ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Economic Evaluations of Interventions for Children in the Developing World: The WHO-CHOICE Approach

There are logistical and analytical challenges when conducting economic evaluations in the developing world, ranging from lack of data on costs to determining generalizability. This chapter describes the WHO-CHOICE approach, a generalized form of cost-effectiveness analysis. By using the 'null' scenario which assumes an absence of interventions for treating or preventing a condition of interest, this method allows existing and new interventions to be analysed at the same time. Costeffectiveness analysis for child health interventions are presented including oral rehydration therapy, case management for pneumonia, Vitamin A and zinc supplementation and fortification, provision of supplementary food during weaning with nutrition counseling, and measles vaccination using the WHO-CHOICE approach. Methods for costing interventions and assessing the population impact of the interventions are presented. Results are expressed in terms of cost per disabilityadjusted life year (DALY) averted. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the value of the WHO-CHOICE approach to inform resource allocation. © Oxford University Press, 2014.

Source: UG
Economic evaluations of non-communicable diseases conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa: a critical review of data sources

Background Policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face challenging decisions regarding the allocation of health resources. Economic evaluations can help decision makers to determine which health interventions should be funded and or included in their benefits package. A major problem is whether the evaluations incorporated data from sources that are reliable and relevant to the country of interest. We aimed to review the quality of the data sources used in all published economic evaluations for cardiovascular disease and diabetes in SSA. Methods We systematically searched selected databases for all published economic evaluations for CVD and diabetes in SSA. We modified a hierarchy of data sources and used a reference case to measure the adherence to reporting and methodological characteristics, and descriptively analysed author statements. Results From 7,297 articles retrieved from the search, we selected 35 for study inclusion. Most were modelled evaluations and almost all focused on pharmacological interventions. The studies adhered to the reporting standards but were less adherent to the methodological standards. The quality of data sources varied. The quality level of evidence in the data domains of resource use and costs were generally considered of high quality, with studies often sourcing information from reliable databases within the same jurisdiction. The authors of most studies referred to data sources in the discussion section of the publications highlighting the challenges of obtaining good quality and locally relevant data. Conclusions The data sources in some domains are considered high quality but there remains a need to make substantial improvements in the methodological adherence and overall quality of data sources to provide evidence that is sufficiently robust to support decision making in SSA within the context of UHC and health benefits plans. Many SSA governments will need to strengthen and build their capacity to conduct economic evaluations of interventions and health technology assessment for improved priority setting. This capacity building includes enhancing local infrastructures for routine data production and management. If many of the policy makers are using economic evaluations to guide resource allocation, it is imperative that the evidence used is of the feasibly highest quality.

Source: UG
Economic Expansion and Environmental Sustainability Nexus in Ghana

In recent years, following the continued rise in the level of degradation and pollution in developing and emerging economies, the debate on the costs, benefits and longer-term implications of growth policies on the environment has intensified among stakeholders. Although economic expansion remains paramount in policy, ensuring environmental sustainability amidst the quest to stimulate growth in Ghana has assumed a central theme in its contemporary growth agenda. Exploring annual time series data spanning 1975–2015 this study examined, in Ghana, the environmental impact of economic expansion within the standard Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework. The Autoregressive Distributed Lagged bounds approach to cointegration did not confirm the existence of EKC for any of the environmental indicators in the short run, but was robustly established in the long run for CO2 emissions and energy consumption. This conclusion implies that, given the long-run parameters of Ghana, beyond a certain income level, degradation emanating from energy consumption and CO2 emissions will eventually fall as the country's economy expands. The study is the first to examine the effect of economic expansion on three of the most important environmental indicators in Ghana and also to employ an environmentally adjusted income variable as a measure of environment sustainability. © 2017 The Authors. African Development Review © 2017 African Development Bank

Source: UG
Economic growth and employment generation nexus: insight from Ghana

Ghana is undoubtedly regarded as one of the leading lights in Africa in terms of strong growth performance since the wind of economic reforms blew across Africa in the 1980s. The challenge has, however, been the effect of this remarkable growth story on the creation of sufficient jobs for the increasing working age population. This paper uses arithmetic computation and econometric estimation to measure and assess the employment effect of the level and sources of growth on the employment generation. It further shows the role of education in the job creation debate. The empirical analysis indicates significantly moderate effects of economic growth on employment generation and the extent of employment response to growth has continued to decline since the beginning of the new millennium. The analysis also shows that economic growth impelled largely by higher growth of agriculture and manufacturing relative to other sectors is improving job creation impact. On the supply-side, improved education of the workforce above the basic level has significantly increasing the employment-generating effect. The paper recommends a change in policy direction from a high obsession with growth without paying attention to the source of the growth. Thus, for growth to sufficiently impact job creation requires a policy shift towards employment-focused growth through high productive agriculture and manufacturing. Ghana can also leverage the strong growth performance of the extractive, finance and telecommunication sectors by channelling the returns from these sectors into infrastructure development to support the growth of agriculture and manufacturing.

