ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of internal control systems on the financial performance of credit unions in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

Internal control systems are primarily established to enhance the reliability of financial performance directly or indirectly by increasing accountability among information providers in an organisation. As the credit unions in Ghana has existed over the past twenty years but their activities have not witnessed significant growth as compared to banks and financial services within the country. It therefore calls for a systematic approach to analyse the internal control system within credit unions and how it has affected their financial performance over the years.This study sought to determine the effect of internal control system on the financial performance of Credit Unions in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. There were sixteen credit unions in the Metropolis. All sixteen were used for this study. Quantitative analysis was employed for this study. Some of the findings from the study revealed that Credit unions in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis have structured control environment which included the presence of policies that guided work process and roles and responsibilities that highlights each employee’s role and responsibility. It was therefore recommended that the management of credit unions should exert collective efforts in identifying the ideal mix of effective and efficient internal control systems that match their business needs and invest in them, and future researchers should consider replicating this study in the all financial institutions in Sekondi-Takoradi order to establish the role of internal audit in financial institutions.

Source: UCC
The Effects of Internet Banking on The Performance of Rural Banks: A Case Study of Kaaseman Rural Bank

The study was to examine the knowledge and utilization of e-banking facilities in Kaaseman Rural Bank in Ghana. The study used a quantitative and descriptive design of which customers and management of Kaaseman Rural Bank were targeted. Two hundred and eighty respondents were chosen with the aid of simple random sampling technique for selecting the customers while purposive sampling was used to select the managers of the four branches of Kaaseman Rural Bank. Questionnaire was the main data collection instruments. Furthermore, the data was analyzed and interpreted by using percentages and frequencies and presented by using tables, and charts using Excel 2013 version. However, the responses from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and discussed thematically based on the objectives of the study. It was found out that electronic cards such as ATM and e-switch, SMS Mobile Banking, and Electronic transfer were the only e-banking services at Kaaseman Rural Bank. Not that withstanding, these services were sometimes not available. There was no internet banking services at Kaaseman Rural Bank. Also, the level of awareness of e-banking services was low among the respondents. Respondents understand its usage and heard about e-banking services through their family and friends while few heard it from the workers of the Kaaseman Rural Bank. Respondents knew much about SMS Mobile banking as compared to electronic cards and electronic transfers. Therefore, it is recommended that Kaaseman Rural Bank management should enroll sensitization and educative program about all the e-banking services it offers to the customers for effective usage. Also, Kaaseman Rural Bank should introduce Internet Banking to ease cost of transportation among others and time wastage in queuing.

Source: UCC
Effects of item sequencing in multiple-choice tests on senior high school students’ academic performance in the Kumasi metropolis: the moderating role of gender

The study investigated the moderating role of gender in the effect of item sequencing in multiple-choice tests on Senior High School students’ academic performance in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study used the quasi-experimental design. Stratified, simple random, proportionate and purposive sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 714 form 2 Senior High School students. Multiple-choice items were adapted from West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the validity of the instruments was ascertained through expert judgement. By using KR20, the reliability of the test items where 0.81 and 0.74 for the Random sequence for both Core Mathematics and Integrated science respectively. The reliability of the Hard-To-Easy (HTE) sequence were also 0.76 and 0.71 for Core Mathematics and Integrated Science respectively whiles that of Easy-To-Hard (ETH) sequence were 0.78 and 0.73 for Core Mathematics and Integrated Science respectively. One-way repeated measures ANOVA, One-Way MANOVA and the process procedure by Hayes (2018) were used to analyse the data that were gathered. The findings of the study indicated that item sequence in multiple-choice test has effect on students’ academic performance in Core Mathematics and Integrated Science with Easy- To-Hard (ETH) sequence having the greatest effect on students’ academic performance in both subjects. The study also revealed that students’ academic performance in the various kinds of item sequence did not differ with respect to gender in Core Mathematics but differed in Integrated Science where females performed better than males. The study further showed that, in Core Mathematics, gender moderates the relationship between Hard-To-Easy (HTE) sequence and academic performance but not Easy-To-Hard (ETH) and Random (RDM) sequence. The results further indicated that, in Integrated Science, gender moderates the relationship between Easy-To-Hard (ETH) sequence and performance but not in Hard-To-Easy (HTE) and Random (RDM) sequence. It was recommended that testing organisations such as WAEC and classroom teachers should use Easy-To-Hard (ETH) sequence in order to increase students’ academic performance in Core Mathematics and Integrated Science.

