ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Social media activism and offline campaigns in the fight against domestic violence in Ghana. A study of selected activists on Facebook

An emerging area concerning social media is how it can be used to champion a social cause through activism. Social media has demonstrated the potential for mobilising attention and accountability to women’s right and challenging discrimination and stereotypes. Also, social media has proven to be a powerful vehicle for bringing women’s right issues to the attention of a wider public. This study seeks to explore how social media activisms and “offline” campaigns can be used in the fight against domestic violence in Ghana. With the use of cyber ethnography, interviews and theories like the social capital, social network theory and the resource mobilisation theory, the usefulness of social media (Facebook) in amplifying the atrocities of victims of domestic violence was investigated. Purposive sampling and snowballing were the two major types of sampling used to arrive at seven activists who were interviewed and observed on Facebook. Social media was identified as an avenue for victims to vent, this offered them the opportunity to tell the whole world what they are going through. Also, the activists noted that the content of their posts on Facebook has been able to educate people on domestic violence. Facebook offers a ground for activists to network and share ideas on how to assist victims who reach out to them. Funding for activism was one interesting area that emerged in this study. This is when the activists can use SM space to raise money and other resources needed to boost the particular cause they are working on.

Source: UEW
Social media and citizen-led Anti-Galamsey activism in Ghana A study of user posts on Facebook

Social media platforms have become an important arena for activism and mobilization; opening up direct communication and conversation channels between the general public and users seeking to raise awareness and mobilize the public toward a common course. The current study investigates user posts on anti-galamsey activism on Facebook, exploring how social media is shaping citizen-led activism in Ghana. Drawing from the Social Movement Theory and Ekman’s Theory of Basic Emotions, and underpinned by qualitative content analysis, the study analysed 1350 Facebook posts by citizen anti-galamsey activists. The study shows galamsey continues to thrive primarily due to political interference, leadership failure and high unemployment rate. Again, the study indicates that, the effectiveness of social media activism is closely tied to the types of posts used. Moreover, the study divulges negative emotions are not only prevalent, but can be more engaging for some social media users, thus, individuals have a tendency to pay more attention to negative posts. The four emotions (fear, anger, sad and disgust) outpoured by the citizen anti galamsey activists were all negative emotions out of the six emotions listed by Paul Ekman. This study concludes that, Facebook is a potential platform to mobilize public opinion against illegal mining (galamsey). Hence, the government and its apparatus should actively participate and harness information from these online conversations to address concerns and guide in providing updates on measures being taken to combat galamsey.

Source: UEW
Social media and radio news production A study of selected radio stations in Accra

The study investigated social media use by two radio stations in Accra (Peace FM and Citi FM), employing cyber ethnography, interviews and documents analysis as well as the Technology Acceptance and Technology Appropriation models. The research revealed that social media has been useful in enhancing journalistic tasks of news gathering, sourcing, news reporting, news editing, and public engagement or interactivity. However, the point of departure in terms of the appropriation of social media by the two radio stations lies in the area of news dissemination. The study also found that the incorporation of social media into radio news production has not subverted traditional patterns of news production and distribution. Rather, social media complements radio news production, with the resultant effect being the evolution of a radio-social media news ecology. Members of the ecology (radio stations, social media and audience) inter-relate and interdepend on one another in the area of content production and usage. What is, however, significant is that the two radio stations do not have any documented policies to help tackle credibility issues associated with some social media content.

Source: UEW
Social media framing of the comprehensive sexuality education curriculum in Ghana

The study focuses on framing the comprehensive sexuality education policy in Ghana, drawing data on social media, specifically Facebook. In particular, the study examined social media and how it is used to champion a social cause and government policy. The study highlighted how Ghanaian citizens reacted to government’s policy on young people receiving a range of messages about sexuality and gender on a daily basis. The literature suggests, that a curriculum-based sexuality education programme can help children and young people navigate these messages, and develop positive norms about themselves, about their relationships, about their health, and about being responsible citizens. This study utilised framing theory and relied on cyber-ethnography. The findings indicated that social media (Facebook) has given freedom to all categories of people to air their views on government policies. The study also indicated that Facebook users framed comprehensive sexuality education policy within the context of culture, religion, politics and economic perspectives, with culture being the dominant frame. The study also revealed that messages and posts on the comprehensive sexuality education differed from one person to the other. The study concludes that social media has proven to be a powerful vehicle for bringing policy issues to the attention of a wider audience in a two-way symmetrical manner that focuses on dialogue and sustains mutually beneficial relationships.

