ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Consumer preferences and purchase intentions for rattan furniture

Although research on consumer preference and purchase intentions has received significant attention, little research has been performed with respect to furniture products, particularly in the area of empirical hypothesis testing. This study used regression models to test hypotheses relating to positional goods consumption and environmental and sustainable consumption theories to investigate consumers' preference for rattan cane furniture and their intentions to purchase the product. A questionnaire was administered to 750 staff and students from universities, polytechnics, and research institutions in Ghana. The results showed that social status, modernity, and environmental safety supported the preference and purchase intentions for rattan cane furniture, whereas mixed results emerged from sustainable consumption. The most important driver of preference for rattan cane furniture was modernity, followed by environmental safety, social status, and sustainable consumption. In the case of purchase intentions, social status emerged as the most important factor, followed by modernity, and then environmental consumption. Building a positive social, environmental, and sustainable image of rattan cane furniture will enhance the product's value, and this will culminate in increasing consumers' preference for the product and their intentions to purchase the product. The study concluded that through market segmentation, manufacturers, and marketers of rattan cane furniture can target consumers who are proenvironmentalists and those who want to use the product to enhance their social image, thereby attracting a price premium. � 2015 by the Society of Wood Science and Technology.

Source: UEW
Consumers perception of prepaid meter system in the Koforidua municipality

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the perception of the consumers of electricity regarding the use of prepaid meter system in the Koforidua Municipality. This study employed quantitative and descriptive research design to collect and analyze data. The population for this study was individuals who consume electricity in the Koforidua Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The population for the study was two thousand six hundred (2600). The random (probability) sampling technique was used to sample three hundred and thirty five electricity consumers within the study area. The main instrument used for the study were structured questionnaires. The study findings concluded that most of the respondents preferred the prepayment metering system but they still used the old metering system due to the disadvantages involved in the use of the prepayment metering system. The respondents had a fair and poor opinion regarding the prepayment system. The ECG did not do enough to educate consumers on the implementation of the prepayment metering system. This has generated some misconception in the minds of the consumers and has affected the adoption of the new metering system. The study recommended that the Management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Volta River Authority (VRA) should organise periodic education programmes through the media platforms like the Television and Radio stations to inform and educate the electricity consumers regarding the benefits of the prepayment meter system in order to enhance its implementation in the Koforidua Municipality.

Source: UEW
Consumers’ perceptions about sustainable clothing in Ghana the case of Accra Metropolis

The study sought to evaluate consumers’ perceptions about sustainable clothing in Ghana using the Accra Metropolis as a case study. The study was a descriptive survey employing the quantitative approach to data collection and analysis. The main instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. A sample of 425 consumers of clothing was selected from the Central Business District of Accra using the convenience sampling technique. The study revealed that consumers of clothing perceived sustainable clothing to be clothes that make them feel comfortable when they wear them, express their identity, and clearly show the individual’s body shapes when they wear them. It was found that sustainable issues are an integral part of consumers’ everyday life and consumers demonstrate an immense interest and awareness in sustainable issues. Among the factors that influence consumers’ buying decisions were price and quality. The majority of the respondents showed interest in a more stylish range of sustainable clothing and mostly looked out for clothes with special features. It was suggested that clothing manufacturers should consider using more natural fibres in garment production and their production activities should be carried out with quiet consciousness bearing in mind their social responsibility to the society. Apart from price and quality which were hitherto the major factors that influenced consumer clothing buying decisions, in recent times consumers buying decisions are influenced by other sustainable factors such as pleasant material, eco-certification of the clothing item, use of non-toxic or non-harmful materials and so forth.

Source: UEW
Consumption of herbs and spices and its health benefits on the consumers. A case study of Kwadaso Municipality

Consuming herbs and spices perform a variety of useful functions in foods that consumers often take for granted. Excessive consumption of herbs and herbs can even damage liver, or can cause death. The study aimed at investigating the consumption of herbs and spices and its health benefits on the consumers in Kwadaso Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Survey research design was used for the study. The study population consisted of women who performed cooking activities in the Kwadaso Municipality. The sample size for the study was 385 based on Cochran’s Sample size formula. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed in selecting the various households and the women respectively. The finding showed that cloves (3.60±1.157), anise seed (Nktinkiti) (3.75±0.114), turkey berry (Kwahu Nsosuain) (4.25±1.236), and onion (5.30±0.333) were most frequently consumed herbs and spices among the consumers. The study confirmed that improving aroma of prepared food, lifestyle/modern, preparation of delicious meals, and preservation of foods influence consumers purchase of herbs and spices during food preparation. Based on this, the study concluded that herbs and spices have been used to prepare delicious meals and it does not only add flavour, and taste but also for its associated health benefits. It was recommended consumers education as a contribution to protecting the health and safety of consumers. It is mandatory for Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to create awareness among the consumers towards herbs and spices which are more advantageous to humans as well as the environment.

