ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Study habits of university of cape coast distance learners at cape coast study centre: implications for counselling

This study looked at the study habits of University of Cape Coast Distance Education learners in the Cape Coast Study Centre in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was used to conduct the study. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were used to select 338 Business and Education distance learners. A self-designed questionnaire, which consisted of 40 items, was used to collect data from the respondents. Data collected was analysed by the use of descriptive (frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test). The results of the study revealed that Distance Education students exhibit study habits such as reading while lying in bed, not able to study for three hours in a day, do not look for additional materials from the internet as well as reading over their notes before the next face to face meeting. The results of the study also showed that there was no statistical significant difference between study habits of Business and Education students as well as male and female students. However, there was a significant difference in the study habits of male and female students in terms of time management and concentration. It was found in the study that distance education students need guidance and counselling on time management, prioritizing their daily activities, as well as how to develop effective reading skills. It is therefore recommended that distance education students be provided with guidance and counselling on effective study habits as a support service.

Source: UCC
A study into the effectiveness of the internal audit units in the public sector in promoting good corporate governance: The case of the metropolitan municipal and district assemblies in the Northern region of Ghana

Corporate governance, as an antidote to corruption, has received significant public and regulators attention in today ‘s global world and the internal audit has been identified as the most effective control mechanism to ensure good corporate governance in the public sector. This study, therefore, investigated into the effectiveness of the internal audit units in the public sector in promoting good corporate governance. It reviewed history of internal audit, corporate governance, internal control and factors that contribute to the effectiveness of internal audit. Descriptive research method was employed. Simple random sampling and census procedures were used to obtain data from 29 internal auditors and 9 branch heads of Ghana Audit Service in the Northern region of Ghana. Statistical tools used were mean and percentage. The study revealed that the internal auditors receive less management support and the audit committees in the assemblies are not effective. It is also evident that majority of the internal auditors did not have requisite skills and experience. The units also experienced inadequate resources allocation. This suggests that the internal audit units in the assemblies are not effective Therefore, to ensure good corporate governance, the internal audit units should have appropriate governance structure, sufficient and appropriate resources and competent personnel.

Source: UCC
A study into the effectiveness of the internal audit units in the public sector in promoting good corporate governance: the case of the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in the northern region of Ghana

Corporate governance, as an antidote to corruption, has received significant public and regulators attention in today’s global world and the internal audit has been identified as the most effective control mechanism to ensure good corporate governance in the public sector. This study, therefore, investigated into the effectiveness of the internal audit units in the public sector in promoting good corporate governance. It reviewed history of internal audit, corporate governance, internal control and factors that contribute to the effectiveness of internal audit. Descriptive research method was employed. Simple random sampling and census procedures were used to obtain data from 29 internal auditors and 9 branch heads of Ghana Audit Service in the Northern region of Ghana. Statistical tools used were mean and percentage. The study revealed that the internal auditors receive less management support and the audit committees in the assemblies are not effective. It is also evident that majority of the internal auditors did not have requisite skills and experience. The units also experienced inadequate resources allocation. This suggests that the internal audit units in the assemblies are not effective Therefore, to ensure good corporate governance, the internal audit units should have appropriate governance structure, sufficient and appropriate resources and competent personnel.

Source: UCC
Study leave with pay and human resource development in the metropolitan education directorate of Ghana Education Service Kumasi

Education plays a vital role in the development of the human resource of every nation and it is an undeniable fact that the development of every nation also depends on the human resource. Investment in the education, training and development of the human resource is a necessary condition for national development however the success of this largely depends on the quality of teachers. Hence there is the need for staff development programmes that commensurate with the nation’s development programmes. Study leave with pay is one of the staff development programmes instituted by the GES for teachers to enable them further their education and acquire the competences needed for the demands of the GES. The study was carried out to examine the effect of the study leave with pay policy on human resource with regard to the need for the policy, the quota system, performance of beneficiaries and the cost effectiveness of the policy. Officials at the regional, metro, sub-metro, some teachers on study leave and others in the classroom were the respondents. The study revealed that respondents were against the abolition of the policy as being advocated by some stakeholders. They said the quota should be increased to ensure the presence of a competent workforce within the GES. Beneficiaries should be monitored and assessed always to reduce the attrition level and to make sure that the policy becomes cost effective.

