ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of public agricultural extension as perceived by farmers and development agents in Soddo-Zuria of Wolaita zone, Ethopia

The study examined farmers and development agents’ (DAs) perceived effectiveness of the Public Agricultural Extension Service (PAES) in Soddozuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia. Hence, 225 farmers and 85 DAs were randomly selected; pretested and validated questionnaires were used; and data were analyzed using Software Package for Statistics and Simulation (SPSS). Farmers and DAs’ perceived effectiveness levels of the PAES were found to be low though the mean difference between the two groups was significant. Within the farmers, perceived effectiveness levels of female farmers, poor farmers, and uneducated farmers were significantly lower than their counterparts. From farmers’ response, relevance of extension packages, participation in extension, motivation by extension, educational status, wealth status, sex, DAs’ professional competence, and satisfaction with extension explained 84 percent of the variation in effectiveness of the PAES. From DAs’ response, relevance of extension packages, farmers’ participation in extension, research and Subject Matter Specialists (SMS) support, and DAs’ participation in extension explained 88 percent of the variation in effectiveness of the PAES. The findings imply that the Soddo-zuria Woreda Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development should play a critical co-ordinating role in developing relevant extension packages through functional links with research agencies and enhancing farmers’ participation; stratifying extension approaches based on sex, wealth and educational status of farmers; enhancing farmers’ motivation and satisfaction with extension; getting SMS support; improving DAs’ professional competence and participation in the PAES.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of Recruitment and Selection Practices in Public Sector Higher Education Institutions: Evidence from Ghana

The purpose of this paper is to assess the recruitment and selection practices of public sector higher education institutions in Ghana. The research employed quantitative research approach with a descriptive survey design. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 128 respondents. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample from the targeted population. Data processing was done using SPSS version 22. Results of the analyses showed, inter alia, the following; (a) Public sector higher education institutions in Ghana predominantly relies on recommendation as its main mode of employment; (b) Identification of available vacancies and delay in feedback after interviews were the two main challenges with the public sector higher education institutions in Ghana recruitment and selection practices. It is recommended that employee referrals (recommendation) though a good idea should be reduced, public sector higher education institutions in Ghana should make use of adverts (either print or electronic or both) in publicising its vacant positions.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of road traffic congestion measures in the Sekondi -Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana

An effective transportation system is significantly important in sustaining economic growth in modern-day economies as it provides connections between different parts of the country and the global world. Good road network links to work, deliver products to market, underpins logistics and supply chain, and also support local and international trade. However, it has been observed that road traffic congestion has been a major transport challenge faced by cities in Ghana. It is against these premise that this study is been conducted to investigate the causes and effects of traffic congestion in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The target population of the study were drivers, motor-cycle riders and stakeholders involved in road traffic management. A total of 198 respondents were sampled for the study. Questionnaire and interview guides were employed for data collection. Interviews were transcribed and then categorised under specific themes. Data from questionnaire were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Results indicated that the major causes of road traffic congestion included picking and dropping of passengers on the road, inadequate parking space, inadequate routes, illegal parking, as well as bad attitudes of drivers in the metropolis. Economically traffic congestion increased drivers expenditure on fuel and also passengers complained of delays to work and other social activities. Current road traffic congestion measures instituted to check the traffic situation were not effective in reducing the menace. The study recommends that, rules governing road traffic acts in the metropolis should be enforced by the Motor and Traffic Directorate of the Ghana Police Service and Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of School Supervision in Public and Private Basic Schools in the Okaikoi North Municipality In the Accra Metropolis

ABSTRACT Supervision is an important activity that ensures the quality of education, not only in private but public schools as well. This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of supervision in basic schools (public and private) in the Okaikoi North Municipality in the Accra Metropolis. The study adopted a mixed method approach, specifically, triangulation method. The population of this study involved all the circuit supervisors and headteachers in the Okaikoi North Municipality of Accra. A census survey was adopted to select the participants for the study. Both questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data for this study. Findings from the study revealed that headteachers and circuit supervisors adopted several practices in their supervisory roles which included meeting teachers that were supervised to give feedback on how supervision went, supervising teachers’ classroom instruction and keeping supervision report for future reference. Moreover, results showed that there was no difference in both private and public school supervision. It was therefore recommended that all students enrolled in school get an appropriate level of education from their instructors under the supervision of effective headteachers and circuit supervisors. This is because supervision places a priority on teaching and learning standards. Policymakers should prioritise effective school supervision and establish comprehensive strategies and regulations for execution.