Source: UEW
Contemporary art songs for Different Ghanaian languages with Annotation on Vocal andragogy for tertiary students

chorus due to the proliferation of choirs. Significantly, there have been few choral-solo compositions and instrumental forms in the Ghanaian sociocultural context. In fact, with regards to art song compositions, only few Ghanaian composers have attempted to explore in that direction. The dissertation therefore explored, established and created art songs in diverse Ghanaian sociocultural contexts, utilising various indigenous resources in terms of sonic materials and languages. The study sought to establish a creative model for composing contemporary or current art songs which are characteristically Ghanaian, and to the large extent, African; Kɔñadá, to give directions to modern art music composers and creative ethnomusicologists to create such works intended for educational purposes and or for a wide audience. Through bibliographic, discographic, creative ethnomusicology and creative designs, data were collected using observation and document analyses. Thirty (30) folk tunes were collected purposely from three indigenous musical ensembles: Simpa Dentsefo Asafo Company, Osimpam Ͻmpɛ cultural troupe and Nyame Yɛ Ͻdɔ fishing canoe, all in Winneba. Eight (8) Ghanaian languages were also selected purposely from various ethnolinguistic traditions of Ghana such as Akan, Guan, Ewe, Ga-Dangbe, Dagaaba, Dagomba, Kassena, and Frafra to aid the creation of the musical artefact. Significantly, these data were critically examined to sift out elements such as lineal and vertical sonorities, rhythms, textures, forms and compositional techniques, fused them with Western musical elements to create twenty (20) contemporary Ghanaian art songs. Of course, various annotations were also explored to aid effective facilitations in higher education. It is concluded, however, that the novelty created is an explicit symbiosis of African and Western musical idioms without losing both musical identities. It is, therefore, envisaged that art music composers and creative ethnomusicologists commence to use the creative model to augment the repertoire of African art song compositions whilst music departments of various tertiary institutions adopt the musical artefacts to aid the effective teaching and learning processes of African art choral music.

Source: UEW
Contemporary challenges facing small and medium scale building construction firms in Ghana.

The building construction industry provides employment to the citizenry in Ghana, as they employ both skilled and unskilled labour in their operations, thereby reducing the unemployment situation facing this country. Most of the Contractors in the industry are Small and Medium Scale Building Construction Firms whose impact in the nation’s development cannot be underestimated. The main aim of this research was to identify the contemporary challenges facing small and medium scale building construction firms in Ghana. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and field survey conducted on ninety-seven (97) small and medium scale firms in the Kintampo South and North Municipal Assemblies. The field survey used the questionnaire instrument and random sampling. The critical findings from the literature were that there are binding constraints in the operations of small and medium scale firms. The report shows that these firms are faced with numerous challenges, which include: late payments of certified works done, Contractor’s lack of managerial and technical capability to make profit on projects, challenges in job procurement, financial challenges, firm’s registration challenges, site management and Leadership challenges. It was recommended that: Regular training for managerial and supervisory staff of small and medium scale construction firms is a positive index for improved output. Formulating of friendly financial policy for these contractors will go a long way to ensure their existence. There should be clear-cut or well defined standards for the registration of contractors which will reduce the proliferation of all sorts of incompetent contractors in the construction industry. Delays with interim and final payments, as well as onerous contract conditions faced by small and medium scale building construction firms, should be eradicated, as this can also impose huge constraints on the industry.

