ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Enhancing informal sector financing of small-scale industries in Atebubu District

Small-scale industries, under the broad umbrella of the private sector, have been earmarked as the engine of growth in Ghana. For most of the District Assemblies, particularly the newly created ones and those in the rural areas, the outlook on the promotion of small-scale industries has been to diversify their local economies, and also effect rapid growth and development. The development of the small-sector is largely dependent on the financial capacity of the entrepreneur, or funds available for his operation. Attempts at financing small-scale industries through the formal banking institutions have not been complimentary, due to strict conditionalities viz, collateral, high interest rates and the highly centralised forms of operation. Small-scale industries have become largely dependent on the informal financial sector for their capitalization. The capital base of this sector is however inadequate and unable to meet the demands. The micro and small-scale industries at Atebubu District are constrained by similar financial handicaps, as a result of which the industries are unable to grow. The study set out therefore to analyse how best the informal financial avenues could be developed. It was revealed that some of the informal financial sources in the district had good prospects for development, particularly the susu, the rotating savings system, the non-rotating credit scheme, as well as trade credits. These sources are however constrained in development by “individualism” on the part of industrialists; which inhabits the pooling of resources, and also reliance on mutual trust by the financial intermediaries which gives room for default, and abuse of privileges. To enhance the operations of these sources, the policy guidelines rest primarily on strengthening the financial mobilisation avenues through group action, instituting security measures with legal backing, and also improving on entrepreneurial skills of the industrialists. The small-scale industry supporting institutions, particularly the National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI) have a central role to play as facilitators, in operationalising the measures. These policies could work at ameliorating the financial constraints of the industries, and also work towards their development.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing human capacity for district level development

Ghana’s decentralisation policy assigns District Assemblies the responsibility for local level development. However the realisation of this goal is hindered by inadequate appropriate human capacity necessary to facilitate the process of development. This study was undertaken in order to identify appropriate measures that could enhance human capacity needed to speed up local development. By using the stratified and purposive sampling methods, three districts were selected for investigation and several findings emerged. While some key positions were short of staff the districts were also short of appropriate skills necessary for the efficient performance of functions. Training programmes undertaken to improve skill have been inadequate and inappropriate and failed to make the desired impact. Generally factors affecting the enhancement of human resources in the districts were found to be broader national problems that transcend the local level. Among others the study recommends the formulation and implementation of comprehensive manpower development policies and programmes by District Assemblies and the early establishment of the Local Government Service by government, since the Service is to address the several bottlenecks that impede human capacity building at the local level.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing Information Literacy in Public Universities through Policy Frameworks

Information literacy is evolving as a basic human right in the digital world, which promotes the social inclusion of all nations. The study sought to explore the role policies play in the delivery of information literacy in public university libraries. Using a semi-structured interview, the study sought to elicit the views of librarians in Ghana’s top-most universities on their knowledge about instructional services and availability of policy frameworks that guide the delivery of information literacy in academic libraries. It was revealed that different models of information literacy exist in academic libraries but librarians lacked a definite policy framework to prosecute the information literacy agenda. The study fills the gap in available literature on the role policy plays in information literacy, especially in developing countries. Universities and other higher educational institutions will find the results of this study useful in considering policies to guide the delivery of information literacy in their libraries.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing Direct Marketing and Loan Application Assessment Using Data Mining: A Case Study of Yaa Asantewaa Rural Bank Limited

Due to the wide availability of the web and the internet, ever increasing processing power and the continuous decline in the cost of storage devices, data are being generated massively today than it were decades ago. With fields like the banking industry, data are being generated massively on regular basis. So Managers and Administrators are finding ways to turn these data into very beneficial information to their advantage. Marketing risk and Credit risk are considered the most serious problems of every bank. Fortunately all marketing promotions are highly dependent on the data about customers stored in electronic format. Past events contain patterns that are hidden in the data that records them. Data mining, machine learning and artificial intelligence promises the use of models to go through and analyze huge data that are very difficult for human experts. Data mining also possesses incredible power to detect hidden relationships, correlations and associations in data. This study was conducted to demonstrate with practical methods, experiments and datasets that data mining can be used to assist in direct marketing and analyze credit risk assessment. The two algorithms used were decision tree and random forest. The University of Waikato data mining open source software (Weka) was used to simulate all the experiments. Confusion matrix was used to calculate the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity which were used to evaluate the performance of the models. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was also used to pictorially display the performance of the models. The results of the experiment showed with high precision that the models can be used in detecting prospects for marketing campaigns and also detecting risky loan applicants. The decision tree classifier produced an accuracy of 92.5% and the random forest classifier produced an accuracy of 76.4 %.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing Institutional Repositories (IR) in Ghana

