ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in academic performance of financial accounting students in selected senior high schools in the central region of Ghana

The study examined gender differences in the academic performance of Financial Accounting students in selected senior high schools in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was employed to carry out the study. The simple random sampling and census techniques were used to select 331 students and 137 teachers of Financial Accounting respectively. Questionnaires were the instrument used in collecting the data. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviation, percentages and frequencies), inferential statistics (t-test) and thematic approach. The study found that there are gender differences in students’ performance in Financial Accounting. Thus, the difference in the mean scores of male students and that of female students in Financial Accounting also implied that there are gender differences in students’ performance. The study also revealed that male students studying Financial Accounting perform better than female students. The mean of means score of both the teachers and the students indicated that male students perform better than female students in Financial Accounting. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education, policy makers, school principals and other stakeholders of education should advise Accounting teachers to motivate the female students to have positive attitude and perception about Financial Accounting. Again, the study recommended that teachers of Financial Accounting should be abreast of current pedagogical content orientation of the subject in order to teach to the level of each student in the class.

Source: UCC
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COMPUTER ACCESS AND LITERACY – AMONG AGRICULTURAL STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST IN GHANA

Computer and its related technologies have become a standard and an enabling tool in almost every career worldwide. Therefore the issue of computer access and literacy have become important for higher education and institutions which churns out graduates for the world of work. The Information Communication Technology (ICT) policy of University of Cape Coast, Ghana is to ensure that all graduates acquire proficiency in ICT. ICT literacy and access are components of agricultural curriculum. The paper presents findings of a study that determined gender differences in computer access and literacy among agricultural students at University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Survey design involving the use of questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. A cluster random sampling procedure was used to sample 144 respondents out the population of 585 undergraduate students in the School of Agriculture. The study concluded that there are gender differences in computer access and literacy among agricultural undergraduates at the University of Cape Coast. The study recommends compulsory ICT proficiency course and a scheme to acquire Personal Computers for students to bridge the computer access and literacy gap.

Source: UCC
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE 1 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MARITAL STATUS 2 AND HYPERTENSION IN GHANA

Hypertension is a significant contributor to the global burden of cardiovascular and related target organ diseases such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, and their associated premature morbidity, mortality and disability. Marital status is an important social char- acteristic known to predict a range of health outcomes including cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about its impact on hypertension in sub- Saharan Africa. This study explored the relationship between marital status and hypertension among women and men in Ghana. Drawing on data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were used to analyse the link between marital status and hypertension. About 13% of women aged 15–49 and 15% of men aged 15–59 were found to be hypertensive. After controlling for lifestyle and socio-demographic covariates, the logistic regression models showed significantly higher odds of hypertension for married (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.30–3.53), coha- biting (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.16–3.23) and previously married (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.29–3.84) women. In contrast, no significant association was found between any of the marital status cohorts and hypertension for men. Other sig- nificant predictors of hypertension were age, body mass index and wealth status. The results demonstrate that marital status is an independent risk factor for hypertension in Ghana for women, rather than men. This could have immediate and far-reaching consequences for cardiovascular health policy in Ghana. In particular, the findings could lead to better targeted public health interventions, including more effective risk factor assessment and patient education in clinical settings, which could lead to more effective patient management and improved cardiovascular outcomes.

Source: UCC
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MARITAL STATUS AND HYPERTENSION IN GHANA

Hypertension is a significant contributor to the global burden of cardiovascular and related target organ diseases such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, and their associated premature morbidity, mortality and disability. Marital status is an important social char- acteristic known to predict a range of health outcomes including cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about its impact on hypertension in sub- Saharan Africa. This study explored the relationship between marital status and hypertension among women and men in Ghana. Drawing on data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were used to analyse the link between marital status and hypertension. About 13% of women aged 15–49 and 15% of men aged 15–59 were found to be hypertensive. After controlling for lifestyle and socio-demographic covariates, the logistic regression models showed significantly higher odds of hypertension for married (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.30–3.53), coha- biting (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.16–3.23) and previously married (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.29–3.84) women. In contrast, no significant association was found between any of the marital status cohorts and hypertension for men. Other sig- nificant predictors of hypertension were age, body mass index and wealth status. The results demonstrate that marital status is an independent risk factor for hypertension in Ghana for women, rather than men. This could have immediate and far-reaching consequences for cardiovascular health policy in Ghana. In particular, the findings could lead to better targeted public health interventions, including more effective risk factor assessment and patient education in clinical settings, which could lead to more effective patient management and improved cardiovascular outcomes.

