ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Public Primary Schools in Ghana: A Case Study of Ashanti Region

Education is undoubtedly an effective and catalytic tool for economic development of a country. This is the reason why Ghana has invested substantial proportion of her limited resources in the basic education to provide a strong foundation to the education system in the country. However, this investment does not appear to translate into a clear improvement of pupil performance. Most people expect that after investing over 25% of the national budget in education, it will naturally translate into impressive results. The standardized test scores of the primary schools as reported by National Education Assessment (NEA) in 2014 have been disappointing with increasing number of failures. This study applies the stochastic frontier approach to measure the technical efficiency and its determinants for forty sampled public primary schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Findings revealed that pupil-teacher ratio and teacher’s experience are associated with standardized test score of pupils. Results from the maximum likelihood estimate of the stochastic frontier showed that on average, public primary schools were 0.869 technically efficient; suggesting that about 13.1% of learning outcome could not be realized due to inefficiency. The study also showed that poverty and geographical location of a school are significant determinants of technical efficiencies of the public primary schools. The return to scale that explains the productivity level of schools was less than one, implying a decreasing return to scale. To improve performance and technical efficiency in public primary schools, the study recommends stakeholders and policy makers to adopt measures to lower pupil-teacher ratio and improve teaching skills of teachers. Additionally, the government should take steps to reduce poverty levels in the rural areas and improve instructional materials in the rural primary schools.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of the impact of high and rising public debt on Ghana’s economic growth.

The issue of economic growth has become important issue for many countries around the world. Economic Growth of economies has been attributed to many factors. To contribute to this subject, the study empirically investigated the impact of public debt on economic growth using evidence from Ghana. Using annual time series data spanning from 1985 to 2017, Auto Regressive Distributed Lagged (ARDL) model is employed for the study. The study found that there is a significant negative impact of public debt on economic growth both in the short and the long run in Ghana. Export (EXP) impact positively on economic growth in both the short and the long run. The study further shows that inflation impacts negatively on economic growth in both the short and the long run. The study recommend that efforts should be made to diversify our export base especially concentrating on non-traditional export crops such as cashew to generate enough foreign exchange as this will help in strengthening the value of the cedi against the dollar. This study has revealed that an increase in export will enhance economic growth in both the short and in the long run.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of the impact of macroeconomic variables on exchange rate volatility in Ghana: the partial least squares structural equation modelling (pls-sem) approach.

The research work focuses on the analysis of the impact of key macroeconomic variables (Inflation (INF), Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), Current Account Balance (CAB), Money and Quasi Money Supply per GDP (M2GDP), Annual GDP Growth Rate (GDPGRO), Total External Debt (EDBTOT)) on the Cedi to the US dollar Exchange Rate (EXRATE).The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling Approach has been used to analyse the annual secondary data from 1975 to 2014. The macroeconomic variables explained 82% of the adjusted variance in EXRATE with MPR, INF and CAB contributing 8.2%, 10.5% and 19.2% respectively. M2GDP, EDBTOT and GDPGRO contributed 15%, 14.9% and 15.1% respectively to the explained variance in EXRATE. MPR, INF and CAB have negative relationship with EXRATE whiles M2GDP, EDBTOT and GDPGRO have positive relationship with EXRATE. Among the recommendations, financial managers of national and multinational companies should be abreast with the movements of these macroeconomic variables that significantly impact the cedi/dollar fluctuations. These may be used among other factors as inputs in arriving at much more economic decisions during trade agreements to maximise shareholders wealth.

Source: KNUST
An analysis of the effects of interest rate and exchange rate changes on stock market returns: Empirical evidence of Ghana Stock Exchange

The study determines the effects of some macroeconomic factors that influence stock prices in Ghana, establish their relationship with stock prices and possibly use them to predict the likely changes in stock prices as a result of changes in these macroeconomic variables. The famous cointegration methodology is applied on monthly data of Ghana Stock Exchange All-share Index and the respective macroeconomic variables from January 2000 through December 2010 to determine the extent to which these macroeconomic variables influence the stock market returns. The study establishes that a long-run equilibrium and causal relationship exists between the dependent variable; GSE All-share index and the two independent variables under consideration namely, interest rate and exchange rate. It was also determined that in the short-run, effects of Interest rate and exchange rate volatility on Ghana Stock Exchange are nearly imaginary.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of the impact of macroeconomic variables on exchange rate volatility in Ghana: the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.