Source: UCC
The study of accustic effects in carbon allotropes

Acoustic effects such as absorption/amplification of acoustic phonons, Acoustoelectric Effect (AE) and Acoustomagnetoelectric Effect (AME) were studied in Carbon Allotropes. In this thesis, the Carbon Allotropes considered are Graphene Nanoribbon (GNR), 2-dimensional Graphene sheet, and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT). The Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) and the phonon kinetic equation (PKE) were used. All results were analysed numerically and graphically presented. Using BTE for Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon (AGNR), amplification of acoustic waves (G=G0) and acoustomagnetoelectric field (Esame) were studied in the presence of an external electric and magnetic fields. G=G0 and Esame were found to depend on the sub-band index (pi), the nanoribbon width (N), and the dimensionless factor (h = Ωt ). Using the PKE, amplification (absorption) and AE in 2D graphene and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) were studied. On hypersound amplification, a mechanism due Cerenkov emission was employed where the ratio of the drift velocity (Vd) to the velocity of sound (Vs) was considered. In both materials, the dependence of amplification (absorption) on frequency (wq) were analysed. Here the acoustic waves were considered as phonons in the hypersound regime. In CNT, it was observed that the maximum amplification was attained as Vd = 1:1Vs which occurred at E = 51:7 Vcm􀀀1. For n = 2, (where n is an integer) the absorption obtained qualitatively agree with an experimental measurement

Source: UCC
The study of acoustic effects in carbon allotropes

Acoustic effects such as absorption/amplification of acoustic phonons, Acoustoelectric Effect (AE) and Acoustomagnetoelectric Effect (AME) were studied in Carbon Allotropes. In this thesis, the Carbon Allotropes considered are Graphene Nanoribbon (GNR), 2-dimensional Graphene sheet, and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT). The Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) and the phonon kinetic equation (PKE) were used. All results were analysed numerically and graphically presented. Using BTE for Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon (AGNR), amplification of acoustic waves (G=G0) and acoustomagnetoelectric field (Esame) were studied in the presence of an external electric and magnetic fields. G=G0 and Esame were found to depend on the sub-band index (pi), the nanoribbon width (N), and the dimensionless factor (h = Ωt). Using the PKE, amplification (absorption) and AE in 2D graphene and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) were studied. On hypersound amplification, a mechanism due Cerenkov emission was employed where the ratio of the drift velocity (Vd) to the velocity of sound (Vs) was considered. In both materials, the dependence of amplification (absorption) on frequency (wq) were analysed. Here the acoustic waves were considered as phonons in the hypersound regime. In CNT, it was observed that the maximum amplification was attained as Vd = 1:1Vs which occurred at E = 51:7 Vcm−1. For n = 2, (where n is an integer) the absorption obtained qualitatively agree with an experimental measurement

Source: UCC
The study of acoustic effects in carbon allotropes

Acoustic effects such as absorption/amplification of acoustic phonons, Acoustoelectric Effect (AE) and Acoustomagnetoelectric Effect (AME) were studied in Carbon Allotropes. In this thesis, the Carbon Allotropes considered are Graphene Nanoribbon (GNR), 2-dimensional Graphene sheet, and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT). The Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) and the phonon kinetic equation (PKE) were used. All results were analysed numerically and graphically presented. Using BTE for Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon (AGNR), amplification of acoustic waves (G=G0) and acoustomagnetoelectric field (Esame) were studied in the presence of an external electric and magnetic fields. G=G0 and Esame were found to depend on the sub-band index (pi), the nanoribbon width (N), and the dimensionless factor (h = Ωt). Using the PKE, amplification (absorption) and AE in 2D graphene and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) were studied. On hypersound amplification, a mechanism due Cerenkov emission was employed where the ratio of the drift velocity (Vd) to the velocity of sound (Vs) was considered. In both materials, the dependence of amplification (absorption) on frequency (wq) were analysed. Here the acoustic waves were considered as phonons in the hypersound regime. In CNT, it was observed that the maximum amplification was attained as Vd = 1:1Vs which occurred at E = 51:7 Vcm−1. For n = 2, (where n is an integer) the absorption obtained qualitatively agree with an experimental measurement.

Source: UCC
A Study of Assertiveness as a Psychological Factor Influencing Marital Distress in Ghana

The reason for this study was to find out how much distress men and women experience in their marital relationships and whether assertiveness is associated with marital distress. This was done by using the Marital Happiness Scale and an Assertiveness Inventory, as measuring instruments. Four research questions were formulated and four hypotheses were tested. They covered the differences that exist in the marital distress experiences of husbands and wives and their assertiveness. A total of eighty (80) married men and women comprising 40 husbands and 40 wives were randomly selected to take part in the study. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) and t- Tests were used to analyse the data to bring out differences and to determine associations among variables. The findings showed that many persons who report distress in their marital relationships also test distressed on a scale of marital distress; that among this population, wives test more distressed than husbands in marriages. Findings also showed that assertiveness correlated positively with their marital distress. These findings have implications for clinical psychology in practice. That is, to work on the assertiveness skills of married persons if distress is to be minimised. It also has implications for married but distressed couples and couples contemplating marriage, that assertiveness skills should be adequate. Some recommendations were made to improve distressed marriages.

