ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exportation of Made in Ghana Goods as a Tool for Development and Development of the Economy

Using yearly data from 1987 to 2021, the research looked at the influence of exporting Made in Ghana goods, thus the finished goods, on Ghana's economic development. The research investigates long-run and short-run correlations between exportation of domestically produced goods and gross domestic product using prominent time series econometric approaches such as cointegration and vector error correction approximations (GDP). In Ghana, the cointegration test indicated that real GDP, exported goods and domestically produced goods had long-run correlations. Using the regression method, there was also an indication of bi-directional causation linking exported goods and GDP development. According to the research, substantial gross capital creation has favorable effects on real GDP in both the short and long run. In the long run, domestically produced goods had an optimistic impact on GDP, but it had a favorable impact on real GDP development in the previous year in the short run. All factors were statistically significant at the 7% significance level in the long run. The alteration rate to the long-run equilibrium implied that the correction is relatively quick. The research concludes that policymakers should focus on maintaining an open that focuses more on the finished goods and export-oriented policy to secure economic development and effectively stimulate economic development for export expansion.

Source: Ashesi
Express yourself everywhere you go because the power is yours: an assessment of the service quality provided by Ghana’s telecommunications industry

Service quality is a measure of how well the service level delivered by the company matches customer expectations. It is a major predictor of both customer satisfaction and loyalty, and it increases profitability, reduces cost, and leads to higher customer retention for the company. Increased competition in the telecommunications industry coupled with the newly introduced Mobile Number Portability system has made providing superior service quality to customers an imperative differentiation strategy. The purpose of this study therefore was to assess and identify the hypothesized gap that exists between the service quality telecommunications companies provide to its customers, and the service quality its customers expect. The data gathered from MTN and its customers via the use of questionnaires suggests that there is a gap between the service quality provided by MTN and the service quality its customers expect. Additionally, the satisfaction rate of customers stands at 65 percent; the remaining 45 percent are either dissatisfied or strongly dissatisfied with the service quality they receive. Although MTN conducts market research about consumer preferences and implements exactly what their customers want, the customers still remain dissatisfied. The service quality criteria generated by this study is meant to serve as a platform for further research into what exactly consumers want out of service quality, in order to bridge the Knowing-Doing gap.

Source: Ashesi
Factors affecting the sustainability of family businesses in Ghana after the exit of first generation of founding family members

Family businesses, many of which fall within the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), are the center of growth in developing countries such as Ghana as they contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), promote employment opportunities and serve as a means of alleviating poverty. Despite being the center of growth in developing countries, most family businesses rarely have a successful transition from one generation to the next. Majority of research done on family businesses has been carried out on succession planning, corporate governance and characteristics of the different generations running the business. The aim of this paper is to find out the various factors affecting the sustainability of family businesses in Ghana and find strategies around them to ensure long-term sustainability. A qualitative approach was employed in the collection and analysis of data. Using the Sustainable Family Business (SFB) model grounded in the systems theory, this study found out that of all the factors that affect sustainability, succession planning and family dynamics have the most impact on the sustainability of the family business, followed by founder’s syndrome. Entrepreneurial tradition had little to no impact on the sustainability of the business. This study hopes to contribute to the current family business discussion by bringing together the four unique factors that affect family businesses with the hope of finding strategies that will not only increase sustainability of family businesses but also increase the shelf-life of SMEs in general.

Source: Ashesi
Factors influencing employer desirability amongst prospective and current employees

Globalization, pressure for speed and innovation, and growing competition for talented workers have given organizations added incentives to review their employee relations strategies in order to attract, motivate and retain the workforce that will help them to be successful (Joo & Mclean, 2006). This study investigated the factors that Ghanaian organizations need to employ in their human resource management practices in order to set themselves apart from their competitors and be recognized as employers of choice. The theoretical framework that guided this study was the six criteria for rating corporate reputation which were identified as: pay and benefits, career and growth opportunities, job security, pride in company or work, fairness and company culture. Surveys based on these factors were used to collect information from respondents from Ashesi University, University of Ghana, Zenith Bank and Ghana Commercial Bank. Three of the criteria for rating corporate reputation; pay and benefits, career and growth opportunities and job security were found to be the most relevant in the Ghanaian context for both current and prospective employees. Certain variations that were observed were accounted for by the demographic information of the respondents such as gender, age and level of education. This study's findings will be useful when making strategic human resource management decisions aimed at attracting the best talent to an organization.

