ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Poor housing and its effects on low-income renters in Ghana the case of Wenchi Municipality

Shelter is one of the fundamental needs for human survival aside food and clothing. However, provision of adequate housing to accommodate people especially, the urban poor has been a challenge in developing countries. This has caused many Ghanaians in the low-income group to resort to the rental sector for their housing needs. The study seeks to examine the effects of poor housing on low-income renters in the Wenchi Municipality. It aims at identifying challenges low-income renters face in the Municipality. The study was conducted in the Wenchi Municipality using the mixed methodology approach. A total of 267 participants made up of 245 tenants, 15 landlords, an official each from CHRAJ, Town and Country Planning and the Environmental and Sanitation Unit. The study revealed that security challenges, privacy and health problems were some of the challenges that affect renters in the study area. Relocation of family members and alteration of houses were some of the coping strategies used by tenants. The study has revealed that some families send their adolescents to stay with relatives in order to create space. Education on the need for tenants and landlords to have formal contractual arrangements on rent and strengthen the institutions that are mandated to perform duties in the rental sector were the recommendations made.

Source: UEW
Poor pronunciation of English words by SHS students of Ashaiman Senior High School

A descriptive survey was conducted on the poor pronunciation of English words by students in the Ashaiman Senior High School. The research questions that were answered included what types of pronunciation errors do students of make? What are the factors that led to the poor pronunciation of English words by the students? And what strategies and methods could be used to improve the pronunciation of English words among the students? The study population 1750 out of which 300 students and Five (5) teachers participated through random and purposive sampling respectively. The study found five (5) types of pronunciation errors that students often make in the study area that include errors in Fricative and Plosive Consonants, short pure vowel, Pure Long Vowels and Diphthongs as problematic to the students. It also found five factors that led to the poor pronunciation of English words resulting from performance conditions, affective variables such as self-confidence, and anxiety, students listening ability, topical knowledge, and feedback during pronunciation activities. The study found strategies and methods in dealing with the problem and concluded that drilling, chaining, the direct method of teaching, reading method and teacher facilitation are strategies and methods to improve the pronunciation of English words among the students as they learn pronunciation. The study recommended that students should give more attention to their pronunciation ability during learning and should practice more to improve their pronunciation. Teachers should give more attention to the student’s pronunciation ability in teaching and to analyze deeper the problems of pronunciation and more practical classroom strategies and methods should be used to improve the pronunciation of English words among students.

Source: UEW
Poor reading skills of pupils A case study of Axim Anglican Junior High School

Reading ability is a crucial developmental skill for learners of English as a second language. This is because it has a significant impact on the performance of students in other courses of study. Owing to this, it became necessary that the poor reading abilities among students of Axim Anglican Junior High school be investigated to ascertain the causes and devise probable measures to ameliorate the situation. This study was therefore set out to examine the causes of poor reading abilities among the pupils of Axim Anglican JHS and to explore measures that can be adopted in helping the pupils to overcome their poor reading abilities. A qualitative case study design was adopted using observation and interview for thematic analysis. The findings showed that lack of library, inadequate time for reading comprehension lessons, and lack of learner centred approaches are some of the endogenous causes of poor reading performance among the students. It was also revealed that parents have not taken the responsibility to ensure that their children develop reading skills, as they fail to acquire reading materials for their children. On addressing the situation, the findings showed that teachers need more time for reading lessons; they need to adopt learner-centred strategies such as peer teaching. Based on the results, it is recommended that Axim Anglican Junior High School should have a library where the students can practise reading outside the classroom. Additionally, it is recommended that parents take responsibility of developing their children’s reading ability by buying them books.

Source: UEW
Poor word recognition and spelling skills among basic three pupils of Kperiga D-A Primary School Walewale

This research was designed to help basic three pupils of Kperiga D /A Primary School in the West Mamprusi Municipality-Walewale through the use of phonemes to improve upon their word recognition and spelling skills. The qualitative research design was used to guide the study. The sample size was made up of forty-eight (48) pupils. Pre-test and post-test were used together with intervention activities to collect data for this research. After the intervention it was found that pupils exhibited higher performance. That is an improvement in recognizing and pronouncing words correctly which in effect make pupils good readers. It was therefore recommended that activity oriented and teaching and learning materials should be used to bring about change of behavior of pupil in the class. This will increase the participation and performance of pupils and also enhance their knowledge in recognizing words and ability to spell and read correctly and fluently.