Source: UCC
Effects of junior high school heads leadership styles on teacher job satisfaction in the ahanta west municipality

The study sought to assess the effect of the leadership styles of Junior High Schools Heads on job satisfaction among teachers in the Ahanta West Municipality. The study was underpinned by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Douglas McGregor's theories X and Y. The descriptive survey was chosen as the best design for the study. A sample size of 186 teachers from a population of 357 was used. Due to vast variations in the number of teachers in each circuit, the proportionate stratified sampling technique was used. Data were collected with a questionnaire and analysis was carried out using percentages, means, standard deviations, multiple regression analysis, as well as independent t-test. The study indicated that the most important leadership styles exhibited by school Heads were democratic, transformational, and transactional. The study also revealed that transactional, democratic, and transformational leadership styles have a statistically significant relationship with the job satisfaction of teachers. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was observed in the job satisfaction of teachers based on leadership styles adopted by male and female school Heads. It was therefore recommended that the democratic leadership style should be supported and used by all school Heads in their administrative responsibilities rather than the autocratic or laissez-faire styles. Also, given that all predictors together provided less than 50% explanations of the variance in job satisfaction, there is a need for future researchers to build up a model that includes other relevant variables that are likely to provide greater explanations of job satisfaction.

Source: UCC
Effects of labelling attributes of packaged products on consumer’s choice in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of labelling attributes of market products on consumer’s choice in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Data were collected from 123 consumers and shopkeepers/shop owners in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Presentation and analysis of the study’s data were done using percentages and frequencies which were discussed descriptively. Chi-square tests were also used to test the association between consumers’ demographic characteristics and consumers’ choice regarding mandatory labelling attribute of packaged products. Using mixed method, both descriptive survey and exploratory research designs were employed in the study. The study used non-probability (purposive and convenience) sampling techniques in selecting the study’s respondents. Questionnaire, interview schedule and observational checklist were the main instruments used to collect the data. The study among other things found that a significant number of the consumers usually go ahead and buy packaged products even if the mandatory labelling attributes they expect are not found on them. It was further found that consumers in the Cape Coast Metropolis pay critical attention to product’s expiry date before they buy. Though, illiteracy was found to be the major factor that accounts for some consumers’ lack of familiarity with mandatory labelling attributes of packaged products. Based on these findings, it was recommended that regulatory bodies such as Food and Drug Authority (FDA) and Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) should include in their advocacy efforts to the general public, the importance of paying attention to labels especially when buying packaged products.

Source: UCC
Effects of large-scale acquisition on food insecurity in Sierra Leone

The recent phenomenon of large-scale acquisition of land for a variety of investment purposes has raised deep concerns over the food security, livelihood and socio-economic development of communities in many regions of the developing world. This study set out to investigate the food security outcomes of land acquisitions in northern Sierra Leone. Using a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study measures the severity of food insecurity and hunger, compares the situation of food security before and after the onset of operations of a land investing company, analyzes the food security implications of producing own food versus depending on wage labour for household food needs, and evaluates initiatives put in place by the land investing company to mitigate its food insecurity footprint. Results show an increase in the severity of food insecurity and hunger. Household income from agricultural production has fallen. Employment by the land investing company is limited in terms of the number of people it employs relative to the population of communities in which it operates. Also, wages from employment by the company cannot meet the staple food needs of its employees. The programme that has been put in place by the company to mitigate its food insecurity footprint is failing because of a host of reasons that relate to organization and power relations. In conclusion, rural people are better off producing their own food than depending on the corporate structure of land investment companies. Governments should provide an enabling framework to accommodate this food security need, both in land investment operations that are ongoing and in those that are yet to operate

Source: UCC
Effects of leadership style on sales force performance at Fidelity Bank, Ghana

This study aimed at investigating the effects of leadership styles on sales force performance at Fidelity Bank, in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study involved 152 participants. Census sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. Questionnaires were the main instruments used to collect data. Frequencies percentages, correlation and regression were used to analyse the quantitative data, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 21. The research indicated that though all the respondents are at different levels of responsibility and working in the same place under similar conditions, they all perceived leadership to be a dynamic process. Again, The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between leadership style and sales force performance. This study found that a transformational leadership style was exhibited by sale leaders or managers at Fidelity Bank Ghana and as a result this style had positive effect on sales force performance. Also, it was observed that transactional leadership style positively impacts sales force performance. Additionally managers who practiced a blend of the two leadership styles at the same time made equitable impact on performances of sales force as well as business establishments in the financial services sector in Ghana. It is therefore recommended that, regular performance feedback should be encouraged across all levels of the organisation as it has been revealed as one of the strongest significant measures for the overall sales force performance.