Source: UCC
Gender Dimension in the Development of Effective Teaching Skills among University of Cape Coast (Ucc) Distance Education Students

The study examined gender dimension in the development of effective teaching skills among distance education (DE) students. The conceptual framework for the study is gender mainstreaming which centres on pluralistic approach to diversity issues among both men and women. A longitudinal developmental research design was used for the study. A sample size of 376 distance education students made up of 173(46.01%) female and 203 (53.99%) male were purposefully selected from 5 regional study centres of College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast (UCC) across Ghana. Data was collected using the Teaching Practice (Practicum) Assessment Form ‘A’ of UCC. The two research questions sought to find out the performance of male and female DE students on On-Centre Teaching Practice (OCTP) and School-Based Teaching Practice (SBTP) respectively. Five hypotheses were also formulated to guide the study. Results of the study revealed that the teaching skills acquired by both male and female DE students during OCTP and SBTP were good. However, a statistically significant difference exists between the teaching skills acquired by male and female DE students. Similarly, gender was found to have effect on the acquisition of teaching skills. It is recommended that all policy makers in the area of teaching practice should be mindful of gender issues in the development of teaching skills. Institutions involved in training teachers using distance education mode should stress the four levels of effective teaching skills assessed in this paper for meaningful practical teaching during teaching practice.

Source: UCC
Gender dimensions in the adaptations to climate variation by Cassva farmers in the Awutu Senya District

It has been predicted that, the overall impacts of climate change or variation on agriculture will be negative. Hence the significance of adaptation measures for poverty reduction, especially among crop producers has been emphasised. It has however been noted that although climate variation affects everybody, it is not gender neutral. Data on the nature and extent of adaptation to climate variation by cassava farmers from a gender perspective in Ghana are lacking. Therefore, the present study sought to explore the gender dimensions involved in the adaptation to climate variation on cassava production by farmers in the Awutu Senya West District. Data used for the present study was obtained through both quantitative and qualitative methods with a sample size of 252 cassava farmers and key informants. Results showed clear gender dimensions with regards to climate variation adaptation strategies used by the farmers. Some of the challenges that constitute serious barriers to adaptations include, gender imbalance in formal education, poor access to weather information especially by female farmers, and the lack of interest for the use of improved cassava varieties by male farmers. It is therefore recommended that policy makers, and researchers adopt a gender sensitive approach in the sensitization of farmers on the how to appropriately identify issues relating to climate variability. They should also ensure that there is equity in the distribution of climate-smart resources and information among male and female cassava farmers and the need to use them

Source: UCC
Gender dynamics in small ruminant husbandry Technology adoption in the Wa east district of the Upper West region of Ghana

The study investigated the gender dynamics 111 small ruminant husbandry technology adoption among farmers In the Wa East District of the Upper West Region. Gender sensitivity of the Tumu Deanery Rural Integrated Development Programme (TUDRIDEP) was examined; access and control of production resources were described and institutional rules and norms guiding small ruminant production and marketing examined. A single embedded case study design with a convergent parallel mixed methods approach was employed. Data was collected using structured interview schedule and interview guides. Quantitative data analysis generated descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed along themes. Results showed that TUDRIDEP is gender aware, with a gendered staff structure that met a practical gender need. Although there were no significant gender differences in overall adoption levels and perception of convergent parallel mixed methods approach was employed. Data was collected using structured interview schedule and interview guides. Quantitative data analysis generated descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed along themes. Results showed that TUDRIDEP is gender aware, with a gendered staff structure that met a practical gender need. Although there were no significant gender differences in overall adoption levels and perception of technologies.