Source: UCC
The effectiveness of staff performance appraisal in Ghana Telecom, Western Region

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of staff performance appraisal system in Ghana Telecom, Western Region. Specifically, the study focused on staff attitude towards performance appraisal system, the purpose and constraints inherent in the implementation of the performance appraisal system. Descriptive research design was used. Stratified random sampling procedure was used to sample 230 staff comprising appraisers and appraisees from the organisation. Data were collected using questionnaire for both appraisers and appraisees. The analysis of collected data was done by the help of the Predictive Analytic Software and presented using means, cross tabulation, frequency tables and percentages. The findings from the study have established that staff of the Ghana Telecom, Western Region had positive attitude towards the organisation’s performance appraisal system. The study also indicated that performance appraisal of staff created tension in work relationships with supervisors and also caused ineffective goal setting. The main purposes of performance appraisal system were for promotion and identifying training needs. Based on the key findings and conclusions, the study recommended to appraisers that they should request management to ensure that staff developed and maintained positive attitude towards the organisation’s performance appraisal system. The appraisees were also advised to ensure that there are tension free work relationships with their supervisors.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of supervision in basic schools in the Obuasi municipality

The study looked at the effectiveness of supervision in basic schools in the Obuasi municipality. It was found out that the two main forms of supervision namely internal and external are both practiced there and both need to be made effective as there are a number of challenges. The current state of supervision reveals that follow up visits, brief visits and intensive visits were being done well. Some factors affecting supervision on the negative side included the need to involve teachers in the decision making process, maintaining good human relations, establishing mutual trust, maintaining discipline, ensuring respect among teachers, organizing of InService Training (INSET), motivation of teachers and the improvement of communications skills. Challenges confronting supervision were found to include the fact that some teachers and pupils become tensed up when they see the presence of a supervisor whether head teacher or circuit supervisor. The report concludes with suggestions and recommendations to improve supervision in schools to make them more effective.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of supervision in junior high schools in the Yilo Krobo district

In recent times, teaching and learning at the basic schools leave much to be desired. Lateness, absenteeism and misuse of instructional time on the part of teachers have been the order of the day. The purpose of the study was to find out the present state and effectiveness of supervision in Junior High Schools in the Yilo Krobo District. Out of the eight circuits in the district, four were used for the study Two urban, two rural. Four schools were selected from each of the four circuits. The sample size was distributed a follows: One officer in-charge of supervision (AD Supervision) from the District Education Office, Four circuit supervisors in charge of the selected circuits, 16 Head teachers, 80 teachers (five from each school) and 80 prefects (five from each school). The circuits and schools were carefully selected to include schools from “urban” “semi-urban” and rural communities. Questionnaires were prepared and distributed to the various categories of respondents by the researcher through personal contact. Interview guide was also in the collection of the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and summarized into frequency tables, and cross tabulations. Major findings of the study were that internal supervision was being emphasized and it also promoted effective teaching and learning in the schools. Supervision in the district was found to be facing a number of problems which affected the positive impact that it should have on education delivery in the district. It is recommended that both internal and external supervision be supported; with more emphasis on internal supervision. In this regard, GES should give more authority to heads of schools to function better as instructional leaders. It is also recommended that pragmatic steps be taken to resolve the challenges that impede supervision processes in the Yilo Krobo District.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of supervision of basic schools in the Tema municipality of the Greater Accra region of Ghana