Source: Ashesi
Factors influencing mobile service satisfaction and loyalty in Ghana: A rural urban comparison

Since the introduction of mobile number portability in Ghana, mobile network operators (MNOs) have been challenged to retain customers as defection rates continue to rise. Currently, MNOs use competitive price strategies which constrain industry profitability and brand sustainability. To determine how MNOs can reduce dependency on competitive price strategies, the study examined: (1) the factors that drive satisfaction, (2) the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty, and (3) the effect of subscribers’ profiles on satisfaction and loyalty. With the concurrent mixed method, data were collected from 178 mobile subscribers in a rural and urban area. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rank-order correlation, multiple linear regression, and binary logistics regression. The results showed that there is a positive relationship between satisfaction and loyalty; such that satisfied subscribers were 4.8 times more likely to be loyal than dissatisfied subscribers. Service quality, price, brand image, and customer care drove the satisfaction of urban (quality-conscious) subscribers while price and service quality drove the satisfaction of rural (price-sensitive) subscribers. Also, quality-conscious subscribers were more likely to be loyal than price-sensitive subscribers. The study concluded that MNOs in Ghana could reduce their dependency on competitive price strategies by (1) investing in customer satisfaction, (2) prioritizing penetrating specific localities, (3) matching price-based products with service quality, (4) retaining and acquiring split loyalists, and (5) using value-added services to create positive switching barriers.

Source: Ashesi
Factors that affect development of organic tomato value chain in Ghana

Organic agriculture is becoming a growing trend globally. Due to concerns for health and the environment, many consumers in some countries are shifting their consumption to organic products. As at 2017, the global market for organic farming stood at USD 97 billion (Willer & Lernoud, 2019). This market is however hugely concentrated in the developed countries, with African countries such as Ghana contributing very little. Due to the absence of support, the organic sector in Ghana, has lags in its development. This study therefore tries to delve deeper into the factors that affect the development of the organic value chain in Ghana (with focus on tomatoes) and explore how the value chain can be developed. The study gathered primary data through interviews from farmers, retailers, distributors and consumers. Using qualitative analysis of the data collected, it was found that the organic tomato value chain in Ghana is weak in its input supply, marketing and supporting services. The study further that the actors have various needs that affect their proper functioning in the chain. The farmers needed access to proper infrastructure, and affordable input supply and affordable certification; the retailers and distributors needed logistics, more production and a well-developed market and finally, consumers needed accessible, consistent supply and lower prices for the produce.The study recommended government subsides, education of consumers, and group certification for bridging some of the gaps in the chain. It also recommended that new firms should enter the sector to provide some of the services that are missing in the chain.

Source: Ashesi
Feasibility of Ghana’s commodities exchange with respect to current crop yield and warehousing facilities

The Government of Ghana has committed to establishment of the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) to create orderly, transparent, and efficient marketing system for its key commodities with the objectives of promoting agricultural investment, enhancing productivity, encouraging market access and fair returns for smallholder farmers, and facilitating the formalization of informal agricultural trading activities. This dissertation was conducted to determine the whether the current crop yields and available warehousing facilities would support the commencement of the proposed Agricultural commodities exchange that is to be established in Ghana. The study was conducted by collecting data from key players involved in the establishment of the exchange. People interviews include representatives from Ministry of Trade and Industry, National Buffer Stock Company, Ghana Grains Council and Securities and Exchange Commission. The research findings revealed that Ghana's crop yield is capable of supporting the exchange, however her warehousing facilities are in dearth and as such the government should invest in quality warehousing for the commodities.

