ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of the Internal Processes and Measures for Internally Generated Funds (Igf) in MMDAS, A Case of Adansi South District Assembly in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Effective financial management within local governments plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and accountable governance. This study delves into the intricate landscape of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) management within the Adansi South District Assembly, unveiling the structures of internal control processes, their impacts on performance delivery, and recommendations for enhancement. Through a mixed-methods approach, data was gathered from diverse participants representing various echelons of authority and responsibility within the District Assembly. The findings illuminate a district where well-defined procedures for IGF collection, effective mechanisms for monitoring and tracking, and systems ensuring financial record accuracy are present. These practices underscore the District Assembly's commitment to accountable financial governance. The study also highlights the significant impact of internal control processes on efficient IGF utilization for development projects, enhancing transparency and accountability. Participants' recommendations for improvement encompass training and capacity building, strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and embracing technological solutions. Bridging theory and practice, these recommendations provide a strategic roadmap for enhancing financial governance and promoting sustainable development. While the study contributes valuable insights, limitations are acknowledged, and future directions are suggested for comprehensive research in local government financial management. This study serves as a guidepost for the Adansi South District Assembly and other local governments, fostering effective financial practices that contribute to community upliftment and progress.

Source: UCC
AN EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST ON E-WASTE

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become the main contributor of toxic chemicals such as lead (Pb) to landfills in the U.S. (EPA 2000). According to UNEP and UNU report in 2008, e-waste is a major problem in countries such as China and India, where there are mountains of e-waste to be dealt with. This important subject is not regularly discussed in both the print and electronic media in Ghana, as it ought to. Therefore this paper seeks to find out the level of e-waste awareness and knowledge of students of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The main finding is that majority of the respondents have not heard of e-waste and for that matter they are unaware of its effect on their health and the environment. Annual “e-waste awareness week” and a liberal online course on e-waste were recommended as means to reverse this unfortunately situation, which will go a long way to minimise its impact on the Ghanaian populace

Source: UCC
Evaluation of the levels of selected heavy metals in mangrove ecosystem and roadside topsoil in Ghana

Trace metals were determined in the soil and water of four lagoons, two estuaries, and four heavy-traffic roads in Greater Accra along the Atlantic coast of Ghana. The results showed that water samples from all of the water bodies studied were polluted with mercury (Hg) and less polluted with arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd). The pollution status of water samples was confirmed by contamination degree (CD) analysis, which yielded values of >1 of Hg and <1 of As, Ni, and Cd. Evaluation of the data from the soil sample was enhanced by the application of pollution quantification tools—the pollution load index (PLI) and the index of geoaccumulation (IGEO)—which showed that the mangrove swamp soil studied is progressively degrading with Hg, As, Ni, and Cd. It was also revealed that vehicular emissions were a potential source of lead (Pb), Ni, and manganese (Mn) in the roadside soils monitored. From the results of this study, it is clear that the mangroves are gradually degrading and that measures should established to control release of these metals into the environment

Source: UCC
An evaluation of the music teacher training programme for basic schools in Nigeria with special reference to South-Eastern States

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the music teacher programme of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) towards meeting the federal government’s aspiration of making its education relevant to the child and society, and provision of quality specialist music teachers in their number for the primary and junior secondary schools. The research paradigm that guided the study was constructivist interpretative of concurrent mixed method. The sample size of 16 music lecturers, 14 final years (Music Double major) NCE students, 12 in-service teachers, 12 music administrators, 5 SUBEBS (State Universal Basic Education Boards), and 3 CoEs (Colleges of Education) were drawn for the study. The instruments for data collections were interview, questionnaire and site observations. Data analysis was done using SPSS, Thematic analysis and Holmes analytical framework. The study revealed a tension between the expectations of the federal government towards teaching CCA at the basic schools and the preparation of specialist music teachers by the NCCE that failed to capture Nigerian music culture. It also revealed an inadequate number of music teachers prepared by the CoEs. There was low quality assessment of the training by final year students, in-service music teachers and music administrators. I therefore recommend: 1) a review of music as core and the admission process; 2) review of curriculum towards the learning of music as in the Nigerian culture and not the learning of music components as it is in the curriculum; 3) retraining of the teachers and engagement of the popular and traditional music experts in the development and implementation of the programme

