ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Poverty reduction through tourism: residents’ perspectives

Increase in the number of people living in poverty in the world has led to an increasing search for strategies to address the situation, and tourism has been identified as one of the relevant tools for reducing poverty. The paper assesses the role that tourism can play in addressing the needs of the residents of the Lake Bosomtwe Basin. A study conducted in a traditional area in Ghana placed “the poor” in the centre of the search for appropriate strategies to tackle poverty. A resident’s survey undertaken in January 2006 reveals that the residents are fully aware of the problems of the area, and also, have an adequate knowledge of how tourism tied in to their needs. The paper confirmed the essential role tourism can play in reducing poverty and realizing other developmental goals. Based on the nature of the needs of the residents (hospital, potable water, good roads and security), it was concluded that their needs were compatible with the goals of sustainable tourism development as these are elements required from any good tourist destination. It was also concluded that “the poor” could be valuable partners in the search for solutions to reduce poverty in the world

Source: UCC
Poverty, livelihoods and environmental degradation in the sissala East district of the Upper West region

The study examined the link between livelihoods, poverty and environmental degradation in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region. Available literature shows that, the region is one of the poorest in Ghana and agriculture is the main livelihood. The main data collection methods employed were household interviews, focus group discussions and library search. The study covered 90 respondents selected by simple random sampling, purposive sampling and systematic random sampling. Statistical package for Service Solution (SPSS, 16.0) was used to process the data. The conclusion drawn from the findings was that, environment is degraded by the unsustainable livelihood activities of the people as a result of poverty. Some of the unsustainable livelihood activities identified as having negative effects on the environment included bad farming method, charcoal burning and cattle overgrazing. The recommendations called on the government and Sissala East District Assemblies to help the people to reduce their over reliance on agriculture by diversifying into alternative livelihoods such as food processing and petting trading. The Environmental Protection Agency, District Assemblies and NGO’s should create awareness among the people on the livelihoods, poverty and environmental degradation through community discussion and random talks.

Source: UCC
The Power and Functions of Boards of Directors: A Theoretical Synthesis

Many social scientists have assumed that the boards of directors (governing boards) of corporate organizations control their organiza- tions in name only. Others, examining the relationship of American social and business elites to the operation of welfare organizations and elite social clubs conclude that they are controlled by their boards. This contradiction is resolved by a theoretical analysis of the external "detachable" resources, personal characteristics, and strategic con- tingency situations conducive to more or less board power vis-a-vis executives. Bases of board power include control of resources and knowledge about organizational operation. Personal characteristics affecting board members power are social status and sex. Strategic contingencies are events of organizational life cycles, such as mergers, major program and goal changes, and selection of chief executives, conducive to the exercise of board power

Source: UCC
Power Dynamics In Ghana‟S Mining Industry: Exploring The Influence Of Multinational Mining Companies On The Fight Against Galamsey

In Ghana, the extractive industry is vital in generating significant revenue. Nonetheless, the extractive industry has amounted to severe environmental hazards to the country‟s ecology. As a result, the state has developed diverse measures to contain the crisis and maintain the state‟s ecological integrity. However, these measures appear counter-productive due to biases in the mining industry regarding the fight against galamsey associated with the small-scale mining sector vis-à-vis the activities of the multinational mining companies in the industry. This study sought to investigate the intricacies and power relations within Ghana‟s mining industry. The study employed a qualitative approach and purposive sampling technique to select participants. Semi-structured interview protocols were used for the data collection, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. The study revealed that existing laws and actions of the regulatory bodies and other stakeholders tend to favour multinational mining companies while impeding the growth of the small-scale mining sector. Also, unrestricted land acquisition by largescale mining companies and limited land availability demarcated for smallscale mining has resulted in rampant illegal activities in the industry. The study recommends that the state engage in inclusive consultations with key stakeholders to revise the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and develop alternative solutions for the effective regulation and growth of the small-scale sector. Additionally, the regulatory bodies should refrain from granting forest reserves to large-scale mining firms and influential individuals and provide adequate geo-scientific information on demarcated land areas for small-scale mining to discourage mining in restricted areas.

