ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Progress towards Achieving “VISION 2020: The Right to Sight” Initiative in Ghana

The aim of this study was to analyse eye health delivery in Ghana and examine the progress towards achieving VISION 2020 indicator targets. Methods. (is descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and May 2018. It used a mixed method approach including desk-based reviews, a questionnaire-based survey of eye facilities in Ghana, and interviews with eye health system stakeholders to collect information on eye health delivery in facilities owned by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), quasigovernmental bodies (security agencies), and Christian Association of Ghana (CHAG). (e information was benchmarked against the World Health Organization (WHO) targets for achieving the goals of VISION 2020. Results. (e magnitude of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment (without pinhole) was 0.9% and 3.0%, respectively.(e number of ophthalmologists available at the country level was 80.6% of the VISION 2020 target with optometrists and ophthalmic nurses exceeding targets for VISION 2020. (e distribution of human resources was heavily skewed towards two out of the 10 regions in Ghana. Cataract surgical rate was low and met 25% of the WHO target. Basic equipment for refraction was available in the majority of facilities; however, there was a general lack of specialised eye care equipment across the country. Comparatively, CHAG facilities were better equipped than GHS facilities at the same level. Conclusion. (e Government of Ghana should revitalize the goals of VISION 2020 beyond the year 2020 and spearhead a concerted effort to ensure equitable distribution of human and infrastructural resources across the country.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Progress towards Achieving “VISION 2020: The Right to Sight” Initiative in Ghana

Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse eye health delivery in Ghana and examine the progress towards achieving VISION 2020 indicator targets. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and May 2018. It used a mixed method approach including desk-based reviews, a questionnaire-based survey of eye facilities in Ghana, and interviews with eye health system stakeholders to collect information on eye health delivery in facilities owned by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), quasigovernmental bodies (security agencies), and Christian Association of Ghana (CHAG). The information was benchmarked against the World Health Organization (WHO) targets for achieving the goals of VISION 2020. Results. The magnitude of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment (without pinhole) was 0.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The number of ophthalmologists available at the country level was 80.6% of the VISION 2020 target with optometrists and ophthalmic nurses exceeding targets for VISION 2020. The distribution of human resources was heavily skewed towards two out of the 10 regions in Ghana. Cataract surgical rate was low and met 25% of the WHO target. Basic equipment for refraction was available in the majority of facilities; however, there was a general lack of specialised eye care equipment across the country. Comparatively, CHAG facilities were better equipped than GHS facilities at the same level. Conclusion. The Government of Ghana should revitalize the goals of VISION 2020 beyond the year 2020 and spearhead a concerted eﬀort to ensure equitable distribution of human and infrastructural resources across the country.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Prospects of Mushroom Production in Reducing Youth Unemployment in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, Ghana

The purpose of this study was to assess the prospects of Mushrooms production in reducing youth unemployment. The mixed methods research approach was adopted for the study. The descriptive survey was adopted for the study. A sample of 132 youth and five farmers were selected via purposive and convenience sampling procedures. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires and interview guide. The quantitative data were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that mushroom production was gaining roots and that the environmental conditions were favourable for mushroom production. However, even though there was awareness of mushroom production, awareness of the nutritional and medicinal value of mushrooms was minimal. Again, the study found that mushroom production was attractive and can generate employment for the youth because the capital required is small, no vast land is needed and the production can be done in teams to reduce cost. Further, it was revealed in the study that mushroom production is profitable since it can be done all year thereby providing all year round income and food security. Again, the cost of production is less than the profit gained because of the growing market for mushrooms in the district. Finally, the study found that the lack of financial support, storage facilities and negative perceptions of consumers were challenges that affect mushroom cultivation. It was recommended that the youth in the Asuogyaman District seek support from the District Office to be able to engage fully in mushroom cultivation to reduce unemployment.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Quality of Education in Junior High Schools in the Sagnarigu Municipality

The present study sought to compare the quality of education between private and public Junior High Schools (SHS) in the Sagnarigu Municipality. A quantitative cross-sectional study was adopted to conduct this study. Out of a population of 960 JHS teachers and headteachers, 240 were selected to constitute the sample for the study. Questionnaires were used to gather data from the participants. Descriptive statistics as well as independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were employed for the analysis. Findings from the study showed that private schools lack enough teaching and learning resources, while public schools have adequate staffing levels and physical resources and that public schools frequently employed effective teaching and learning techniques. It was therefore recommended that the National Inspectorate Board should ensure that headteachers (private and public) understand and apply best supervisory practices geared towards achieving globalised standards.

