ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Determinants of staff turnover intentions in the judicial service of Ghana_ a case study of the high court, Kumasi

The purpose of the study was to assess the determinants of staff turnover intentions in the judicial service of the Ghana with concentration on the High Court at Kumasi. The study was guided by three objectives which were to assess the impact of personal or demographic factors on staff turnover intentions, the impact of economic factors on staff turnover intentions and the impact of organisational factors on staff turnover intentions at High Court, Kumasi. The study was a descriptive survey with the population of the study being the employees of the Kumasi High Court. A judgmental sampling technique was used to select sixty (60) respondents from the High Court. The study sought to measure three research questions and out of these three, two of them were supported. Thus, it was found that, both economic and organizational factors had significant impact on employee turnover intention whereas personal factors did not have an impact on employee turnover intentions. Some recommendations were that, policy makers can have a better understanding on the impact of the factors presented and use this information to establish policies on the retention of employees in the judicial service and beyond and also there must be an alignment of the working environment with the changing, dynamic and culturally diverse workplace. It was suggested that, future researchers can conduct a comparative study using respondents in different geographic areas or in other oganisations apart from the judicial service.

Source: UEW
The determinants of stock returns in the midst of global uncertainties evidence from the Ghana stock market

The study sought to investigate the effect of interest rate, inflation, gross domestic product, gold price, crude oil price, cocoa price and covid-19 pandemic on the stock market returns of the Ghana stock exchange. The study used causal research design, quantitative technique. Annual data from 1998 to 2021 was used. Data analysis techniques employed were VAR model, Toda & Yamamoto, Johansen cointegration, ADF and PP unit root test. Findings revealed that the hypothesised macroeconomic variables interest rate, inflation rate and gross domestic product do not granger cause stock market return. Contrary to conventional findings, the study observed no causality between gold prices, crude oil prices, cocoa price and stock market returns of the Ghana stock exchange. However, covid-19 pandemic was found to granger cause stock market returns of the Ghana stock exchange. The study found no bi nor uni-directional relationship among the independent variables when used as dependent variables. The findings have the following practical implications; the government should focus more attention on other aspect of the financial system such as the banking industry that respond quickly to variations in these variables. Again, the findings implies that effort and actions by government to minimize shocks posed by volatility in the price of analysed commodities should be shifted toward other commodities that Ghana trades-in. The novelty of the study is the test of probable causality between Covid-19 and stock market movement as the first of its kind in the study’s jurisdiction.

Source: UEW
Determinants of sustainable construction practices in Ghana using structural equation modelling

Today's world is faced with a wide range of threats to the environment as well as the socioeconomic development. Construction industry has a role to play in ensuring a healthy-livable environment and equitable access to social infrastructure in developing countries. The purpose of the study is to examine the adoption of Sustainable Construction Practices (SCP) in the Ghanaian Construction Industry (GCI). The study adopted a quantitative research design involving structured questionnaire developed to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via Partial Least Squares (PLS). Two models were developed in the study: a direct model and an in direct model. The direct model findings suggest that four independent variables had a significant influence on adoption namely; compatibility (COM), knowledge (KNW), peer firm influence (PEER) and trialability (TRA) supported adoption while three independent variables namely; complexity(CPX), observability (OBS)and Relative advantage (RAV) did not. Based on the findings of the study, the study made recommendations which, if adopted, could lead to significant improvement in the adoption rate of SCP in Ghana. � By the author(s).

Source: UEW
Determinants of tax evasion in the developing economies: A structural equation model approach of the case of Ghana

The objective of this paper is to examine the factors that determine whether a tax payer would evade tax. It also seeks to explore the mediating role of tax education in the relationship between traditional, institutional, socio-cultural factors and tax evasion. A cross-sectional survey was used for the study. Using structural equation modelling with bootstrapping analysis, data from a sample of 1,052 tax payers, drawn from different parts of the country, was analysed and the result showed that, traditional factors and institutional factors positively influenced tax evasion; though the strength of the relationship is weak. This relationship was also found to be mediated by tax education as it relate negatively with traditional and institutional factors as well as tax evasion. It was also found that, socio cultural factors such as gender, income level, education and age do not have significant influence on tax evasion. The study concluded that, tax education plays a significant role in reducing the effect of traditional and institutional factors on tax evasion. The study recommended that educating respondents on the need to pay taxes moderate the extent to which increases in tax rates, penalty for tax non compliance, and audit probability contributes to tax evasion. It was again recommended that, high cost of compliance and high corruption level of tax officials would lead to increase in tax evasion, but intensive tax education mediating the effect of these factors on tax evasion. Key words: Tax evasion, tax rate, tax education, audit probability, structural equation modelling.