Source: UCC
A study of Bacterial Contamination of Ghanaian Currency Notes in Circulation

The study aimed at determining the presence, type and nature of bacterial contamination of Ghanaian currency notes in circulation. One hundred currency notes of different denominations were randomly collected from sellers on the major streets and markets of the Cape Coast Metropolis into sterile paper bags, shaken in universal bottles with 10ml sterile buffered peptone water, removed and the resulting peptone water incubated overnight and later sub-cultured onto Blood agar, MacConkey, Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) and incubated at 370C for 24hours. Colonial Morphology, Gram Reactions and Biochemical tests were used for identification of isolates. All 100 samples collected were contaminated with one or more bacteria representing 100% contamination. A total of 107 bacteria isolates were obtained from the 100 samples made up of 13 different bacteria species. Bacteria isolated from the notes include Coagulase negative Staphylococci (23.4%), Staphylococci aureus (8.4%), Escherichia coli(5.6%), Bacillus species (23.4%), Klebsiella species (5.6%), Enterobacter species (2.8%), Enterococci species (10.3%), and Proteus species (8.4%) among others. The One Ghana Cedi and Twenty Ghana Cedi notes had more bacteria isolated than their number sampled (43 out of 40) and (25 out of 20) respectively. Although the number of species isolated increased with sample numbers, all the denominations were contaminated with Coagulase Negative Staphylococci and Bacillus species. Four non-circulated notes of each denomination used as controls had no bacteria growth. This work seeks to confirm bacterial contamination of everyday currency and also introduces the nature and levels of contamination of the Ghanaian currency.

Source: UCC
A study of basic school band pupils’ instrument choices: a case study of schools in the Accra metropolis, Ghana.

The purpose of this study was to investigate reported influences on Ghanaian Basic School band pupil’s instrument choices, to gain an understanding of reasons expressed by students for preferring certain instruments and not others, in addition, to explore whether Ghanaian children are gender-stereotyped in their musical instrument choices. A questionnaire was developed to gather information concerning students’ instrumental music experience, family participation in band, reported reasons for instrument choice, non-choice, and several other questions just to give readers an insight into how Ghanaian basic school bands operate. The sample consisted of 142 pupils from five basic school bands in the Accra metropolis. Results revealed a strong gender/instrument associations and pupils indicated that their choices were most influenced by their school band teacher. Other reported influences included instrument sound and programmes the school band attends. The results also revealed that girls in the Accra metropolis who are members of the school bands tend to prefer playing the “percussions” which are mostly regarded to be for boys. Gender association with certain instruments seemed to override professed reasons for instrument selection.

Source: UCC
A Study Of Contemporary Management Practices In Faith- Based Organisations In Ghana

Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) are groups that are organized around religious beliefs, values, and principles. These organizations are typically nonprofit in nature and are often associated with specific religious traditions, denominations, or faith communities. This study explores management practices as well as challenges FBOs encounter managerial-wise in Ghana. The study adopted contemporary managerial theories such as Contingence, Transactional and Transformational leadership to explore managerial practices in FBOs in Ghana. The research used descriptive quantitative analysis to draw data from 30 participants from FBOs situated in Accra, drawn through a purposive sampling technique. Using tables and bar graphs, the analysis showed a prevalence of charismatic leadership within FBOs, with a strong emphasis on the leader’s personal charisma, vision, and enthusiasm. Transactional and transformational leadership styles also play significant roles, contributing to the multifaceted leadership landscape in these organizations. In terms of decision-making, FBOs exhibit a diverse range of approaches, with participatory and democratic styles emerging as the most prevalent. These participatory styles promote inclusivity and shared ownership among congregants, while autocratic and laissez-faire styles play more selective roles. Discrimination and payment of taxes constituted the challenges FBOs face mostly. The study concluded that a comprehensive understanding of faith-based management is needed in running the management of FBOs. The study recommends that a qualitative perspective should be undertaken to provide a more comprehensive overview of the study.

