ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Challenges and prospects of group lending in microfinance service delivery: evidence from women groups with the Bonzali Rural Bank in Tamale.

Globally, microcredit has risen to prominence at a rapid speed after its large-scale success in the 1970s in Bangladesh with Grameen Bank. Its central idea is that traditional banks find the poor too costly to serve due to their lack of steady income and collateral. To address the issue of a lack of collateral to secure loans, some rural banks and microfinance companies have taken to group guarantees as a form of social collateral to provide loans. This study delves into the group lending model of the Bonzali Rural bank in Tamale. It aimed at obtaining data on the forms of social collateral, borrower benefits, challenges and the prospects of the group lending approach in microfinance services delivery. A sample of 201 women was used for the study. Structured Survey questionnaires were the main data collection instrument used. Tables were used in the presentation of data. SPSS has been used in producing the charts and Tables and to carry out a paired sample analysis. Group guarantee was the singular collateral security base upon which women were granted loans. The benefits of group lending to the borrower were found to include; improvements in personal finance, easy access to credit, and so on. The paired sample results indicated a statistically significant impact of loans to the beneficiary women through profit increment. Borrower challenges were found to include; peer pressure, conflict among members, etc. Majority of the women were positive about their future relationship with the bank. Based on the findings of this study, it recommends among others that, the Bank of Ghana should adopt a discriminatory policy rate in order to lessen the cost of borrowing to MFIs that support women groups and entrepreneurs.

Source: UCC
Challenges and Prospects of off Campus Practicum: The Experience of the Physical Education Student Teacher

Teaching practice is one of the major ways in teacher preparation. It therefore enhances pre-service teacher preparation and provides opportunity to beginning teachers’ to real life situation of teaching and to become socialized into the profession as they put together subject matter knowledge and pedagogical knowledge into lesson delivery. Teacher training institutions year after year put in so much on teaching practice; however, it seems elusive whether the purpose of practicum is harnessed as students take longer time to settle in their various school of practice. The focus of this paper was to investigate the challenges and the prospects of the off campus teaching practice as experienced by the Physical Education (PE) student teacher. The research made use of descriptive survey design. PE student teachers on teaching practice during the 2013/2014 academic year were purposively selected and responded to 3-point Likert Scale questionnaire. Student teachers were asked to respond to statements either they agree, undecided or disagree. It was found that majority 41 (93%) of PE student teachers on practice have positive attitudes towards the practicum. We also found that poor learning environment, lack of teaching equipment, facilities and materials 31(70%), uneasy accessibility of some of the locations by supervisors 25 (57%), mentors not having time to guide the student teacher were some of the major challenges encountered by the PE student teachers. We recommended that orientation should be given to heads of institutions and mentors on their role of teacher preparation and also the new knowledge that only supervisors with PE background 22 (50%) should supervise PE lessons and only lecturers in the Faculty of Education should supervise teaching practice 34 (77%).

Source: UCC
The Challenges and Prospects of the Commercial Poultry Industry in Ghana: A Synthesis of Literature

Ghana’s poultry sector has been experiencing a steep decline since the year 2000. Many, if not all, the commercial poultry farms that were established in the late 1960s and early 1970s have collapsed and/or are on the verge of collapsing. Parliament passed a law to increase taxes on the importation of frozen chicken but that law has never been implemented due to pressures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This paper examined the challenges and prospects of the commercial poultry industry in Ghana. A synthesis of secondary data was sourced to assess the prevailing issues. It was concluded that the Government of Ghana should pass the law to increase taxes on the importation of frozen chicken; adopt policies to encourage SME financing in Ghana; develop proper training institutions for poultry farmers; encourage the consumption of local poultry products whiles the industry offer relevant training and live demonstration programmes for its members. Entrepreneurs must also address all the financial and managerial issues affecting the poultry industry in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Challenges associated with implementing the capitation grant policy: A survey of basic school financing in the Wa municipality