Source: UCC
Effects of leadership styles on performance of employees of judicial service in the Cape Coast regional office, Ghana

Leadership is a relevant factor in achieving high employee performance. This is because the style of leadership of superiors commits an employee to a course of action of relevance and helps to ensure willingness to perform better in the organization. The study examined the effects of leadership styles on employee performance in the Judicial Service of Ghana, Cape Coast regional office. Descriptive design of the quantitative method of research was employed for the study. The simple random sampling method was used in selecting respondents. Questionnaire was the main data collection instrument and a sample size of 100 employees was used. Frequencies, tables, and percentages were also used to present the data. The research found that the leadership styles mainly exhibited by supervisors were transformational and laissez-faire. It was also identified that employees lack the necessary resources in the delivery of their work. Supervisors also do not reward staff when they accomplish a given task. The study also showed a positive relationship between supervisors’ leadership style and employee performance. It is therefore recommended that leaders of the Judicial Service should provide all the necessary material resource which employees need to work in order to achieve better performances. Supervisors should involve employees in decision making and leadership improvement and provide teamwork facilitation.

Source: UCC
Effects of lending practices of Kakum Rural Bank on the livelihoods of its borrowers

The study aimed at assessing the effects of lending practices of Kakum Rural Bank on its borrowers. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 256 respondents from four agencies of the bank. The main instruments used to collect data were the interview schedule and the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and SPSS software were used to analyse the data. The results were presented in charts and frequency tables.The results disclosed that: it was difficult for credit recipients to raise a group that was jointly liable and credit worthy to serve as social collateral; recruitment of additional labour was difficult; the bank’s lending operations were generally perceived as satisfactory; there was an increase in recipients’ financial status, production and output levels; recipients were able to contribute towards social activities in their communities and provide household needs promptly.It is recommended that the bank should disburse more credit on time, when the assessment of clients’ project viability and credit repayment records is good. Clients should use the credit judiciously and follow the bank’s instructions in order to enhance their livelihoods and promote additional labour recruitment.

Source: UCC
Effects Of Literacy Skills On Health And Life Satisfaction In Ghana

A healthier and well satisfied population is a very important component for the sustainable development of a country. Yet, high growing rates of overweight and obesity accompanied with widespread development of chronic illness are alarming health problems being encountered world-wide particularly in countries which are developing. Due to these health issues, the level at which individuals are satisfied with life may be affected. The main objective of this study is to establish the relationship between education and health outcomes and life satisfaction. The study also aims to find out if literacy skills is a better measure of education which helps improve the health and life satisfaction of individuals. Data from The World Bank STEP Skills Measurement Household Survey Wave 2 conducted in 2013 among adults between 15 and 64 years was used for the analysis of the study. Our sample includes 1735 respondents who have valid data on health and wellbeing indicators for Wave 2, as well as complete information on the other control variables used the analysis. Inferential statistics involving ordered logistic regression models and Lewbel IV regression were carried out to examine the relationship between. In the analysis for the full sample, literacy skills is a significant determinant of BMI and chronic illness but not life satisfaction. Age is an important determinant of BMI, chronic illness and life satisfaction whilst there were no important underlying differences for both chronic illness and life satisfaction.

Source: UCC
The effects of livelihood empowerment against poverty on the beneficiaries in the Amenfi East Municipality

Ghana has drafted and is implementing a National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) aimed at protecting its vulnerable population. A major component of the NSPS is the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Programme (LEAP). LEAP is both a conditional and unconditional direct cash transfer targeted at the poorest of Ghana’s population.This research was carried out in six LEAP communities in the Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana with the objective of assessing the effects of the programme on the beneficiaries. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods in achieving the objectives of the study. It combined secondary literature and primary data.The findings of this study showed that LEAP in the Amenfi East Municipality has increased food security among the beneficiaries and been helpful in the education of the beneficiaries’ children. However, most of the beneficiaries have not had any opportunity to exit poverty and have not used the grant to engage in long term investment. The results of this study are intended to contribute to knowledge base on social protection in Ghana and the world at large and to bring to bear some of the challenges of LEAP.