The research work focuses on the analysis of the impact of key macroeconomic variables (Inflation (INF), Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), Current Account Balance (CAB), Money and Quasi Money Supply per GDP (M2GDP), Annual GDP Growth Rate (GDPGRO), Total External Debt (EDBTOT)) on the Cedi to the US dollar Exchange Rate (EXRATE).The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling Approach has been used to analyse the annual secondary data from 1975 to 2014. The macroeconomic variables explained 82% of the adjusted variance in EXRATE with MPR, INF and CAB contributing 8.2%, 10.5% and 19.2% respectively. M2GDP, EDBTOT and GDPGRO contributed 15%, 14.9% and 15.1% respectively to the explained variance in EXRATE. MPR, INF and CAB have negative relationship with EXRATE whiles M2GDP, EDBTOT and GDPGRO have positive relationship with EXRATE.. Among the recommendations, financial managers of national and multinational companies should be abreast with the movements of these macroeconomic variables that significantly impact the cedi/dollar fluctuations. These may be used among other factors as inputs in arriving at much more economic decisions during trade agreements to maximise shareholders wealth.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of the preparedness of Ghanaian formal and traditional industries to adopt hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) and a model for implementing HACCP in traditional pito brewing

A survey of some of the food industries in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions were carried out to establish the level of implementation of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems, obtain information of industries’ hazard awareness and to establish the barriers to HACCP as well draw a model for the pito processing industry. The instrument used was a well structured interview with a closed question format. Questionnaire data was also supported by field observation. The processing of pito was carefully monitored and the Critical Control Points identified. Six processing stages were identified in pito brewing as Critical Control Points. There were 30 completed and returned questionnaire and the overall survey response rate of 46.2%. Amongst the companies surveyed, 3 % were in the field of cocoa and food processing, 8% in the beverage industry and 84% belonged to other classes. 16.6% of the food industries implement some level of HACCP. Out of this, 3.3% of survey implements 25-45%, 50-60% and 90 -100% levels, whiles 6.7% of the survey implements levels of 70-80%. Factors influencing pito quality include choice of yeast, condition yeast, amount of yeast and distribution of yeast throughout fermentation. Sorghum used for processing pito is exposed to several hazards and six processing stages identified as Critical Control Points. The different food hazard that is associated with the activities of these food industries were biological, chemical, physical, pathological and others with percentages of 70, 63.3, 85.8, 33.3 and 3.3 respectively. The constraints and barriers of food industries in the implementation of HACCP include lack of commitment by management, lack of understanding and training, lack of resources and mistranslation of HACCP principles.

Source: KNUST
An analysis of the size of gold grains in the Offin Placer Deposit of Dunkwa Goldfields Limited and its effect on the dredge plant recovery

The size of gold grains in the Offin placer deposit and its effect on the treatment plant of Dunkwa Goldfields Limited, Dunkwa-on-Offin, were investigated. Samples were taken from Dredges 5 (Middle Offin), 6 (Lower Offin) and 7 (Upper Offin). These samples were treated and the gold grains recovered for further analysis. Microscopic and sieve analyses were the sizing techniques employed in analyzing the sizes of the gold grains. Statistical methods were used in analyzing the distribution of gold grains in the deposit. The analyses revealed that, the average grain size shows little variation from Upper Off in (250μm) down the Offin River to the Lower section of the Offin (185μm). The Dredge treatment plants on Dredges 7 and 5 were found to be suitable. Dredge 6 showed some inconsistencies. Mineralogical study on the deposit showed that the associated minerals in the three sections were the same the only difference being that, the sizes of the mineral grains decrease from the Upper to the Lower Offin sections. Quartz formed the bulk of the gangue minerals in the deposit. The shapes of the minerals in the deposit were found to be angular to sub-angular.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of Transmission Dynamics of Tuberculosis (TB) Using Differential Equations: A Case Study Of Amansie West District, Ghan

In this thesis, a Susceptible – Exposed - Infected - Recovered (SEIR) epidemiological model was formulated to determine the transmission of tuberculosis. The equilibrium points of the model were found and their stability was investigated. By analyzing the model, we found a threshold parameter R0, the basic reproductive number. It was noted that when R0 < 1 the disease will fail to spread and when R0 > 1 the disease will persist in the population and become an endemic. The model had two non – negative equilibria namely the disease – free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium. Using the Routh - Hurwitz stability theorem and computer simulations, it was observed that the number of immunized individuals in the population will increase the level of immunity. The graphical solutions of the differential equations were developed using Matlab as well as the computer simulations. The Appendix contains the Matlab codes used in the computer simulations.