Academic and Research libraries in Ghana have difficulty accessing research work done in their institutions and in Ghana as a whole. This is a challenge in supporting teaching, learning, research and knowledge dissemination. There fore, an alternative solution can be to enhance the Open Access Institutional repositories (OA- IR). The technology is currently new in Ghana with only one university hosting it. This article provides an overview of the establishment of OA- IRs in Ghana, the challenges and making a case for key decision makers to consider ways in setting up and enhancing their institutional repositories.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing local government revenue mobilization through the use of information communication technology: a case-study of Accra Metropolitant Assembly

The Accra metropolis in particular and Ghana in general is battling with several challenges pertaining to local revenue generation for the past decade. This situation has weakened the operation and management of Accra Metropolitan Assembly leading to increasing loss of revenue. The study attempts to create the nature and extent of tax coverage in the Accra metropolis and to assess the challenges of local government revenue generation in the metropolis. Other objectives included the impact of increased revenue generation on the development of the metropolis and the potentials of ICT system in improving local government revenue generation. The method used for the study is the case study approach and the data required was on revenue performance and structure of the Accra metropolis, revenue mobilization challenges and the use of ICT in the administration of revenue in the Accra metropolis. Data was therefore collected from both the primary and secondary sources. With regard to the sampling, institution/sub metros that employ the ICT system in their operations particularly in the area of revenue mobilization were considered. Institutional questionnaire was employed in the collection of data. The outcome of the study revealed the nature and extent of tax coverage in the Accra metropolis. Among the sources of taxation or revenue identified include rates, land, fees and fines, investments, miscellaneous among others. Also, the study showed the attempts made by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and some of the sub metros in the usage of the ICT system in their operations, the effects of ICT on revenue generation, and the impact of increased revenue generation on the metropolis and the role of ICT in improving revenue generation. Other key findings included the role of Accra Metropolitan Assembly in enhancing local revenue generation through the use of ICT. The research therefore recommends ways of enhancing the nature and extent of tax coverage and improving the utilization of the ICT system in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly taken the lead role with support from the Government of Ghana and the various sub metros within the metropolis. Also, there should be effective coordination among ICT stakeholders in the Accra Metropolitan Area with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly being on the forefront and creating the environment where all actors will make input and appreciate the principles underpinning the use of the ICT system especially in local revenue generation. Another answer was the introduction and development of the ICT system at all the sub metros. The central government, through the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, should provide the avenue for the sub metro to be the focal points of local government revenue generation.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing Mining Company-Community Relations: a Case Study of Ahafo Gold Mine

The increasing industrial surface mining operations in Ghana and he consequent impact on socio-economic and environmental variables have been the major concern to the mining communities and other stakeholders in Ghana’s mineral development over the last decade. This phenomenal change in the mining communities has served as recipe for conflict between the mining company and the community. Ahafo Gold mine project located in Brong Ahafo like any other mining project has suffered from the community concerns and resistance. Using mainly qualitative methodological approach, the thrust of the research, was to identify and explain adversarial variable that tend to strain the relationship between gold mining companies and their communities in Ahafo-Ghana, with the view to identify and develop appropriate strategies that are likely to enhance company-community relations. The analysis of the results indicated that generally the mine impacted positively on the local economy, but negatively affected the socio-environmental elements. The major sources of conflicts were economic expectations, deviance on socio-cultural principles and the environmental problem. Based upon the analysis, it is reasonable to assert that an enhanced mining company community relation requires strategies that will reduce communities’ expectations and concerns about the company’s operations, make the company change their attitudes and ensure effective or reconciliatory function in the company-community relations. And commit the three major actors in the mineral development to issues of company-community relation.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing productivity through the use of leadership styles in voluntary sector organizations: A case study of the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital

There have been growing concerns on achieving higher productivity in organizations and businesses throughout the world. Leadership is crucial to the attainment of organizational goals and targets. This study examines the leadership styles in the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital. The aim of the study is to examine the leadership practices and how they impact on employee performance and productivity in a voluntary sector organization. The target population was the employees of the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital and the health centres under its supervision. In total, one hundred and twenty employees were involved in the study. Interviews, an employee questionnaire and review of relevant literature were the methods used for data collection. Data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). It was found that leadership played a vital role in the attainment of higher productivity in voluntary sector organizations through the projection of vision and setting of targets. That, adequate training, setting of annual performance standards and the provision of the necessary tools and materials by management helped to enhance productivity. Concerning leadership practices it came out that there was an effective working relationship between management and staff at all levels of the organization. There was also harmony at the workplace since effective mechanisms existed to resolve conflicts quickly and employees were allowed to discuss issues freely during meetings. Findings from the study revealed the drawbacks of the leadership in the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital which included unequal distribution of opportunities and incentives, outmoded laboratory equipment and ineffective mechanisms of assessing and reporting employee performance. The study therefore recommends that the leadership should involve employees in the day to day administration of the organization and also provide up-to-date information about essential drugs and ensure the modernization of the laboratory and finally streamline the methods and procedures of assessing and reporting employee performance. This study has implications for health policy and practice as well as further studies in leadership and employees’ development in the voluntary sector.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing Public Sector Performance within the Framework of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) - Case Study of Department of Feeder Roads

Public procurement (PP) management is a cornerstone of good governance. Ghana’s public procurement accounts for fifty per cent to seventy per cent of the national budgets. The Ministry of Roads and Highway received a substantial budgetary allocation for road construction and maintenance since the sector played a significant and strategic role in the socio-economic development of Ghana. Despite this important role, the industry is still on grand scale inefficiency. The road agencies are challenged with varying degrees of weak management and inadequately trained workforce. Again, in spite of the legal and institutional reforms carried out in the public procurement sector in Ghana, Public Procurement Law has failed to eradicate corruption in the sector. Party loyalty to the government, ethnicity and bribes are the three main factors that influence the award of contracts, rather than merits and compliance with procurement requirements. (Ghana Integrity Initiative’s, 2010) It is against this background the study was designed to enhance Public sector performance in procurement and ascertain challenges that hinder the development of procurement within Department of Feeder Roads (DFR). The study adopted interviews methodology as the main approach to collect data from procurement workforce within DFR. The results bring to light that the changing procurement environment is reflected in the importance of skill areas towards global shift to collaborative working relationships between client and contractors to achieve value for money. The study further indicates a substantial proportion of lower rate performance of procurement skills. Moreover, DFR is challenged with unavailability of funds and political interference which ultimately hinder skills development. The implication is, however, that if adequate funding can be provided and the political interference managed, then skills development is possible to achieve the expected outcomes. The study concluded that skills development within DFR have to be generally welcome towards improving competencies to manage the current changing global procurement shift. This would fill the skill gaps to manage the changing procurement practice in order to achieve maximum value for money. The study recommends that progressive, deliberate action must be developed to enhance skills of the procurement workforce to manage and safeguard taxpayer’s money. The central government should increase the needed financial resources to support the PPA and the Road Ministry to develop skills of the workforce to complement that provided by the partner institutions.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing the Development o of Urban Tourism: Analysis of the Effects of Urbanization on Urban Attractions in the City of Kumasi, Ghana