Source: UEW
Determination and analysis of aflatoxins in commercial dog foods on the Ghanaian market

Aflatoxins are a group of highly toxic mycotoxins. They can contaminate a variety of feed products, including commercial dog food. This study investigated aflatoxin contamination in various commercial dog food brands in Ghana. A total of 18 samples of commercial dog food were collected from two major cities, Kumasi and Accra. The samples were analyzed for the presence of toxic fungi, particularly Aspergillus spp., using a standard cultural method. The levels of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in the samples were also determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Aspergillus spp. was found in 65 % of the samples, with Aspergillus flavus being the most prevalent species. This suggests that commercial dog food in Ghana is at a high risk of aflatoxin contamination. The average concentrations of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in the samples were 8.58±1.68 ng/g, 53.24±0.43 ng/g, 53.30±0.49 ng/g, and <0.20 ng/g, respectively. The predominant aflatoxin was aflatoxin B1, which is known to be mutagenic and carcinogenic. Also, a total of 16.7 % of the samples had total aflatoxins that exceeded the FDA(USA) mandated limit of 20 ng/g (20 ppb) for animal feeding. The findings of this study suggest that aflatoxin contamination is a serious problem in commercial dog food in Ghana. This poses a significant health risk to dogs, as aflatoxins can cause a variety of health problems, including liver damage, immunosuppression, and cancer. The study also highlights the importance of routine monitoring for aflatoxin contamination in commercial dog food, especially in repackaged commercial dog food. Good hygiene standards should be maintained during storage and repackaging to prevent the development of aflatoxins.

Source: UEW
Determination of dietary crude protein level required for optimum growth of the grasscutter in captivity

The study aimed to determine the dietary crude protein level required for growing grasscutters (from weaning to sexual maturity) in captivity. Thirty six (36) young grasscutters, between the ages of 2 and 3 months, of both sexes (18 males: 18 females) were fed diets which contained 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18% and 20% crude protein. Parameters measured included daily feed intake, daily water intake, daily weight gain (growth rate), final body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The Completely Randomized Design was used for the study. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Mathematics Statistics (MSTAT) package. The differences between means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). Daily feed intake (g) differed significantly (P<0.05) between animals fed diets containing 10% (96.9) and 12% (100.6), and those fed 14% (95.1), 16% (90.4), 18% (87.7) and 20% (88.2) crude protein. Dietary protein significantly (P<0.05) influenced daily weight gain, as well as final live weights of the animals. The mean daily weight gain (g/day) of the animals fed the diet 20% (11.1�1.0) was not significantly different from those fed diet 18% (10.1�1.06) but was significantly higher than animals fed 16% (9.92�1.06), 14% (8.72�1.06), 12% (7.45�1.06) and 10% (7.05�1.06) crude protein. The mean feed conversion ratios of the animals fed the diets with 20% (8.05�1.87), 18% (8.87�1.87) and 16% (9.15�1.87) CP were significantly better than those of animals fed diets with 14 (11.2�1.87), 12 (13.8�1.87) and 10 (14.3�1.87) %CP. A 1% increase in percentage protein in the diet led to 0.43g increase in daily weight gain and 0.69 decrease in FCR. It was concluded that the dietary crude protein level required for optimum growth of grasscutters from weaning to reproductive stage is 18%. It was also concluded that the grasscutter could be raised solely on concentrate diet.

Source: UEW
Determination of selected heavy metals and iron concentration in two common fish species in Densu River at Weija District in Grater Accra Region

The concentrations of heavy metals namely; Manganese, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury and Arsenic (Mn, Cd, Pb, Hg and As) including Iron (Fe), were determined in catfish and tilapia samples from Densu River at Weija in 2012. The fish Muscles were carefully dissected for digestion and the levels of heavy metals were determined using Microwave Milestones Ethos 900 double beam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Concentrations of heavy metals in the fish samples analyzed in descending order of Fe > Mn > Cd were detected, but, the rest (Pb, Hg and As) were not detected. The highest concentration of Cadmium (0.808mg/kg) was detected in the muscles of Catfish while the lowest value (0.129mg/kg) in Tilapia. The lowest concentration of Mn (0.78mg/L) and Iron (44mg/L) were detected in catfish whereas the highest Mn = 1.74mg/L, Fe = 53mg/L were in the Tilapia samples. Cadmium and Iron accumulated by the two fish species exceeded the maximum permissible limits prescribed by the World Health Organization guideline well as the Food and Agriculture Organization standard. Higher levels of heavy metals accumulated by the fishes might be due to increase in the agricultural influx waters, domestic wastes and some anthropogenic activities which merit further investigation

