ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Towards effective management of rural roads in Ghana - the case of Ejura-Sekyedumasi Ddistrict

Rural roads are indisputably a necessary ingredient of nearly every aspect of socio-economic development. It is a catalyst for inducing rural development. The relationship between transport and development, especially rural development, is a subject. of considerable importance and should be emphasized in most development efforts. In spite of their importance, rural roads in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi District are plagued by lack of funds for maintenance, financially and technically weak road sector institutions at the district level and consequently, a large backlog of rehabilitation work has built up. The objectives of the study were: (1) to examine the management of rural roads in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi District; (2) to investigate the role of Ejura-Sekyedumasi District Assembly in the financing and management of rural roads; (3) to assess the role of the other locally-based stakeholders in the management of rural roads; and (4) to make recommendations for an effective management of transport infrastructure at the district level. The methodology employed for the research was a case study approach. Data used for the research entailed primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected with the help of structured questionnaire and the Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) method. In selecting the sample proportion for the research, the multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted. The first-stage sampling involved the stratification of the settlements and the second-stage sampling involved the selection of household heads from the stratified settlements. The selection criteria for the settlements were based on the following: i. population; ii. accessibility; and iii. major crops produced. A random sampling technique was applied for the second-stage sampling to select a sample size of 274 household heads, which is 0.3 per cent of the district’s 1996 total projected population of 91,391. For the secondary data collection, official reports, census reports and transportation- related archival materials were consulted. The study clearly indicates that the management of rural roads in Ejura-Sekyedumasi District cannot be handled only by the Department of Feeder Roads and the Government of Ghana. Other stakeholders should be involved. The GPRTU, the District Assembly and the community at large are all interested parties who can be involved in the management of rural roads in the district. Against this background, the ideal management framework should incorporate a blend of the Department of Feeder Roads and all the stakeholders’ expertise. The study therefore recommends that for management of rural roads to be effective, it must be comprehensive and co-ordinated with other aspect of the overall development planning process, and must also meet the requirements of the local population at large.

Source: KNUST
Towards effective management of faith-based organisations: A case study of baptist relief and development agency.

This research intends to discover if faith- based organizations are being managed in accordance with both conventional and biblical management principles to ensure sustainability and growth. To achieve our purpose for the research we investigated why faith-based organizations are not able to attract and retain quality human resource, and also cannot attract funding for the projects they have embarked on to meet the socio-economic needs of the communities. The Baptist Relief and Development Agency (BREDA) of the Ghana Baptist Convention was used as a case study and, as such, critically examined. The research revealed a poor human resource management and development at BREDA in terms of recruitment, compensation or remuneration, and training. This has happened because BREDA has no staff conditions of service of its own and has to depend on the service conditions of the Ghana Baptist Convention. It was also discovered that BREDA does not manage its own finances because it is seen as a unit of the Ghana Baptist Convention. The staff of BREDA are not well paid which is a disincentive and has led to a high labour turn-over. Since the Ghana Baptist Convention recruits staff for BREDA based on its financial position, there is understaffing at the project sites. Another problem is that of spreading projects across the country which has made supervision difficult for the Director and the programmes’ officer, both of whom are based at the head office in Accra. This thesis argues that in order to effectively manage faith-based organizations like BREDA, they should be devoid of undue denominational influence and be managed in accordance with basic management principles and practices that have their parallels in the Bible. BREDA as an organization should be autonomous to ensure effective and efficient human resource, project and financial management. This will empower the Director of BREDA to take initiatives and responsibility for such decisions.

Source: KNUST
Towards equitable distribution of socio-economic facilities for local level development: a case study of the Ejura-Sekyedumasi district in Ghana

