ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Changes in Quality of Imported Apples (Malus Pumila) along the Postharvest Import Chain

Changes in quality parameters were studied on two commercially imported apple cultivars in Ghana: ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Pink Lady’, with the aim of investigating the changes in the apples along the postharvest import chain. Freshly imported apples were sampled and analysed for the following: percentage moisture, weight (and subsequent weight loss), total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH using standard methods; and antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. These results were used as control for changes that were recorded along the study. The rest of the samples were stored for a 90-day period under different conditions: Cold Room Storage (0 - 4 oC), Cold Shelf Storage (10 – 18 oC) and in Ambient Storage (25 – 28 oC), each representing a major stage in the postharvest import chain in Ghana. Sampling and analysis were done every 15th day for 90 days. Physical defects were also observed on sampling days. At the end of the 90 day storage period, storage of apples under cold room conditions retained better quality characteristics than all other storage conditions. Golden Delicious apples retained higher moisture content than the Pink Lady apples as storage progressed; even though a significant loss in weight was record on day 15 in both cultivars and in all storage conditions. Fresh samples of Pink Lady apples had 79% DPPH inhibition, as compared with 74% in Golden Delicious. However, a significant drop in the AA of Pink Lady apples occurred by day 30 in storage, whereas this was seen on day 60 for Golden Delicious apples, both in cold room storage. All samples under ambient storage had lost a significant amount of AA by day 15 in storage. Soft rot, Bitter pit and discolouration were also severe in the ambient storage samples. Changes in pH, total soluble solids and titratable acidity still fell within consumer acceptable ranges

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Computerised Posting System of the National Service Scheme: A Case of the Brong Ahafo Region

The national service scheme is one strategy that actively engages the youth in national development. With the onset of the information era, manual placement of personnel under the scheme has become a major challenge. The national service scheme has adopted the computerized placement system to ensure the efficient deployment of personnel to user agencies. This study assessed the computerized posting system of the national service scheme using Brong-Ahafo region as case study. It first examined the current state of the national service scheme. Next it assessed the efficiency of the computerized posting system of the national service. It further identified the efficiency gaps in the computerized posting system. The study adopted the case study methodology in carrying out the research and used the simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques in obtaining data for the study. The study revealed that the scheme currently posts personnel to ministries such as the Ministry of Education, Health, Agriculture; Departments and agencies such as Department of Feeder Roads, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, and National Commission for Civic Education, District Assemblies; and Private Organizations such as NGOs and banks. The study also found that the scheme is relatively efficient as all stakeholders indicated that the efficiency level of the scheme was above 60 percent. The major efficiency gaps revealed in the study were; delays in the release of postings, deployment of personnel to offices with no correlation with qualification as well as interference in the placement system by external forces. The study thus made apposite recommendations such as sensitizing prospective service personnel on enrolment procedures, requesting user agencies to submit demands in advance as well as avoidance of undue interference in computerized placement system.

Source: KNUST
ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTION OF CASH MOBILISATION OFFICERS TO THEGROWTH OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: A CASE STUDY OFADOM MICROFINANCE

This research sought to assess how the contributions of the deposit mobilisation officers affect the growth of Adom Microfinance Institution. However, the study will specifically examine the total contribution of the savings mobilisation officers relative to total annual deposit mobilisation of Adom microfinance, how their contribution impacts on the liquidity of the Adom Microfinance, challenges the CMO‘s and the management of the microfinance face in their operations and to explore ways to grow their contribution to total savings mobilisation. The study was conducted with both qualitative and quantitative method, executed through questionnaires, which are handed out to forty (40) respondents made up of one (1) microfinance officials and thirty – nine (39) cash Mobilisation officers at Adom micro finance. Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze data obtained from field research. The study shows that majority representing 53.8% of the cash mobilisation officers (CMO‘s) were able to mobilise an estimated amount of Ghc 600-1000 daily. Concerning the challenges the study revealed some of the cash mobilisation officers absconding with depositors‘ funds. The study went further to establish that, management strongly agree that, increase interest rate on savings were the effect mechanism of increasing total cash mobilisation. The study recommended that, Management need to motivate cash mobilization officer to encourage them to give their maximum to increasing total cash mobilisation.