Source: UG
Economic growth and environmental pollution in West Africa: Testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis

Several studies suggest that increased economic activities result in poor environmental quality while others argue otherwise, due to the demand for improved environmental quality as a result of higher incomes. This paper empirically tested the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis by analyzing the relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution (carbon dioxide emission, CO2 and combustible renewable waste, CoWaste) using a panel dataset from 1970 to 2013 for selected West African countries with similar income status. This study is important in order to ascertain if economic growth really lead to a reduction in environmental pollution and at what income level would this be achieved. The results revealed that economic growth in the short-run significantly increases CO2 emissions and CoWaste but does not significantly decrease CO2 emission and CoWaste in the long-run. The non-significant relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution indicates the non-existence of EKC inWest Africa. The results of the study further revealed a very low turning point at which CO2 emission and CoWaste start to decrease; however, the non-existence of the EKC implies that the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation in West African countries cannot be explained by an inverted U-shaped curve. The study recommends that West African economies should pursue efficiency improvement policy intervention to prevent environmental degradation.

Source: UG
Economic Growth as a Major Cause of Environmental Crisis: Comment to Ripple et al.

Economic Growth as a Major Cause of Environmental Crisis: Comment to Ripple et al. We have read with great interest the “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: Second Notice” article, by Ripple and colleagues (2017). We believe they touch major points and concur with them that the time is ripe for a new call for change. Although Ripple and colleagues raise several important points, as the authors of the first warning to humanity (Union of Concerned Scientists 1992) did years ago, we are highly concerned that one major cause of global environmental crisis—economic growth—has been overlooked. Although Ripple and colleagues call for a reassessment of our economy rooted in growth, none of the twelve recommended examples of effective steps toward sustainability touches economic growth directly. Here, we argue that economic growth is one of the two major causes of the environ- mental crisis, along with population growth, which is correctly addressed by Ripple and colleagues (2017). A transition to sustainability cannot be achieved if our economic system is not radically changed, simply because lim- itless economic growth is impossible within a limited planet.

Source: UG
Economic growth in Africa: The role of corporate governance and stock market developments

The study explored the link between corporate governance, stock market developments and economic growth by using data on selected African countries. Analysis was done within the Arellano-Bond Dynamic Panel data modelling. Results show that corporate governance and particularly the independence of corporate boards is important for firm performance and economic growth and that stock markets also play an important role in economic development. However, while market size is conclusive, our findings points to the fact that an increase in stock market activities must be focussed and carefully supported with appropriate mix of policies and programs in order to achieve the desired impact on economic growth because too many policies could erode the effect of critical indicators.

Source: UG
The economic growth-environmental sustainability nexus in developing countries: Some evidence from Sub Sahara Africa

Ensuring environmental sustainability amidst the quest to stimulate growth in SSA remains an issue of great concern and therefore considered extremely important in contemporary growth agenda in many developing countries. Notwithstanding these, the evidence for SSA remains very sparse, as literature has not adequately examined the effects of SSA's economic growth process on environment sustainability in the region. Using a panel dataset from 1980-2010 covering 28 SSA countries and employing environmental pollution, degradation and sustainability indices, this study examines the environmental impact of economic growth within the standard Environmental Kuznet Curve (EKC) framework. Estimation by the system Generalized Method of Moment confirmed the existence of the Environmental Kuznet Curve (EKC) hypothesis for environmental sustainability and degradation measured respectively by Adjusted Net Savings and energy consumption but was not confirmed for environmental pollution as the findings were not supported by data on C02 e missions. Additionally, greater openness to trade was associated with a fall in both pollution and environment sustainability but for urbanization the contrary was found to exist. Furthermore, industrialization was also found to unambiguously harm the environment while the converse was established for FDI. These findings have stern theoretical and policy implications for the economic growth-environmental sustainability nexus in SSA and further cast doubts on validity of the EKC for C02 especially for SSA. Following this evidence we discuss some policy options

