ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Ceremonial and anniversary cloths of selected Institutions in Ghana: an appraisal

In designing for ceremonial and anniversary cloths, the corporate identities of organizations and institutions serve as the main motifs. They come in various designs with simple and complex motifs with varying shades and tints of colours. However, despite the varying designs that appear in most ceremonial and anniversary cloths in Ghana, they fail to capture the aesthetic qualities inherent in the various institution’s corporate identities and logos. The basic elements in many of these designs portray conflict of motif arrangements and poor textural background and hence do not reflect the ideals and philosophies of the institutions. The thesis therefore sought to appraise some of the existing ceremonial and anniversary cloths of selected institutions in Ghana and to propose some principles to serve as a guide for designing ceremonial and anniversary cloths for institutions in Ghana. The researcher employed the qualitative method since it lays emphasis on holistic description i.e. on describing in detail all what goes on in a particular activity. The researcher found out that most institutions have in their corporate identities ‘adinkra’ symbols which are incorporated in the designs. Some of the cloths do not profess the ideals and philosophies of the institution. There is also the problem of improper arrangements of the elements of designs and unsatisfactory application of the principles of design. v The researcher recommends that; the guiding principles proposed must be adopted by textiles designers to help produce high quality designs that can stand test of time. Designers must pay attention to cultural elements in the corporate identities of institutions when designing ceremonial and anniversary cloths for them. Textiles designers should incorporate in their designs elements that may portray the mission, vision, ideals and philosophies of the institutions in their designs.

Source: KNUST
Cervical cancer screening options for female tertiary students and attitude to national primary prevention strategy in Bono and Ahafo regions

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide after breast cancer. Every year, around 494,000 develop cervical cancer globally and almost 49.5% (233,000) die from the disease annually with about 80% (376,000) in developing countries. Little evidence exists on the extent of knowledge about cervical cancer screening among female tertiary students in Bono and Ahafo regions. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, risk perceptions, level of accessibility and intention or willingness to take cervical cancer screening among female tertiary students in the Bono and Ahafo regions. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design and a quantitative approach. A cluster sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents for the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of STATA software v14. The knowledge of cervical cancer among the female tertiary students was generally average (48%) for signs and non-signs and 64% on risk factors, although 58% have not heard about a preventive vaccine. Level of accessibility to cervical cancer was low. 59.8% do not know where to get cervical cancer screening services, 62% do not have accessibility to cervical cancer services and reproductive health facilities in the regions under study. Also, on risk perception, 82% use condom as a means of protection during sexual intercourse of which the majority 54.6% used condom to prevent pregnancy. 50.6% do not belief they can get HPV from infected boyfriend. The intention or willingness to take cervical cancer was influenced by perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived severity and cues to action on development of cervical cancer of which 59% indicated they are not susceptible, 60.3% indicated cost, lack of information and others personal barriers to take the screening. xii Approximately 85% indicated high benefits in taking the screening as it provides early detection and can save life. About 50% also indicated external cues from significant others can influence their intention to take cervical cancer screening.

Source: KNUST
Cervical Cancer Screening Options for Female Tertiary Students and Attitude to National Primary Prevention Strategy in Bono and Ahafo Regions

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide after breast cancer. Every year, around 494,000 develop cervical cancer globally and almost 49.5% (233,000) die from the disease annually with about 80% (376,000) in developing countries. Little evidence exists on the extent of knowledge about cervical cancer screening among female tertiary students in Bono and Ahafo regions. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, risk perceptions, level of accessibility and intention or willingness to take cervical cancer screening among female tertiary students in the Bono and Ahafo regions. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design and a quantitative approach. A cluster sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents for the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of STATA software v14. The knowledge of cervical cancer among the female tertiary students was generally average (48%) for signs and non-signs and 64% on risk factors, although 58% have not heard about a preventive vaccine. Level of accessibility to cervical cancer was low. 59.8% do not know where to get cervical cancer screening services, 62% do not have accessibility to cervical cancer services and reproductive health facilities in the regions under study. Also, on risk perception, 82% use condom as a means of protection during sexual intercourse of which the majority 54.6% used condom to prevent pregnancy. 50.6% do not belief they can get HPV from infected boyfriend. The intention or willingness to take cervical cancer was influenced by perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived severity and cues to action on development of cervical cancer of which 59% indicated they are not susceptible, 60.3% indicated cost, lack of information and others personal barriers to take the screening. Approximately 85% indicated high benefits in taking the screening as it provides early detection and can save life. About 50% also indicated external cues from significant others can influence their intention to take cervical cancer screening.

