ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The celebrity factor in election campaigns: evidence from Ghana, 2008-2016.

Politics all over the globe is increasingly changing in forms and drawing the attention of people who hitherto have committed their lives to the domain of their professions or exclusive roles in society. In the contemporary human society, politics continues to draw within its fold, personnel from different professions such as doctors, teachers, accountants, engineers and even religious leaders. Celebrities are the latest group identified to rigorously engage in politics, exploiting the image they have carved for themselves in the society. However, a section of politicians are beginning to look at celebrities with suspicion, making them a prime target for political persecution. This study, therefore, sought to investigate whether celebrities command any influence over election outcome as well as the effect of their involvement in elections on the priceless image they have carved for themselves. Also, the study was purely qualitative; as such, it made use of qualitative methods of collecting data that involved interviews of celebrities, interviews of party executives, focus group discussion and content analysis of celebrity newspapers in Ghana. The analysis revealed that even though there were conflicting views by and large, celebrities are very effective in influencing election results in favour of their political parties. It was further established that opposition politicians and their supporters target celebrities for political persecution to limit their influence against them. Based on the contribution of celebrity politicians in the threat they face in endorsing one party or candidate or the other, the study recommended that celebrity politicians should not only be guided to pursue positive politics to improve the quality of political campaign in Ghana but also be protected against political persecution as enshrined for all citizens in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Source: KNUST
The challenges of adopting and implementing International financial reporting standards Among SME’s in the Kumasi metropolis.

The study examined the challenges of adopting and implementing International Financial Reporting Standard among SME‟s in the Kumasi Metropolis. Specifically, the study explored SMEs reasons for the choice of adopting financial reporting standard, identified and analyzed benefits derived by SMEs for adopting International Financial Reporting Standard for SMEs. Implementation challenges of IFRS for SMEs adoption by SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis and the challenges preventing SMEs from adopting International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) for SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis were examined. Based on the survey, the study employed Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques in selecting 119 respondents for the study. Simple percentages and frequency tables were employed for the data analysis through the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).The study discovered that International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) for SMEs adoption among SMEs was very low in the metropolis, most SMEs prepared financial records using the erstwhile Ghana National Accounting Standard (GNAS). The study also revealed that SMEs favour standards that were easy to use and easy for users to comprehend. The study recommends that the Government through the Ministry of Trade and Industry should collaborate with the Institute of Chartered Accountants-Ghana to give financial accounting education to SMEs owners who are mostly managers and their accounts clerks. The cost of the training should be shared among the owners of the SMEs and the Ministry of Trade and Industry

Source: KNUST
The challenges of continuous voter registration under the c.i.91 in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipal, Western Region.

The purpose of this research is to examine how one such electoral reform, the C.I.91 has impacted on deepening the democratic culture. This research study was based on a review of available relevant literature and empirical study undertaken by the researcher. The empirical research was implemented through a qualitative study approach using semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the electoral process. The study produced some key findings; that the adoption of electoral reforms under the C.I.91 has vastly improved the confidence, trust and participation of the Ghanaian electorate by the use of the biometric voter registration and subsequent biometric verification of voters during the elections. The C.I.91 improved upon the CI 75 and created a sense of relative political stability and acceptability, especially after 2013 NPP election petition at the Supreme Court on the 2012 presidential election. Ghana won international praise and made the country a reference point for peaceful democracies most importantly after the Supreme Court. The ruling identified some shortcomings in the operational and legal framework of the EC and subsequently called for electoral reforms to keep the EC abreast with Current electoral needs and trends. On of such reform culminated in the enactment of the C.I.91. This study found out that these achievements of the EC are being hampered with some limitations among which are the implementation these reforms in rural districts and its impact on the delivery of election services to the electorates. The main conclusions drawn from the study were thatelectoral reforms were indispensable for the country’s march towards an advanced democracy; and that these limitations without redress seek to derail the benefits accrued from these reforms. Following on, this study argues for active participation and collaboration among stakeholders in proposing, promoting and implementing adequate electoral reforms.

Source: KNUST
“The Challenges of Women in Leadership Positions: A Case Study of Sekyere Rural Bank Limited”.