Bridging the development gap between districts and people is a major concern in Ghana’s current development policy. Despite the fact that Ghana’s vision of becoming a middle income country by 2020 calls for the adoption of fast growth strategies which have the potential for further increasing the inequality gap, the distribution of resources in the districts for development still favour the relatively developed areas. In the light of this problem, this study is aimed at providing a framework for equitable distribution of resources for local level development. The study, based on distribution of resources in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi District, delineated Service Deficient Areas and Service Accessible Areas on the basis of degree of accessibility to socioeconomic facilities. An analysis of the district’s spatial pattern of public budget allocation was carried out. This revealed that high access zones receive relatively more of the district’s development budget than low access zones. Analysis of development expenditure per head revealed that a person in the Ejura zone, a high access zone, received more than eight times what a person in Ebuom, a low access zone received. In order to investigate the extent to which lack of access to facilities affect the welfare of the people, welfare status of households in Service Deficient Areas was compared with that of households in Service Accessible Areas. The study revealed among other things, that, the average monthly income of households in Service Accessible Areas is more than double that of households in Service Deficient Areas. It was also found out that although there is not much difference in the rate of sickness of household members, households in Service Deficient Areas do not seek medical attention as frequently as those in the Service Accessible Areas. Furthermore, households in the Service Deficient Area have limited access to facilities whilst those in the Service Accessible Area have high access to facilities. Based on the findings of the study a framework for equitable distribution of development funds amongst the administrative zones of the district was proposed to restructure the spatial economy and promote development of the entire district.

Source: KNUST
Towards increased food crop production in Ghana through effective irrigation policy; (a case study of the Anum Vally Irrigation Project Nobewem)

The ability of irrigation schemes to increase yield per hectare, reduce the risk assignable to the weather as well as hold the lid on migration and thus contributing to social stability makes them endear themselves to agriculturalists, planners and politicians Irrigation development and practice in Ghana since independence has been guided by policies issued under various governments. These policies have been predicated on the philosophy of high-tech designs and elaborate administrative structures managed by government bureaucracies. The schemes were therefore characterised by high capital and operating costs and inefficient management so the promised banquet to the farmer and the country as a whole turned out to be a picnic. In order to correct these bottlenecks a new policy framework was issued by Government which emphasised on the development of small scale farmer-managed irrigation schemes. A case study of the Anum Valley Irrigation Project, which is one of the projects established under the new policy, revealed that output per hectare is quite higher (i.e. average of 3.6 tonnes per hectare paddy rice) compared with 2.0 tonnes per hectare paddy rice on the large scale schemes at their best. However, problems concerned with efficient management, weak database, lack of local expertise in irrigation development as well as sheer neglect of the socioeconomic issues involved in irrigation development were identified as some weakness in the current irrigation policy framework which are hindering the effective development of the project. Recommendations for policy intervention to deal with the problems are suggested.

Source: KNUST
Towards Improved Quality and Performance of Cold-Mix Asphalts for Bituminous Pavement Maintenance in Ghana

Premature failure and poor performance of cold-mix asphalts (CMAs) used in pothole patching and sectional repairs on bituminous roads are very common in Ghana, and yet, for a long time, the problem has remained unaddressed while the material continues to be used. There is, therefore, the need to improve the quality of cold-mix asphalts used in the country in order to achieve a more successful and durable product in road maintenance. To this end, Ghana’s Ministry of Transportation (MOT) Standard Specification for Road and Bridge Works (2007) was reviewed alongside three foreign specifications on CMAs, namely, Asphalt Institute MS 19 (1997), Chevron USA Incorporated Procedure and Nikolaides Specification (1994), to establish possible commonalities and areas of deviations that could impact the field performance of the material. Also, samples from ready-to-use CMA stockpiles at six contractor sites across the country, and failed road patches were investigated. Further, a series of dense-graded cold-mix asphalts, with simplified material proportioning ratios, were proposed and investigated for adoption and use. Lastly, potential improvement in CMA properties, using montmorillonite nanoclay filler, was explored. It was established that Ghana’s MOT Specification lacked specificity and clarity on the subject of CMAs. In the case of the other Specifications, though variations in mixture design and testing protocols existed, there appeared to be a general consensus on the use of different aggregate gradation structures that lead to high field performance. The asphalt contents of the cold-mix asphalt samples taken from the field tended to range between 3% and 6%, with emulsion mixes having the lower values. In addition, the aggregate structures of the mixes were poor, consisted essentially of single-size aggregates with uniformity coefficient values that ranged between 1 and 4. Some specimens compacted in the laboratory disintegrated during conditioning for stability and flow test, suggesting a lack of stickiness and cohesion within the compacted matrix. It, therefore, appears that the early failures characterizing cold-mix asphalts used in maintenance works in the country could be due principally to inadequate aggregate structure and low binder content of the mixes. For improved cold-mix quality, five aggregate gradation blends that meet GHA dense grading requirements, together with the corresponding emulsionto- aggregate ratio, for easy material batching in the field, have been proposed. Montmorillonite nanoclay used as filler increased the optimum bitumen content and improved the stability of the cold-mixes but resulted in significantly high flows. This suggests that their use in cold-mix asphalts has the potential to induce plastic behaviour and render the mixes more rut-susceptible, especially at high temperatures.

