ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Deposit Mobilization and Its Role in Economic Growth in Ghana

Over the past decade, planning in Ghana for investment has been a problem especially with policy makers due to over-reliance on sources of finance other than domestically generated funds. The sure solution therefore will be the need to mobilize domestic funds and channeling those funds to capital formation through prolific investments. The literature discloses a devastating agreement that a liberalized economy encourages increased savings and promotes capital amassing and economic growth. This study examined the determinants of savings mobilization and its role in promote economic growth in Ghana. Data for the analysis cover the period between 1980 and 2010. Time series characteristics of the data were investigated by applying unit root tests to examine the stationarity of each variable. To determine the robustness of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression coefficients, a test for serial correlation and heteroskedasticity was performed. The demand for real bank deposits was then modelled using the OLS technique. Results from the study show that exchange rate, inflation rate and money supply (M2) significantly affect the mobilization of financial savings (deposit) in Ghana. Deposit interest rate however, proofed to be a weak determinant of bank deposit mobilization. This is because of the lack of confidence that people had in the banking system. Successful mobilization of domestic resources requires a stable macroeconomic environment in which inflation is under control and possible currency substitution is tamed by a stable exchange rate. The functions performed by banks, especially their use of deposits to allocate credit to the private sector for investment, promote growth to an extent. However, government borrowing and other factors constrain the economy from realizing the full growth benefits of functions performed by the banks. Financial policies by government can also augment this development process by assuring greater amount of information on credit worthiness of businesses and households in the economy.

Source: KNUST
The Determinants of Employee Motivation in the Shama District Assembly in the Western Region-Ghana.

The study was to identify the effect of motivation on the productivity of the staff of the Shama District Assembly. In all, fifty respondents were selected randomly from the population of one hundred and forty. A questionnaire of forty closed and opened ended questions were administered to them and the answered questionnaires were collected and analysed for the study. The results of the study showed that, various forms of motivation were identified to exist at the District Assembly which includes trust, respect and high expectation, staff development, praise and recognition, good accommodation, rewards, staff participation in goals and targets setting, job design and these did motivate them to improve productivity. Again, the study revealed that large number of staff did not participate in goals and targets setting. Moreover, bonuses, car loans and rent allowances if available would motivate the staff to improve productivity. In addition, the study revealed that staff of the Assembly agreed that the presence of the needs identified by Maslow (1954) would motivate them to improve productivity. However, the findings of the study did show that their need levels did not correspond with that of Maslow’s (1954) hierarchy of needs. The study also revealed that, good working environment, promotion, job security, appropriate disciplinary actions and interpersonal relationship gave the staff job satisfaction whereas their salary as it stands now did give them job dissatisfaction. Finally, the study recommended that Management of Shama District Assembly should try and include bonuses, car loans and rent allowance, accommodation facilities since the study revealed that such motivational forms when provided would help improve staff productivity. Also Management should identify the individual needs of their staff and satisfy them accordingly. Again, Management should try and improve the salary level of staff since they were dissatisfied with it and also engage staff if not all, most of them in goals and target setting for the Assembly.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of external auditors’ choice among commercial banks in Ghana

The choice for an auditor has become a strategic decision that corporate entities have to deal with because of the reliance on annual statutory audit report for effective decision- v making. The study is aimed at investigating the determinants of external auditors’ choice among commercial banks in Ghana. A secondary data collection method was used to obtain information in the published annual reports of a sample of seventeen (17) selected commercial banks out of the twenty-three (23) commercial banks in Ghana for a period of ten (10) years from 2011 to 2020. In predicting the findings of the study, the logistic regression model was used, and the findings revealed that, profitability, the board size and board independents have positive significant relationship with auditors’ choice. The size of the bank did not show any significant relationship with auditors' choice. The study recommended a mixed data collection approach for future studies so that through primary data collection instruments such as questionnaires and interview, the views and opinions of board of directors, Chief Executive Officers, audit committee members and top managers of organization could be surveyed on the determinants of auditors’ choice.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding among parturients within the first hour after delivery in health facilities in the Ashanti Mampong Municipality