Source: KNUST
Challenges to the Implementation of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) at State Owned Enterprises (A Case Study Of Ghana Ports And Harbours Authority)

The Public Procurement Act of 2003, Act 663 was enacted in 2003 to harmonise public procurement process, secure judicious, economic and efficient use of state resources and ensure that public procurement functions undertaken within the public sector are fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. Public procurement accounts for about 50% to 70% of total government expenditure, represents 14% of Gross Domestic Product and accounts for about 24% of total imports of Ghana. Since the coming into effect of the Act a number of challenges have been affecting its effective implementation. There, also, have been difficulties in the application of the Act in state owned Enterprises some of which seek freedom from the Act because their activities are not funded from the consolidated fund and they compete in private sector environments. The objectives of this study, therefore, are to identify the implementation challenges at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) (a state owned enterprise) and also identify remedies to address these challenges. Quantitative research approach was employed. Purposive sampling method was used to select respondents who were directly involved in procurement activities at the GPHA to take part in the survey. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the relevant data from the participants. The results of the study show the main implementation challenges include : lengthy procurement process due to the several layers of approving structures, low procurement thresholds for entity tender committee, incorrect interpretation and application of some provisions of the ACT and lowest evaluated mindset in the award of contract. The following recommendations were made to address the challenges: the Act should be revised to reduce the number of approving structures, the thresholds should be revised, ambiguities in some of the sections should be clarified and entity tender committees should be empowered to verify the reasonableness of major rates submitted by bidders.

Source: KNUST
“The Challenge of Portrait Painting in Ghana”

Portrait painting has not been adequately exploited in Ghana, and is lacking in terms of documentation. it is therefore this desire to explore and document this area of painting, which has basically promoted this research. In this light, much documentation can be an invaluable contribution to painting in Ghana. In most cases the knowledge of anatomy is of great importance to the portrait painter. At least knowing how the bones and muscles look like and having an idea of how some of the muscles function is of help t the portrait artist. Row the head is attached to the neck and the neck to the shoulders, how the neck is affected by head movements, and how facial expressions are made by the muscles moving under the skin of the face, scalp and neck, are all of great importance to the portrait painter. From the prehistoric period to present day men have had different reasons for making portraits. These reasons affected the way their portraits were painted. For instance during the middle Egyptian period artists were commissioned to paint portraits of Pharaohs and those portraits were used to adorn the walls of tombs. The Egyptian believed that, the body of a man must be preserved, if the soul was to live on after death. The resemblance of the King was of great importance, so they would be double sure. During the Renaissance and to present day the personality of the sitter was of primary importance and not only that but the relationship between the artist and the sitter was most relevant of all. To the contemporary Ghanaian portrait painter, a portrait means more than just the facial resemblance of a sitter, but that the artist, when painting a portrait should be making a statement concerning his sitter. Ten personalities of different professional or occupational backgrounds were selected as sitters for this project. Koo Nimo (Dr. Kwabena .Amponsah) for his iaunense contribution to traditional music in Ghana, Kwamivi Zewuze Adzraku as a painter, Nana Ama Konadu for her traditional role as a queen mother, Dr. T.C. Ankrah as a medicil practitioner, Mrs. Charity Asare as a educationist, Nana Brefo Boateng as a cultural officer, Edward Broni .s a sculpture, Bishop Akwasi Sarpong for his religious role and Wofa Kosuako as a driver. These individuals were selected because of the importance of their professions or occupations to the development of the nation (this is not to say that other professions not mentioned are not important to the development of the nation). In painting the portraits, colour, gesture and mood were analysed to enhance the personality of the sitters.