Source: UEW
Contemporary challenges facing small and medium scale building construction firms in Ghana. (a case study of some small and medium scale building construction firms in Kintampo South and North assemblies)

The building construction industry provides employment to the citizenry in Ghana, as they employ both skilled and unskilled labour in their operations, thereby reducing the unemployment situation facing this country. Most of the Contractors in the industry are Small and Medium Scale Building Construction Firms whose impact in the nation’s development cannot be underestimated. The main aim of this research was to identify the contemporary challenges facing small and medium scale building construction firms in Ghana. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and field survey conducted on ninety-seven (97) small and medium scale firms in the Kintampo South and North Municipal Assemblies. The field survey used the questionnaire instrument and random sampling. The critical findings from the literature were that there are binding constraints in the operations of small and medium scale firms. The report shows that these firms are faced with numerous challenges, which include: late payments of certified works done, Contractor’s lack of managerial and technical capability to make profit on projects, challenges in job procurement, financial challenges, firm’s registration challenges, site management and Leadership challenges. It was recommended that: Regular training for managerial and supervisory staff of small and medium scale construction firms is a positive index for improved output. Formulating of friendly financial policy for these contractors will go a long way to ensure their existence. There should be clear-cut or well defined standards for the registration of contractors which will reduce the proliferation of all sorts of incompetent contractors in the construction industry. Delays with interim and final payments, as well as onerous contract conditions faced by small and medium scale building construction firms, should be eradicated, as this can also impose huge constraints on the industry.

Source: UEW
Contemporary fashion trends in men’s wear,case study of Kumasi metropolis,Ghana.

The study aimed at finding out the contemporary fashion trends in men’s wear in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. The objectives of the study were to identify and describe the contemporary fashion trends in men’s wear in Ghana; to investigate into factors that influence the changes in the men’s wear in Ghana, and to find out measures that can be put in place to help ensure that fashion changes in men’s wear impart more positive effects on Ghanaians. The researcher employed the survey method using questionnaire for data collection which was used for the quantitative aspect of the study. The population of the study was centred mainly on Ghanaian men in Kumasi Metropolis. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 100 respondents as the sample size. Findings of the study suggest that the use of African wear, shirts appliqued with African prints, T-Shirts with the name or symbol of Ghana printed or embroidered in it, two buttoned suit with only one button for fastening it, Jeans with polo shirts and the use of skinny with polo shirts or long sleeved shirt are the contemporary fashion trend of men’s wear in Ghana. However, short pants with cow neck was not accepted as contemporary fashion trend in men’s wear in Ghana. Age, dressing of public figures, education, occupation, religious beliefs, celebrities’ dressing, fashion publications, journey to foreign countries, status in society, technology, economic situation, fashion forecasting and market research play a major role in today’s accelerated rate of change in men’s wear in Ghana. Based on the findings, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made that Ghanaian men are now becoming fashion conscious and are getting interested in indigenous clothing because they evoke sense of maturity in them when they wear them. The men must there be properly educated by fashion experts on textiles and clothing so that they will be able to choose and wear clothing to suit their figure types and occasions.

Source: UEW
The content validity of teacher made core Mathematics tests in Senior High Schools

The purpose of the study was to investigate the content validity of teacher-made Core Mathematics tests in senior high schools in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study purposed to identify the profile dimensions the items in the Core Mathematics tests address. Also, the study sought to find out the test construction skills and practices teachers exhibit in teaching and learning of Core Mathematics. For the purpose of this study, three research questions were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was used to examine the characteristics of the teacher-made tests. The population of the study was drawn from senior high schools in the Eastern region and sample was drawn from St. Peter’s Senior High School, St. Rose’s Senior High School, St. Martin’s Senior High School and Akim Swedru Senior High School. A sample of 40 teachers who taught Mathematics was drawn by a simple random technique and 509 teacher-made Core Mathematics test items were used. Convenient, purposive and simple random sampling technique was employed in the study. The instruments used were a 19-item Likert scale questionnaire and Core Mathematics test items constructed by teachers of Mathematics to assess year 2 students of the sampled senior high schools. The results of the different data sources; the 19-item Likert scale questionnaire and the expert rated Core Mathematics tests were used to answer the research questions. The main findings from the study are captured as follows, in line with the research questions. The test items tested higher cognition (application of knowledge) more than lower cognition (knowledge and understanding). 78.4% of items tested for application of knowledge whilst 21.6% of the test items tested for knowledge and understanding. The expert ratings recorded the means of 3.35, 3.55 and 3.47 with a grand mean of 3.46 indicating that the content of teacher-made Core Mathematics test is valid. The test practices and skills teachers exhibit are; teachers consider the cognitive abilities of students, teachers put into consideration test planning and techniques for the test and teachers consider the content of the test. It was however recommended that giving teachers training in test construction contribute to teachers constructing content valid tests. Hence, adequate training should be provided very often to enhance test construction skills.