Source: UEW
Social media language and Students’ English writing a case of Oti Boateng Senior High

This study examined the influence of social media language in essays of secondary level students at Oti Boateng Senior High School, Koforidua – Ada in the New Juabeng South Municipality. Three research objectives that guided this study were (1) identify the elements of social media language used by students of Oti Boateng Senior High School, (2) find out the linguistics categories of the social media language used by the students and (3) examine how social media language influence the students’ English language writing. The nature of the study was qualitative with content analysis being the research design. The data for the study was students’ essays. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to ensure that students’ essays selected have relevant social media language needed for the study with a sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) respondents. The Social Learning Theory aided in the data analysis supported by Microsoft excel. The findings indicated that social media language has much influence on the writing of secondary level students with the negative effects outweighing the positive effects. The students used elements like abbreviations (11%), phonological contractions (33%) and acoustic representations (36%) in their formal writing which are the effects of writing social media language as students are more familiar with that type of language. Again, the data showed that verbs were the most lexical items used scoring 24%; these verbs were action-oriented and few stative ones. Interjections were the least with only 4%. It also showed compound-complex structures were written most. The results of the analysis indicated finally that students observed, imitated and modelled social media language since students realised there was a meaningful reward for such a behaviour in the global world. The study recommended that teachers enlighten students on the positive and negative effects of writing social media language since the type of English they use on social media is not accepted in academic writing and may affect their academic performance at the end of their secondary education.

Source: UEW
Social media representation of fatherhood in Ghana an analysis of father's day celebration posts on Facebook.

This study examines the representation of fathers and portrayal of gender roles in Father's Day posts on Facebook by Ghanaian users. Using a qualitative methodology, the researcher analysed 4,892 relevant posts from 2020-2022. Thematic analysis revealed three dominant themes: appreciation/gratitude for fathers (40.9% of posts), celebrating father figures (38.7%), and remembering deceased fathers (20.4%). These themes challenged the assumptions that Ghanaian fathers are peripheral or authoritarian figures. The representations shifted away from narrow traditional masculine norms by portraying fathers as capable of balancing nurturing care alongside providing financial support and moral guidance. However, the depictions of gender roles were conflicted. While some posts upheld masculine ideals like aggression and female domesticity, others championed caring masculinity and egalitarian co-parenting partnerships. This reflected evolving perspectives embracing more fluid parental responsibilities transcending rigid norms. The analysis concluded that although representations perpetuating patriarchal masculine conventions persisted, some posts promoted progressive conceptualisations aligning with theories of involved fathering's developmental benefits. Therefore, the study recommended the use of educational campaigns, workplace policies, and community programs to reinforce expansive caring fatherhood representations while providing skills training to enable men's hands-on engagement, overcoming systemic gender inequities.

Source: UEW
Social media-induced jealousy and marital satisfaction of married couples in Sogakope township

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social media usage, social-media induce jealousy and marital satisfaction among married couples in Sogakope Township in the Volta region of Ghana. A descriptive survey design was used. The population of the study comprises all married couples in the Sogakope Township. A sample size of 420 respondents was used for the study and selected using a stratified sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. From the analyses, it emerged that social media usage differs among married couples. However, the nature of social media platform use differs among married couples and its use also differs significantly among married couples when they were grouped by gender. It was revealed that social media-induced jealousy negatively correlates with marital satisfaction. It was recommended among others that marriage counsellors should exploit how social media platforms could be used in healthy ways to promote communication among married couples. It was again recommended that married couples should be encouraged to pay attention to the emotional feelings of their partner and must avoid engaging in social media activities that will elicit unpleasant emotions.