The capitation grant policy is one of the most vital educational policies which is aimed at reducing the high illiteracy rate in the country. This study sought to evaluate the implementation of the capitation grant policy of government and its sustainability. The study therefore examined the implementation bottlenecks of the policy objective in selected basic schools in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the views of 90 respondents were sought using a self-developed questionnaire. Fifty headteachers were randomly sampled while 30 parents and the 10 GES officials were purposively chosen to participate in the study. The questionnaire was hand-delivered to the respondents. The data were analyzed by calculating frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. The study revealed that the basic expenditure needs of the schools were not being met by the capitation grant. The study also showed that the funds were not always released on time for disbursement. Moreover, the study indicated some lapses in the spending guidelines for the disbursement of the fund. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that the computational formula for the allocation of the capitation grant for schools should be reviewed to cover all the basic needs of the schools. It is also recommended that the fund should be released on time for the heads to use it at the appropriate time to enhance teaching and learning.

Source: UCC
Challenges associated with marketing bamboo and rattan products in Ghana

In Ghana, bamboo and rattan are the two largest non-timber forest products. The study sought to assess the marketing challenges associated with marketing bamboo and rattan products in Ghana. The study area is focused on all the regions in Ghana. Descriptive research design is used to gather data from two hundred customers of bamboo and rattan products out of 1,000 target population throughout the country. The study revealed various items made from bamboo and rattan on the market. It also revealed that manufacturers of bamboo and rattan products do not design products to meet needs of customers and do not offer after sale services and selling at very high prices, among others. The study further revealed that the first and second major marketing challenges confronting manufacturers of bamboo and rattan products in Ghana are the lack of promotion and quality of their products respectively. Other challenges included the presence of competitors and poor product awareness. The study therefore recommended that the local media should also be sensitized by the national bodies such as the Ministries of Information and Communication, and Media Commission to spearhead the regular promotion and marketing of bamboo and rattan products. Also, the District Assembly should create the enabling environment to improve upon activities of the bamboo and rattan industry.

Source: UCC
Challenges associated with the introduction of information, communication and technology in senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges associated with the introduction of information and communication technology in senior high schools in the Cape Coast metropolis and to propose strategies aimed at improving ICT usage within the district. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Relevant and Related literature was reviewed. A descriptive survey design was employed. Fifty (50) ICT teachers constituted the population of which thirty (30) were randomly sampled. In order to gather enough data for the study, questionnaire was used. All the items were mainly close-ended items on a likert-type scale and were generated from the research questions. The data gathered with the instrument were analysed and interpreted to provide answers to the research questions by using frequencies and percentages. From the study, it was revealed that most ICT teachers have at least first degree certificate and also, there should be regular In-service training for teachers who teach ICT by school authorities. It was recommended that, teachers who teach ICT must have the requisite qualification before teaching. The government should also provide proper infrastructure for the learning of ICT and there should be frequent training for ICT teachers.

Source: UCC
Challenges Encountered by Family Caregivers of Prostate Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Inquiry

Background In Ghana, prostate cancer is more prevalent than all other cancers with a mortality rate of 75% partly as a result of late presentation to the health care facilities. Limited health services provision across the country and shortages of skilled nurses place a signi¦cant demand on family caregivers who are often ill-equipped for the caring role resulting in a lot of challenges. As they are expected to provide complex care at home with little resources, information, and support, yet, the healthcare system rarely addresses the challenging needs of these family caregivers. This study explored the Challenges encountered by family caregivers of people with prostate cancer. Methods A qualitative phenomenological descriptive study was adapted using a semi-structured interview guide to conduct indepth interviews with twelve (12) family caregivers of prostate cancer patients selected through a purposive sampling technique at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Findings The signi¦cant statement extracted from verbatim transcripts (analysis of transcripts) produced three main themes as key challenges relating to; Education and Training needs, Resources and Caregiver-nurse relationship issues with seven (7) sub-themes that collectively hindered the family caregivers ability to effectively perform their caring role. Thus making it di¨cult for them to meet the care demands. Sub-themes that emerged were; lack of preparedness towards the caring role, lack of knowledge about condition/ treatment, misconception about the condition, lack of accommodation facilities, ¦nancial constraints, poor communication and poor staff attitude. Conclusion Caregiving is associated with signi¦cant challenges that hinder family caregiver’s ability to effectively care for the patient; further diminishing caregiver’s quality of life and quality of patient care. Healthcare professionals especially nurses should, therefore, consider these challenges faced by family caregivers and put in measures to obviate them through education, preparation, and support.

