ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of coastal ecosystems in the greater cape three points area towards its designation as marine protected area in Ghana

Coastal ecosystems sustain local and national fisheries livelihoods through a range of ecosystem services (ES) they provide. Five of these coastal ecosystems, located in two communities within the Greater Cape Three Points (GCTP) area—Princess Town (PT) and Cape Three Points (C3P)—were assessed to develop a scheme for establishing Marine Protected Area (MPA). To conduct an integrated assessment, the study employed the Community Participatory Mapping and Assessment of ecosystems and their services method. This was complimented with Field Ecological Assessment, Economic Valuation of ES, Cost-Benefit Analysis of fishing and Risk Assessment of the ecosystems using InVEST HRA model, V.3.7. The study revealed that the coastal water bodies provide nursery for important fish species (Sardinella maderensis, Pseudotolithus senegalensis and Tilapia spp.) in the Ghanaian fishery. Physico-chemical parameters measured for the Nyan estuary and Enhuli lagoon for a one year period (November, 2017 – November, 2018) indicted that both water bodies were in generally good condition to support aquatic life. ES prioritized by the Princess Town community were valued at US$ 2,917.41 ha-1yr-1 for a total area of 239.3 ha, whilst those prioritized by the Cape Three Points community were valued at US$ 22,566.84 ha-1yr-1 for a total area of 17.6 ha. The study established that the ecosystems assessed in the GCTP area were cumulatively at low – to – medium risk to a combination of anthropogenic pressures exerted on them. The study developed a proposed MPA map plan for the GCTP area. The plan proposed a network of multiple-use MPAs with special dedicated zones for regulation of activities with different levels of restrictions to enhance ecosystem conservation for the sustenance of fisheries livelihoods and also create the opportunity for developing ecotourism in the area.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Coastal Ecosystems in the Greater Cape Three Points Area Towards its Designation as Marine Protected Area in Ghana

Coastal ecosystems sustain local and national fisheries livelihoods through a range of ecosystem services (ES) they provide. Five of these coastal ecosystems, located in two communities within the Greater Cape Three Points (GCTP) area—Princess Town (PT) and Cape Three Points (C3P)—were assessed to develop a scheme for establishing Marine Protected Area (MPA). To conduct an integrated assessment, the study employed the Community Participatory Mapping and Assessment Of ecosystems and their services method. This was complimented with Field Ecological Assessment, Economic Valuation of ES, Cost-Benefit Analysis of fishing and Risk Assessment of the ecosystems using InVEST HRA model, V.3.7. The study revealed that the coastal water bodies provide nursery for important fish species (Sardinella maderensis, Pseudotolithus senegalensis and Tilapia spp^) in the Ghanaian fishery. Physico-chemical parameters measured for the Nyan estuary and Enhuli lagoon for a one year period (November, 2017 - November, 2018) indicted that both water bodies were in generally good condition to support aquatic life. ES prioritized by the Princess Town community were valued at USS 2,917.41 ha-1 yr-1 for a total area of 239.3 ha, whilst those prioritized by the Cape Three Points community were valued at USS 22,566.84 ha-1yf1 for a total area of 17.6 ha. The study established that the ecosystems assessed in the GCTP area were cumulatively at low - to - medium risk to a combination of anthropogenic pressures exerted on them. The study developed a proposed MPA map plan for the GCTP area. The plan proposed a network of multiple-use MP As with special dedicated zones for regulation of activities with different levels of restrictions to enhance ecosystem conservation for the sustenance of fisheries livelihoods and also create the opportunity for developing ecotourism in the area.

Source: UCC
Assessment of communication practices in the administration of senior high schools in the Keta municipality

The purpose of this study was to assess the communication practices in the administration of senior high schools (SHSs) in the Keta Municipality. A descriptive survey involving the use of questionnaires was employed to solicit information from students, staff and headmasters of the schools. A questionnaire was designed to find out the communication tools used mostly in the administration of SHSs in the Keta Municipality. It sought to find out how subordinates (staff and students) communicate with the head; the perceptions of staff and students about the communication practices of the head; challenges faced in communication (among the students, staff and head) and finally the effectiveness of communication tools used. In all, 248 respondents took part in the study which was made up of 80 student representative council (SRC) members, 160 staff and 8 heads. The data collected were analyzed using frequency distributions and percentage counts. The study revealed four media of communication mostly used namely: staff meetings, SRC meetings, school assembly and notice board. Again, the study showed that both students and staff communicated with the head mostly through SRC and staff meetings respectively. It is also revealed that staff and students generally had good perceptions about the communication practices of the head.The study however, indicated a few challenges. Measures to be taken to improve communication in the administration of the schools for example heads being specific in giving out instructions; and avoidance of the use of too many middle men in giving out instructions had been recommended.