Source: UCC
Gender Dynamics in Small Ruminant Husbandry Technology Adoption in the Wa East District of the Upper West Region of Ghana

The study investigated the gender dynamics in small ruminant husbandry technology adoption among farmers In the Wa East District of the Upper West Region. Gender sensitivity of the Tumu Deanery Rural Integrated Development Programme (TUDRIDEP) was examined; access and control of production resources were described and institutional rules and norms guiding small ruminant production and marketing examined. A single embedded case study design with a convergent parallel mixed methods approach was employed. Data was collected using structured interview schedule and interview guides. Quantitative data analysis generated descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed along themes. Results showed that TUDRIDEP is gender aware, with a gendered staff structure that met a practical gender need. Although there were no significant gender differences in overall adoption levels and perception of technology attributes, gender division of labour explained significant gender differences in adoption of certain technology components. All respondents had access to production resources and benefits from animal sales. Men had oversight authority over household members and assets. Institutional rules and norms guiding small ruminant rearing changed with triggering effect in others. The study concludes that the gender sensitivity and ideology of the organisation influences the kind of gender policy intervention implemented and needs met. It recommends that gender analysis should be undertaken to guide gender targeting and choice of appropriate strategies before introducing small ruminant technologies.

Source: UCC
Gender dynamics of rural solid waste management in Twifo-Ati Mokwa district

Proper solid waste management is key for sustainable environmental development. Despite high level policy efforts and technical investments, unmanaged solid waste remains a problem in Ghana. There is a paucity of information on gendered aspect of solid waste management in Ghana. It is in line with the gender and rural solid waste management gap that the thrust of this study is defined. The study sought to explore gender dynamics of rural solid waste management in Twifo-Ati Mokwa District. The study adopted a qualitative approach and exploratory research design. Quota sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents for the study. Evidence was gathered through observations, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review. The analysis of the data was done manually. The common trends defined from the data were sorted and organised into various thematic areas using the research objective and conceptual framework as a guide. The main findings of the study were that household have differing views about what is regarded as waste. The study also revealed that traditional norms influence the behaviour of women, men and children in terms of solid waste management. It concludes that traditional gendered division of labour in solid waste management was not only limited to the private space but also the public spaces. This study explains why and how this new knowledge can be used to inform future policy and initiative on solid waste management.

Source: UCC
Gender factor in employment in the hospitality industry in the Accra metropolis

The leisure and tourism industry is one of the leading global economic activities. A multi-billion-dollar industry with 700 million international travellers per year around the world, tourism has become an avenue for employment and income creation, especially in poor countries. As an industry, there is division of labour by gender at all levels of the travel and tourism sectors. Women are the most employed yet they have the least dignified positions in the industry. The study assessed the socio-demographic background of employees in the hospitality industry in Ghana, the positions both men and women occupy in the industry, the conditions under which they work and the problems women in particular encounter in their career advancement. The main primary sources consisted of data collected from 248 persons made up of 228 employees and 20 employers/managers. The study adopted Messiah’s, (1993) Gender Analysis Framework. The study revealed that there were gender differences in the sociodemograPhi0 background of employees. For instance, seventy-one percent of the women compared to only 10% of the men were between the ages of 1$ and 28 while 59% of the men against 12% of the women were found to be between 29 and 39 sears old. Women were also found to occupy lower positions in the industry. There were reported perceptions of gender inequities or discrimination at the workplace in the areas of promotion, training opportunities and income. There is therefore the need for employees, enterprises institutions and governments to eliminate or minimize the perception of discrimination on grounds of sex. Further studies should be conducted on sex discrimination within the industry beyond the perceptions.