Source: UCC
Challenges face by Science Teachers in the Teaching of Integrated Science in Ghanaian Junior High Schools

Notwithstanding the quantum of research works in the literature relating to school science, there are still issues for science educators and researchers to consider and read around. Even at higher platforms such as UNESCO, research works on science education are presented and discussed in order to clear the way for quality science education. In this paper, an investigation into challenges science teachers face in teaching Integrated Science at the Junior High School level was conducted. Qualitative approach such as open-ended interviews and observations of science syllabus, standard examination questions, and students’ textbooks were deployed to investigate the challenges of science teaching with 10 science teachers in a developing country. The challenges so identified included loaded science examination papers, attitude of students towards school science, the concept of improvisation, and students’ preparedness towards new science lessons. These challenges in one way or the other affect the teaching methodology selection by teachers for quality science education. It was therefore recommended in addition to other things that experts in improvisation should take a second look at the concept in order to incorporate the current edition of scientific concepts which have been added to the Basic School Science.

Source: UCC
Challenges faced by educational administrators in rural senior high schools: Acase study of the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai district of the Western region of Ghana

This study on challenges faced by administrators of rural Senior High Schools focuses on areas that reveal the weaknesses side or inadequate areas of rural Senior High School educational administrators in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District of Western Region. The subject or respondents for the study were the teaching staff with administrative responsibility positions and some executives of the Parent Teacher Associations (P.T.A) of the schools where the study was conducted. Seventy respondents in administrative position including 10 P.T.A executive members were selected by using purposive sampling and census. The research design for this study was the descriptive survey. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to gather data for the study. The data that were obtained were described and analysed using percentages and frequencies. The researcher found out that: Physical facilities were overstretched in the two schools. The schools were always in financial difficulties. Both schools were observed to have low staff retention rate. Teachers’ absenteeism was high in both schools where the study was conducted. Based upon the findings in this study, it was recommended that: Teaching and learning resources should be upgraded to meet the test of time and parents must be educated on the importance of prompt payment of fees. School administrators should identify other sources of funding schools such as establishment of school farm and liaise with local and international organisations. Incentive packages should be put in place to attract and retain qualified staff.

Source: UCC
Challenges Faced by Girls who Dropout from Senior High School: the Voices of Sixty Dropout Girls in the Upper West Region of Ghana

There is literature on why and how girls drop out of school. However, very little focus is placed on how the dropout girl is coping with life. The formal training that girls obtain in school today has multiple positive consequences for society tomorrow. The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of girls who drop out of school. The goal of the study is to empower young girls to make informed decisions about their education. The study adopted descriptive study, and purposive sampling was used to pick participants for the study. An interview guide was used to gather information from sixty (60) girls, who dropped out of school in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results show that, a majority of the participants regretted dropping out of school and called on the government for a re-enrollment policy

Source: UCC
Challenges Faced by Mathematics Education Student-Teachers During Macro-Teaching Practice

It sounds contradictory when students who are being trained to teach go to the field and end up performing quite below standard despite all efforts put in place by the university to produce effective and productive teachers. The issue been raised is, what then becomes the fate of the students they are teaching in terms of performance? It is in this view that the current research was conducted to examine the challenges faced by mathematics education students during macroteaching. To achieve the objective of the study, a descriptive survey design was employed for the study. A sample size of 35 final year students offering Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) programme were selected using the simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used as the main instruments for data collection during the research process. Results from the study indicated that student-teachers encounter environmental, instructional and supervisory challenges. Environment challenges faced by these students include inadequate teaching and learning mathematics and difficulty in transport to the schools. Other challenges encountered, conclusions, recommendations as well as the implications of the findings are discussed in the work.

