology deployment, innovation, organisational learning, and others. The study was conducted at the Kumasi plant of Coca Cola Bottling Company Limited to determine the impact of motivation on productivity. To reveal the kind of motivational factors available to employees and their attractiveness. Also, {o determine the kind of relationship that motivation has with productivity. Two questionnaires were administered, one to the workers which took the form of providing written answers to the questions. The other was to the managers which took the form of a face to face interview. The study showed that, the managers know what motivates the workers. As such they create an enabling environment that helps to motivate the employees. Such as allowing for participation in decision making, creating opportunities for career progress, providing a satisfactory working environment and others. Employee motivation at Coca-Cola has been increasing for the past five years as well as the productivity of the workers. The study showed that, Motivation has a positive impact on Productivity. Because the employees have been motivated, their productivity has been increasing. The study revealed that Motivation has a direct relationship on productivity. After a careful analysis of the results and findings the study came out with recommendations that will help highly motivate the employees to increase productivity to a higher level. They include the setting of realistic targets, ensuring equity in the motivational factors given, providing needed logistics and linking t all rewards to performance. However, the study further shown that, there are times when productivity does not increase as expected even though employee motivation was good or has increased. Signifying that, all other things being equal, productivity is not influenced only by motivation. As such to increase productivity, managers should harness motivation with other productivity drivers

Source: KNUST
The impact of monetary and non-monetary incentives on employee’s motivation: a case of non-teaching staff of Kumasi Polytechnic.

Successful corporate strategies are those executed well by management, however, the execution of the strategies itself rest on the employees involvement in the processes of the business. It is therefore important for management to have a good understanding of factors that influence employees to be motivated in carrying out the necessary task and achieve or exceed management expectation. The study was conducted in Kumasi Polytechnic among the non-teaching staff. The sampling method used was the purposive or judgmental sampling. Questionnaires were distributed to 144 non-teaching staff. The data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study shows that the monetary incentives used in Kumasi Polytechnic consist of Merit Pay, Bonuses, Salaries and wages, Gain sharing, Accommodation Loan and Scholarship. Whiles the non-monetary incentives consist of Job Promotion, Career Development, Recognition and Fringe Benefit. The study also revealed that generally, the non-teaching staff of Kumasi Polytechnic are motivated. Furthermore, the study revealed that both monetary and non-monetary incentives have impact on motivation, however those that have significant impact were salaries and wages and Merit pay for monetary incentives and crèche for non-monetary. In addition, the study revealed that challenges faced in employee motivation include management not knowing what motivate employee at each time therefore failing to provide what motivates them most. The study recommended that those monetary and non-monetary incentives that have significant impact on employee motivation should be reinforced to enable employees give out their best.

Source: KNUST