Source: KNUST
Challenges Affecting the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Institutions in Ghana

As corruption becomes increasingly sophisticated, the fight against it demands a well-integrated, multi-disciplinary strategy. Hence the establishment of anti-corruption institutions, agencies or commissions which invariably have one or more of three functions: investigation and enforcement; corruption prevention; and awareness and education. However in Ghana, irrespective of the existence of anti-corruption institutions, the perception of corruption has steadily increased to overwhelming levels. Why this increase in corruption in the face of these anti-corruption institutions? The study aimed at exploring the challenges that affect the effectiveness of these anti-corruption institutions in Ghana in their fight against corruption. A population of nine (9) anti-corruption institutions in the Ashanti Region was sampled and questionnaires administered. Relative importance, frequency and severity equations were used to analyze and rank the challenges affecting the work of these institutions. The study identified; insufficient resources, inappropriate staffing, lack of political will, lack of budget and fiscal autonomy, and unfavourable economic conditions as the top five (5) critical challenges anti-corruption institutions in Ghana face in their work against fighting corruption. It is recommended that government and other relevant stakeholders take the necessary steps to address these challenges so that anti-corruption institutions in the country can work effectively as it is expected.

Source: KNUST
Challenges and benefits of integrating environmental sustainability in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies’ (MMDA’s) construction projects

The fast-rising degradation and deforestation of the environment has drawn government and agencies to derive and make policies to regulate and ensure sustainability of the environment. Advocating for, and application of sustainability of the construction industry could be very difficult, particularly in a developing country like Ghana. However, it is very important to consider environmental issues when constructing projects. This is a quantitative study that was conducted in selected MMDAs in the Ashanti region with an aim of exploring the challenges and benefits of integrating environmental sustainability in MMDA’s construction projects in Ghana. The primary research was conducted using design survey questionnaires. These were structured questionnaires used to obtain data to ascertain the benefits and challenges with integrating environmental sustainability in MMDA’s projects. Purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study. A total number of forty-five questionnaires were administered and forty were retrieved representing a response rate of 88.9%. Relative Importance Index rankings was the main tool used for analysis. The findings of the research revealed that minimal impact on environment, provide comfort to users/ occupiers, and longer building life span were the main benefits of integrating environmental sustainability in MMDA’s projects. However, the main challenges associated with integrating environmental sustainability in MMDA’s projects were also disclosed as lack of solid laid-down national comprehensive development policy, political inconsistency, and high demand for infrastructure. A recommendation was made that government should ensure that there are solid laid-down national comprehensive development policies to cater for environmental sustainability of projects.

Source: KNUST
Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Working Women in the Banking Industry in Ghana: A Study of the Perception of Women at the National Investment Bank Limited

This study sought to examine the challenges and coping mechanisms of working women in the banking industry in Ghana National Investment Bank Limited, Head Office in Accra. The research, specifically examined the characteristics of women that worked at NIB, the type of work they did, the challenges faced by the women at NIB and coping mechanisms adopted by the women to enable them cope with the challenges. The study used descriptive design to determine the challenges and coping mechanisms adopted by the women employees of NIB. A total of 50 respondents made up of staff and management staff of the NIB Head Office answered a questionnaire on the challenges and coping mechanisms of working women in the Banking Industry in Ghana. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The study revealed that characteristics of the working women in NIB fell in line with the country’s categorisation of the working class and were also well educated. The nature of work was stressful and so demanding that they were unable to meet deadlines. They reported early for work and closed late limiting time spent used for household responsibilities which was bad for their families. It can be concluded that these women adopted strategies such as sticking to their plans for each day, hiring house helps, depending on friends and family to assist with household duties, having the support and assistance of their spouses, relying on the strength of God and also being patient and tolerant with each other to cope with the situation.

Source: KNUST
Challenges and predictors of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending the child welfare clinic at a regional hospital in Ghana: a descriptive crosssectional study