Source: UCC
A Study of Discourse Functions of ‘Where Constructions’ in Written and Spoken Registers in English

This work was explored with the assumptions that the wh-item where may have other functions apart from its primary function as an interrogative property or questioning. Most discussions on the use of the ‘where’ as a linguistic item focus on its basic use as an indicator of an interrogative. This work has explored the discourse functions of ‘where’ in order to reveal some added functions either than its basic functions as an interrogative marker. Three research questions were set as a guide: what are the discourse functions of where-constructions in English, what is the distribution of occurrences of the discourse functions of where-constructions across selected written and spoken registers, and what kinds of where-compounds are used across written and spoken registers and their functions? The study is situated within the theoretical perspective of constructionalisation, a theory which is grounded in constructional grammar. The study employed qualitative research design, specifically, the content analysis method. The study shows that where has other functions aside its primary function as a word with an interrogative property, as data used for the analysis was drawn from Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA). The analysis revealed six discourse functions of ‘where’ compounds; extending, reporting, informative, referring, rhetorical, and locative function. The analysis revealed that the Rhetorical function is mostly used in spoken register while the analysis revealed that Informative function applied more in newspaper register. Locative function, on the other hand, is revealed to be appearing mostly in newspaper register meanwhile, the extending function is very frequent in Academic register but the referring function is used more in Spoken. Finally, Reporting function is used more in newspaper register. The study has revealed that out of the 17 ‘where compounds’ considered for the study, 5 of them occurred more frequently. These frequent ‘where compounds’ are: whereas, whenever, whereby, whereabouts and wherein. The study contributes to research on constructions in English.

Source: UCC
A study of fancy dress masquerade costumes in Winneba, Ghana (1958-2020)

The careful representation of Fancy Dress masquerades in the Ghanaian space, especially in Winneba, has been held in high esteem over the decades as part of Ghana’s popular culture. Undoubtedly, the use of costume in this performative art serves as the pillar on which masquerading hinges. Although Fancy Dress masquerade costumes contribute greatly to the success of the performance, there appears to be little or no empirical study on the use of costumes in this performative art in Winneba. This study sought to explore and document the use of Fancy Dress masquerade costumes among four masquerade clubs in Winneba from 1958 to 2020. Using the qualitative approach and multiple instruments (semi-structured interviews, observation and document study) to collect data, thematic and document analytical frames were used to analyse the data. Anchored on Goffman’s (1959) Impression Management Theory, the findings revealed that the designing of Fancy Dress masquerade costumes is based on the diverse inspirations of the various clubs with the use of varying materials and the costumes characterised by various forms of aesthetics and significance. Ultimately, the study contributes to scholarship on the use of costumes for masquerade performances. With a treasure trove of findings, I recommend a study be conducted on Fancy Dress masquerade costumes in other Regions in Ghana to add to the discourse on Fancy Dress masquerade costumes.

Source: UCC
A study of fancy dress masquerade costumes in Winneba, Ghana (1958-2020)

The careful representation of Fancy Dress masquerades in the Ghanaian space, especially in Winneba, has been held in high esteem over the decades as part of Ghana's popular culture. Undoubtedly, the use of costume in this performative rot serves as the pillar on which masquerading hinges. Although Fancy Dress masquerade costumes contribute greatly to the success ofthe performance, there appears to be little or no empirical study on the use of costumes in this performative art in Winneba. This study sought to explore and document the use of Fancy Dress masquerade costumes among four masquerade clubs in Winneba from 1958 to 2020. Using the qualitative approach and multiple instruments (semi-structured interviews, observation and document study) to collect data, thematic and document analytical frames were used to analyse the data. Anchored on Goffman's (1959) Impression Management Theory, the findings revealed that the designing of Fancy Dress masquerade costumes is based on the diverse inspirations of the various clubs with the use of varying materials and the costumes characterised by various forms of aesthetics and significance. Ultimately, the study contributes to scholarship on the use of costumes for masquerade performances. With a treasure trove of findings, I recommend a study be conducted on Fancy Dress masquerade costumes in other Regions in Ghana to add to the discourse on Fancy Dress masquerade costumes

Source: UCC
A study of grammatical errors made by some Libyan students of english

Using students from two Libyan private schools of English as the source of information, this study focused on grammatical errors committed by some Libyan students of English, which in the view of this dissertation have not received the attention that they deserve as far as grammar teaching and research are concerned. The data for this research were collected from one main source, namely, written scripts of students. The research then employed the descriptive survey design by making a careful observation 0 f the population, bounded by the research parameter. These were then studied and analysed. The research revealed that some Libyan students have serious grammatical problems and the grammatical errors committed by them are varied and many. The analysis also showed that mother tongue interference was a contributory factor to many errors. This study has brought to light the need I to improve the pedagogic strategies in order to help students to improve upon their use of English.

Source: UCC