Source: Ashesi
Feasibility of Just-in-Time (JIT) in Ghana

Just-in-Time, a system of production that calls for the elimination of inventory has taken many parts of the world by storm. Many producers and even suppliers are engaging the statutes of this new production system and are seen to be clearly reaping the benefits associated with it. Ghanaian firms seem to be tarrying with respect to the use of this system thus this paper seeks to discover how beneficial this system of production will be to producers in Ghana and how feasibly its implementation will be. In attaining the objectives of this study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected with the main data source being Magvlyn Ind Limited. Published journals and articles were some of the other data sources used. A regression analyses served as the tool for the determination of the strength of the relationship between sales and inventory. Also a qualitative analysis was used in the analysis of the questionnaires and other secondary data collected. In conclusion, it was determined that there is a very strong relationship between inventory levels and sales and that inventory levels have a positive impact on sales. Also it was realized that Just-in-Time would not be the most feasible of production options for producers because of the current economic and infrastructural difficulties and also because of Ghanaians attitudes towards change.

Source: Ashesi
A feasibility study into the establishment of a Gambian restaurant in Accra

Travelling to a new environment comes with experiencing new cultures which can lead to cultural shock. Food is one of the factors that cause cultural shock because it differs from one country to another. However, in this interconnected world, experiencing cultural shock because of food can be reduced because countries are now establishing restaurants all over the world where they serve their home meals. The establishment of ethnic restaurants in many parts of the world has made it possible for people to experience foreign dishes without leaving their country and enjoy their home dishes while away. However, Gambians and people who will like to try Gambian dishes are missing on this opportunity because there is no Gambian cuisine restaurant in Accra. This study, therefore, proposes a Gambian cuisine restaurant as a solution to this issue and investigates whether it will be a viable business from a demand point of view. To help achieve this, a field survey was conducted, and questionnaires were administered to 208 respondents including Gambians and other nationals aged 15 years and above, residing in Accra. Interview questions were also administered to 12 participants. In addition, the owner of an ethnic restaurants in Accra was interviewed to highlight the challenges the proposed restaurant is likely to encounter. Finally, a PESTLE analysis was conducted to assess the feasibility and challenges of the proposed restaurant. Findings from the data shows that majority of the respondents are willing to patronize the proposed restaurant. Also, from the PESTLE analysis, the proposed restaurant is feasible, and it will be a viable business from a demand point of view.

Source: Ashesi
Feasibility study on establishing a French-English bilingual school at Medie in the Ga-West District for Mr and Mrs Paintsil

Mr. and Mrs. Paintsils are a young couple who recently bought a plot of land at Akutuase/Medie and intend to develop the land by establishing a bilingual school on the land. The main objective of this study is to determine the feasibility, viability and desirability of establishing a bilingual school in Akutuase. Secondary data collected from online journals, news articles and scholarly articles showed that bilingualism is being bilingual is important because it gives a person a competitive edge in the society and aids in communication. The best form of bilingual education is one where the pupil develops mastery over the two languages whereas the best structure is the 50/50 structure with both languages being used equally in schools. It is essential to study French in Ghana because Ghana has French-speaking neighbors and is also a member of bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) where French is one of the languages for communication. Nonetheless, factors that would hinder the project of the clients include l inflation rates which was 12.80% as at March 2017 and government establishing about a hundred community day schools To test for the viability, thirty parents were interviewed from neighboring towns around Medie. From the study conducted it was clear that there was no other bilingual school in the area and parent were willing to send their children to such a school provided it was at an affordable cost. However, financially, the project will not be feasible as the clients will not be able to recover their initial investments even after thirty years. The proposed solution therefore is a lean-start-up model where the clients run series of tests on generated hypotheses to assess the reaction of customers and make the necessary adjustments where needed. It is flexible and less costly as it does not require a large initial investment.