Source: UCC
Assessing the relevance of micro finance credit to the Informal small businesses in Jukwa in the central region of Ghana

Credit facilities continue to pose a major threat to the survival of the SME sector. Traditional banks have failed to advance credit facilities to the SMEs due to challenges with collateral securities and information. This study sought to assess the relevance of microfinance in terms of meeting credit needs and reducing poverty among the small business owners of Jukwa in the Central Region. Thirty-one (31) respondents were sampled for the study. Descriptive statistics were used for the presentation of the findings. Questionnaire was also used to collect data for the study. Analyses of the responses revealed that majority of the respondents have felt positive impact of microfinance activities. It is found that, through microfinance credit, considerable amount of business capital has been accessed either for start-up or for expansion. Family burdens among the respondents were seen to decrease owing to microfinance credit. Others also felt the positive impact as it helped them in support of their children’s education. The key problem associated with microcredit, according to the respondents was the exorbitant interest rate charged by the microfinance institutions. This situation prevented many potential beneficiaries from subscribing to microfinance credit. It is recommended that the microfinance institutions lower their rates so as to attract more clients for their businesses.

Source: UCC
Assessing the role and position of the online public access catalogue at Sam Jonah library, University of Cape Coast

The study examines the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) at the Head Library of the University of Cape Coast as an information seeking tool. The study aimed to find out the role the OPAC at the library plays in the information seeking pursuits of students and their general awareness and impressions about the facility. The descriptive survey design was used as the methodology with the population of the study totaling 1000. A simple random sampling of 110 students was chosen to represent the population. Results indicated the role the OPAC plays in facilitating access to information resources and publicizing same to outsiders. While the findings show students’ awareness of the existence of the OPAC, it was revealed that the OPAC facility does not enjoy widespread use in the library. Infrastructural issues and lack of relevant skills were deemed to be some of the challenges preventing an optimum use of the facility. The study recommends the involvement of students in the search process and the provision of instructional materials to enhance students’ search skills generally.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Attaining Environmental Sustainability by Eni Ghana

Studies have shown the significance role of CSR in environmental sustainability. However, with the scarcity of literature on the achievement of environmental sustainability through CSR in the oil and gas industry, the general objective of the study is the assessment of the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in attaining environmental sustainability in ENI Ghana. Three objectives were established to identify the role of corporate social responsibility in achieving environmental sustainability in ENI Ghana; identify the activities of corporate social responsisbility in ENI Ghana employed in attaining environmental sustainability, to ascertain the barriers in implementing corporate social responsibility for the achievement of environmental sustainability in ENI Ghana and to examine the strategies adopted to improve corporate social responsibility implementation for the attainment of environmental sustainability in ENI Ghana. The study employed the qualitative research method. Hence, a structured interview guide was developed and used in the collection of the primary data. It was discovered that ENI focuses on the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems in Environmental Sustainability; ENI engages in environmental CSR for people and with environmental conscience; ENI contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); ENI uses state-of-the-art technology in monitoring and reducing emissions; ENI adopts best practices to ensure control of release in the environment. The study further discovered that there is an inadequate involvement of stakeholders. Also, ENI must improve its communication processes between the organization and the community to create a cordial relationship

Source: UCC
Assessing the Role of Early Childhood Head Teachers and Teachers in the Inculcation of Play in Instruction in the Cape Coast North Metropolis