Source: UEW
Portfolio - A Compilation of the learning journey to becoming a global practitioner in counselling psychology

This document is a compilation of all of the learning I did in the 2-year Master of Education Program in becoming a Global Practitioner in Counselling Psychology with Mental Health as my specialization which is made up of Psychopathology and Crisis Suicide, Abuse and Trauma Counselling as the components. Artifacts from these courses are highlighted in the competencies at the concluding part of this work. In this document, one would come across my Personal and Learning journey, my Career Related Acquisition and how my personal experiences and family connect with my choice of program and profession. It also showcases unique components from each of the core courses I studied in the program as well and my knowledge of Ethical and Legal issues in counselling and some techniques in the document that guides the client -counsellor relationship and finally demonstrate my personal reflections and growth in working with people dealing with psychological issues.

Source: UEW
A portfolio of neoclassic big-band highlife music based on indigenous Ghanaian children’s rhyme and game resources

A vast world of art music-based creative ethnomusicological study could be found in Ghana and Africa in general. However, popular music-based creative ethnomusicological study is still a desideratum in Ghanaian music scholarship. Hence, this study draws on Sankofa, indigenous knowledge and expression, interculturalism, transculturation and social reconstructionism theories to create neoclassic big-band highlife works based on indigenous Ghanaian children’s rhyme and game resources. It also provides annotations for creating similar global appeal and consumption works. To this end, creative ethnomusicology, practice-based, bibliographic and discographic research designs were employed. Data were collected using interview and document analysis. In all, 20 indigenous children’s rhyme and game resources were collected from two linguistic traditions in Ghana (Akan and Ga), of which ten were sampled and explored for songwriting. Furthermore, four were sampled for the neoclassic big-band highlife works. Findings show a practical approach to how popular music composers can draw on indigenous children’s rhyme and game resources to generate innovative methods for composing, arranging and recording neoclassic big-band highlife music with global appeal. Aside from the cultural values embedded in the indigenous rhyme and game resources, it is concluded that they are also a good source of creative elements for songwriting. In addition, the novelty can be considered a contemporary music interculturalism and musical transculturation, which shows a ratio of a return to sources and modernisation of a musical genre. In recommendation, Ghanaian composers should also consider composing children-friendly songs for their consumption. Also, “Music Theory & Composition” professors should adopt this novelty as a blueprint to begin a course on “Highlife Music Composition & Performance Workshop” to enhance and entrench popular music studies in music institutions in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Portfolio- a compilation of the learning journey to becoming a global practitioner.

Embarking on the Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling program at the University of Education, Winneba, has been a profound and transformative odyssey. These narrative chronicles the multifaceted dimensions of my educational journey, weaving through academic pursuits, practical experiences, and personal reflections. The journey commences with an exploration of the academic terrain, delving into the rigorous curriculum curated by the esteemed faculty at the University of Education. The theoretical underpinnings of guidance and counseling are dissected, and the synthesis of pedagogical wisdom and counseling acumen is examined. The academic foundation laid here has not only broadened my understanding but has equipped me with the intellectual tools essential for effective guidance and counseling practices. Central to this odyssey is the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by esteemed faculty members, notably Dr. Paul Kobina Annan Bedu-Addo, whose expertise and support have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of my academic and professional growth. Their insights have enriched my perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nuances of counseling within the educational context. The practical component of this journey unfolds within the vibrant tapestry of the University of Education, Winneba, where I have had the privilege of applying theoretical knowledge in real-world counseling scenarios. Engaging with diverse students and navigating the dynamic challenges within an educational setting has fortified my skills, fostering a hands-on understanding of the intricacies involved in guiding and counseling. Beyond the academic and practical realms, this narrative acknowledges the unwavering support of my peers, whose collaborative spirit has contributed to a rich learning environment. Additionally, the encouragement and support from family and friends have been the bedrock of my perseverance through the demanding academic landscape. As the final chapter of this Master's journey unfolds, it reflects on the amalgamation of academic rigor, practical experience, and personal growth. The Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling at the University of Education, Winneba, has not only equipped me with the necessary credentials but has sculpted me into a compassionate and competent professional ready to make a meaningful impact in the realm of educational counseling. This abstract serves as a testament to the holistic nature of my learning journey, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between academic scholarship and practical application in the field of guidance and counseling.