The issue of poor academic performance of pupils in the Ghanaian Basic Schools has become a societal concern. Public outcry through Media reports on almost a daily basis to the view that children are not studying hard enough attests to this fact. While some think that schools lack the basic educational resources others think that standards have fallen because of the lack of adequate supervision. Some even assert that the curriculum is too bookish and the period too short. To this school of thought, the curriculum should be reviewed to cut down on the number of subjects and to increase the duration of the course. Stakeholders however agree that lack of effective supervision is a contributing factor. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of supervision in the Tema Municipality in view of the fact that students continue to perform poorly despite the numerous in-service and staff development workshops that circuit supervisors, head teachers and teachers undertake in the Municipality. The study was a survey research and the interview and questionnaire methods were used to collect data. The administration of the questionnaire recorded 99% response among head teachers and 100% among circuit supervisors, head of inspectorate and students. The main statistical methods used in the study were percentages and descriptive statistics. The major findings of the study were that: 1. While the education officers (60%) were of the view that both internal and external supervision were given greater emphasis, majority of the head teachers and teachers said that school-based supervision was given greater emphasis in the Municipality. 2) School based supervision was more effective and helpful to teachers and therefore preferred to the external supervision by the Municipal Education Office.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of the committee system in the Management of Colleges of Education in the Central Region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the committee system in the management of Colleges of Education in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample of 220 tutors and 43 students was used for the study. The sample was selected through purposive, census and proportional stratified sampling. Data was collected through the use of a researcher-designed questionnaire for both tutors and students. Data was analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and means and standard deviations. The study revealed that the committees in the sampled colleges were functional. Specifically, the committees were willing to seek the progress of the Colleges, engaged in decision making concerning students, planning and review of academic calendar and assessment and evaluation of staff and students. In addition, the study found that most of the committees were perceived as necessary in the management of the colleges. Finally, the study showed that Committee Systems encountered several challenges such as the presence of too many bureaucracies resulting in delays in decision making, authorities not carrying out recommendations of committees, nature and frequency of meetings, inadequate financial and administrative support. It was concluded that the Committee Systems in the Colleges of Education in the Central Region were effective in the performance of their roles. It was recommended therefore that authorities of Colleges of Education should implement the recommendations of committees as and when necessary.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of the committee system in the Management of Colleges of Education in the Central Region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the committee system in the management of Colleges of Education in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample of 220 tutors and 43 students was used for the study. The sample was selected through purposive, census and proportional stratified sampling. Data was collected through the use of a researcher-designed questionnaire for both tutors and students. Data was analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and means and standard deviations. The study revealed that the committees in the sampled colleges were functional. Specifically, the committees were willing to seek the progress of the Colleges, engaged in decision making concerning students, planning and review of academic calendar and assessment and evaluation of staff and students. In addition, the study found that most of the committees were perceived as necessary in the management of the colleges. Finally, the study showed that Committee Systems encountered several challenges such as the presence of too many bureaucracies resulting in delays in decision making, authorities not carrying out recommendations of committees, nature and frequency of meetings, inadequate financial and administrative support. It was concluded that the Committee Systems in the Colleges of Education in the Central Region were effective in the performance of their roles. It was recommended therefore that authorities of Colleges of Education should implement the recommendations of committees as and when necessary. Digitized

Source: UCC
The effectiveness of the national health insurance in providing the poor with quality health care

The main objective of the study is to examine the effectiveness of the national health insurance on the poor. Both quantitative and qualitative approach was also used for the study which involved collecting and analyzing the data gathered in succession. To have a true reflection of the population a simple random sampling and purposive sampling method would be used to select the samples for this study. A simple random sampling method was found to be appropriate since all the people have the chance of been selected. For this study, the population were health insurance card users and accredited providers of health insurance services in Akuapem South District. One hundred people were selected from the respondents as sample for the study. SPSS was used to analyze the results from the data collected. The findings shows that the hospital facility is not closer to the respondents as well as the benefits derived from the NHIS is something that the respondents classified as fair. Although the benefits the respondents derived from the NHIS is classifies as fair they went on to say that they are not satisfied with the service provided by the service providers, that is, poor attention and bad treatment. The respondents sometimes bought drug from drug stores and also performed self-medication without authorization from the hospital. The respondents’ also said the alternative facility they visited is cheaper than the hospital and it is also accessible. The following recommendations were made based on the findings stated above. Government should put up chips compounds in the other communities in and around Pakro so that they will not travel a longer distance to access health care. In addition other charges charged by the government facility should be stopped so that the people will not go to the alternative facilities. Furthermore, the services provided by the government facilities should be improved so that the respondents can have confidence in them that when they visit them they would be healed.