Source: UG
The Economic Impact of Climate Change on Road Infrastructure in Ghana

This paper estimates the economic impact of climate change on road infrastructure using the stressor-response methodology. Our analysis indicates that it could cumulatively (2020-2100) cost Ghana $473 million to maintain and repair damages caused to existing roads as a result of climate change (no adapt scenario). However, if the country adapts the design and construction of new road infrastructure, expected to occur over the asset's lifespan (adapt scenario), the total cumulative cost could increase to $678.47 million due to the initial costs of adaptation. This investment provides lower costs on a decadal basis later in the infrastructure lifespan. This creates the planning question of whether lower decadal costs in the future are a priority or if minimizing initial costs is a priority. The paper addresses this question through decadal and average annual costs up to the year 2100 for the ten regions, using the potential impacts of 54 distinct potential climate scenarios.

Source: UG
Economic Integration of the Economic Community of West African States: Prospects and Challenges

Economic integration has been an important phenomenon and a major facet of growth in the world. Amongst many regional groups on the continent of Africa, the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) has over the years proven to be in good standing in an effort to integrate its member states for economic, social and political benefits. This study examined the economic integration of ECOWAS, specifically looking at the prospects and challenges in the area of trade as an effort to deepen its integration processes. The qualitative research design was adopted for the study. The secondary data obtained were subjected to critical review. The study found that ECOWAS is one of the most successful and important sub regional groups in Africa. It successes could be realised in the area of maintaining peace and stability, promoting trade and economic growth for the mutual benefit of its member states and the larger world. Inspite of these successes, it was revealed in the study that, trade libralization is one of the main challenges facing the success of ECOWAS as this hinders its core principles of economic integration. It is also revealed that, trade integration has not been fully utilised among member states as most trade activites are undertaken with the outside world, precisely Europe. In order to promote economic unification and integration amongst ECOWAS countires, the study recommends the harmonization of laws and tarrif reforms as well as building stronger institutions and commitment from members states. The study further recommends the deliberate, aggressive and systematic development of transport and communication infrastructure and the involvement of stakeholders beyond political leadership.

Source: UG
Economic Migration to the Gulf States: The Case of Ghanaian Women Migrants

The study examines economic migration from Ghanaian female migrants to the Gulf States. The study examines, specifically, the trends of female migration to the Gulf States within the last decade, the main factors that is influencing the migration, the experiences of the female migrants once they arrive in the Gulf States, as well as some policy recommendations to address the issues that Ghanaian women face when they migrate to the Gulf States. Relying on the neo-classical equilibrium theory which emphasizes economic conditions as the primary reason for migration, the study is a qualitative study which employs such data collection tools as interviews in semi-structured format and extensive literature review to gather the necessary data for analysis. Interviews were sampled through the snowball sampling technique from the Ghana Immigration Service, the International Organization for Migration, as well as several returned migrants from the Gulf States. This exploratory research discovered a consistent increase in the number of women who have migrated to the Gulf States in recent years. The factors that account for the migration include the limited employment opportunities in Ghana, the desire for better work opportunities and higher wages, as well as the desire to escape poverty. Once they arrive in the Gulf region, the study discovered that the women experience sexual harassment and assault, exploitation and bad working conditions, as well as the downsides of the Kafaala system, especially because of their African heritage. Ghana has enacted some policies and regulations, some of which address the problems that the Ghanaian women face in the Gulf. The policies analyzed in this research include the Ghana Immigration Act and its amendment (2000 and 2012, respectively), the National Migration Policy, and the Inter-Governmental Agency Cooperation, involving such institutions as the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and so on. The study concluded that even though the Ghanaian female migrants travel to the Gulf States for better economic fortunes, their conditions while they are there are deplorable. To that, the researcher recommends that the Government of Ghana and the private sector work together to protect Ghanaian migrants abroad; the Government and the Gulf States should come to a formal agreement that would protect Ghanaian citizens in the region; the Ghanaian government should fully implement the National Migration Policy; the Ghanaian diplomatic community in the region should intensify their monitoring of Ghanaian citizens in the region; and cooperate with international organization to address some of the problems identified by Ghanaian women in the Gulf region.

