ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Access to health care services in Ghana sports: a case study of the Kintampo District

This study was undertaken to assess the state of and access to health care services in Ghana sports with particular reference o the Kintampo District professional sports in recent times is characterized by extreme physical and mental exertions where things are stretched beyond the Limits of the ordinary. Against this background, it is one of the most fundamental duties of every sports administrator to ensure good health care of his sportsmen and women. Good health care of the sportsman and woman can take the form of a. periodic medical examination, regular health monitoring measures, provision of quality and quantity diet, provision of medical care services and also opportunity to have access to information and education on personal health issues. Issues relating to the health of sports performers are most often relegated to the back ground at the expense of other issues This phenomenon has caused man sports talents fail to realize their full potentials through incapacitation and sometimes death. The study method includes interviews of retired sportsmen and women who had been victims of sports injuries. Sports administrators were interviewed. The sample size was ninety (90), made up of fifty (50) sportsmen, victims of sports injuries and other health related problems, and forty (40) sports administrators. Closed and open — ended questionnaire were used after pre-testing them. The respondents were conveniently and purposively sampled. Results and findings indicate that there is a 1 00% awareness response from respondents on the risks associated with sports However, sports administrators are not doing much to cater for the health needs of their sportsmen and women. Further findings indicate that no sports administrator for instance has ever taken his Sportsmen and women through any form of medical examination since 1st January, 2002. The findings on health personnel situation in the Teams indicate that no Team administrator enjoys the services of Team Physicians, Team Psychologist, Team Nutritionist, Team Physiotherapist. among others, as each position recorded 100% non availability. Results of the study concluded that access to health care services in Ghana sports is poor. It was therefore recommended that all stakeholders in sports development in the District should come out with policies that would make health care service affordable and accessible to sportsmen and women in the District and the Country at large.

Source: KNUST
Access to finance by small and medium scale enterprises from Savings and Loans Institutions in the Kumasi Metropolis

In today's Global Economy, SMEs are the engine of growth and for that matter they must be funded and thereby the state or the government must put policies that will assist their growth by accessing funds from financial institutions or the banks with lower interest rate. The study aimed at finding out the type of credit used by SMEs from Savings and Loans Companies, other sources of credit accessed by SMEs in Kumasi, the major constraints faced by SMEs in accessing credit from savings and loans companies and to investigate to investigate the assessment criteria used by savings and loans companies in SME loan appraisal. There is evidence that savings and loans companies are making credit available to the entrepreneurs of small and medium scale enterprises. « Prior to that inadequate credit was a major problem facing the Sector. There is the need in Ghana for our Universities in collaboration with the banks or financial institutions to educate the public about the importance of savings.

Source: KNUST
Access to loans at Ezi Savings and Loans Ghana Limited at Ashaiman Municipality of Ghana

This study seeks to examine how accessible are the loans given at Ezi savings and Loans Limited at the Ashaiman Branch in Tema Municipality. This was done by determining the types of loans accessible, analyzed the processes of accessing the loans, determine the customers perception on the accessibility of the loans and the trend in access of loans. The study employed the descriptive design approach using the survey method of data collection and analysis. Data was collected from 151 respondents using a questionnaire, simple random sampling method was used as a basis for selecting 151 respondents from the 435 customers for the study. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used for the study. Reports on access to loans over the past five years were used for the trend analysis. Major findings of the study are that microfinance and personal loans are main types of loans accessible with the least being constructional and agricultural loans. It was also found that most customers perceive loans to be accessible at Ezi Savings and Loans Limited. A major recommendation is that management should reveal its policy and guidelines on interest rate as well as on collateral for specific loans so as to increase access to loans.