There continues to be many wrong perceptions about women in leadership roles in organizations which prevent them from achieving other higher positions. These obstacles and challenges which women often face include glass ceiling, stereotyping, equality challenges and life-style challenges. The purpose of this research is to identify the effects of these challenges in organizations which women encounter every day. The researcher considered Sekyere Rural Bank for the study to assess how women are setting themselves to challenges in the positions they occupy. Descriptive and explanatory research methods were employed in this research to be able to establish the effects that glass ceiling, stereotyping, equality challenges and leadership roles have on women who are in leadership roles at Sekyere Rural Bank. The entire population of the bank who number 166 was assessed in this research with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The findings of the research revealed information which include the facts that, despite the challenges that women still face in organizations today they were still recognized and promoted for hard work, women leaders in organizations such as Sekyere Rural Bank are able to take critical decisions which are geared towards the attainment of organizational goals and objectives. The issue of sexism still continues to play a role in organizations despite the growing need of gender equality globally. This research contributes to knowledge about women in leadership roles, their contribution to work, the challenges that they face and the ways that women in leadership roles adopt to cope with these challenges that they encounter daily in their various respective organizations.

Source: KNUST
The challenges of women in leadership positions: a case Study of Sekyere Rural Bank Limited.

There continues to be many wrong perceptions about women in leadership roles in organizations which prevent them from achieving other higher positions. These obstacles and challenges which women often face include glass ceiling, stereotyping, equality challenges and life-style challenges. The purpose of this research is to identify the effects of these challenges in organizations which women encounter every day. The researcher considered Sekyere Rural Bank for the study to assess how women are setting themselves to challenges in the positions they occupy. Descriptive and explanatory research methods were employed in this research to be able to establish the effects that glass ceiling, stereotyping, equality challenges and leadership roles have on women who are in leadership roles at Sekyere Rural Bank. The entire population of the bank who number 166 was assessed in this research with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The findings of the research revealed information which include the facts that, despite the challenges that women still face in organizations today they were still recognized and promoted for hard work, women leaders in organizations such as Sekyere Rural Bank are able to take critical decisions which are geared towards the attainment of organizational goals and objectives. The issue of sexism still continues to play a role in organizations despite the growing need of gender equality globally. This research contributes to knowledge about women in leadership roles, their contribution to work, the challenges that they face and the ways that women in leadership roles adopt to cope with these challenges that they encounter daily in their various respective organizations.

Source: KNUST
The contribution of private companies to urban solid waste management in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

The Kumasi metropolis is confronted with poor solid waste management. Waste collection in some communities has not been regular resulting in a heap of refuse and overflow of waste from bins and skips at the communal collection sites. This study examined the contribution of the private sector in the management of solid waste in the Kumasi metropolis. The study adopted a cross sectional study design. Data for this study were obtained from 385 clients from five private waste management companies and managers of 5 Private Waste Management Companies and managers of Kumasi Metropolis Waste Management Department, The Landfill Site and the engineer at Dompoase. The main tools used in the collection of the data were questionnaires, structured interviews, focus group discussions and field observation. Quantitative data were presented using tables and graphs whiles qualitative data were presented through the use of direct quotations from respondents. The study reveals that private waste companies have improved significantly the collection and disposal of solid waste management in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study also found that the level of performance in terms of efficiency and service quality of the private companies are higher than the KMA/WMD. The study further found that the capacity of the private companies in terms of equipment holdings and operational qualities of the waste companies accounted for the higher level of performance of the companies. Despite this contribution from the sector, the government through the KMA has not been able to make prompt payments to private waste companies rendering them handicapped in their operations. It was concluded that the PWMC are particularly concerned with managing waste for profit purposes. The study recommends that KMA should charge the PWMCs with other tasking roles such as education on waste prevention, reduction and reuse which are rated the best management strategies.