Source: UCC
An Evaluation of the Music Teacher Training Programme for Basic Schools in Nigeria with Special Reference to South-eastern States

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the music teacher programme of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) towards meeting the federal government’s aspiration of making its education relevant to the child and society, and provision of quality specialist music teachers in their number for the primary and junior secondary schools. The research paradigm that guided the study was constructivist interpretative of concurrent mixed method. The sample size of 16 music lecturers, 14 final years (Music Double major) NCE students, 12 in-service teachers, 12 music administrators, 5 SUBEBS (State Universal Basic Education Boards), and 3 CoEs (Colleges of Education) were drawn for the study. The instruments for data collections were interview, questionnaire and site observations. Data analysis was done using SPSS, Thematic analysis and Holmes analytical framework. The study revealed a tension between the expectations of the federal government towards teaching CCA at the basic schools and the preparation of specialist music teachers by the NCCE that failed to capture Nigerian music culture. It also revealed an inadequate number of music teachers prepared by the CoEs. There was low quality assessment of the training by final year students, in-service music teachers and music administrators. I therefore recommend: 1) a review of music as core and the admission process; 2) review of curriculum towards the learning of music as in the Nigerian culture and not the learning of music components as it is in the curriculum; 3) retraining of the teachers and engagement of the popular and traditional music experts in the development and implementation of the programme.

Source: UCC
An Evaluation of the nematicidal potential of five botanicals in the management of meloidogyne Spp on tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum)

In Ghana, information on plants antagonistic to nematodes is scanty compelling farmers to rely on synthetic chemicals which are effective but pose an environmental threat. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Tectona grandis, Azadirachta indica, Vernonia amygdalina and Bryophyllum pinnatum plants for the control of Meloidogyne spp. In evaluating the botanicals, a laboratory, field and pot experiments were conducted. The first experiment evaluated the effect of extracts from fresh leaves of K. senegalensis, T. grandis, A. indica, V. amygdalina and B. pinnatum on eggs hatchability and nematicidal activity against second stage juveniles of Meloidogyne spp in the laboratory. Results show that lower egg hatch and higher juvenile mortality occurred in the extracts and was concentration dependent. A. indica at 25% gave the lowest mean egg hatch of 2.33 and highest juvenile mortality of 65.16. The second experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extracts of K. senegalensis, T. grandis, A. indica, V. amygdalina and B. pinnatum applied tosoil as drench on tomato plants. Although the botanicals were effective in the laboratory and pot experiments, they were moderately effective in the field.. The third experiment was carried out to evaluate the application of leaf extracts of K. senegalensis, T. grandis, A. indica, V. amygdalina and B. pinnatum as mulch and soil admixture on growth and severity of nematode infection on tomato plants. The results indicated that K. senegalensis, T. grandis, A. indica, V. amygdalina and B. pinnatum applied as soil-admixtures were more effective in controlling Meloidogyne than applied as mulch.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of the one year internship programme of the University of Education, Winneba

The views of mentees, mentors, and University supervisors about the one year internship programme of the University of Education, Winneba were examined. The views of a total of 333 respondents made up of 177 mentees, 91 mentors and 65 University supervisors in the Ashanti region were gathered by means of a self- designed questionnaire consisting largely of the likert-type items. The data was then subjected to frequency, percentage and chi-square analysis to address the 6 research questions formulated to guide the study. The result of the chi -square test indicated that mentees, mentors and the university supervisors were adequately prepared for the internship, although the preparation did not equip them with all the skills they needed for the internship. The study also revealed that respondents preferred one semester duration of the internship instead of the one full academic year. Although, both mentees and mentors have some apprehension about the university supervisors, they feel that the supervisors should continue to supervise the mentees. The study revealed that the absence of link coordinators, difficulty in getting schools to undertake the internship, low allowances paid to mentors, difficulty in writing the project while outside campus were some of the problems hindering the internship. Respondents were also of the view that the internship programme has a better potential of training competent teachers than the four weeks off-campus teaching practice.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of the performance appraisal system of Ghana Post Company limited, Tamale metropolis