Source: UEW
Social Studies curriculum and climate change views of teachers’ and students’ in senior high schools in Bolgatanga Municipality

The study sought to examined senior high school social studies teachers‟ and students‟ perceived challenges and responses to climate change in the Bolgatanga Municipality. A mixed method approach was used for the study. A convergent parallel design of mixed methods was employed for the study. A total of 172 respondents were sampled for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 128 students and census survey was used to sample 41 teachers. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide was the main instrument for data collection. The data gathered was analysed using the Statistical Product Service Solutions (SPSS version 21) for the quantitative data whilst qualitative data was analysed thematically. Finding from the study revealed that; Social Studies teachers have, to a large extent, irreplaceable knowledge about the meaning of climate change, majority of the students were uncertain with most of the various definitions of climate change; majority of the teachers believed that the Social Studies curriculum addresses climatic issues to a large extent, most of the teachers agreed to all, the following challenges; inadequate TLMs for teaching climate change, unavailable of resource persons, Social Studies curriculum is overloaded with other issues, Abstract nature of the causes of climate change, difficulty in communicating climate change issues to the students, Centralization of the curriculum, inadequate curriculum designers‟ knowledge on climate change, inadequate teacher‟s knowledge on climate change, politicization of the debate on climate change, financial constraint, poverty and finally because the effect of climate change has not been sufficiently yet. It was recommended that Social Studies teachers should constantly revise their knowledge on climate change to continue keeping them abreast with current climatic issues, the National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NaCCA) should consult teachers for their rich knowledge when introducing climate change issues or redesigning the Social Studies curriculum, a workshop should be organized for teachers of secondary schools to enable them have a better understanding to cope with the menace of climate change. This will equip them for classroom delivery.

Source: UEW
Social studies teachers’ perception of junior high school social studies curriculum in Berekum Municipality

The study aimed at determining teachers’ perception of Social Studies and how they teach the subject at Junior High Schools in Berekum Municipality of Brong Ahafo Region in Ghana. Four research questions guided the study: 1, what are the perceptions of Social Studies teachers about the nature of Social Studies? 2. What are the techniques employed by social studies teachers? 3. What is the nature and purpose of Social Studies curriculum at the Junior High School? 4. What is the significance of in-service training to the Social Studies teachers at the Junior High School? The main instrument used for the study was questionnaire. A questionnaire made up of forty (40) close-ended four-point Likert Scale Structured items were administered to hundred (100) Social Studies teachers in the selected twenty-five (25) Junior High Schools in Berekum Municipality. The questionnaire was divided into seven parts (A, B, C, D, E, F, & G). Areas examined include Meaning of Social Studies, Academic and professional Qualification, Scope and Goals of Social Studies, nature of Social studies Education and Techniques of Teaching Social Studies. The sampling technique for the study was both purposive and random sampling. The data obtained from the questionnaire suggest that in all, most teachers were homogenous in their assertion that the nature of social studies is that of citizenship education. This is consistent with Banks (1990) that citizenship education is the primary focus of social studies in the school curriculum which promotes desirable participatory citizenship and further confirmed by the position of Bar and Shermis (1977) that social studies is an integration of experience concerning human relations for the purpose of citizenship education. It was also concluded that the purpose of Social Studies is to develop positive attitudes, values and skills of pupils. It is recommended that teachers continue to acquire relevant knowledge on making Social Studies more relevant to the needs of the citizenry and abreast themselves with teaching techniques that would enhance practical ways of learning and encourage the application of real- life situation

Source: UEW
Social Studies Teachers’ professionaI Identity and effective teaching of Social Studies in public Junior High Schools in Gomoa Central district, Ghana.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the professional identity of Social Studies teachers and its effect on the effective teaching of Social Studies using Gomoa Central as a case study. The study employed a quantitative approach to answer the research questions. The study used a census sampling technique to select all the 45 Social Studies teachers in the Gomoa Central District. The study utilised a closed ended 4-point Likert Scale questionnaire to elicit responses. The instrument was self administered after obtaining permission from the headteachers and seeking consent from the respondents. By employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, the results indicated that majority of the Social Studies teachers were effective in terms of their professional identity represented by professional values and attitudes, professional knowledge and professional practice. Results also revealed that Social Studies teachers‘ professional identity has a statistically significant and positive effect on the effective teaching of Social Studies. The study concludes that developing Social Studies teachers‘ professional identity is a sine qua non to ensuring effective teaching of the subject which will enrich the goal of sterling performance of students in Social Studies in the district. The study therefore recommends the need for creating avenues that encourage professional development of the teachers and the use of information and communications technology in implementing instructional duties.