Source: UCC
Gender in Audio-visual Advertisements in Ghana: A Semiotics Analysis

Advertisements, no matter the form, are ubiquitously part of our daily lives and these advertisements carry meanings. Advertisements are open to be read as text wherever they are published in the digital space. The authors examine how gender is presented in Adonko bitters audio-visual advertisement (ad) in Ghana. Rolland Barthes’ concepts of denotation and connotation in the sign system was used to examine the denotative and connotative meanings of body movement, image and sound in the Adonko bitters audio-visual ad. A semi-structured interview guide was used to interview six respondents, which confirmed Barthes’ approach of the analysis of concrete sign vehicles as vehicles of culture and ideology or myth which reinforces society’s expectations of male gender. It is also revealing, from the discussion that media play contributory roles in strengthening further the assumption that women are ‘objects’ meant to please men. It emerged from the selected signs that women were portrayed as dependent beings, contrary to the perceptive societal stereotypes. The authors conclude that Adonko bitters audio-visual ad conveys a message contrary to society’s expectations regarding gender roles. The media must make conscious efforts to redirect discussions around gender stereotyping by highlighting the realities of society. Advertising practitioners as well as advertisers must desist from portraying women in ways that reinforce societal gender stereotyping.

Source: UCC
Gender inequality in education and human capital development: Evidence from the East Mamprusi District

The study aimed at investigating gender inequality in education and human capital development. The study was conducted at the Langbinsi Circuit of the East Mamprusi District. The study set out to investigate the causes of gender inequality in education and to explore measures to ensure gender equity in education in the area. Based on the fact that several studies had delved into the issue; this study reviewed both theoretical and empirical literature.The study opted for the descriptive research design in order to access accurate data. The target population for the study were parents and teachers in the Langbinsi Circuit. Purposeful sampling technique was used to select the community for the study. Subsequently, stratified sampling technique was used.In all, a sample size of 150 respondents was selected. A survey was carried out using questionnaire, interviews and focused group discussions. The questionnaire was coded and processed using SPSS software. Frequency tables and charts were generated. The qualitative data were presented in narrative form while some research questions were cross tabulated and a chi-square value used to determine their significance at an alpha value of 0.05. Validity and reliability were ensured. It was found out that poverty, ignorance, absence of female teachers to serve as role models and girls own attitude towards education were responsible for the gender disparity in education in the area. Based on the findings sensitisation programmes and awards schemes were recommended

Source: UCC
Gender mainstreaming in rural water and sanitation services delivery in the Dangme West District

Gender mainstreaming in rural water and sanitation services delivery has been found to be one of the ways to ensure sustainable services. Despite its advantages, the challenges of effective gender mainstreaming into rural water and sanitation still remain. The main objective of the study was therefore to examine the challenges and propose practical strategies for enhancing gender mainstreaming.The study combined different methodologies including a review of relevant literature and existing data, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data collected during this study were electronically and manually recorded for analysis.The study shows that, while there has been significant progress in getting the female members of the management committees to participate in decision-making concerning the management of services at committee meetings, there still remains the challenge of women’s participation at community meetings due to cultural and religious norms, lack of cooperation by some men especially husbands.It is therefore, recommended that continuous and consistent sensitisation and awareness creation should be provided by the District Water and Sanitation Team with technical support from the Greater Accra Regional Water and Sanitation Team on the important roles of women in water and sanitation . This should also be targeted to men. Periodic training is also recommended for women to build their capacity to participate in water planning activities.

Source: UCC
Gender perspectives on conflict management: A focus on women in the Oti and Volta regions of Ghana

The Oti and Volta Regions of Ghana have several communal conflict hotspots as old as the age of the communities themselves. These conflicts must be managed sustainably so they do not degenerate into violent situations time after time. The study analysed gender perspectives on conflict management looking at the structure and function of conflict management institutions, their gender dynamics, roles, and social protection measures. A case study design was adopted. Data was collected through In-Depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations. Narrative thematic analysis was used in bringing out key issues related to the specific objectives of the study and others that emerged throughout the study. The findings indicated the availability of specialised traditional structures for conflict management; inadequate social protection measures; an interesting blend of conflict managers – traditional elders and religious leaders; and a low involvement of women in conflict management. In conclusion, conflict resolution in the communities was led by traditional and religious leaders who were predominantly males. There was however a groundswell advocacy for both genders to feature in conflict resolution as their inherent roles would facilitate the process. It is recommended that religious, statutory, and traditional institutions in charge of conflict management should liaise among themselves to create a unique link and framework to enhance the inclusive nature of the conflict management process to meet the needs of the communities in times of conflict and after. The involvement of women was observed as essential, cognisant of their unique qualities in managing conflicts.

Source: UCC