Source: UCC
Challenges faced in the implementation of the in - in - out programme in teacher training colleges in Ashanti region

Teacher education system in Ghana has seen a number of changes as times go by. This study looked at the challenges faced by the present teacher education programme which focuses on basic education. Two teacher training colleges in the Ashanti Region - Saint Louis Training and Wesley Colleges were selected for the study. The descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was employed for this study. One hundred and twenty teacher trainees were originally sampled for the study but 112 responded by returning questionnaires given to them. Teacher trainee respondents were selected randomly; whilst headteachers and opinion leaders selected purposefully. Questionnaire and interview guides were used for data collection and data analysed by computer software - the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results were presented using frequency tables and percentages. The major finding of the study was that the general perception of respondents about the In- In-Out Programme was positive with few of them dissenting due to the challenges that are associated with it. There were challenges of adequate social, financial and time constraints. Also, there was a need for seminars and workshops for practising teachers and guidance and counselling services for teacher trainees. Additionally, teacher trainees had to combine the performance of many tasks at the same time. It was therefore concluded that the programme is a worthwhile educational policy and the benefits are far-reaching. Consequently, appropriate recommendations were made to educational authorities for remedies. It was recommended that beneficiary communities should be educated on the benefits of the programme and need to assist to make it a success.

Source: UCC
Challenges facing effective implementation of the health insurance scheme in the Assin North municipality

The study sought to analyse the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Assin North Municipal Assembly. In all, 138 NHIS subscribers and three key informants comprising the manager of Assin North NHIS, the head of one accredited NHIS pharmacy and the head of one accredited NHIS health centre were selected for the study. Questionnaires and interview guide were the research instruments that were used to collect data from the field. In addition to this, purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used toselect the respondents for the study.The study found that the level of registration of the NHIS in Assin North Municipality was high. Two main factors namely trust in the NHIS and theaffordability of the NHIS premium accounted for this. Perception of the implementation of the NHIS in Assin North Municipality was good. Poor delivery of services by NHIS service providers, corruption in the activities of NHIS service providers and untimely disbursement of funds to NHIS service providers were the main factors that affect the implementation of NHIS. It is recommended that National Health Insurance Council (NHIC) should form finance committees at the district, regional and national levels to check the financial activities of NHIS service providers. The council should make sure that funds covering the cost of drugs are timely disbursed to NHIS service providers.In addition, the NHIC should also institute award scheme for the best NHIS service providers to encourage service providers offering poor services to improve upon their services.

Source: UCC
Challenges facing female administrators in senior high schools in the Accra metropolis

The study was to find out the challenges confronting women in educational administration in the country, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, where a sizeable number of them are found. It sought to investigate whether (i) female administrators in education are discriminated against, (ii) how they do manage their career and families and (iii) whether there are any effective support services provided for them to enhance their effectiveness, among others. The study was necessary due to the high level of concern for the issue of women in leadership positions, in recent times, in all fields, including education interviews, questionnaires and examination of official documents were used as the main instrument to collect data. Data was then subjected to both quantitative and non-quantitative analysis. One finding is that women face a myriad of challenges in managing schools that are entrusted to them. Among such challenges are abject discriminations based on traditional norms and practices or gender/stereotyped roles for women continue to militate against female administrators in education. It was recommended that gender advocacy groups such as churches and statutory bodies carry out seminars, workshops and other public awareness, campaigns to help eliminate the discrimination against women. Also special support mechanisms should be put in place to cushion women in leadership positions especially in education to enhance their effectiveness; this can be done in areas, such as provision of accommodation around duty point and provision of in-service training among others.

Source: UCC
Challenges Facing Garment Producing Industries under AGOA in Ghana

The general objective of the study was to look at the challenges facing garment producing industries under AGOA in Ghana. The study was conducted using 116 workers from four garment producing industries in Accra and Tema. Questionnaires and interview schedules were developed and used to collect data from the sampled workers. Statistical techniques such as means and percentages were used to analyse the data collected. The industries and workers have major challenges such as lack of motivation, inadequate facilities and amenities, lack of funding, and insufficient managerial ability. Strategies that will help improve operations in the industries were mentioned by workers and this were grouped in two i.e. welfare and factory running. The following recommendations were made: 1. The Ghana Trades Union should monitor the industries and make sure the workers are duly paid for what they work for and on time. 2. The Government should help the industries financially or help them assess loans or the US credit facilities that will enable them acquire modern equipment and pay their workers well.

Source: UCC