Source: KNUST
ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTION OF INTERNALLY GENERATED FUND (IGF) TO THE BEKWAI MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY DEVELOPMENTAL FRAMEWORK

This study that was conducted at the Bekwai Municipal Assembly was meant to explore the Contribution of Internally Generated Fund (IGF) to the MMDAs Development Framework, the case of the Bekwai Municipal Assembly. The study relied mainly on secondary sources of data collated from annual accounts for the period, 2010-2014. Interview was also conducted with the Municipal Finance Officer to ascertain relevant information that would otherwise not be available from the secondary data. The study revealed that the revenue generated internally is lower in proportion to the Central Government Transfers (DACF, DDF and Donor Funds) and targets are mostly not met. The study further showed that the trend of revenue mobilization has witnessed a slow but steady growth throughout the period under consideration and opportunities exist for improvement. Aside the uncooperative attitude of tax payers‘, and difficulty in locating taxable assets and activities, some major challenges included the absence of logistics including a vehicle and the apparent disconnect between the Assembly and the citizenry in respect of tax education. It has therefore being recommended that a common platform beyond fee fixing resolution meetings be created for relevant stakeholders in the revenue mobilization effort. Also the assembly should explore the use of private tax collectors as well as the use of automated tax collection system.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the contribution of community–base health planning and service (CHPS) in the reduction of maternal mortality using the sisterhood method in Wa Municipality

The burden of maternal mortality is enormous and of great concern globally. Sub-Saharan Africa is leading in terms of maternal deaths with the highest maternal mortality rate of 890 /100,000 live births in 2010. Despite several interventions targeting in the achievement of MDG 5, most countries have failed to meet the set standard. Skilled birth attendance, ANC and family planning services have been identified as key interventions to influence the reduction of maternal death. The Community-Based Health Planning and Service (CHPS) had contributed in mitigating maternal death. These facilities are located closer to clients and render emergency delivery, ANC and family planning services resulting in an increased accessibility of health services in the Municipality. This study employs a descriptive cross-sectional approach. In line with this, a household survey was conducted with women within the reproductive age (15-45 years) as the target group to find out how the services of CHPS contributes towards the reduction of maternal mortality. Variables such as antenatal care, family planning, referral systems, TBAS delivery and recourse to facilities were considered. If we enter a household and two or more women are qualified, we randomly select one for the interview.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the contribution of microfinance institutions to rural women empowerment in the upper west region of Ghana

The contributions of women in the economy of Ghana can never be over emphasized particularly in agriculture and trading yet majority of them are the poorest, less privileged and most marginalized especially when it comes to household decision making. As much as these women are very passionate up the up keep and welfare of their families, coupled with their enthusiasm to engage in gainful ventures, they do not have the needed capital to start. This is where mfis come in timely to handle relief women particularly rural folks with small loans and training in business management and to financial literacy practices. This study sort to access the contributions of microfinance institutions in empowering rural women in the Upper West Region, Wa. The survey research design was used in conducting this study. Questionnaires and semi-structured questionnaire were designed in line with the study objectives to enable the researcher gather the relevant and required data from respondents to meet the study’s objectives. The following were revealed as findings of the study: Majority of rural women into various businesses in the Upper West Region are within the youthful work force. It was also observed that the most demanded products and services which mfis render to rural women in the region were savings and credit. There is also a strong indication that, mfis provide loans to rural women in groups and have also helped to improve their business with accessibility to training in business management and funds. It is also indicated that the repayment rate of these loans by rural women is excellent as well as savings and this means a good business for mfis in the region. The study recommends that, mfis should also take advantage of the excellent loan repayment and good savings culture among rural women to find tune their operations to better serve and improve businesses operating with them.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the contribution of rural and community banks towards small and medium enterprise development: a case study of two selected rural banks in Nkoranza north and south districts.

This study seeks to evaluate the contributions, both financial and non-financial, made by Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) in Ghana towards Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) development. The establishment of Rural and Community Banks was accentuated by the fact that the universal banks could not accommodate the financial intermediation problems of the rural poor and the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) as they did not show any interest in dealing with these small scale operators. Data were collected from one hundred SME customers and some key staff of two selected rural banks, Nkoranza-Kwabre and Fiagya Rural Banks which are used as case study in the research. It was noted in the research that RCBs have helped in creating a dependable channel for savings mobilisation and access to credit among rural and urban dwellers particularly those in small businesses. The study also noted that the SMEs face challenges in some instances in applying for credits from the rural banks which include high collateral requirement, high interest rates, lack of proper financial records, and lack of information on the credit facilities available, delays in loans processing and unfavourable loan repayment plan or schedules. Appropriate recommendations have been provided which when adhered to could be mutually beneficial to SMEs and the RCBs.