Background: The challenges and predictors of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) have been examined in many parts of the world. Considering the socio-cultural dynamics and the few research studies in Ghana, the factors that hinder and predict EBF practice in other countries may be different in the Ghanaian setting. The study therefore sought to assess the challenges and predictors of EBF among mothers attending a child welfare clinic at a regional hospital in Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between January and March, 2015 to elicit information from 240 mothers who were sampled using simple random sampling technique. A validated structured questionnaire was used in collecting data on participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and reported breastfeeding practices. Participants’ breastfeeding challenges were rated on a Likert scale from 1 (not at all), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), 4 (severe) to 5 (unbearable). In this study, EBF refers to birth of the infants up to six months. Results: The top three breastfeeding challenges of mothers were: belief that breast milk alone was not sufficient in meeting their babies’ nutritional needs [mean 3.43 (standard deviation {SD} 1.35)], short maternity leave period [mean 3.41 (SD 1.29)], and socio-cultural pressure to introduce water and artificial feeds [mean 3.39 (SD 1.28)]. Independent predictors of EBF were: infant’s age [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 0.82 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.71, 0.95)], and self-employment [AOR 2.67 (95% CI 1.11, 6.41)]. Conclusion: Mothers are confronted with numerous EBF challenges both at the individual and societal levels, and stakeholders need to consider these in order to support breastfeeding mothers to maximize outcomes. Reviewing the labour laws on Ghana’s maternity leave to accommodate an extended maternity leave in addition to the employee’s annual leave could further improve EBF practice rates.

Source: KNUST
The challenges and prospects of community based health care financing schemes/mutual health organisations in Ghana: a case study of schemes in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Health care financing all over the world is under severe strain, more so in Africa and other developing countries where the cost of health care is ever increasing. Over the years, calls have been made for communities in developing countries to plan, finance, organize and operate health care services but questions remain as to how and how much poor people in poor countries can and should be expected to contribute towards health care. The issue of primary health care and its finance matters most to poor people themselves. As a result, Community Based Health Insurance Schemes (CBHIS) have been developed by people in the rural and informal sectors in most developing countries to cater for their health care needs of which Ghana and the Northern Region in particular are no exception. The viability and sustainability of these schemes are however threatened as most schemes in the region stagnate and terminate at gestation. Also, little documentation exists on these financing mechanisms and, no body of evidence has emerged to enable a definitive evaluation to make about their viability and sustainability hence this study. The study was mainly a qualitative descriptive one and focused on 70 percent of functional schemes in the Northern Region. It relied on both secondary data through desk top studies and primary data through interviews with 30 key informants comprising Scheme Managers, Health and Development Workers and Focus Groups Discussions with Scheme Members, Non-Scheme Members and Previous Scheme Members. The study revealed among others, that CBHIS have tremendous prospects given the availability of technical support, solidarity mechanisms that exist in communities and government commitment to such schemes. However, schemes are faced with tremendous challenges- They may not necessarily be appropriate in every circumstance and moreover their current small size, limited benefit cover and their inability to cover all sectors and groups of the population for example, the very poorest, may sometimes limit their efficacy as instruments for the sustainable financing of health care. Nonetheless, this study has shown that these problems are not necessarily inherent but are related to design and management weaknesses, for which adequate and feasible solutions exist, though their application may require the active role of government and other partners so as to enable CBHIS to realize their true potential. It was therefore recommended among others, that the design of schemes should incorporate attractive benefit packages, efficient payment mechanisms, mandatory reference system, contracting and negotiating with providers on commonly agreed standards and community participation. Also, technical, managerial and material support, are germane to sustainability and viability of CBHIS and hence are also recommended.

Source: KNUST
The Challenges and Prospects of Eliminating Child Labour in Ghana’s Cocoa Sector: The Case of Asunafo South District

The incidence of child labour in Ghana’s cocoa sector and its consequences have become a focus for attention in the international and local media since 2001. Consequently, the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare (MESW) launched the National Programme for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Cocoa production(NPECLC) to comprehensively eliminate all forms of child labour in Ghana’s cocoa sector. The programme is targeted at all the 69 cocoa growing districts in Ghana including Asunafo South District. This study seeks to ascertain the perspectives of cocoa farmers in the Asunafo South District on the child labour concept, its causes and effects. It also seeks to explore the policy options for addressing this menace. In all 60 cocoa farmers were interviewed in 6 communities and 5 hamlets. The results indicate that the level of awareness of the child labour concept among the cocoa farmers in the Asunafo South District was appreciably high. In all, 78.3 percent of the respondents said they had been educated on effects of child labour. However, their knowledge base of the possible health effects of child labour was quite low. A few policy options were identified as possible solutions to child labour in the district. These include: improving access to quality basic education; implementing social protection schemes such as: i) unconditional transfers, and ii) conditional transfers; and improving access to services such as potable water, schools and clinics to reduce the time spent by children and their families in accessing them.

Source: KNUST