This research study explores the links between the concepts of urbanization and urban tourism in the city of Kumasi. It provides an assessment of the effects of rapid urbanization on the city's urban attractions while highlighting emerging issues that had influenced the situation so that they can be addressed to enhance development of urban tourism. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches due to die contemporary nature of the subject under investigation. The purposive sampling procedures were applied in selecting institutions to be visited, attractions to be analyzed and officials to be interviewed with an aim of acquiring relevant information. The techniques used to collect data included documentary study, field interviews, personal observation and photographs taking. The study revealed that the city experienced rapid urbanization in recent decades which presented a number of development opportunities and challenges. The inability of the responsible authorities to take advantage of the presented opportunities to address the challenges resulted in most of the urban attractions becoming negatively affected by die urbanization process. Though the literature tells us that tourism is reputed to be the world's largest industry in terms of international *trade and is currently the major contributor to the global economy, this sector is yet to be well developed in the study area. The analysis indicated that there were potential urban attractions that were being destroyed or under threat of being destroyed in the near future by ongoing development activities. However the study found out that the city was still rich in historical architectures and had various underdeveloped areas that have the potentials of becoming major attractions if they could be well developed, preserved and properly maintained. Lastly the study comes up with valuable recommendations focusing on the initial procedures that need to be undertaken in order to let urban tourism become the driving force of the city's economic development while reducing the negative effects and maximizing the utilization of the opportunities presented by rapid urbanization. Hie aim is to assist the key players in urban management, by broadening their understanding of the urban tourism concept while giving insights on issues to be addressed in order to enhance the city's economic and spatial development.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing sanitation services delivery in the Ejura-Sekyedumase District

In spite of many decades of development planning and assistance much of the rural and urban population in the Ejura-Sekyedumase District has low sanitation coverage. This study therefore assessed the situation of sanitation services delivery and its effect in the district and made recommendations to inform policy. The study adopted and used the case study design limiting itself to six communities namely, Ejura, Sekyedumase, Anyinasu, Dromankuma, Kasei and Ebuom in the Ejura-Sekyedumase District. Purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select the relevant respondents for the study. These included staff from the Central Administration, District Health Directorate, District Environmental Health Unit, Ejura market and sub-district institutions. Others included the District Water and Sanitation Team (DWST), WATSAN Committees, opinion leaders, and households. From these respondents, questionnaires, informal interviews, interview guides and telephone conservations were used to collect the required data and analyzed to produce the needed results. The study revealed that that toilet facility coverage was low. The study again revealed that implementation of sanitation projects were driven by donors, low ownership of home toilets, low budgetary allocation to the sanitation sector and inadequate data for planning and implementation. The study further revealed poor hygienic practices, inadequate arrangements for cleaning and maintenance, no clear policy on public toilet management, no fees charged against waste dumping and preparedness of the people to pay towards an improvement programme for sanitation services. In line with the findings, the study recommended, increased sanitation coverage, increased budgetary allocation for investment in sanitation infrastructure, preparation of operation and maintenance plan, development of policy for the management of public toilets and the provision of a central repair and maintenance workshop. To improve sanitation, the District Assembly and its partners must take a broader view of sanitation to prevent diseases resulting from a wide range of activities and multiple exposure routes. All major stakeholders in sanitation services delivery need to work together to place a higher priority on providing incremental sanitation improvements to the communities. This can be accomplished through participatory planning with the community, public education and openness to innovative technical approaches.

Source: KNUST
Enhancing the economic security of the Ghanaian worker: the role of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

The low levels of income in the economy has resulted in the payment of low pensions to member of the SSNIT Pension scheme since the quantum of pension payment is linked to ones income level. Some workers have therefore agitated for the introduction of the CAP 30 which purports to pay higher pension in the form of lump sum as compared to the SSNIT pension scheme which spreads payment over a period of time. This study takes a critical look at the investments made by SSNIT in the housing, health and educational sectors, in a bid to enhancing the economic security of the Ghanaian worker. The study revealed that SSNIT intervention in the housing sector has enabled a lot more workers to be able to own these affordable housing units built by SSNIT despite their low incomes. The study further showed that SSNIT investment in the heath sector has helped to address the health needs of Ghanaian workers in the economy. In addition most workers admit that it would have been very difficult for them to pursue tertiary education without the SSNIT student loan. Among the recommendation are the construction of more housing units by SSNIT as well as the expansion of the SSNIT hospital to be duplicated in other regions. It was also recommended that the SSNIT student loan should continue.

Source: KNUST