Source: UCC
Power generation and performance of manufacturing companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange

Manufacturing companies employ electricity as a key resource input in their production mix. This has generally led to a situation where manufacturing companies subsist heavily on electricity for survival and continuity in business. Against this backdrop, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of power generation on the performance of manufacturing companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. A sample of seven firms was selected for the study using convenience sampling technique. Panel data covering the period 2008-2012 was adapted from the published financial statements of sampled firms. Data on power generation were time series data adapted from the Ghana Energy Commission spanning between the period 2008 and 2012. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the relationship between the variables in the study. The results of the study suggest that electricity supply has a significant positive impact on both profitability and efficiency. The effect of System Average Interruption Duration Indexon both profitability and efficiency were found to be negative. However, System Average Interruption Frequency Indexwas found to have an insignificant effect on both profitability and efficiency. In respect of this, energy ministry should initiate prudent measures to improve electricity supply to ensure efficiency and profitability of manufacturing companies.In addition, manufacturing companies are to invest in other energy efficient technologies to ensure continuous electricity supply in the event of erratic supply of electricity from the national grid.

Source: UCC
The Power of Meaningful Gestures in Teaching and Learning Literacy in Early Childhood Education Centres in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Children come to school with emergent literacy which teachers need to build on to enhance early literacy acquisition in both the first language (L1) and the target language (L2) which in the case of Ghana is English Language. One of the supporting systems used to enhance effective teaching and learning is meaningful gestures such as iconic, metaphoric, deictic, and beat. The aim of the study is to find out how teachers use meaningful gestures to enhance effective teaching and learning of literacy in early childhood centres. Ten early childhood centres in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana, consisting of 5 public and 5 private schools were selected. Observation and interviews were used for the data collection and analysed. The result indicated that most teachers use meaningful gestures only when they are teaching recitation. Little attention is paid to the use of gestures in other literacy lessons such as storytelling, reading, listening and speaking, and community circle time. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that early childhood education teachers should be educated on the use of meaningful gestures alongside speech in promoting early literacy acquisition.

Source: UCC
Power struggle in a female group discussion: The case of a Ghanaian University

In almost all group discussions among learners, language serves as a medium through social interaction is promoted and learning is maximised. However, when restraint is compromised by participants in a discussion, an atmosphere is created for power struggles among them. Thus, the present paper takes a particularist view at the phenomenal use of interruptions in the group discussion of four female students in a Ghanaian university, and how the interruptions express the members’ quest for power, dominance and authority. The data constitutes a thirty minute live recording of the discussion, and was analysed within the framework of Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory and Fairclough’s (1995; 2001) concept of power. Key findings show that in a small group discussion, it is the more powerful students that enact power in order to (a) ensure that untenable contributions are minimised, (b) supply reliable information, and (c) keep the discussion on track. These findings bear implications for critical discourse studies and pedagogy

Source: UCC
Pparents‟ and senior high school students‟ attitudes towards vocational and technical education as career choice in the Sekondi Takoradi metropolis

The purpose of this study was to investigate parents‟ and senior high school (SHS) students‟ attitude towards VTE as a career choice in the Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region of Ghana. The sample for the study was 337, made up of final year students in SHS in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis as well as 10 parents of students. The sample was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected from the students using a questionnaire whereas data was collected from the parents using an interview guide. Quantitative data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analyses. The study revealed that most of the students were not willing to enroll in VTE after their general secondary education. The study, revealed also that, the students generally had positive views that TVET can make students more employable. Further, the study revealed that all the parents viewed vocational and technical education positively. However, some few parents did not like the idea of their children pursuing VTE mainly because of the perception of society about TVET. The results showed also that male students had a better attitude towards vocational and technical education than female students. It was recommended that the Ghana Education Service together with Ministry of Education educate SHS students on the importance of TVET.

Source: UCC
Practical publishing guidelines for researchers

Writing for publishing is now a fiercely competitive business. The writing world is full of hopeful authors who never see a word of their manuscripts in print, because usually their manuscripts do not meet the standard required by publishers. The author, therefore, aims to provide the basic guidelines and techniques that potential authors need to help them get their works published. The book defines various terminologies associated with publishing. It also attempts to explain the various types of publications, academic and non-academic, and their features. More importantly, the step-by-step practical guidelines for publishing a book or a journal article are explained. Finally, the book enumerates the directories of publishers and journals published in Ghana that are useful for researchers or potential authors.