Source: UEW
Determining the effectiveness of science practical activities in some concepts in integrated science

The study investigated effectiveness of science practical activities in some concepts in integrated science. The study involved two classes of form two students in St Bernadet’s Technical Institute Navrongo, who were selected through purposive and convenience sampling technique. Seventy (70) students were used for the study. A group of 35 students who represented the experimental group (EG) was exposed to intensive practical work. The other group of 35 students representing the control group (CG), was conventionally taught the same content without the use of practical activities. Data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods through pre intervention test and post intervention test items and questionnaires. Data collected was analyzedusing z test, t-test and descriptive statistics.. Results from post-tests show that learners from the EG outperformed those from the CG in all the research objectives. Findings from this study show that practical work improved learners' performance. The implication for teachers is that the use ofpractical work in teaching of Physical Sciences improves learners’ performance and that many resources are available locally that can be used to make the curriculum vital.The study recommends the use of practical work as an instructional strategy in science lessons at the senior high school (SHS) level.

Source: UEW
Determining the planning, intepreting and reasoning skills of students in biology laboratory work

Over the years, the West African Examination Council Chief Examiner’s reports in Biology have identified students’ persistent weaknesses in following the correct sequence in describing experiments and offering explanations from certain observations. Students are also unable to explain and describe scientific methods and set-ups accurately, and draw correct conclusions from experimental data and results. The purpose of the study was to determine the competency of SHS biology students in planning, Interpreting and reasoning skills. The study adopted the "Basic Skills Assessment approach. The sample used for the study consisted of 180 SHS 3 elective biology students drawn from a mixed, boys and a girls' school each from grade ‘A’, grade ‘B’ and grade ‘C’ schools in some selected senior high schools in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The instruments used for data collection were Performance Assessment Tasks under the heading Planning, Interpreting and Reasoning Tasks. Some of the key findings of the study included students’ difficulty in giving detailed planning (45.56%), providing appropriate diagrams (43.89%) and safety precautions (48.33%) to experiments they engage in. Inability of students to draw correct conclusions from experimental data and results (38.89%) stands from the fact that they have problems establishing relationship between two variables. One of the recommendations from the study urges teachers to insist on detailed planning and inclusion of safety precautions and appropriate diagrams in students’ write-up of experiments.

Source: UEW
Determining the planning, interpreting and reasoning skills of students in biology laboratory work

Over the years, the West African Examination Council Chief Examiner’s reports in Biology have identified students’ persistent weaknesses in following the correct sequence in describing experiments and offering explanations from certain observations. Students are also unable to explain and describe scientific methods and set-ups accurately, and draw correct conclusions from experimental data and results. The purpose of the study was to determine the competency of SHS biology students in planning, Interpreting and reasoning skills. The study adopted the "Basic Skills Assessment approach. The sample used for the study consisted of 180 SHS 3 elective biology students drawn from a mixed, boys and a girls' school each from grade ‘A’, grade ‘B’ and grade ‘C’ schools in some selected senior high schools in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The instruments used for data collection were Performance Assessment Tasks under the heading Planning, Interpreting and Reasoning Tasks. Some of the key findings of the study included students’ difficulty in giving detailed planning (45.56%), providing appropriate diagrams (43.89%) and safety precautions (48.33%) to experiments they engage in. Inability of students to draw correct conclusions from experimental data and results (38.89%) stands from the fact that they have problems establishing relationship between two variables. One of the recommendations from the study urges teachers to insist on detailed planning and inclusion of safety precautions and appropriate diagrams in students’ write-up of experiments.

Source: UEW
Determining University Library Loyalty Using Library Service Quality of a Public University in Ghana

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the dimensions of the LibQUAL model on customer loyalty. The study uses the LibQUAL+TMto measure the level of library service quality of a public university library in Ghana. The study was conducted using a university library users as respondents. From the findings, apart from Library as place, all dimensions of the LibQUAL+TMwere found to affect library customer loyalty. Service affect was found to be the strongest predictor of library customer loyalty. One implication of this study is that the management of libraries must continuously improve the service quality of services delivered in an attempt to improve the reuse of libraries. Also, the measure of service quality using the LibQUAL+TMenables library management to assess user�s perception of library services, and also to detect gaps. This study contributes to the literature on using the LibQUAL+TMto measure service quality and provides empirical evidence on the effect of library service quality on library customer loyalty. � 2021. All Rights Reserved

Source: UEW
Developing a framework for minimising conflicts between subcontractors and main contractors in the construction industry in selected regions in Ghana.