Source: UEW
Context, motivation and choice of multimodality in television advertisements of selected companies in Ghana

This study is a case study of television advertisements of selected companies in Ghana. It examines the choice and motivations for the use of multimodality in the advertisements. Data for the study consisted of selected advertisements from some communication companies, banks, insurance companies as well as alcoholic beverages in Ghana and was obtained and downloaded from YouTube. The study employed the qualitative research design in the analysis of data. Using Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) and Visual Semiotic Theory (VST) as the theoretical frameworks, the advertisements were individually analysed, paying particular attention to the contributions of the various semiotic resources and modes to the messages the advertisements convey. The study concludes that written and verbal texts are used in the various advertisements to complement each other in the dissemination of the messages. Another conclusion drawn is that gestures, as well as other semiotic resources and modes are used to conceal and/or send particular messages that are subtly and tacitly expressed to block and at the same time pick out particular audiences. It is concluded in the study that some of the advertisements used famous personalities in society to project their products and also tap into their huge fan base. It is also concluded that the choice and use of certain modes acknowledge the existence of competition among the companies and project the ideologies of certain companies. The research again, concludes that the release of the various advertisements in terms of timing does not generally show competition though the closeness of the dates of some advertisements appear to suggest the existence of competition. The study recommends that multimodal text producers should not lose sight of the fact that readers are not only influenced by the multimodal aspect of texts but also the extra linguistic elements

Source: UEW
Contextual analysis of Gonja Idioms.

This study discusses the contextual analysis of Gonja idioms a Guan language spoken in the Savannah Region of Ghana. The study was conducted in the East Gonja Municipality. The study examines the categories, a thematic classification, and the contextual usage of Gonja idioms. The purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study, the research design was ethnography, and the study's approach was qualitative. It involves ten (10) respondents, comprising five (5) males and five (5) females, who were from age 41 and above. The instruments used in the study for the data collection were unstructured interviews and observations. The study employs a descriptive method in the data analysis. This was done with one hundred (150) Gonja idioms. The idioms were categorized and analyzed under different themes. The major findings of the study were that the meanings of Gonja idioms depend on the contexts in which they are used. In addition, it was also found that idioms improve the communication skills of the people and that the interpretation of some of the idioms is also a major challenge, particularly for the youth. It was again realized that the use of the idioms in varying contexts reflects the native speakers' grasp of their social reality that encompasses their interactional relationships and the cultural prisms of domains that characterize their co-existence in a speech community.

Source: UEW
Continuing in the shadows of colonialism: The educational experiences of the African Child in Ghana

In this paper, we draw on a recent ethnographic study in a rural primary school to illustrate the ways that vestiges of colonialism remain deeply imbricated in contemporary schooling in Ghana. In reference to the history of education, we use evidence from this study to argue that colonial constructions of the African child are reproduced within schooling. We highlight the significance of schooling for the production of learner subjectivities and point to the ways that the institution of schooling and its everyday life continue to echo and re-instantiate colonial constructions of the African child. Drawing on the voices and experiences of students and teachers we illustrate the ways that formal schooling continues to work to devalue indigenous knowledge, to regulate and discipline African children and produce their inferiorisation through their education. We specifically highlight the gender inflections in the institutional routines of schooling. Following a brief introduction to the historical context of education in Ghana, we outline the research study and then the theoretical position upon which our analysis is based. We develop the analysis along three major discursive themes starting with the formal institutional structures of the school, highlighting the ways its disciplinary boundaries structure age and gender relations. We then turn to the curriculum and pedagogic practices that shape student understandings of what constitutes legitimate knowledge and the processes of learning. In the final theme, we examine the language of instruction and the ways that this produces exclusions and vilifies indigenous languages and the cultures that are expressed through it. In the conclusion, we draw the key points together to reflect on the extent to which contemporary schooling in Ghana sustains the production of the African child framed in the colonial era. Finally, we suggest that the educational experience of students offers an important starting point for efforts in decolonizing the school and curriculum. � 2018 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved.

Source: UEW