Source: UEW
Portraiture in Ghana. Female strides.

Portraiture in Ghana has been dominated by men. Many monuments in Ghana have been erected by male sculptors which is painting a picture that females do not make portrait sculptures, this is why the researcher intended to find out whether there are practicing female sculptors in Ghana, and if there are why they are not commissioned to make monumental portraits in the Country. The main objective of the study was to identify practicing female portrait and figurative sculptors in Ghana, analyse their works and find out how their works are documented. Qualitative method of research was used and the research design was case study. Six female portrait and figurative sculptors constituted the sample size and the sampling techniques were purposive and snowballing. Semi structured interview and personal observation were the data collection instruments used for this study. Thematic and visual analysis were used to analyse the qualitative data. The study revealed that although there are some Ghanaian female sculptors practicing portraiture, most of them are unable to combine portraiture as a profession and domestic activities. Secondly, most of them are in the academia making the practice of portraiture a part time business. Again, the study revealed that, females who choose sculpture as their elective course in their first years in the universities are low as compared to the males. The researcher concluded that, it will not be appropriate to give a strict definition of who a portrait artist is, since the scope of portraiture expands beyond representation of physical looks of an individual because installations and conceptual art are classified as portraits once they talk about a particular individual. It was recommended that female Visual Art students should be encouraged to pursue sculpture and subsequently portraiture. Again, she suggested that practicing female portrait sculptors and their works should be documented and placed in educational institutions that offer sculpture, Libraries, Centres for National Culture and Museums and Monuments Board to serve as educational resources and advert for people who may need their services.

Source: UEW
Portrayal of gender in the telenovela, Saraswatichandra perspectives of viewers in Accra

This study seeks to highlight the various kinds of gender issues portrayed in the telenovela Saraswatichandra and the reception of these issues among viewers in Accra using qualitative content analysis. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 respondents. Data was collected using document analysis, interviews and focused group discussions and anchored on the gender theory as well as social constructionism theory. It probes further on how the viewership reception either contradicts or reinforces existing gender issues. The study reports gender inequality, gender stereotypes, sexual harassment and machismo as the dominant issues portrayed in the telenovela Saraswatichandra. The study offers a very detailed description of the method of data collection which, in qualitative research, demonstrates adequate validity of the analysis and the results. The study further revealed that the telenovela Saraswatichandra portrayed the following categories: viewers have been sensitized about the red flags that precede sexual harassment behavior, women mostly portrayed like sex objects and viewers have been empowered and emboldened to stand up against any form of sexual harassment and gender discrimination. The study also inclined of portraying issues such as reinforcement. The study therefore, concluded that the progressive kinds of gender issues portrayed in the telenovela, Saraswatichandra: perspectives of viewers who are predominantly women were positively empowered to be educated on the antecedents of discrimination. Finally, the portrayals of gender in the telenovela Saraswatichandra were found to mostly reinforce existing perspectives in the society.

Source: UEW
The portrayal of the male gender by African female novelists A study of Emecheta’s Second Class Citizen and Darko’s beyond the horizon

This thesis examined the image of male gender in Buchi Emecheta’s Second Class Citizen and Amma Darko’s Beyond the Horizon. The purpose of this research work was to explore how these two renowned female African writers present male gender in their novels. In order to achieve this, the researcher focused on whether these two novelists present men differently or similarly. Also, the study pays attention to how cultural assumptions influenced the presentation of male gender in the two novels. The theoretical framework that guided the direction of this thesis was structural functional theory. The researcher carefully selected the two novels because they both have African and European settings, therefore good for comparison. The research design used for the thesis was qualitative approach. This study reveals that Emecheta presents African men in a number of ways, notable among them are; they are seen as decision makers who are expected to be celebrated and served by women, as people who abuse the rights of women and value sons more than daughters. Amma Darko, in contrast, presents African men as liars, exploiters, oppressors and enemies of women. Similarly, it is revealed that both Emecheta and Darko presented African men as people who see women as their own property and always want to control and dominate them. Finally, it is revealed how cultures and traditions of African society influence the roles of men and women. Some of the affected areas are education, marriage, training of children, job opportunities, rights and responsibilities of husbands and wives. The researcher got these findings through content analysis where he examined all the major male and female characters. He also examined the themes, settings and the language of two primary texts. In the light of the presentation of African men in Second Class Citizen and Beyond the Horizon, the researcher recommended that texts written by female writers should be used as literature texts in our schools. Also, male writers should also recreate a new image for African men in literary works in order to portray a positive image for men.