This study was conducted to assess the role of early childhood head teachers and teachers in the inculcation of play in instruction in the Cape Coast North Metropolis. The study was nested in the mixed methods approach where the quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. Thus, questionnaires and interview guides were used as data collection instruments. A sample size of 125 teachers and 10 head teachers were selected for the study. The findings revealed that head teachers in the Cape Coast North Metropolis support teachers in the inculcation of play in teaching pre-school pupils by providing play materials, supervision of teachers, training and education of teachers as well as motivation of teachers. Again, it was found that play activities employed by teachers in the inculcation of play in instruction included integration of games and songs in the classroom learning activities and engaging children in outdoor play activities. However, it was found that some challenges that limit teachers in the use of play in their teaching processes are; inadequate in-service training, limited play materials, unavailability of play space and centres. It was recommended that early childhood centres should be allocated sufficient time in the timetable for children to engage in play activities. Time allocated for play activities should not be used for teaching other subjects. Also, teachers in the pre-school should improvise in making available some play or instructional materials needed in play activities during instruction and head teachers should strengthen their supervision and monitoring roles to motivate teachers to use play activities effectively in teaching.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Role of Farm Management Practices in Enhancing Cocoa Production in Western North Region of Ghana

Cocoa has been the most important cash crop in Ghana, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and providing a significant source of income for a lot of households. The government, in trying to support the cocoa sector, has implemented several measures to help farmers achieve maximum cocoa output. However, there are still challenges in the sector. This study looked at the management practices adopted by farmers and its impact on cocoa yield in the Western North Region of Ghana. Using a mixed-method approach, questionnaires were administered to 200 farmers in the Western North region, using a multi-stage sampling technique (cluster and convenient sampling). The study revealed that farmers perceived both natural and anthropogenic factors as having an effect on cocoa yield. The natural factors include rainfall and temperature whilst the anthropogenic factors include some farm management practices. Also, the majority of farmers engage in practices such as fertilizer application, spraying of insecticides and fungicides, pruning and the use of hybrid seeds to increase cocoa yield, whiles practices such as hand pollination, irrigation and planting of shade trees are least practised by farmers. Farmers faced some challenges in farm management practices which include inadequate education and training, financial constraints and political factors. It is therefore recommended that the government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture should ensure that more extension officers are sent to cocoa farming communities to educate the farmers on the best farm management practices. Also, special arrangements should be made for farmers to be provided with financial resources to enable them to acquire farm inputs and depoliticization of government interventions in the cocoa sector.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Role of University of Cape Coast as a Skills Development and Skills Utilization Institution: The Case of School of Business

The study was conducted with the broad objective of assessing the the role of employability and skills development courses: the case of School of Business, University of Cape Coast. A purposive sampling technique was employed in sampling outpatient and health professionals for this study in which 7 lecturers and 3 past students of the related sample populations were selected. Qualitative data was collected through the use of interviews which were transcribed over multiple paly and analysed semantically by close reading of the text The results revealed that skills development is a central part of the courses taught by the lecturers. It was concluded that, measurement of skills among students depends largely on the objectives of the course as well class presentations and assignments. In addition, although, some positive impacts are being made, there is the need improve more on the impacts being made. Lastly, lack of mechanisms in place to check up on the students makes it difficult to know the impact. It was recommended that, other colleges and schools in the University of Cape Coast should make effort to ensure that programs and courses offered to students prepare them adequately for the job market and the University of Cape Coast School of Business should put in place mechanisms to trace the effectiveness and the efficiency of their students in their respective places of work.

Source: UCC
Assessing the skill level of teacher - trainees to handle information and communication technology at the basic education level in the central region of Ghana

The 2007 educational reform of Ghana has it that greater emphasis will be put on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Science and Technology. In addition, special attention will be given to the training of teachers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among other subjects. The objective of this study was to assess the skill level of teacher - trainees to handle ICT at the Basic Education level in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive research design was employed in this study where questionnaire was the main tool to collect data for the study. A sample size of 7 ICT tutors and 252 teacher-trainees responded to the questionnaire out of a population size of 9 ICT tutors and 870 teacher-trainees from the three Colleges of Education located in the Central Region of Ghana. Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 18 for Windows was used to help in data analysis. Frequencies and percentages were used as a statistical tool to analyze research questions one, three, four, five and six while frequency, mean score and standard deviation were used as statistical tools to analyze research questions two. A total of six research questions were answered. Some of the findings and a recommendation of the study are: 1. Most ICT infrastructure is available at the colleges of education. 2. Teacher - trainees showed high competence level in most basic ICT applications and software skills needed to handle ICT at the basic education level. Recommendation: Ministry of Education should ensure the availability of Basic Schools’ teaching syllabus in all training colleges.