Background: In terms of global and national focus and strategies to reduce child mortality, early breastfeeding within one hour after parturition followed by exclusive breastfeeding has proved to increase child survival as the practice gives babies the required resistance to diseases through mothers’ antibodies which in turn lowers the incidence of child morbidity and mortality. Method: The study was conducted by the use of a hospital-based cross-sectional method to determine the factors that influence early initiation of breastfeeding among parturients. Purposive sampling was used to sample 303 parturients who delivered from 1st June to 30th July 2015. Pre-tested and standardized questionnaires, direct observations and medical record review were used to collect relevant data by trained research assistants. The data were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and binary logic regression model. Results: The logistic regression results revealed that parturients’ knowledge on colostrum feeding (p< 0.001), knowledge on time of initiation of breastfeeding (p<0.007), parity (p<0.001), establishing early contact between mother and her baby within thirty minutes of delivery on delivery table (p<0.000), sex of baby delivered (p<0.004) and time of initiation (p<0.001) were statistically significant to early initiation of breastfeeding at1%. The results also showed that duration of labour (p<0.052) and ward procedures influenced (p<0.023) early initiation of breastfeeding negatively at 5%. Conclusion: A strong association between breastfeeding and early contact between baby and mother (p = 0.000). The findings suggest increasing access to timely initiation of breastfeeding through early contact of mothers and babies irrespective of the mode of delivery.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of exchange rate in Ghana: Cointegration and wavelet analysis.

We empirically examine the determinants of the nominal exchange rate in Ghana using both time series econometric techniques and wavelet application for annual data spanning the period 1960-2014. The determinant variables under consideration included: inflation, supply of money(M1 and M2), GDP growth and trade openness. In particular, Engle-Granger method was used to test for the causal relationship, wavelets power and wavelets coherency spectrum for direction of co-movements among the variables were applied. In addition, we determine the long and short run relationships between nominal exchange rate and its determinants using autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) and other variants of ordinary least square cointegration techniques such as fully modified(FM), dynamics and integrated modified-OLS. As required in standard econometric analysis, unit root tests were initially performed using Augmented Dickey-Fuller, Philips-Perron and Kwiatkowski Philip Schmidt and Shin methods to assess the data generating process of the interested variables. The time series econometric analysis showed that all the variables exhibited bidirectional relationship with exchange rate with the exception of supply of money which showed unidirectional causation, from money supply to exchange rate. In the cointegration analysis, we found that all the variables showed statistically significant long term equilibrium relationship although money supply and GDP had ambiguous signs. However, inflation and trade openness coefficients were theoretically consistent with expectation. Also the lagged dependent variable and the dummy variable for exchange rate regime appears to influence exchange rate dynamics in the long run. In short, all the interested variables have positive coefficients, signifying depreciating effect on the exchange rate. The adjustment coefficient obtained was 60.78%, indicating that it takes approximately 20 months for exchange rate to fully revert to equilibrium from any deviations. The results from the wavelet application are also striking. Wavelets power spectrum clearly shows activities in the short to medium frequency band of the variables. The cross coherency test also indicated that exchange rate depreciation leads (or Granger cause) the other variables, with the exception of trade openness which drives exchange rate depreciation.

Source: KNUST
“Determinants of exchange rate in Ghana”

ABSTRACT The purpose of this work was to find out the determinants of the Ghana cedi performance against international currencies by using data covering the period 1985- 2014. The Ghana Cedi in recent times has suffered substantial loss of value against the major trading foreign currencies especially the US dollar which the researcher uses as the proxy in this work. The Cedi depreciation is believed to be partly responsible for a rising inflation and interest rate in Ghana and imposes economic challenges to the country. The researcher investigates the macroeconomic variables that influence the cedi exchange rate. Secondary data was employed for analysis and presentation of the issues. The use of Eviews and the Vector Auto-Regressive (VAR) model have been employed in this work. Also used are the Akaike Information Criterion and Final Prediction Error to estimate the VAR due to the sample size of less than 60, the Augmented Dickey- Fuller(ADF) unit root test, Johansen cointegration test, Granger causality as well as variance decomposition. Government borrowing, consumer price index, and domestic interest rate were found as statistically significant, influencing the performance of the Cedi against the US Dollar in the long run. Exports and imports were revealed to have no such effect on exchange rate movements. Policy measures recommended to arrest the situation includes proper and effective coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities to reduce revenue leakages. Creation of good investment climate and development of domestic bond market are also recommended to reduce pressure on the local currency and put it in a stable position.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of farmers’ participation in agricultural production cooperatives and impact of cooperative membership on farm income in Liberia