Source: UEW
Social studies teachers’ use of the integrated approach in their lessons in the Kumasi metropolis

This research was conducted to explore Social Studies teachers’ use of the integrated approach in their teaching in senior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis. A case study design with qualitative methodology was adopted for the study. A sample size of 20 was purposively sampled. The data was gathered using interview and observation guide. Template analysis was used to analyse the data qualitatively. The results of the study indicated that in most cases, Social Studies teachers in senior high schools did not use the integrated approach in their instructional practice even though they had knowledge on the definition of Social Studies and partly understood the integrated approach. The study recommended that, regular in- service training on new methodologies, assessment techniques and approaches such as the integrated approach should be organised for Social Studies teachers to keep them abreast with modern approaches for the fulfilment of learners’ and societal needs. In addition, only trained Social Studies teachers should be allowed to teach Social Studies in SHSs.

Source: UEW
Socially gated communities and urban development. A case of selected Christian Religious Groups in Ghana.

Religion is a vital and fascinating component of sociocultural that has to be looked at. Some religious organizations in Ghana have their territory reserved just for their members and are isolated from other communities. These communities are different from prayer camps where members are not permanent residents of the camps, they usually leave when they receive their prayer requests. Residents of socially gated communities are permanent residents and have strong communal relationships among their members. Existing research on urban development in Ghana has mostly focused on physically gated neighbourhoods, overlooking the unique characteristics and effects of socially gated religious communities. This study filled the gap by investigating the unique contributions of these groups to Ghana's urban development agenda. Specifically, this research explores the features of the selected socially gated religious communities, analyzes the socio-economic relationships that exist among the members of the selected religious communities, and finally, examines the contributions of socially gated religious communities to the urban development agenda of their respective towns. The thesis is based on two socially gated religious communities and takes a qualitative approach, using purposive and convenience sampling techniques, social inclusion and exclusion theory served as the analytical foundation for the research, as well as a phenomenology research design by using the constructivist worldview. Based on the first objective, it was revealed that SDTWC founded in 1977, has grown from 11 members to thousands nationwide. Saviour Church of Ghana: established in 1924, it grew through reported miracles and Sabbath observance. Leaders received land donations to build churches and communities. The church focuses on three pillars: agriculture, education, and health. The study concluded that the religious communities studied have in mind that their closeness to the larger urban communities might dilute their strong belief in God, hence they believe physical exclusion is the best way to get closer to God. However, the findings show that, in their so-called exclusion, they tend to help their respective communities with physical infrastructural development, most of which are eventually open to the non-members of the church to patronize causing inclusion. It was recommended that, leaders of the socially gated religious communities should actively encourage their members to uphold existing relationships with non-members, recognizing the important role these connections play in sustaining unity between members and non-members. It was also recommended that, socially gated communities should continue to collaborate with local community leaders such as chiefs, districts, and municipal heads to enhance their contributions Keywords:

Source: UEW
Societal perception of the education of hearing impaired a case study of Ashanti school for the deaf in Jamasi Community

The study sought to find out the societal perception of the education of the hearing impaired in Ashanti School for the Deaf, in Jamasi community. Fifty teachers, thirty non-teaching , one hundred and sixty students and ten parents who have their wards in Ashanti School For The Deaf were selected through simple random sampling and stratified simple random sampling. The research design was a descriptive survey and questionnaire was used to obtain the data for the study. The study found out that, the society generally has negative perception towards the hearing impaired; where majority of people think educating hearing impaired was a waste of resource. Again, the study found out that the syllabus and textbooks designed for schools were not deaf friendly. It was realised that, pupils who were brought to school by their parents and siblings received more love and care from their parents than those who were brought to school by other guardians. Additionally, the study found out that, schools for the hearing impaired were inadequate. It is recommended that, education should be given to the general public particularly parents who have given birth to hearing impaired children on the need to give equal opportunities and attention to both their hearing impaired and hearing children as far as their education is concerned. It is again recommended that, the government and the stakeholders in education should revise the syllabus to make it more friendly to the hearing impaired. Finally, the school authorities, P.T.A and all stakeholders should come up with programmes in the form of workshop, seminars, forum that would help the parents and the society at large to learn the sign language.

Source: UEW