Source: KNUST
ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF INTERNALLY GENERATED FUNDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLIES IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY OF THE KUMASI METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY

This research was undertaken to assess the contributions of the Internally Generated Funds in the development of Metropolitan Assemblies Ghana, with Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) as a case study. The objectives of the study was to examine the various sources of revenue to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, challenges facing revenue generation, strategies for revenue mobilization and the contributions the Internally Generated Funds helps the Assembly meet its developmental needs. Areas considered under the challenges that KMA face included; insufficient IGFs, lack of data for items to be taxed, poor tax education, under declaration of revenue by revenue collectors among others. The conclusion drawn from the research indicated that insufficiency of the available IGF sources for ever increasing expenditure demand has brought the Assembly in huge debts to suppliers and contractors. It was also seen that collection of revenue has not been that effective and that KMA has not been able to fulfill its socio-economic obligations to the people of the metropolis. A number of recommendations were made to KMA and these recommendations suggested strategies be taken to improve the revenue base of KMA. The research however recommended that KMA should invest in shuttle transport, mortuary services, funeral services, and other profitable joint ventures so as to increase the revenue base of the Assembly. Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly should devise a strategic plan to lead the activities of IGF. The plan should include the targets, objectives, strategies and disaggregated to the lowest level possible. The Assembly should however recruit more revenue collectors and train them to collect revenue for the Assembly

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Corporate Social Responsibility of Benso Oil Palm Plantation in the Mpohor Wassa East District of Western Region

Globalization, increased concern for environmental issues and human rights activism has increased focus on companies’ shouldering a greater social responsibility. These issues in combination with high-profile corporate scandals have highlighted the concept of CSR and companies have to take account of how their actions impact on society. The establishment of Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP) deprived the inhabitants in the communities of their farmlands and their means of survival as in some cases some settlements which were affected had to be relocated and this seriously affected their economic well being and general development of these communities. The challenge for the company is to help reduce these social problems in the region and this could be achieved through an effective corporate social investment (CSI) program. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate to what extent BOPP, an Agro-based Industry situated in the Mpohor –Wassa East District in the Western Region carries out its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the local Communities existing in its catchment area. In order to execute this, a qualitative case study on Benso Oil Palm Plantation was performed. Interviews were conducted with some Management and selected staff of BOPP and focused groups from some of the selected local Communities which exist in its catchment area. The study found out that BOPP was actively involved in undertaking some CSI programs in areas such as promoting Education, Health, Agriculture, Safety and Security, providing Amenities and promoting the preservation of some important Customs and Culture in the local communities. BOPP’s overall performance in carrying out its CSR programs was perceived to be good. However BOPP needs to further improve its CSR performance by setting up a CSR Oversight Committee to oversee its CSR programs, institute Stakeholder dialogue with the local community leaders and also adequately publicize its CSR programs and projects.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Coverage and Consistent Use of Insecticide Treated Bed Nets (ITNs) in the Prevention of Malaria Among Pregnant Women In The Nkoranza South District in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.

Pregnant women are more vulnerable to malaria than other adults; they are four times more likely to get malaria and twice as likely to die of it. In Ghana, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity accounting for about 40% of outpatients’ attendance. It was estimated that malaria accounts for 22 percent of under-five mortality and 9 percent of maternal deaths (The President’s Malaria Initiative, 2007). At Nkoranza South District, over 7,510 ITNs have been issued out since 2007. But malaria is still the leading cause of ailment in the district accounting for about 47% outpatients’ attendance. The main objective of this study was to assess the coverage and consistent use of ITNs among pregnant women in Nkoranza South District. Coverage of possession and use of ITNs was assessed through descriptive cross sectional survey method of twenty towns and villages at Nkoranza South District. Three hundred and eighty four (384) pregnant women were sampled from the study communities. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0 and Stata software. Descriptive statistics was employed in the analysis of field data. Possession of ITN among pregnant women in the district was low (32%) when compared to the Abuja target of 60% but its use was high (73%) among those who possessed ITN. There was no association between possession and use of ITN (p= 0.12, chi = 2.47). More long lasting nets should be imported into the country and must be highly subsidized for all and not only pregnant women and children under 5 because everybody suffers from malaria. More permanent conical nets should be imported for easy hanging even without beds. Education on ITN should be intensified and more emphasis should be laid on the re-treatment of nets since culture of net re-treatment was very low in the district.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Cost Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions in Ghana: An Application of Stochastic Frontier Approach