Construction industry is one of the largest and complex industry in Ghana which involve multiple Consultants with different interests’ areas. Conflict and disputes are almost inevitable in construction industry. The aim of the study was to develop a framework for minimizing conflicts between subcontractors and main contractors in the construction industry in selected regions in Ghana. The study employed a cross sectional survey design and a quantitative strategy. The target population of the study is construction site managers/engineers of main contractors and subcontractors. Stratified random sampling was used to select construction firms registered with the Registrar Generals Office at Tamale and purposive sampling technique used to select the site managers/engineers. The findings of the study suggest that the five key causes of conflicts between main and sub-contractors in the construction industry include; inaccurate design information, delayed in response on the part of the main contractors, lack of effective communication among project consultant and main contractors, incomplete work-drawings or specifications, and inadequate supply of materials. The findings revealed that the main effects of conflicts on projects include; reduces productivity at construction sites, cost overruns, increase in the additional work for the project, diversion of resource in respect of management time allocated to resolving conflict, loss and reduction of quality of work, delays in project completion, and termination of contract. Also, the findings suggest that the role of project Consultants include; help in selection of subcontractors through competitive tendering, make clear understanding of the contract conditions and requirements, project objectives and implementation, the clarity of the contract between main contractors and subcontractors, ensure compliance with regulations by main contractors & subcontractors, and ensure effective communication & coordination of main contractor and subcontractors. The study also revealed that effects of conflicts have a positive and significant effect on Role of Consultants in Minimizing Conflict, given the path coefficient results β =.521, t = 8.274, p < .01. A framework was developed for minimizing the causes and mitigating the effects of conflicts in the construction industry.

Source: UEW
Developing an Understanding of Parent�Teacher Partnerships in Schools for the Deaf in Ghana

This study examined the nature of partnerships that exist between parents and teachers, the attributes that influence these partnerships, and the strategies that can enhance the partnerships between parents and teachers in two schools for the deaf in the Central Region of Ghana. We conducted focus group discussions with 12 teachers and had one-to-one interviews with 13 parents. Participants described the partnerships as implicit and also indicated that the major associated attributes which affect their partnerships were parents� and teachers� role construction, neglect, sociocultural influences, and technology. The study suggested home visits, proactive outreaches, parent-teacher conferences, training, use of technology and instituting reward systems for parents and teachers who show dedication as ways of enhancing partnerships in schools for the deaf. � 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: UEW
Developing critical thinking skills of pre-service teachers in Ghana: Teahing methods and classroom ecology

According to Beyer (1997), the most important goal of schooling is learning and learning is a consequence of thinking. Students’ success in school is heavily dependent on their inclination as well as their ability to think skillfully. Promoting critical thinking skills in learners has attracted the attention of educators but little consideration is given to how teachers should be trained to promote it in schools. Educational planners, especially in African countries including critical thinking skills have given little thought to how teacher training institutions should prepare pre-service teachers to enhance students’ critical thinking skills (Acheampong, 2001; Hill, 2000). Improving the quality of students’ thinking in schools requires skillful teaching. Such a skill does not emerge without preparation. The challenge to pre-service teacher institutions in Ghana therefore, is to pursue training programs that prepare pre-service teachers to develop their students’ critical thinking skills. Pre-service teachers need to be prepared to teach their students to think critically but teacher preparation in critical thinking skills is devoid of the application of activities or strategies that develop the thinking skills of student-teachers (Ghana Education service/Teacher Education Division/Overseas Development Agency, 1993). Though there has been a plethora of studies on the negative effects of poor teaching strategies and classroom environment on students’ thinking, it is essential to investigate this phenomenon in a particular context and setting to serve the local professionals. It is significant to investigate such a problem in a setting where there are lack of teachers, where there are lack of textbooks and technology, where there are large class sizes, a setting where the academically “weak” are recruited for training and in a setting where the culture of the society bestows on the teacher absolute powers in the classroom. There is therefore, the need to investigate the present state of affairs in Ghanaian teacher institutions and what can be done to promote better thinking.

Source: UEW