Source: UCC
Assessing the sociocultural barriers to healthcare utilisation among pregnant women in selected communities of Suhum municipality

Healthcare matters are paramount to mankind to ensure their survival. The utilization of maternal health care services in developing countries is largely predisposed by socio-cultural factors. There is a need for an increase in studies peculiar to women’s health as this can help developing nations address problems and make policies with their subsequent implementations to improve health and wellbeing of women since it is positively correlated with a socioeconomic productive life. The study focuses on two main communities under Nankese, a sub district under the Suhum Municipality where attendance for healthcare utilization has been very low although a lot of measures have been put in place. In total, fourty (40) respondents were selected and 14 informants from the hospitals and the community were also considered in this category. The researcher used purposive sampling technique in selecting respondents and used a structured interview to collect data from the participants. Respondent’s questions provided reasons why they attended or stayed away from hospitals for healthcare treatment. Majority of them indicated they preferred the Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) over hospital treatment for numerous reasons. The findings shows majority of respondents were working but they relied on their husbands or family decisions on visiting or attending hospitals for treatment. Some do not go to hospitals because their husbands deny or disallow them and for others their families will not allow them to go to hospitals. Some recommendations include continuous education on the effects of some traditional practices that may harm the mother and the baby should be hammered on in Dawa and Asore-ase.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Sustainability of Public-Private Partnership in Solid Waste Management in Ghana

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are widely touted to offer improved accountability, greater innovation and long-term efficiencies. However, to achieve the anticipated benefits of PPP, it is necessary to recognise the circumstances under which PPPs will be sustainable through effective implementation. This study assessed the sustainability of PPP in solid waste management (SWM) in Cape Coast Metropolitan Area (CCMA) and Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolitan Area (STMA) in Ghana. The mixed-methods research design guided the data collection methods, analysis and interpretation of the study. A total of 812 respondents were sampled through purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. The study used interview, focus group discussion and observation guides, and interview schedule as instruments for gathering data. The quantitative data were processed with Statistical Product for Service Solutions version 21, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Narrative analysis was used to analyse the qualitative study. The study found that the block system in the allocation of operational competition among the service providers. All the stakeholders admitted that the sanitation conditions had improved after the adoption of PPP, and thus, were willing to sustain the partnership. However, high SWM service charges, and low level of participation and transparency in fixing sanitation fees were seen as serious threats to the sustainability of the partnership. The study recommends that the Assemblies should allow for open competition among the WMCs, and CCMA Fee Fixing Resolution Committee should review SWM service charges to protect the socio-economic welfare of the citizens.

Source: UCC
Assessing the sustainability of wetland-based livelihoods in the keta lagoon complex ramsar site (klcrs) of volta region in ghana

The study assessed livelihood activities undertaken within the KLCRS in order to ascertain how sustainable these livelihoods were amidst the reported high levels of anthropogenic pressure on the wetland. An exploratory sequential mixed method research design guided this study. In-depth interviews and structured interviews questionnaires were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data respectively. Descriptive statistics was performed to determine livelihood assets available in KLCRS. With the use of Principal Component Analysis, the factors that determine livelihood options, the vulnerability context within which these livelihoods were situated, as well as the livelihood outcomes were explored. The findings of the study showed that residents within KLCRS largely depended on natural capital to source and enhance their livelihoods. It was also found that physiological factors were largely responsible for explaining respondents’ choice of livelihood. Also, the livelihood outcomes of residents were found to be environmentally unsustainable. It is recommended that Government in collaboration with traditional leaders of communities within Ghana’s Ramsar sites work at getting a scheme where all users of wetland-resources are registered and a means of managing and monitoring livelihood activities clearly mapped out to ensure the wise use of resources within Ghana’s Ramsar sites.

Source: UCC