The aim of this study was therefore to assess the economic efficiency of microfinance institutions using the case of Ghana from 2007 to 2010. The use of the Stochastic Frontier Approach was employed as the main research technique to estimate efficiency. In all, 73 MFIs were sampled across the industry upon whose financial data, a Cobb-Douglas cost frontier and cost efficiency ratios were first estimated. The units were rated on levels of good financial performers, and worst financial performers. The study obtained an overall mean for economic efficiency to be 58.40% with most units having efficiency ratios falling between 51-60%. Although, efficiency scores were low, the displayed results showed an incremental increase in annual efficiency scores; indicating an improvement in technology in the financial sector. Also, it was found that the age of the microfinance institution is a significant determining factor of efficiency in Ghana due to the presence of a positive learning curve. The main conclusion extracted from the analysis was that MFIs in Ghana are operating below their optimal scale capacity as none of the sampled units was either economically or technically efficient. However, there was an evidence of a good scope of outreach. It is recommended that MFIs must invest resources and adequate time into the training of staff and clients before new programmes, credit schemes and policies are implemented.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the critical factors that influence contractor selection in Ghana: the case of public pre-tertiary educational buildings.

Construction projects are mostly characterized by high complexity, customization and uncertainty coupled with long duration. Practitioners and academics argue that many of the problems in construction projects are linked to inadequate procurement procedures where the focus is on shortterm individual sub-optimization rather than on long-term project team performance. The study aims to identify the relevant factors for contractor selection in Ghana. A literature review was undertaken and it delved into the factors and relevant criteria considered for contractor selection. The factors that influence the procurement evaluation criteria used in contractor selection were also identified. Objectives were set to help achieve the aim of this study. The study adopted a qualitative method of enquiry with a semi-structured interview guide to gather data from construction and procurement professionals who have gained a minimum of ten years of work experience. The data was recorded using an audio recorder and a notebook and transcribed using MS word 2015 version The findings from the study revealed that, Technical capability to undertake project, Financial class or standing of contractor, Track Record and experience of contractor, complexity of project, legal qualification, plant and equipment holding, past performance record and qualified staff and personnel of contractor are the key factors considered in contractor selection. The study also revealed that the evaluation of the past performance record, financial stability and technical considerations of the contractors helps to assess how the contractor will meet the defined objectives of the projects and similar projects in terms of cost, quality of work, schedule, safety, client satisfaction, relationship with subcontractors, relationship with suppliers as well as relationship with insurance companies. Finally, the study recommended the use of TOPSIS and VIKOR as a multicriteria approach to contractor selection.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the delivery of Education in Ghana: a case of Ejisu-Juaben Municipality

In all aspects of schooling and its surrounding educational community, the rights of the child to survival, protection, development and participation are at the centre of the aim of education. This means that the focus of education is on learning which strengthens the capacities of children to act progressively. However, learning cannot take place effectively without any structures controlling the teaching and learning processes. It is from this background that the research was carried out to examine the roles and responsibilities of the PTAs, SMCs, MEOC, and MEPT in promoting quality education delivery, and the challenges they face in carrying out their duties within the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. Case study research design was adopted for the research. Seven different units of analysis from 53 schools were contacted for their views concerning quality education delivery. These are: the School Management Committees (SMCs), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Municipal Education Oversight Committee (MEOC), Municipal Education Planning Team (MEPT), the Head teachers, teachers and pupils of the selected schools. It was realized that generally, the decentralized education structures (the PTAs, SMCs, MEOC, and MEPT) are performing their roles well to promote quality education delivery and this was due to reinforcement strategies that was embarked upon in 2007. There are however some inhibiting factors to the performance of the decentralized structures in promoting quality education delivery some of which are poor coordination, weak monitoring and ineffective supervision. It is therefore recommended among other things that there should be strict enforcement of rules and regulations in the educational system, coordination should be reinforced and motivational strategies should be put in place to ensure continued promotion of quality education in the municipality.

Source: KNUST