The study identified that several challenges may hinder the effectiveness of performance appraisal systems and thus aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the performance appraisal system operating within the Ghana Post Company Limited. This was pursued through examining the nature of the performance appraisal system of the company, assessing the effectiveness of the performance appraisal system, and discussing how appraisal results influence staff performance. A descriptive design was adopted to study 48 appraisees and eight appraisers. Questionnaires were used to collect data from appraisees and interview guides were used to collect data from appraisers. Statistical tools used to analyse the data collected included descriptive tools such as means, medians, frequencies, percentages and Mann-Whitney U test. The study found that the appraisal system was formal and guided by documented and lucid policies and also adequately involved senior and junior staff. In addition, the system effectively provided feedback for most senior and junior staff and the system helped improve employee skills, improve understanding of job expectations, clarify roles of teams and resolve misunderstanding on the job duties. The study recommended management to continue involving junior and senior staff and provide feedback. Management is also advised to effectively resolve challenges including time constraints, clarifying the assessment criteria to employees, and provide adequate cooperation to staff during appraisal.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of the performance appraisal system of personnel of the headquarters of the Ghana Education Service (GES) Accra

The study was to examine the basis for conducting performance appraisal at the GES Headquarters in Accra, what is appraised by the Directors in terms of knowledge of job, quality of work, dependability, etc. vis-à-vis the employees perception on the appraisal system. One hundred and sixteen (116) respondents drawn from the ten (10) divisions were interviewed and made to answer a questionnaire which were mostly close-ended and open-ended comprising mostly dichotomous and multiple choices. The study established that performance appraisal does not really evaluate the performance of the employees as they are appraised only when they are due for promotional interview. It also established that most of the directors have not undergone any training in the administration of Performance Appraisal. For effective appraisal therefore, the GES Headquarters need to set a target to be measured and accountable for by all personnel. It must also be mandatory for all staff to be appraised annually whether due for promotion or not. Since the development of a country is tied to what the individual does, it is important that Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) is submitted annually by Divisional Directors for administrative and development purposes. To achieve these, job specification processes must be set up for all categories of personnel so that they would know what target to achieve at the end of a given period. It was recommended that performance of appraisal report must be submitted on all employees whether due for promotion or not.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of the performance appraisal system of the Mfantsiman municipal assembly of Ghana

The study evaluated the Performance Appraisal system of the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly between 2010 and 2012. It also considered the measures adopted by the Municipal Assembly to address the issues of Appraisal within the Assembly. Data were collected from both Appraisers and Appraisees in five Departments. Eighty questionnaires were distributed to the respondents (70 appraisees and 10 appraisers) who were randomly selected for the interview. All the questionnaires were returned. Data analysis was done using the simple frequency tables, cross tabulations across appraisees and appraisers, charts and percentages obtained from Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 17.0. The findings reveal that employees view the appraisal process to be relevant and indicated that the system should be devoid of favoritism, nepotism and biases. It was recommended that the central administration should organize periodic training on performance appraisal for all personnel. Also, the current feedback should be modified and finally, the Assembly should strongly link promotion with performance. It can be concluded that the practice of performance appraisal is a well established system in the personnel of the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly and it was the view of personnel of the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly that the Assembly actually used the reports for its intended purposes. The way performance appraisal is undertaken in the personnel of the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly is encouraging but it can be more effective when the above recommendations are implemented.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of the Performance of School Uniform Fabrics and Satisfaction among Selected Kindergartens in Ho Municipality

This study was a descriptive survey which investigated the choice, performance of school uniform fabrics and satisfaction among parents who have children in private kindergartens (PKGs) in Ho Municipality. Simple random sampling method was employed in selecting 236 parents from 14 private kindergartens for the study. Data was collected via questionnaire and observation guide and 99.3% of the respondents returned completed questionnaires. The instrument yielded a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.879. Descriptive statistical methods such as frequencies, percentages and means were used to present results. From the results, comfort, durability in appearance and durability in strength were the most perceived intrinsic fabric choice factors among parents. Aesthetics was the highest rated performance attribute among performance attributes. The outstanding reason for parent‟s satisfaction was ease of care. Also, most uniforms in some schools were affected by yarn slippage, pilling, fading, loss of strength and nonresistance to high temperature. Pre-determining fabric‟s performance prior to purchase ensures reduction in fabric failure. It is therefore recommended that school authorities and PTA who make fabric choices for Private kindergartens, do performance tests on fabrics prior to purchasing large quantities

Source: UCC
EVALUATION OF THE PREVALENCE OF CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTED CHILDREN ON HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY

Background: Prior to the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction among children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was estimated between 50-75% in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the cardiac function among Ghanaian HIV-infected children on long term HAART and determined factors associated with cardiac dysfunction. Methods: Confirmed HIV infected (HIV+) children aged 9 - 240 months (mo) from a tertiary teaching hospital and nearby hospitals in Cape Coast, Ghana were recruited. HIV exposed/uninfected (HIV-) aged 2 - 216 mo were used as controls. Cardiac assessment included: fractional shortening (FS) by M-mode; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using bullet method; assessment for pericardial effusion and diastolic function by tissue Doppler E/E’; E/E’ <10 was considered normal. Most recent CD4 count and viral load were obtained from the medical records. The prevalence of cardiac abnormalities were determined using simple proportion; two sample t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and linear regression were used to compare means and test relationships between function, CD4 count and viral load. Results: Among 185 children, 121 were HIV+ and 64 were HIV-. The HIV+ group was older (median age 120 mo vs 24 mo, p <0.001). Echocardiographic abnormalities were present in 13.2% of HIV+ group. Abnormalities included LVSF <28% in 4.1% (n=5); LV dilation (LV internal dimension in diastole z-score >2) in 3.3% (n=4); LVSF <28% and LV dilation in 2.5% (n=3); LVEF <55% in 2.5% (n=3) and pericardial effusion in 0.80% (n=1). No abnormalities were seen in the control group. The mean (±SD) cardiac functional indices for the HIV+ vs the HIV- were FS (35.8%±0.47 vs 39.7%±0.51, p=0.004), EF (59.5%±0.35 vs 60.2±0.54, p=0.28). Abnormal diastolic indices were present in 4.1% (n=5) of the HIV+ children. The mean CD4 count (n=53) was 799.6 (±586.2) cells/mm3; median (IQR range) viral load (n=54) was 40830 (279-201769) copies/ml. There was a weak positive association between CD4 count and EF (r2=0.10, p=0.01). Conclusion: Cardiac dysfunction among Ghanaian HIV+ children on long term HAART is lower than previously reported in sub Saharan Africa.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of the school feeding programme and pupils academic performance in Ghana: a study of the catholic relief service feeding programme in Savelugu/Nanaton District

One successful method to ensuring that children attend school on a regular basis is through school feeding programmes. Many different organisations fund school feeding programmes, among them the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Bank. In Ghana the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) is one such organisation involved with school feeding in the Savelugu/Nanton District. The general objective of the study is to evaluate the CRS intervention of the school feeding programme and its effect on academic performance of pupils in the Savelugu/Nanton district. In this study the Single Subject research design was adopted. One hundred respondents were selected from a population of teachers of beneficiary schools. Questionnaires were used to elicit responses. The major findings as determined from the statistical records available showed that there were three thousand six hundred and one (3,601) children. Out of this total, boys were two thousand and ten (2,010) as the girls were one thousand five hundred and ninety one (1,591). The respondents attributed some positive effects of the feeding programme including increased in enrolment and retention, improved academic performance, educational access for the girl child and monetary savings for parents. It is recommended that educational infrastructure should be expanded to accommodate the increasing enrolment, reliable source of funding should be secured to sustain the programme and an exit strategy gradually adopted so parents do not feel perpetually dependent on the feeding programme.

Source: UCC
An evaluation of the skills training and emploment placement (STEP) programme on the youth in the Zabzugu/Tatale district in the Northern region of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Skills Training and Employment Placement (STEP) Programme on the youth in terms of job placements. It focused on the perceptions of the youth on the programme based on their experiences during and after the skills training. The research design, therefore, used for the study was evaluative. The stratified random sampling technique was used to select 152 respondents out of a population of 200 youth who participated in the programme in the Zabzugu-Tatale district between the period March, 2002 - September, 2005. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used to gather the data for the study. The findings showed that the programme helped the respondents to acquire the necessary skills, had access to micro financial assistance, get gainful employment, and impart their skills on their personal growth and development. It was, however, revealed that proper recruitment procedures were not adhered to. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that, in order to sustain youth development intervention programmes, the Ministry of Manpower Development, Youth and Employment should: forge partnership with small-scale businesses and micro enterprises that are interested in youth development programmes and come out with a comprehensive youth development policy; and establish a working relationship with them and design a proper career progression that will afford the trainees to move from one level of training to the other. These will help in sustainable youth development programmes.

Source: UCC