Source: UCC
The practical reality of goal setting theory: evidence from the performance of nurses in the Sunyani regional hospital of Ghana

Several studies on goal setting theory have shown that goals direct and sustain employee effort toward goal-relevant activities and away from goal irrelevant activities. Although the theory is a common research topic in most advanced countries, it is gradually being tested in other cultures such as the Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study, therefore, is an extension of existing research on goal setting theory as it describes the core elements of the theory, and how it relates to the performance of 100 registered nurses in the Sunyani Regional Hospital in Ghana. Consistent with some previous studies, a significantly positive relationship between goal acceptance, goal specificity and employee performance was found. Surprisingly, goal difficulty failed to support this relationship.

Source: UCC
The practice of internal auditing in the banking institutions in Tamale

A well performing internal audit function is one of the strongest means to the promotion of the good corporate governance system in an organisation. The study was conducted to evaluate the extent to which the internal audit function is positioned to contribute towards one of the major objectives of achieving good corporate governance in the banking institutions in Tamale for accountability and service improvement. The respondents of the study were drawn from banking institutions in Tamale. The sample included internal auditors, managers, accountants or operations officers, tellers and other bank staff. Both simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting the sample size for the study. Primary data were sourced by means of questionnaires. The study has revealed that only one branch bank in Tamale has an Internal Audit Department. All other banks in Tamale have their internal audit services performed by the Internal Audit Department at the head Offices. The independence of the Internal Audit Departments in the banks has been noted to be quite strong though inadequate funding has been realised as a major threat to the provision of quality internal audit services. It is recommended that internal audit departments be established in the branch banks to make the internal audit function more responsive to the risk exposures of the banks. Whiles ensuring a strict adherence to the standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, it is recommended that the programme of continuing professional education in the banks be given much attention.

Source: UCC
The Practice Of Obtaining Patients’ Consent Before Surgery: A Study Of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

Patients have the legal and moral right to determine what happens to them, and the healthcare practitioners have the ethical obligation to engage patients in their health care. The informed consent is an essential approach in which the patient engages actively in decisions regarding their health management. This study explores the practice of seeking permission from patients before surgery. A questionnaire was provided to in-patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The data was then examined using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0. The research demonstrates that there is still much to be addressed in patient education on the procedure of gaining informed consent before surgery. Around 32% of the patients felt that they were not fully taught about their procedure before they signed the consent form. This shows that a considerable percentage of in-patients lack appropriate awareness of the consent procedure. The survey also found that physicians are the only medical practitioners that seek patients' consent in the hospital, with 60% of patients indicating that doctors got their consent. Additionally, it was shown that there is a method for gaining informed consent, yet it has not been implemented as intended. As a consequence, extra time is required to address patients' worries and doubts before surgery. This underscores the need for enhanced communication between medical practitioners and patients, as well as for patients to be given ample time to comprehend the process, risks, and benefits before agreeing to surgery. Ultimately, the research concluded that there is still significant space for enhancement to the procedure of getting informed consent at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Source: UCC
The practice of Sakawa (cyber-cult) in the Agona Swedru Traditional Area

Sakawa practice in Agona Swedru Traditional Area is not a matter of perception but a fact and also a canker that is spreading very fast among the youth. The study examined the philosophy behind sakawa practice and how one becomes a practitioner. The study contributes to the existing discourse on sakawa in Ghana and West Africa sub-region. It also reveals some scamming techniques used by the sakawa practitioners to persuade their victims. The instrument used for the study in terms of qualitative assessment is the interview guide. The findings from the study showed that the respondents are aware of the sakawa practice although, there were mixed views about the practice. The study examined the morality of the practice; that is, the badness or the goodness of sakawa practice. Also, the study established the reasons why many youth in Agona Swedru area engage in the sakawa practice. Among such reasons were bad parental control, get-rich-quick mentality, poverty among others. The study recommended that parents should take up full responsibility of the welfare of their children. Traditional as well as religious leaders should organize series of durbars and talks on the dangers associated with sakawa practice. The non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the government should team up to create jobs for the youth.