Since the end of the civil war in 2005, more emphasis has been placed on smallholder farmers, and agricultural cooperative have been targeted as means of reaching to rural farmers and to reduce poverty. The government and its partners continue to provide supports for farmers through cooperative societies to help them increase their farm productivity as well as overcome market challenges. In spite of these benefits derivable from cooperatives, low farmers’ participation continues to be recorded in the country. This study was therefore meant to identify the determinants of farmers’ participation in agricultural production cooperatives and the impact of cooperative membership on farm income in three cooperative concentrated counties of Liberia-Bong, Nimba and Lofa Counties. Cross-sectional data was collected from a sample of 400 farmers (250 cooperative members and 150 non-members) using a multistage sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data and the endogenous switching regression model was implemented for analysis. The study identified training, opportunity to buy and sell to cooperatives, improved prices, collective bargaining power, and access to credit as the services farmers receive from cooperative societies in the study area. Using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, use of primitive tools, pests and diseases, high post- harvest loses, unavailability of improved seeds, high costs of agrochemicals, and low yield are the major constraints faced by cooperative members. The study also identified human resources, inadequate equity capital, planning, inefficient use of resources, communicating cooperative values to the public and educating and recruiting youths as the key challenges confronting cooperative societies. The endogenous switching regression technique was employed to identify determinants of participation and evaluate the impact of cooperative membership on farm income. The study found gender, age, extension services, access to credit, farmers’ perceptions that cooperatives are not managed efficiently and that cooperatives help members attain higher standard of living through higher profits as the key factors that significantly influence farmers’ decision to participate in agricultural production iv cooperatives. Cooperatives in the study area are positively impacting members’ farm income. There was a significant difference between average farm incomes of cooperative members and non-members. Participation in cooperatives increased members’ farm income by 55%. Increasing farmers understanding of cooperative principles and the benefits thereof as well as helping cooperative societies improve their management performance were recommended to ensure increased farmers’ participation.

Source: KNUST
DETERMINANTS OF FERTILIZER MICRODOSING-INDUCED YIELD INCREMENT OF PEARL MILLET ON AN ACID SANDY SOIL

Recent studies have reported the benefits of fertilizer microdosing in increasing crop yields in low input cropping systems. Little information is however available on the mechanisms underlying this effect. The objective of this study was therefore to explore the root-based mechanisms governing the growth enhancing phenomena of the fertilizer microdosing technology. A two-year experiment was conducted at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Research Station in Niger. Four treatments comprising (i) 2 g hill−1 of diammonuim phosphate (DAP), (ii) 6 g hill−1 of compound fertilizer NPK, (iii) broadcasting of 200 kg ha−1 of compound fertilizer NPK (recommended rate) and (iv) unfertilized control was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. On average, fertilizer microdosing treatments (2-g DAP hill−1 and 6-g NPK hill−1) achieved 86% and 79% of the grain yields recorded from broadcasting of 200-kg NPK ha−1, respectively, in 2013 and 2014. The leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content significantly increased with fertilizer microdosing at the early stage of millet growth. At the same stage, fertilizer microdosing enhanced the lateral root length density in the topsoil (0–20 cm) by 72% and 40% at respective lateral distances of 25 cm and 50 cm from the centre of the hill compared with broadcast of 200-kg NPK ha−1. Fertilizer microdosing did not significantly change soil pH in the root zone. It is concluded that the positive effect of fertilizer microdosing in increasing millet yield results from the better exploitation of soil nutrients due to early lateral roots proliferation within the topsoil

Source: KNUST
Determinants of family plannig choices in the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Region, Ghana