Source: UCC
An assessment of community support for girl -child education in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese district.

The study sought to assess the support offered by the community for girl-child education in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese district of Ghana using the descriptive design. The instrument used for the study was questionnaire which comprised Likert scale type questions. A sample size of 364 respondents was drawn from adult members of the community comprising Traditional Leaders, Teaching Staff at the District Education Office, Non-Governmental Organizations, Development Partners, Faith-Based Organizations, and Other Government Departments. The rest were Headteachers, Teachers, PTA and SMC Executives. The instrument for the study was pilot-tested to estimate its reliability. The pilot-test was done at the Assin South District because it shared similar characteristics with the study area. The pilot-test yielded different reliability coefficients for different sections of the instrument, which ranged from 0.64 to 0.86. The study found that the level of community support was not encouraging. Kinds of support provided were in four major areas of financial, academic, infrastructural, and advocacy/collaboration. All kinds of support were rated as highly relevant, most of them were never provided. Parental poverty, overburdened household chores, teenage pregnancy were the three most related factors which impacted highly on girl-child education, whiles sexual harassment was the least rated. The community had a positive perception about femaleeducation. The study recommends that the DEO should sensitize parents and the community to increase their support for girl-child education in the district.

Source: UCC
Assessment of community water and sanitation programmes in Ejisu-juabeng municipality

The study was to assess community water and sanitation programmes and its effects on sustainable water and sanitation delivery. Water and sanitation are an important aspect every human development. Without access to safe drinking water and sanitation, people are likely to suffer from sanitation and related. Primary data was gathered through household surveys using interview schedules and unstructured interviews with key individuals from water and sanitation committees and Department of Waste Management in the Ejisu-Juabeng Municipality. The findings indicated that the provision of water and sanitation facilities was basically done by the Municipal Assembly, private operators and individuals. So Secondly, there was inadequacy of facilities to meet the growing demand of water and sanitation needs of the population. It was also found out that good or poor participation affects the sustainability of the facilities either positively or negatively. While participation promoted ownership and management, thus ensuring sustainability of these facilities, poor participation did the opposite. In addition, there was frequent break downs of facilities especially boreholes and major organisations that facilitates technical assistance were the Ejisu-Juabeng Municipal Assembly, Zoomlion Company Limited, WATASN Committees and Care Takers. Funds for the provision of the facilities were the Municipal Assembly, development partners and beneficiaries. The study recommended that additional facilities should be provided to serve the growing population. Also, beneficiaries should be educated on the need to participate in projects implementation and sustainability.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Community-Based Experience and Service in Medical School Education: A Study in Akyemansa District, Ghana

Community-Based Experience and Service (COBES) as a pedagogical approach in medical school education exposes students to the primary health care needs of rural and underprivileged communities and further provides students with a first-hand experience of medical practice in these areas. This study assessed the contribution of COBES to the health needs of rural communities, the perception of students on the perceived usefulness of COBES as an instructional method to their medical education as well as the perception of faculty members on whether the COBES is meeting its set goals. The research employed a mixed-method approach and a cross-sectional research design where purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select study participants. To elicit respondents’ opinions, a questionnaire, semi-structured interview guide, and focus group discussion guide were used. From the perspectives of community leaders, the COBES programme provides them with easy access to health care services, social amenities and quality health education. The majority of students perceived COBES to be essential to their training because it exposed them to healthcare practice within rural areas. From the perspective of the lecturers, the COBES aim of providing practical knowledge on theoretical concepts taught in the classroom and helping community members in obtaining health education and prompt treatment for their diseases is being realised. The study recommended that, owing to the positive impact of the COBES programme on healthcare delivery, it should be therefore scaled up to cover more deprived communities in the country. It was further recommended that provisions should be made by the University to ensure that students are present at COBES centres throughout the year to positively deliver health care.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Competencies of Agricultural Extension Agents and Smallholder Farmers for Adoption of Commercial Pineapple Production Technologies in the Central Region

The study investigated the competencies of smallholder farmers and agricultural extension agents for adoption of commercial pineapple production technologies in the Central Region of Ghana. The study used a descriptive survey design and multistage sampling procedure to select respondents. Content validated questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from 86 AEAs and 120 farmers. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to describe data whilst correlation coefficients and OLS regression were used to relate and predict variables in the study. The results revealed that farmers use commercial production technologies such as proper land selection, application of appropriate fertilizers, control diseases and plant double row along the beds. However, overall competencies of AEAs and smallholder farmers in commercial pineapple production was perceived to be moderate. Also, the system of farming practise, sex of farmers and number of acres of land cultivated influence the decision of farmers to adopt commercial pineapple technologies. It is recommended among others that there is the need for MoFA and other service providers to offer training on commercial pineapple production for AEAs so that farmers’ adoption of commercialised pineapple production technologies will be enhanced.