Source: UCC
Practices, Challenges and Perceived Influence of Classroom Assessment on Mathematics Instruction

Assessment is a powerful tool for raising the standards of teaching and learning of mathematics at the junior high school level. This study therefore explored the perceived influence of assessment on the teaching and learning of mathematics in junior high schools of OLA Circuit in Cape Coast Metropolitan area. The research design used for the study is a concurrent triangulation mixed method design. A simple random sampling technique was used to select four (4) public junior high schools out of eight (8) schools in the circuit. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select the schools and participants for the study. A total of 134 participants comprising 15 teachers and 119 students participated in the study. The data for the study were mainly collected through questionnaires and interviews. Findings of the study revealed that class exercise, homework, and trial work were the most common mode of assessment used by teachers during mathematics instruction. Again, the study discovered that teachers faced some challenges in the implementation of classroom assessment. The study therefore makes certain recommendations likely to improve on the quality of assessment practices in mathematics classrooms in the focal schools.

Source: UCC
The Practise of Paediatric Optometry in a Low-Resource Environment

Background: The role of optometrists in paediatric visual assessment must compliment the role of other eye-care practitioners at all levels of care. This study was undertaken to determine if optometrists in Ghana screen, diagnose and manage paediatric ocular conditions (for example, strabismus, amblyopia), and further assessed if optometrists in Ghana have the requisite paediatric instrumentation in their practices. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey involving optometrists in both public and private eye-care sectors in Ghana. A paediatric visual assessment questionnaire was sent to all registered optometrists in Ghana. The contents of the questionnaire evaluated areas of vision assessment, refraction, and previous diagnosis and management, which were matched with practice characteristics such as location, type of practice and type of employment. Chi-squared statistic was used to test associations between variables. Results: Responses were obtained from 140 optometrists out of the 326 registered optometrists, representing a response rate of 46 per cent. Overall, less than half of respondents (64 which represents 46 per cent) assessed themselves as practising full-scope paediatric eye care. These self-assessment views were more common among optometrists at the regional level (111: 79.3 per cent), followed by the district (20: 14.3 per cent) and sub-district levels (nine: 6.4 per cent) (χ2 = 4.774, p < 0.05), but was not influenced by type of employment, type of practice and level of training (p > 0.05). In addition, the study revealed that many respondents were more likely to assess pre-schoolers’ visual acuity (VA) (121: 96.0 per cent), do refraction (109: 88.6 per cent) and perform binocular vision (BV) assessment (93: 76.9 per cent) compared to the toddlers’ VA (72: 55.4 per cent), refraction (57: 46 per cent) and BV assessment (68: 56.2 per cent). Conclusion: Full-scope paediatric eye care services among optometrists in Ghana is limited.

Source: UCC
Pragmatic study of verbal threats among the Fantes: A case of Apewosika

Verbal threat is a face threatening acts that confront people. It is a language phenomenon that can generate quarrel, fight, confusion, chaos, etc. This study investigates causes, aims and effects of verbal threat, among the Fantes using Apewosika as a case study. The research employed a qualitative and a case study approach. In all, 30 participants made up of 12 male adults, 12 female adults, 3 male children and 3 female children were randomly selected using the purposive sampling technique of which their responses from the interview and the observation to the research topic problem were presented to content analysis. The results indicate that there are four main causes (ill-speaking/gossiping, insults/invectives, false witnessing against someone, and wrongly nicknaming someone), for which one issues out a threat among the Apewosika people. Also, the research reveals that there are three main aims for which an individual seeks to achieve when he/she issues out a threat and these are: to prevent the offender from repeating the same mistake, to deter other people from committing similar mistake and to present oneself as very fearful to an offender so as to demand some respect from the offender. Further, the study reveals that verbal threats have some negative effects on individuals. Thus, it breaks the smooth relationship between people, it puts so much fear in an offender and also makes one feel so worried and disorganized. The paper concludes that verbal threats are not meant to preserve the face of an individual since it is a face threatening act

Source: UCC