Source: Ashesi
Financial risks management practices of multinational companies in Ghana

This study sought to find out the management practices employed by multinationals in Ghana in controlling the financial risks they are exposed to. It also assessed the management practices used by multinationals in the recent financial crisis. This study is relevant since multinationals located in developing countries operate under different business environment and economies as compared to developed economies. Hence, multinational companies in developing countries should control financial risk by using management practices conducive for the environment they operate in. The study made use of interviews as the method used in collecting data. Data collected was then grouped and analysed according to the common management practices. Analysis generated from the data collected concluded that, interest rate risks and exchange rate risks were the most common financial risks the companies face. In managing these risks, management set limit within which the company can absorb risks as the first step in controlling financial risks. The study also identified hedging tools such as options, forwards and future contracts as dominant management practices in controlling financial risk.

Source: Ashesi
Financing capital projects in Ghana: The choice of Eurobonds over loans from international development partners

This study explored the various reasons or factors behind using Eurobond as against loans from development partners such as the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), in financing capital projects in Ghana. In addition, the study examined the impact of how these factors could predict the financial choice as well as the various measures put in place to benefit from using this type of debt instrument. This study came at a time, where many developing countries like Ghana have limited access to loans from development partners for improving its income status from a lower income status to a lower middle income country. The study gathered data from a sample of four policy makers and a policy analyst, through the use of interviews and a questionnaire. Findings were generally consistent with the literature. The economic global interest rate, loan currency, size of funds and maturity of projects as well as the economic environment are relevant factors when the government of Ghana intends to borrow externally. However, the policies available are not strong enough, if it is not effectively implemented. The study recommends that policy makers should make prudent borrowing decision which is consistent with road macroeconomic policy by ensuring that projects present value is less than equal to the loan disbursed to manage its debt burden.

Source: Ashesi
From filthy to filthy rich: Exploring opportunities for social enterprise to improve solid waste management in the Accra Metropolitan Area

Cities in developing nations round the world cannot keep up with the vast quantities of solid waste they produce daily. In Accra, Ghana’s capital, despite the fact that about 100% of the waste collection function has been ceded to private waste contractors, about 30% of the waste produced remains uncollected, ending up in gutters, choking drains and blocking waterways. This poses a health risk to the people of Accra Ironically, waste holds economic, environmental and social value, hence its potential benefits are worth exploring and exploiting. Current literature has largely ignored the role of social enterprises in improving waste management in the major cities of developing countries such as Accra. This paper uses the UN-Habitat Integrated Sustainable Waste Management benchmarking methodology, to evaluate waste management in Accra and to identify opportunities for social enterprises to contribute to improved waste management. It was found that there is a lot more that can be done in Accra to improve its current waste collection coverage, controlled disposal as well as recycling rates, which are lagging behind the international median for lower-middle income regions. There is also a vibrant informal sector which social enterprises can organize and integrate into existing waste management structures to contribute to waste segregation, composting and recycling. There are however gaps in the policy framework and legislation for social enterprises which continue to hinder the scope and magnitude of their goal of positive social value creation.

Source: Ashesi
The fundamental problem of the Ghanaian football league: A focus on the organisation of grassroots football

Grassroots football is a key component in developing young talents for a professional career. Over the years, the performance of Ghana’s premier league has been declining as most young talented football players prefer to play in top-flight European leagues that pay well. To improve the organisation of grassroots for the premier league’s benefit, this study examined how grassroots football can improve the performance of the league, and how practices from topflight leagues that can be inculcated in improving the Ghanaian premier league. Using the mixed method, interviews were conducted and secondary data on the average salaries of players were collated. 23 individuals involving football journalists, grassroots football players, grassroots football coaches, personnel from the GFA and retired football players and coaches were interviewed. Results showed that, the GDP per capita (PPP) of a country does not have a direct influence on the average salaries of players, rather the demand for football matches does. Hence, a way to generate revenue for the league teams is to increase the demand of the league by creating a link between the league teams and their communities. A fundamental way to do this, is to improve the organisation of grassroots football. As established by literature, investing in grassroots football can help create a system for developing young talents that can contribute to improving the performance of the league. The study showed that, adopting the academy system as practiced by many footballing nations is a step to improving the organisation of grassroot football.

Source: Ashesi