Source: KNUST
An analysis of the suspended particulate matter in the stone quarry industry: the case of KAS stone quarry

The suspended particulate matter (SPM) at the KAS Stone Quarry has been analysed. The work aimed at analysing the exposure to airborne SPM and its physical and chemical properties, particularly the total mass concentration of SPM and its lead and Free Crystalline Silica (FCS) contents. The analysis was aimed at determining the quantity, frequency and duration of exposure to these compounds and assessing the health risk associated with exposure. Using the method of gravimetry, the mass concentration of SPM was found to be higher than the recommended 230 micron by the EPA. The silicomolybdic acid test was used to determine the concentration of FCS in the SPM. The concentration relative to the levels of SPM was higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) tentative recommended value of 4OimJm3. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), the levels of lead were lower than that recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the USA. Thus there is a real risk of exposure to SPM and FCS. The key recommendation to respond to the findings among others includes the establishment of standards relevant to the local situation and the development of effective enforcement procedures and plans by the collaborative effort of the EPA, TUC and Employers Association. It is also recommended that there should be the development of health assessment procedures and upgrading of the level of safety training and education in the industry. The study identified for further research an improvement of the method of SPM sizing and studies on SPM in the general work environment.

Source: KNUST
An analysis of urban resilience in selected communities in Kumasi and its environs

Climate change and rapid urbanisation remain two emerging global threats with widespread implications for poor countries. Yet, despite attempts to address these challenges by governments and international agencies, they remain unabated. Urban resilience concept has been identified as having the potential to ameliorate these challenges. Regardless of this potential, the contribution of urban resilience to sustainable urban environments remains a distant reality in areas most vulnerable to the impacts of these global threats. Understanding of the application of the resilience concept to urban development and its outcomes are limited in Ghana. This study fills this gap by focusing on: the extent of climate change in Kumasi; major urbanisation challenges in Kumasi; local understanding of urban resilience; and efforts towards urban resilience. This research is based on the mixed methods approach, using three case study communities in Kumasi. Using semi-structured interviews, qualitative data were collected from institutional representatives of urban planning-related institutions from January-February 2016. Also, quantitative and qualitative data were collected during the same period from 375 households across the three case study communities; Asawase, Ahinsan Estate and Sisaakyi. The findings indicated that although climate change is a global issue, the impacts are widespread in the case study communities. There is evidence of rising temperature and unpredictable rainfall pattern in Kumasi, resulting in flooding and destruction of natural areas. Complicating matters further are the impacts of rapid urbanisation, including poor sanitation conditions and inadequate social services and facilities. However, these findings vary considerably from one case study to another with poor communities such as Sisaakyi and Asawase most vulnerable. Unfortunately, despite these challenges, there is limited understanding of the urban resilience concept in Kumasi, amongst urban planning-related institutions and local communities. As a consequence, while there is limited evidence of the implementation of the urban resilience tenets, institutional initiatives towards achieving urban resilience are uncoordinated and incomprehensive. This study suggests a need for urban resilience policy to coordinate initiatives towards creating resilient Kumasi. The study further proposes the integration of public awareness on urban resilience in urban development effort. Lastly, the study recommends the exploration of the potential of institutional coordination to ensure harmonisation of efforts towards urban resilience.

Source: KNUST
The analysis of vaccination and treatment of Measles diseases Described by a Fractional order SIR epidemiological model

In this work, a fractional order SIR model with vaccination ( 1 ) and treatment ( 2 ) is formulated to describe measles disease. Firstly, the method of solution shows that the model possess non-negative solutions as desired in any population dynamics. The basic reproductive number is established, and a thorough analysis is carried out to study the stability of the equilibrium points. Numerical solutions are presented to illustrate the stability analysis using Generalized Euler method. Graphical results are presented and discussed. The obtained result showed that the disease will persists within the population if there is no vaccination ( 1 ) and treatment ( 2 ).

Source: KNUST
An analysis of the labour turnover situation in First Allied Savings and Loans Limited; its impact and the way forward.