Source: KNUST
The challenges to fighting cyber-crime in Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Cybercrime in all its forms is a growing worldwide phenomenon. As the frontiers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expand, so does the opportunity for dubious individuals and groups to engage in internet fraud. ICT has become essential to the operations of government, corporate institutions and individuals, but the benefits accruing from the growing access is being undermined by miscreants who are exploiting its capabilities to the detriment of others. This has tainted Ghana’s reputation in the global environment. The crux of this thesis is to examine the challenges faced by the Ghana Police Service in fighting cybercrime. The research was situated within the Accra metropolis and employed a quantitative method of data collection. Questionnaires were administered through multiple means i.e. in person and e-mail. A total of 298 police personnel were conveniently sampled with 198 questionnaires returned suggesting a 66.4% response rate. The study revealed that the main issue confronting the Police Service is that the Service is logistically under-resourced in terms of internet facilities, computers and the necessary technology to track fraudsters. The study further found that inadequate training of unit personnel and difficulty in collaborating with Telecom service providers prove to be challenges confronting the Police Service in fighting cybercrime. The study also revealed that online romance fraud, mobile phone fraud, US visa lottery scam and Rent apartment scam accounted for some of the highest cases of internet fraud. the research ends with the recommendation that institutions of state especially the Attorney General’s office should set schedule for reviewing the existing laws to address the peculiarities of cybercrime offences as well as drawing a legal framework to cater for the protection of the country’s cyberspace.

Source: KNUST
The competences required by project managers for project success

Managing construction project involves the understanding of the critical success factors (CSFs) which collectively defines a set of best practices to attain project success. Construction projects like any other investments needs adequate funding. Clients and stakeholders invest huge sums of money; hence at the end, the project must be to their satisfaction with regards to quality and aesthetics. The aim of this research was to identify the critical success factors to consider in choosing an effective project manager on a construction project. To identify the critical success factors in construction project delivery and to identify the significant competencies of a project manager that contributes to the project success, were objectives considered. This study employs quantitative research approach. An extensive literature review on the subject matter and a survey using structured questionnaire through the purposive sampling approach was adopted. The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and mean score. Fifty respondents were later asked to scale the factors discovered from the existing literature. The first five critical success factors discovered in order of ranking were; Effective quality assurance culture, adequate communication among all project participants, availability of resources as planned throughout the project, adequate funding and detailed project planning. The study again discovered some competencies of a project manager. The competencies were further put into groups of four namely; Administrative experience, human relation skills, leadership skills and finally technical skills. It is believed that the finding from this study will influence the selection of an effective project manager which will enable the project manager play his or her roles efficiently on any construction project.

Source: KNUST
The contribution of Sonzele Rural Bank to household poverty reduction in the Wa Municipality.

The study assessed the contribution of Sonzele Rural Bank to household poverty reduction in the Wa Municipality. Specifically, the study sought to identify the products and services of Sonzele Rural Bank, examine the non-financial support Sonzele Rural Bank provide to customers, ascertain the effects of Sonzele Rural Bank‟s support towards household poverty reduction and identify the challenges customers face in accessing services from Sonzele Rural Bank in the Wa Municipality. Based on the survey, the study employed systematic random sampling and purposive sampling techniques in selecting 197 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were employed for the data analysis with the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).The study revealed that customers‟ incomes have generally improved as a result of the expansion of their businesses through the support of the bank. Consequently, majority of households have seen improved living conditions in the area of education of wards, provision of healthcare and nutrition for the households. The study also revealed most customers‟ households are able to save thereby reducing risk and vulnerability. In order to give rural banks a competitive edge, the Association of Community and Rural Banks (ARP) should collaborate and create a network between all the rural banks in Ghana. The network should be able to make it possible for customers of rural banks to at least withdraw from a different rural bank with a transaction charge slightly higher than that of the mother bank. This will reduce service accessibility limitation bedeviling customers.

Source: KNUST
The covid-19 pandemic and digital transformation of supply chains: a study of manufacturing companies in the western region of Ghana

The study used a descriptive survey approach to evaluate the COVID-19 outbreak and the digitization of the supply chain inside manufacturing businesses in Ghana's western region. The study randomly sampled 100 respondents from 20 manufacturing firms in Western Region. The only method used to gather data for this study was a structured questionnaire with a 100% response rate. Tables and figures presented the findings of a descriptive investigation. The survey discovered that some of the primary digital transformation practices employed by industrial companies in the Western Region of Ghana include e-sourcing, software, predictive analytic tools, and e-tendering. The study also found that found that some challenges of digital transformation within supply chain of the manufacturing companies surveyed included Data security, an unstable network, a cybersecurity challenge, capital expenses, problems with the company's culture, the lack of a digital transformation strategy as a whole, an inflexible legal infrastructure, pushback, and resistance from employees, and a lack of knowledge and experience. Finally, it was also found that some impact of digital transformation Practices on performance included speeding up assembly and palletization, giving an accurate forecast of demand, making the supply chain more visible to improve performance and close gaps, and making process visualization and product design better. The study thus recommended that manufacturing companies use digital transformation practices like specific software & predictive analysis tools to improve asset performance and reliability, enhance visibility, track products and shipment, support scalable operations, improve process visualization and product design.