Source: UCC
The effectiveness of training and development of public sector teachers within the Bolgatanga municipality

Education is a powerful agency and instrumental in bringing about the desired changes in the social and cultural life of a nation. The key variable for its achievement and survival in this competitive global economy is quality. The whole process of education is shaped and moulded by the teacher and quality teachers with commitment are prerequisites for successful and excellent education. One may wonder whether the institutional structures within which training and development programmes for the teacher are efficient enough to facilitate effective teaching and learning. This concern precisely matured the study which sort to evaluate the effectiveness of training and development of public secondary school teachers. To achieve this, the study employed the opinion of hundred teachers selected from both junior and senior secondary schools in the Bolgatanga Municipality. Questionnaires were used as the main instrument. The data was analysed using tables, pie and bar charts. The study established that teachers’ training programmes are quite irregular and without adequate analysis of the teachers’ needs. Consequently, majority have not had training after their mandatory professional training. Lack of opportunities, motivation and funds were the main reasons for the situation. It is, therefore, recommended that teachers’ training and development should be systematically planned, periodically reviewed, supported, funded and researched to guarantee the effectiveness of the process.

Source: UCC
Effectiveness of training and development programmes for staff of State Insurance Company Limited of Ghana, Accra branch

Usually the organisation of training and development programmes for staff in institutions are carefully planned. This study is an investigation into the effectiveness of training and development programmes for State Insurance Company (SIC) staff within the Accra Metropolis. The general objective of the study was to explore the effectiveness of training and development programmes for the employees. Based on this general objective, five research questions were answered. A 37-item questionnaire with the inclusion of the 4-point likert scale was administered to the thirty-one employees of the target organisation. Purposive and stratified random sampling methods were employed for the selection of the respondents. The study established that SIC was the major source of funding of training programmes for their staff. Besides, training interventions organised for the employees enhanced their work performance and the skills and knowledge gained from the training programmes were applied on the job. It is recommended that all that is needed by the staff to ensure effectiveness of training and development programmmes of the company be provided. With these the management will be able to realise their aims and objectives and derive enormous benefits for the company in terms of output.

Source: UCC
The effectiveness of water resources management in Pra Basin

Integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been criticized yet it is the dominant approach to water resources management in developing countries. The criticism emanates from the manifold of unfounded assumptions made during implementation on issues such as availability of technology and infrastructure, privatization and sustainable financing, human resource capacity, government interference, etc. The Pra Basin has been implementing IWRM since 2011. The basin houses nine out of the 17 artificial reservoirs constructed in Ghana for drinking water supply. It is therefore prudent that the basin’s water resources are given extra management care to ensure sustainable water quality and quantity for growth and development. However, much uncertainty still exists about whether the best water management system is being practiced, whether the system is working well, or needs improvement. This study examines the effectiveness of water resources management in the Pra Basin of Ghana. This study used interviews, field observations, and documents such as Pra Basin IWRM plan, the national IWRM plan, etc. to assess the effectiveness of IWRM in the Pra Basin. The result of the study showed that IWRM although appropriate for the basin had implementation gaps. These gaps are potential contributors to deteriorating water quality

Source: UCC
The effects adjustment in Ghana of the structural program on deforestation

This paper is a theoretical and empirical investigation into the impact of the structural adjustment program (SAP) on forest loss in Ghana between the period 1965–95, An optimal control model is used to derive estimable reduced form equations for forest loss, cocoa land, maize land and timber production, which are in turn functions of mainly input and output prices. Piecewise linear and switching regression approaches we used to distinguish between the influence of the post from the pre-adjustment policy impacts on forest land use, The overall results show that cocoa land expansion and timber production, but not maize land expansion, are significant causes of forest loss in Ghana. However, the impact on forest loss in the post-adjustment period was reduced. Changes in the relative output and input prices due to the SAP may have played a significant role in the reduced impact of agricultural and timber related deforestation in the post-adjustment period

Source: UCC