The human resource element of any organization is very essential to its growth. It is very important that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that labour is satisfied to give its maximum contribution so that productivity is increased. Labour turnover occurs when workers leave an organization and need to be replaced by new recruits. This could be through resignations, dismissals and retirement. This study is mainly on voluntary resignations, which are not foreseen by management and can therefore have a particularly disruptive effect. Indeed, a certain degree of labour turnover may be desirable in any organization since it creates opportunities for new ideas, lower labour costs among others. Persistently high levels of labour turnover are however costly to any institution. First Allied Savings And Loans Limited started operating in September 1996 with a staff strength of 14. As at December 2903, the staff strength was 155, a remarkable increase over this period. There again has been a lot of people being appointed and leaving over the yeais. Inspite of this, there is no human resources department to handle only human resource issues. The Finance and Administration department partly performs this duty. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of labour turnover in FASL. This cannot be complete without ascertaining the rates of labour turnover over the years, determining the reasons for it and identifying the patterns of labour turnover in FASL. The rate of labour turnover has fluctuated over the years, between 5% and 26%. The patterns of resignations in FASL have also been discussed in three main ways. Positions and their levels of resignations, the duration of stay of leavers and, Departments/branches and their levels of resignations. Several reasons for resignations were realized. Both from filed records (resignation letters) and results from the research conducted. Some of the reasons realized from the research included low pay, poor management style, lack of training and development opportunities, delayed promotion, education etc. The impact of the labour turnover on FASL has also been discussed. The impact was both positive and negative. The negative impact however outweighed the positive. The negative impact includes high recruiting costs, high staff training costs, low productivity, overburdening of staff among others. The positive impact include new ideas, lower labour costs and loss of poor performers. Recommendations have been made to help reduce the level of labour turnover in FASL so that the institution would improve in its performance as a micro finance institution. These include payment of competitive salaries, training and development opportunities, induction, equal promotional opportunities, job rotation, etc.

Source: KNUST
Analysis of waiting lines at Electricity Company of Ghana(ECG) pay point centre using queuing theory: a case study of ECG Dichemso Branch.

This thesis reviews the application of queuing theory. The M/M/N queuing model was used to analyze waiting lines at the Credit Customer Pay Point Centre(CCPC) and Prepaid Customer Pay Point Centre(PCPC) of the Electricity Company of Ghana(ECG) at Dichemso-branch. The purpose was to nd the average number of customers waiting in queue and system and the average waiting time in queue and system at the pay points. Other performance measurements of the queueing system was also found. An excel spreadsheet was used to organize and analyze the data collected at the pay points. The number of customers that arrived at the CCPC was found to be higher than the number of customers that arrived at the PCPC. CCPC was found to be busier than PCPC. The average utilization factor at the CCPC and PCPC was 92:82% and 88:67% respectively. The average of arrival rate and service rate at the CCPC was found to be 0:7500 and 0:8458 respectively. The average of arrival rate and service rate at the PCPC was found to be 0:7133 and 0:7685 respectively.

Source: KNUST
Analyzing and forecasting rainfall patterns in the Manga-Bawku area, northeastern Ghana: Possible implication of climate change.

Understanding rainfall processes is crucial in addressing several hydrological challenges that have both positive and negative impacts on agriculture, climate change, and natural hazards including floods and droughts. Statis- tical modeling is a key instrument for studying these processes. This study presents the trends and forecasted rainfall patterns from 2017 to 2035 in the Manga-Bawku area, northeastern Ghana using rainfall data spanning from 1976 to 2016. The simple seasonal exponential smoothing and ARIMA (0,1,1) models were employed in this study while the R software and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences were the modeling tools used in this study. The results obtained from the test of the efficiency of the forecast model showed a Stationary R- squared value of 0.698 and 0.669, Root-Mean-Square Deviation (RMSE) of 48.775 and 50.717, and normalized Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) of 7.800 and 7.904 for the exponential smoothing and ARIMA (0,1,1) models respectively. This indicated that the models are a good fit for the time-series analysis. However, a line plot of the two models and observed data showed that the simple seasonal exponential smoothing model was a better fit. The Autocorrelation Function (ACF) plot showed that coefficient values were recorded in equal time lags. The peak recorded at lag 1 was similar to lags 12 and 24 which suggest that the seasonal component in the time series occurred within twelve months. The study further showed that the seasonal component was uniform on an annual basis which signifies that it was an additive impact instead of multiplicative effect. The rainfall forecast predicts a decline in rainfall levels over the next 19 years. This suggests the need for proper water resources planning, and the formulation of policies to curtail the factors that are likely to have debilitating impacts on the local hydrological system.

Source: KNUST