BACKGROUND The Tamale Metropolis records one of the highest fertility rates in Ghana estimated at 7.0. It has an estimated population of 366,535. Women in reproductive age constitute about 24% of the population. Contraceptive acceptance rate is reported as 21% by the Metropolitan Health Directorate (MHD). The knowledge of determinants of family planning choices will help policy makers and service providers to come out with interventions that will improve utilization of effective family planning methods in the metropolis. OBJECTIVE To determine family planning choices and their determinants in the Tamale Metropolis. METHODS The study is a cross-sectional analytical study, conducted from July – September 2008 in the Tamale Metropolis. Primary data was obtained from respondents using interviewer administered questionnaires. In-depth interviews of service providers were carried out using interview guides and observation at family planning service delivery points. Secondary data was obtained by reviewing family planning data for the metropolis from the MHD. Study Population- women and men in the reproductive age group (15 to 49 years) in a stable relationship and couples of reproductive age in the Metropolis. Multi stage sampling was used. Random sampling of communities followed by random sampling of households, and then random sampling of individual respondents. Purposive sampling of service providers was done. Random sampling of private pharmacists and dispensary technicians was also done. Data was entered in access software and exported to Stata for analysis. RESULTS A total of 405 people (161 males and 244 females) were interviewed. Mean age of respondents was 27.9. Mean parity was 2. About 40.5% of respondents had at least primary education. The contraceptive acceptance rate was 39%. The most preferred methods were male condoms 56.6%, pills 15.7% and injectables 10.7%. The factors that were significantly associated with non utilization of contraceptive methods include; Islamic religion, lack of formal education, less than 20 years of age and married couples. Christian religion and formal education are positively associated with use of family planning services. Only three centers in the metropolis provides the full range of contraceptive methods including IUD insertion, implants and sterilization (mainly BTL). There was lack of privacy in most family planning service points. The rural areas are poorly covered. CONCLUSION The FP acceptance rate in the metropolis is higher than the metropolitan average but is still on the low side. The predominant contraceptive method of choice was the condom which has a lower effectiveness than most of the other modern contraceptive methods. The prominent determinants of choice of method were education, perceptions about safety, effectiveness and low side effects profile. There is therefore the need to intensify public education on the efficacy and safety of contraceptive methods so as to enhance utilization. FP services should be organized adequately to cover the rural areas and to provide ample privacy.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of family low income in urban Zongo communities: the case study of selected communities in the Kumasi Metropolis.

The main objective of this study is to investigate the determinants of low income in Asawase, Aboabo, Sawaba and Ayigya Zongo communities all in the Kumasi metropolis. Case study was adopted to be able to understand peculiar characteristics of the selected communities. The study examined the economic and socio economic factors of households in the communities using questionnaires. Household heads were randomly selected for the study to be able come out with household characteristics for analysis. The key variables included in the study were gender, age marital status, ethnicity, religion, household composition, education, and type of occupation. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine which variables have close association with low income in these communities. The study revealed that 61% of the people living in these communities have low income. This shows that majority of the people in these communities have low income. About 68% of the people living in these communities are into the informal sector of employment with Ayigya Zongo having the highest cases of low income. Aboabo recorded lower cases of low income among the communities. In general, the study revealed that, gender, marital status, level of education, type of occupation, household size and ethnicity are significant determinants of low income in the zongo communities in Kumasi although there are slight variations across these communities in terms of the variables. The key recommendation of this study is that education should be given the needed attention to be able to improve the income status of the people living in these communities. This can be done through collaboration with the various stakeholders in these communities.

Source: KNUST
Determinants of FDI in Ghana: a cointegration analysis

ABSTRACT The inflow of foreign direct investment is hailed in most developing countries since it bridges gap between low domestic savings due to low incomes and hence low domestic investment. This research studied the Determinants of FDI in Ghana using Cointegration and VECM analysis. Using data from 1980 to 2014. Real exchange rate and its volatility, inflation, infrastructure development, trade openness, return on investment international interest rate and democracy (political stability) were the main variables of interest. The ARCH/GARCH models was used to model the volatility of real exchange rate. The volatility of real exchange in Ghana has been persistent over the years which is mostly takes the form of the falling cedi. The study found that there is positive long run causality running form Real Exchange Rate, Real, Infrastructure and Return on Investment to FDI inflows in Ghana. Whiles that of exchange rate volatility, inflation and trade openness has a negative long run relationship. In the long run these variables today could determine FDI in the next generation. It was found also that about 80% of irregularities in foreign direct investment inflow is corrected within the same time period. The study also established that there exist short run causality running from Real Exchange Rate, Trade Openness and Democracy to foreign direct investment in Ghana. The other variable were established to have a weak statistical significance

Source: KNUST