Source: UCC
Effects of Locality on Voter Turnout and Rejected Ballots in Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abrem Municipal, Ghana.

This study investigates the effects of locality on voter turnout and rejected ballots in the Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abrem (KEEA) Municipality of Ghana, using data from the Electoral Commission of Ghana (2020). The study aims to improve electoral processes and participation. The research adopted a quantitative approach with a descriptive research design to explore the relationship between locality (rural and urban) settings and electoral outcome. However, many polling stations in Ghana do not maintain detailed records of previous elections. The purpose of the study was to ascertain how locality affected voting behavior and ballot rejection rates in Ghana. The study estimated the effects of locality on voter turnout and ballot rejection using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression technique. The study also utilized the Poisson distribution to analyze the impact of locality on different types of rejections. Out of the 108 polling stations sampled, 61 were located in urban areas, while 47 were located in rural areas. The findings reveal that urban polling stations have a statistically significant 2.86% higher voter turnout compared to rural stations, indicating that urban residents are more likely to participate in elections. Conversely, urban polling stations exhibited slightly fewer rejected ballots than rural ones, though this relationship was statistically insignificant. Additionally, Urban polling stations exhibited 1.5% fewer stained ballots compared to rural ones, reflecting better handling of ballot papers. However, urban areas had slightly higher incidences of multiple-choice errors (2.03% higher) and top-thumb-printed ballots (0.317% higher), though these differences were statistically insignificant. Back-thumb-printed ballots were less frequent in urban areas, with a 1.7% lower incidence than rural areas. These findings underscore the significant role of locality in influencing specific ballot rejection patterns. The study recommends that the Electoral Commission launch a public education campaign to inform voters of the importance of voting and the reasons behind ballot rejections.

Source: UCC
Effects of locally manufactured soaps on colour, strength and elongation of some selected Ghanaian printed cotton fabrics

Despite the highly attractive and durable nature of most Ghanaian printed cotton fabrics they tend to depreciate faster in colour and strength over a short period of use due to poor laundry culture and fabric care. The effects of two Ghanaian locally produced soaps (Key soap and Azumah blow) on colour; strength and elongation of two Ghanaian printed cotton fabrics (GTP and ATL) were investigated using an experimental approach. Simple random sampling method was used in selecting sample specimens for the study. The Gyrowash 315, Hounsfield H5K-5, and a magnifying glass were used in washing, testing tensile strength and elongation, and determining thread count of the specimens, respectively. ANOVA was used to test the significance differences in the effects of the two soaps on the specimens. Azumah blow soap had higher total free alkali of 1.57 compared to the specified maximum of 0.3 and higher percentage solubility in ethanol of 38.5% compared to the 20% maximum specified standards, but those of key soap, however, were consistent with the Ghana Standard Board’s specified limits. There was a significant difference in the effect of both soaps on colour fastness of GTP and ATL cotton fabrics with Azumah blow having the highest negative effect. GTP lost 1.5 units of colour when washed with Azumah blow and only 1unit with key soap. Whiles ATL maintained its original colour when washed with key soap; it lost 1 unit of colour with Azumah blow. The Ghana Standards Board should ensure that local soap manufacturers adhere to the standard specifications of laundry soaps.

Source: UCC
Effects of lymphatic filariasis on the socio-economic life of the people of Narkwa in the Mfantseman municipality of the Central region of Ghana

Lymphatic filariasis, a disease that is rarely fatal but it results in clinical conditions have devastating effects on persons infected by it. It causes long-term and permanent disability as well as social and psychological problems. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. The study was carried out to examine people’s opinion and beliefs about the causes and socio-economic effects of lymphatic filariasis infection. It was carried out in the Narkwa community of the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana using structured interview. Respondents were aware of the common manifestations of lymphatic filariasis and had a local name for the disease. They admitted that the lymphatic filariasis has considerable negative effects on the quality of life. Respondents were of the view that lymphatic filariasis reduced the infected persons’ productivity and impaired their sexual function. Infected persons’ felt stigmatized. Majority of the infected persons indicated that they visit the hospitals for treatment even though some of them mentioned that they sometimes used herbal medicines provided by traditional medical practitioners. It is recommended that the government should equip hospitals and health centres in endemic communities with the necessary drugs and personnel for early detection of the disease for necessary attention.

Source: UCC