Source: KNUST
The contribution of warehousing to supply chain resilience and firm performance

In the current competitive business environment, it has become crucial for businesses to meet client demands within a shorter time constraint. Warehousing has been identified as principal tool to make it easier for goods to move from suppliers to customers, satisfying demand quickly and efficiently. Thus, the study used the Resource Based View (RBV) and the Viable System Model (VSM) to explain how warehousing influences financial performance, supply chain resilience, and economic performance. A quantitative approach and an explanatory design were utilised to provide answers to the research questions. With respect to the time horizon, a cross-sectional design was adopted to gather data from the respondents. The population of the study was made up of employees working in production, warehouse, procurement, and supply chain departments. A sample of 200 participants was selected through the convenience sampling technique. A regression analysis was conducted to test the relationships. Furthermore, correlation tests revealed that there was a positive but very weak relationship between warehousing and financial performance, supply chain resilience, and economic performance. The regression results showed that warehousing significantly predicted the financial performance of the selected organisations. However, the results revealed that warehousing has an insignificant influence on supply chain resilience and economic of the selected organisations. The study helps to improve managerial insight for warehouse management and supply chain resilience. It also contributes to the existing studies about warehousing, supply chain resilience and firm performance by explaining and analysing their relationships.

Source: KNUST
The Design And Implementation Of Convoluted Os Kernel Architecture For Secured Network Infrastructure

Research into security enhanced kernel architecture has been on going by computer corporations, research institutions and Kernel development engineers for several decades now. Even though the paradigm-shift from performance enhanced kernel development to application level security operating systems improved the safety of operating systems use, it was apparent that more kernel retrofitting need to be implemented at the kernel level since it is a highly privileged section of the architecture, and therefore a compromise in the kernel could affect the security of the entire systems including the performance of security applications which runs on the kernel. This research introduces the Convoluted Kernel Architecture (CKA) which is a security enhanced Linux server based monolithic architecture that re-modifies the original monolithic kernel architecture with additional layer of virtual module within the kernel to improve the security and availability of the Kernel. The system make use of Operating System level virtualization with an integrated security module, which otherwise would have been implemented at the application layer, with a novel authentication module called the Stealth Obfuscation Zero Knowledge Proof algorithm. This research describes how the CKA abstracts the hardware and software layers of conventional servers to implement the operating system all in one security appliance that at the same time, providing High Availability. Finally, this work describes how the CKA protects the core kernel from attacks when upper kernel becomes compromised through vulnerabilities of applications that executes on them or the kernel utilities itself.

Source: KNUST
The dark side of galamsey: depiction of the effects of galamsey on the environment using metal sculpture

ABSTRACT Illegal small-scale mining, popularly referred to in Ghana as ‘Galamsey’ has been a serious menace to the society. Due to the fact that gold is one of the most valuable natural mineral resources in the country, and legal mining is accompanied by a lot of rules and regulations, a lot of individuals in a bid to get rich quick find dubious means to dig for it. The government in efforts to combat the adage has implemented polices and a task forces (Operation Vanguard) whereas media houses have stressed on the effects of galamsey on the environment but it has however not made much impact. This study was focused on constructing a metal sculpture to depicts the negative effect of galamsey on the environment. Studio-based research method under the qualitative research methodology was used for the study, where a detailed written and photographic account of the process of designing and fabricating the work was laid down. The arc welding technic and the use of washers, metals rods and sheet metal were used in constructing the metal pieces. The project was successful and the results were analysed under the social, philosophical, artistic and intellectual contexts. Some of the major findings of the project were that, mining is never a problem until it is not registered, galamsey accounts for one of the leading causes of water pollution in the country and apart from its aesthetic qualities, art can be used as a strong tool for communicating social issues. The finished work was titled “ℇnkum yℇn wiase”, an Akan expression which means “Don’t destroy Our World”.

Source: KNUST