Source: UCC
Assessment of contamination of singed hides from cattle and goats by heavy metals in Ghana

Many local butchers in Ghana have been using scrap tyres as substitute for firewood to singe slaughtered ruminants. This study analysed such singed hides from seven goats and three cattle in unregulated local slaughtering operations near the Kumasi abattoir, for risk of heavy metal contamination (Mg, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb and Zn) using atomic absorption spectrometry. Relative to unsinged control hides, singed treatments generally elevated heavy metal levels in both goats and cattle hides. Magnesium, Mn, Cu, Ni and Cd concentrations in un-singed goats hide increased by 23, 29, 54, 24 and 20% respectively to 108.63 ± 3.85, 0.83 ± 0.13, 1.63 ± 0.13, 2.15 ± 0.29 and 2.26 ± 0.20 mg/kg in the singed material. Similarly, singeing increased Mg, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd and Zn concentrations in cattle hide by 94, 49, 130, 33, 174 and 1055% to 80.0 ± 5.25, 2.13 ± 0.26, 5.67 ± 1.24, 3.50 ± 0.17, 4.20 ± 0.17, and 204.49 ± 36.69 mg/kg respectively. Lead concentration in cattle hide on the other hand decreased by 34% upon singeing, from 4.61 ± 0.30 mg/kg in un-singed controls to 3.06 ± 0.26 mg/kg in singed material. High concentrations of the metals in singed hides could not be entirely attributed to the singed treatment alone, in view of considerable background levels of heavy metals recorded in the un-singed samples; a situation that probably reflected a larger problem of heavy metal pollution in the local environment. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in hides were above maximum permissible levels (MPLs) of 0.05 and 0.01 mg/kg respectively set by the European Commission Regulation, whilst Zn was also above MPL of 50.0 mg/kg, according to the Meat Food Products Order of India. It was concluded that the hides were potentially unsafe for human consumption

Source: UCC
Assessment of continuous professional development needs among teachers of twi in the senior high schools

This study assessed the CPD needs among teachers of Twi in the Senior High Schools (SHS) in Birim South District, Birim Central Municipal, Asene-Manso-Akroso District, Akyemansa District, and West Akim Municipal of Eastern Region. A descriptive census survey was used in the study; thus, all teachers of Twi in the Senior High School of selected Districts and Municipalities in the Eastern Region. Questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents. Through a descriptive (frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviation), the study found that teachers of Twi participated in CPD activities like school In-Service Education and Training (INSET) Day, workshops/conferences, collaborative learning, further study, personal research, and reading. They, however, need CPD in subject knowledge, pedagogy, new theories and practices of Twi, curriculum planning and development, and multi-cultural settings. It was also found that CPD influences their instructional practices; however, they faced several challenges such as lack of necessary information on programmes, inadequate fund, lack of Ghana Education Service (GES) /school support, lack of prior consultation/needs identification, and conflict with work schedule. The study, therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Education (MoE) should organize and implement school-based CPD as part of the performance of teachers’ career structure development criteria.

Source: UCC
Assessment of copper residue in cocoa pods and beans in cocoa growing areas in the central region of Ghana

Copper concentrations in cocoa pods and beans in samples of cocoa collected between February and March 2000 from eleven cocoa growing towns in the central Region of Ghana were determined. In all a total of three hundred samples were taken randomly from preselected farms. Copper fungicides were applied in ten of the farms and the eleventh farm where there was no application of copper fungicide served as a control. Analysis for copper was done using atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentration of copper in the pods ranged from 0.02 to 0.39mg kg-1 with an average of 0.22mg kg-1 while the range in the beans was 0.01 to 0.22mg kg -1 with an average of 0.13mg kg -1. The pod thickness ranged from 0.60 to 1.20cm with an average of 0.90cm. The ratio of copper levels in the cocoa pods to the levels in the beans ranged from 1.33 to 2.67. Averagely, the concentration of the copper in cocoa fruit indicated a higher accumulation of the element in the pods than in the beans with 62% of the total copper concentration in the cocoa fruit contained in the pod while 38% was observed in the beans. A positive significant (P<0.05) correlation existed between concentration of copper in the beans and cocoa pods. Similarly, a positive significant correlation existed between the beans copper concentration and pods thickness as well as pods copper concentration and pod thickness (P<0.05)