Source: UEW
The position and meaning of interjections in Ga

Interjections have been dealt with in language in various ways either as part of language or as non-words indicating feelings or state of mind. The paper focuses on interjections in Ga, a Kwa language of Niger Congo branch to find out how and what they communicate among the Gas. It attempts to answer the question of whether interjections are part of the Ga language by employing the Relevance theory. Data used were gathered from natural conversations and interviews on some of their uses in Ga such as eh, hmmm, waao, aahh among others. Both secondary and primary interjections were found in Ga. The paper shows that these interjections may occur sentence initial and sentence final. They communicate emotional feelings of the speaker in most instances which confirms what other linguistic scholars have found in literature. Such feelings include surprise, anger, contempt, pleasure, and pain among others. It also shows that interjections are used spontaneously in certain situations or places such as hospitals and playing fields. The stress or emphasis placed on an interjection in speech may also change its communicative meaning as context plays a role in deriving its meaning. Keywords: interjections, relevance, emotional, primary, secondary, intonation

Source: UEW
Position, structure and functions of public relations among selected professional football clubs in Ghana

The study investigated the functions, position and structure of Public Relations in professional Ghanaian Football clubs. It essentially looked at how the football clubs defined the function and roles of Public Relations. The study was qualitative and a multiple case study design was employed for the data collection. Five clubs namely, Accra Hearts of Oak, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Aduana Stars, Liberty Professionals and West African Football Academy (WAFA) from the Ghana Premier League were purposively sampled for the study. Data were thematically analysed from the perspective of the Excellence Theory and Relationship Management model. These theories specify how Public Relations makes organisations more effective in the organisation and management of their publics. The study found among others that Public Relations was used by management of the clubs as a tool for maintaining relationship with their publics through media relations and also their understanding of PR was limited to some few roles and functions. The study also show that the Public Relations Officers of the clubs mainly played the technician role and sometimes communication facilitator’s role based on the clubs’ understanding of PR. The study also established that the clubs used channels such as telephone calls, memos, meetings and emails for their internal communication and mass media (radio, television and newspaper) and social media as channels for external communications. The study found that the clubs managed issues and their image mostly through the mass media in order to either attract sponsors or establish and maintain good relationship with their sponsors. However, it was established that non-performance and lack of success on the pitch were hindrances to attracting sponsorship.

Source: UEW
Possibility of improving solid waste management in senior high schools in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Little attention has been given to solid waste management in Senior High Schools meanwhile their population and consumption pattern keeps on increasing. The study was conducted in senior high schools within the Ashanti Region to determine the composition and generation rate of solid waste in the selected senior high schools. An extensive field investigation was used for quantification and analysis of the composition of solid waste in fifteen senior high schools in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Averagely, waste generated were organic (70.91%), rubbers and plastics (11.24%), metals (5.64%), textiles (4.67%), other waste (2.77%), glass/ceramics (2.64%) and papers (2.13%). The per capita per day generation rate ranged from 0.02 to 0.13 kg/cap/day with an average of 0.056 kg/cap/day. The population of the schools and generation rate per capita per day of the schools had a negative correlation coefficient (-0.05). More than 90% of the waste generated in the schools could be dealt with through waste reduction, recycling, and composting. It was recognized that a greater percentage of the waste generated in the selected senior high schools was organic and therefore composting should be encouraged as a way of effectively managing such components of the waste stream and whipping up the students’ knowledge in waste as a resource. Key words: Waste generation, solid waste, waste characterization, source sorting, composting.

Source: UEW