Source: KNUST
Towards managing cocoa waste in Ghana

Cocoa plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the country, however, emphasis on the crop is so far in the processing of cocoa beans; the rest of the fruit is considered as waste at the production sites. The study was carried out to identify and quantify the parts that are currently considered waste in the preparation and processing of cocoa bean and to ascertain some of the qualitative characteristics of the waste to see what use could be made of them Field survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was undertaken and laboratory analysis conducted to gather information pertaining to the study. The study revealed that the preferred variety of cocoa cultivated by the farmers is the hybrid, while the amelonado and amezonia varieties are cultivated on smaller scale. It was found that waste products generated on the farm during the extraction of cocoa bean were: diseased fruit, pulp sweatings, placenta and husk. On the other hand, cocoa bean shell, gum and free fatty acid are the main waste products from the cocoa bean processing plant in Ghana. The XRD and AAS analysis indicate that the placenta is rich in potassium and phosphate, while the husk is rich in potassium. Thus the placenta when ashed could be used for fertilizer production, while the husk could be used for soap production. A lesser use of the husk as an ingredient for jam production was also identified because of pectin its content (6%).

Source: KNUST
Towards rationalisation of the social industry for equity: a comparative analysis of the schemes in Ghana

The provision of Social Protection in Ghana, though has seen years of attempts and experience, is still yet to master its budding issues. Pensioners at best could be described as survivors while potential consumers of social security have the least confidence in it. The basic schemes include the Civil Service Pension Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSN[T), the Ghana Universities Superannuation Scheme (GUSS), Employers Schemes, and other Private Insurance Schemes. The study has revealed that none of the schemes provides adequate services for its consumers and the means of ensuring an equitable scheme supported by viable investment opportunities and contributions from current workers are in a fix. The need to establish a systematic and reliable process for ensuring equitable contribution and provide adequate means to sustain pensioners is the concern of this research. It concludes that for an adequate provisions of social protection and a sustainable equitable contribution there is the need to adopt a tripartite, where the government, providers, consumers will form a partnership in this endeavour.

Source: KNUST
Towards revenue maximization: a case study of Ghana Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS)

The collection of tax is fraught with many malpractices by both the collectors and the tax payers. This leads to the loss of revenue to the Government The method and administration of taxation in Ghana cannot be left out in considering factors that precipitate the loss of revenue, by way of noncompliance by tax payers In this study, Ghana Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) was used as case study to focus on administrative and operational practices such as the method of imposition of tax rates, provision of logistics and motivation, and the identification of tax evasion activities with a view to prescribing solutions to the above problems and recommending strategies for revenue maximization. Secondary data was obtained from the service headquarters whiles questionnaires were administered to Importers/Clearing Agents and CEPS officials to collect views on reasons for tax evasion and other non-compliant practices. The study has revealed most of the tax evasion strategies used by Importers and Clearing Agents. For instance, it was discovered that among the major strategies used are the falsification of import clearance documents and the diversion of warehoused goods The study also revealed among others the Optimum Import Duty rates applicable to certain selected commodities, such as Electrical and Tobacco products. i.e. 15.4% and 21.6% respectively These optimum rates do not only compel Importers to be tax compliant, but also yield maximum revenues It has also revealed the grievances of CEPS officials and the reasons for their connivance with some Importers to evade tax. Most CEPS officials cited various reasons for their involvement in tax evasion. Among them are poor working conditions and low levels of salaries and motivation. It was also observed that delays and frustrations are some of the reasons why most Importers/Clearing Agent bribes CEPS officials in order to have their goods cleared quickly. This results in familiarization between the two, followed by trust and finally plots and conspiracies to dupe the nation of several millions of cedis through tax evasion. Another interesting observation was that tax evasion is enhanced by the constant pressure and stress on CEPS officials as a result of the substantial work load and long hours of work without break. These conditions make the CEPS officials reluctant to carry out intensive scrutiny of documents and examination of cargo. Finally, recommendations for revenue maximization were made

Source: KNUST
Towards the achievement of affordable housing in Ghana; the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS)