Source: UCC
Assessment of corporate culture and employee commitment at UT Bank

This study set out to assess the corporate culture and employee commitment at UT Bank. The descriptive survey design approach was used. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from 44 respondents comprising of 18 staff from Cape Coast branch and 26 staff from the Takoradi branch of the UT bank. Since the study was purely descriptive, the data was processed and analysed according to the format required by the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) Version 20.0. Percentages and frequencies were calculated, and tables were also constructed to illustrate the analysis and findings of the study. The main finding of the study was that employees expect to be treated with respect and should be seen as “associates” who are mutually committed to the achievement of the organisational goals of the bank. The study recommended that in order to enhance staff commitment to the bank, management should treat staff with respect and also increase salaries of staff to commensurate with the work they do, and also encourage interactive communication among the staff. Management of the bank should also encourage performance award schemes and should provide staff with accommodation facilities. Digitized by Sam Jonah Library ©University of Cape Coast

Source: UCC
Assessment of credit risk management practices of Kakum bank limited

Laxed or poor credit management is identified as a major cause for the collapse of many a rural bank in Ghana. Kakum Rural Bank Ltd., as one of the few rural banks to stand the test of time, established way back in 1982, continues to post significant profits year after year. However, in 2003, an on-site report into the operations of the bank by Bank of Ghana showed that the ratio of overdue and non-performing loans to advances was unhealthy and alarming. As a result, the bank was tasked to closely supervise its credit risk management practices to bring the situation under control. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to assess the efficiency of the credit risk management practices of Kakum Rural Bank Ltd. from 2005 to 2009. Both primary and secondary data sources were used. In obtaining information from the primary data, a survey questionnaire and interviews were employed and administered to selected members of staff, whiles a simple random sampling technique was employed to select 300 customers of the bank. The bank’s financial reports and ARB Apex Bank reports were used in obtaining information from the secondary data source. The results of the study show that KRB has put in place a sound credit department equipped with the requisite skills and expertise to effectively handle and operate the credit function of the bank. KRB does not conform to the credit allocation guidelines stipulated by the Bank of Ghana, which has led to the bank achieving a recovery rate averaged about 85% over the five-year period (2005- 2009). The Board of Directors also do play an active role in the credit risk management of the bank.

Source: UCC
An assessment of devolution of human resource management function to operational managers among selected private university colleges in Ghana

The subject of leadership in devolution of human resource function has been extensively researched in many contexts other than academic institutions. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of leadership in the devolution of human resource functions to operational managers in selected Private University Colleges in Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study was a quantitative study purposively sampled and surveyed the views of deans of schools and faculties, heads of departments and units of five PUCs in Ashanti region on the subject of devolution. The study found that the influence of operational managers as key persons in identifying training needs, undertaking direct training, coaching and mentorship activities as evident in the devolution of HR functions at the PUCs; in addition, the study found that operational managers as role models in demonstrating commitment to HRD in their operational tasks which is a powerful enabler of HRD. Based on the findings, the study concludes that before displacing traditional Human Resource Development (HRD) systems and roles, substantial investments in capacity development of the operational managers and HRD specialists as well of other stakeholders are needed to make sure that operational managers and HRD specialists are capable of carrying out their new roles. The study recommends among many others, that 1) there is the need to institutionalize the process of devolvement of HR activities in order to ensure continuous support from the institutional management; 2) to facilitate devolvement of HR activities, PUCs are encouraged to dismantle centralized control of HR to withdraw the present image of HR as a neutral “referee”.

Source: UCC
Assessment of dressmakers knowledge base on darts and their application in garment designing in the Central Region

The present nature of fashion calls for dressmakers to move along with the trend of producing innovative and creative garments that are well fitting and also appealing to their customers fashion sense. Dart which basically introduces fit in garment also serves as an asset with which a dressmaker can manipulate to create unique styles. However, casual observation made pointed to the inappropriate use of this element hence, the effect that it ought to create was rarely achieved. This study was aimed at finding out what dressmakers know about darts as well as how they applied dart principles in garment designing. To reach this objective, the descriptive research design was employed for the study. Established dressmakers with either formal or informal training in dressmaking in some selected district in the central region were observed and interviewed. Frequencies and proportions, and inferential statistics (independent sample t-test at 0.05 alpha levels) were used for the analyses of the data. Results in this study showed that, dressmakers could not relate well with the elements that actually defined darts when marking it out. Hence, manipulating it to create varying effects during garment designing rarely produced the desired effect. The results also revealed that dressmakers are more capable when designing garments with added fullness than dart manipulation and contouring. It is recommended that, accurately marking out darts with special reference to dart size, length, shape and location should be taught to dressmakers during workshops, seminars and general meetings that are organized by the association.

Source: UCC