Source: UG
The Economic Partnership Agreement between ECOWAS and EU: A Bane or a Catalyst to Development

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and the ECOWAS sub region which seeks to alter the long standing non-reciprocal arrangements that have existed between the two parties has been contentious. The necessity to change this relation has been occasioned by the inception of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a rule-based and member driven organization, the WTO abhors discrimination. Thus member states must face identical opportunities where trade is concerned. The transition from the erstwhile non-reciprocal arrangements to a WTO-compatible arrangement has perhaps created a divisive debate among CSOs, NGO and the academia. The arguments have been shaped by the issue as to whether or not the new trading arrangements are the bane or catalyst to the ACP countries in general and West African sub region in particular. These perspectives form the basis of this study. The main argument of this study is that the West African EPAs have both potential development and challenges. The study however concludes that development potentials can only be unlocked when the economies of the ECOWAS sub regions can support liberalization. It is the conclusion of the study that given their current economic structures and supply side rigidities, the implementation of the EPAs will be a bane to their development.

Source: UG
Economic Recovery But Stagnating Mental Health During A Global Pandemic? Evidence From Ghana And South Africa

Ghana and South Africa proactively implemented lockdowns very early in the pandemic. We analyze a three-wave panel of households in Accra and Greater Johannesburg to study the mental and economic well-being of the urban poor between the COVID-19 lockdown and the “new normal” one year later. We find that even if economic well-being has mostly recovered, life satisfaction has only improved slightly and feelings of depression are again at lockdown levels one year into the pandemic. While economic factors are strongly correlated with mental health and explain the differences in mental health between South Africa and Ghana, increasing worries about the future and limited knowledge about the pandemic (both countries), as well as deteriorating physical health (South Africa) and trust in government (Ghana) explain why mental health has not recovered. Therefore, we need broad and country-specific policies. beyond financial support, to accelerate the post-pandemic recovery of the urban poor

Source: UG
Economic Shocks and the Growth of the Construction Industry in Ghana Over the 50-Year Period From 1968 to 2017

The study analyses the relationship between the growth of the construction industry and economic shocks in Ghana over the 50-year period from 1968 to 2017 using an autoregressive modelling scheme that incorporates several economic shocks as separate independent variables. The independent variables used in the model included one positive economic shock and five negative shock variables. The positive shock variable was the sharply increased government expenditures on construction activities in selected years that allowed the government to host international events in Ghana within a period of two years. The five adverse economic shocks included in the model were political instability related to military coups, exchange rate depreciation of the local currency, Ghana cedi, with respect to the United States dollar, the average yearly temperature, aggregate electricity energy production shortfall related to a severe El Nino weather phenomenon, and incidence of extreme rainfall. The results of the analysis indicated that the most important factor influencing the growth of the construction industry in Ghana over the 50-year study period was political instability. Beyond political instability, the next most important factor was the purposely-driven sharp increases in government expenditures on construction activities for selected years that allowed the country to host international events in the country. The other significant economic shocks were the exchange rate depreciation, average temperatures, and electricity energy production shortfall; all three factors adversely affected the growth of the construction industry. The results of our study are generally consistent with those obtained from the literature concerning the positive and negative effects of economic shocks on the construction industry.

Source: UG
Economic Structure, Growth, and Evolution of Inequality and Poverty in Africa: An Overview

Is Africa experiencing a growth ‘miracle’? Rodrik (2018) seems sceptical, and provides evidence based on modern growth theory to support the scepticism: the recent relatively impressive growth does not seem sustainable. Related to the issue of sustainability is economic structure. Diao et al. (2018) find that accompanying the recent growth record has been improving agricultural labour productivity, a reduction of the agricultural labour share and increasing manufacturing employment, evidence that is consistent with that observed for industrialised economies. Thorbecke and Ouyang (2018) also find that while the efficacy of translating growth into poverty reduction remains lower for Africa than elsewhere, there is evidence of poverty convergence recently in Africa, contrary to that for developing countries generally. Fosu (2018) observes the dominant importance, on average, of growth for poverty reduction in Africa, but also underscores the critical role of inequality, especially for certain countries. Exploring why inequality is particularly high in Africa, Shimeles and Nabassaga (2018) uncover ethnic fractionalisation, limited tertiary education, and poor governance as major culprits, and inequality of opportunity as the dominant component. Bigsten (2018) identifies the dual-economy nature of colonial arrangements as the genesis for Africa’s high inequality, and proposes an enhanced pro-poor Lewis-type modern-sector enlargement as a potential solution.

Source: UG