The aim of this study was to investigate the prospects of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in the provision of affordable housing in Ghana. Data were gathered from a total of 44 architects and quantity surveyors through a questionnaire survey. The data was analysed with descriptive statistics using frequencies and percentages and a Relative Agreement Index (RAI) model. Analysis of the data revealed significant economic impacts of using EPS. The highly rated impacts were that "EPS enhances speed of construction", "EPS reduces construction period", "EPS provides durability of project" and "EPS enhances waste reduction", with respective RAI values of 0.909, 0.905, 0.859 and 0.850. The relatively high RAI values implied a positive economic impact of the use of EPS as being a cost effective technology. Building cost estimations revealed a significant difference in cost of a building using block work and the one using EPS panels resulting from the relatively high cost of the block work component and the concrete component. The total estimated cost of the structural system was 37.6% higher than that of the EPS building. The results further showed knowledge of EPS among the general public was low as indicated by about 66% of the respondents. Surprisingly, about 45% and 43% of the respondents further indicated that design professionals’ knowledge of EPS was average and low respectively. This had translated into a low adoption rate of EPS for housing within the Ghanaian construction industry. The study concludes that the prospects of EPS in providing affordable housing lies in its marked economic benefits given the widespread need of housing requirement in the country. However, limited knowledge of EPS and its widespread unavailability are notable challenges to its adoption and as such the study recommends that professional and public education of EPS should be enhanced to increase the knowledge, awareness and confidence in EPS for providing affordable housing in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Towards The Millenium Development Goal 5: Assessing The Quality Of Supervised Delivery In The Ga West District, Ghana.

Child birth is of special value to both men and women in Ghana. Meanwhile childbearing is associated with high maternal mortality in Ghana. To achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5- improve maternal health by reducing the deaths by three-quarters, it is important to improve on the quality of maternal care especially supervised delivery. However not much is being done in this area probably because there is not much empirical data to inform policy. To contribute to providing more empirical evidence, a cross sectional study was designed to assess the quality of supervised delivery in the Ga West district with 325 women having babies 0-3 months and some selected health staff. The data was collected between August and October 2008. Systematic sampling was used to select respondents at the postnatal and child welfare clinic register in rural, peri-urban and urban health facilities in the district. Exit interview was done for all the selected clients and structured questionnaire administered to fifty service providers who were directly involved in child and maternal health care. Observation was also carried out in labour wards in government health facilities. The results showed that supervised delivery in the district was fraught with many challenges most especially in the area of partograph use, infection prevention and resource availability. It was established that partograph use was poor as about 90% of patographs examined were incomplete. Fifty percent (50%) infection prevention practices observed was poor, 71% of staff lamented that resources were lacking in the rural and insufficient in the peri-urban and urban health facilities. It was observed that initial newborn care was neglected, and all attention geared towards maternal care. The encouraging thing was that 91% of clients said that, the nurse- mother relationship was good and labour ward staff were all trained midwives. In conclusion the study revealed that though frantic efforts are underway to improve maternal health it is not adequate to achievement of the MDG5. In the light of the findings, it is recommended that more resources be made available and more training and supervision in the correct use of partographs and infection prevention. The findings have implications on achieving the MDG5.

Source: KNUST
Toxic metal exposure and symptoms of respiratory infection among children (under-five) residing near open dumpsite: a cross-sectional study at Abokobi

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of symptoms of acute respiratory infection defined as Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), the levels of toxic metals in biological (blood) media, and the association between toxic metals and symptoms of respiratory infection among under five children residing around Abokobi dump site of the Greater Accra Region. Participation in the study was voluntary; based on that, a population of 200 children under five (5) and their parents residing within 200meters around the dumpsite were recruited as participants for the study. Descriptive statistics was used to present data. It came out that, the proportion of self-reported symptoms of acute upper respiratory infection (AURI) was high in children aged 2 years. Also the proportion of children reporting symptoms of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) was higher among children age 3 years. The association between mean concentration of metals in hand washed water in blood and symptoms of ALRI and URI is greater as a result of Hg in hand wash water. However, the mean residue and standard deviation of Hg contributes to ALRI than AURI in blood than in hand wash water. The study therefore recommended public education of good practices in child care should be intensified to avert the development of preventable diseases such as acute upper respiratory infections. Awareness must also be created on proper waste management practices. Also regular checkup must be done for children who live close to dumpsites to avert any health risk they may be exposed to. Finally, Local Government Ministry and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources should permanently ban or avoid the use of the dumpsite

Source: KNUST