Source: KNUST
Access to land for sustainable agricultural development - case study of the Krachi district of Ghana

This study focuses on access to land for sustainable agricultural development in the Krachi District of Ghana. It looked at the tenurial arrangements; traditional customary landholding and public tenurial systems and their relationships with improvement in agriculture and the living conditions of the people. The various bottlenecks hindering the achievement of sustainable agricultural development were examined. By way of methodology, the study was based on desk work, interviews through questionnaire to various categories of respondents including farmers, (male, female, indigenes and migrants, subsistence and commercial), opinion leaders, chiefs and landowners and agricultural Extension Front Line staff. Observational method and Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques were also used to obtain supplementary data. The study established that sustainable agriculture is thwarted by economic, institutional and technological and environmental problems. It was also detected that access to land in the traditional set up were relatively favourable to prospective farmers. However, the procedural arrangement could be onerous and time involving. On the other hand, government acquired agricultural lands for resettlement were beset with inequities resulting in landlessness of some indigenes (Asukawkaw, Banda, Grubi area) contrary to generally held views that land was always available to natives for cultivation. This state of affairs has created social upheavals in the form of land disputes (Apesukobi vrs Asukawkaw) and detachment from traditional homes through mass emigration to neighbouring districts. All these had culminated in low incomes, low endogenous development manifested in the near neglect of culture of maintenance” of some of the few communal facilities such as schools, toilets among others that were provided under the resettlement scheme. Policy implication that could be derived include a. access to land alone does not necessarily lead to sustainable rural development or sustainable agriculture; and b. resettlement schemes do not always lead to sustainable rural development. Therefore for sustainable agricultural development, as a strategy of Krachi District development to be achievable, there is the need to revitalise agriculture by a maze of packages including infrastructural provision, inputs supply, marketing, credit and extension service. On the other hand, the district need to redefine and redirect her development aspirations through poverty alleviation programmes, integrating communities and NGO’s in the development effort, adopting integrated development programmes creating congenial atmosphere for qualified public and civil servants to work as well as inculcating environmental consciousness and restoration awareness in the people.

Source: KNUST
Access to Microfinance and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Ghana: A Case of Selected SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis”

The underlying focus of the study was to investigate the impact of services provided by the microfinance institutions on the profitability of small- and medium-scale enterprises that access those services. Employing cross sectional data gathered through the administration of structured questionnaire, the Ordinary Least Squares estimation technique was adopted. On the basis of MFIs services enjoyed by the SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis, a number of respondents indicated that they have the opportunity to save, invest, and access loan facilities from the MFIs. However, it was made known to the researcher that not much advisory support is received from the MFIs. The results from the OLS estimation revealed that percentage of loans granted outright to the SMEs, cash collateral security required by the MFIs, interest charged on loans and the period of time allowed for the repayment of loans secured are the loan terms that critically influence the profitability of SMEs in the metropolis. On the contrary, the length of time taken to access loans, the grace period permitted by the MFIs, and cost of labour do not have any power in determining the profitability of the SMEs at the various margins of error adopted by the study. The researcher therefore recommends regularly monitoring of loans advanced to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. The researcher also recommends that Microfinance institutions can partner enterprise development agencies to increase the advisory support rendered to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

Source: KNUST
Access to water and financial implications of groundwater development in Dodowa, Ghana.

Global urban population growth has led to an increase in the difficulties in urban water provision. This population growth and urbanization which is rampant in the Sub- Saharan Africa has led to the rapid expansion of slums and informal settlements in the urban centers. Access to drinking water in these urban informal settlements of developing countries has being a challenge. The use of groundwater has hence evolved as a major source of urban water supply. In Ghana, Dodowa is one of the peri-urban communities where groundwater is widely used in addition to utility supplies and hence the research in Dodowa gives a true picture of water supply situation and domestic groundwater use within the urban poor. This study therefore focused on determining access to water supply, its cost implication to consumers and also to assess the financial implications of groundwater development in Dodowa. The methodology adopted was household surveys where a total of 300 households were interviewed to access all the necessary data such as socio-economic status of the consumers, access to water, cost and consumption. In addition, water point inventory was conducted where financial data such as capital cost, operation and maintenance cost and replacement costs of various water points was obtained. The results revealed a variety of water points in Dodowa which include utility pipe public taps, utility piped into buildings, motorized boreholes, hand/foot pump boreholes, hand-dug wells, water tankers and vendors. It was found that groundwater is widely used than all other sources of water supply in Dodowa. As much as 78% of all households use groundwater; only that most consumers of the groundwater sources find the water to be salty and hence they do not patronize it as a main source of supply. The financial analysis revealed that managing a utility public tap as well as motorized borehole fetches good returns with short payback periods (1 year 9 months and 2 years, 3 months respectively) and hence was found to be a profitable business for private water point operators. It was also found that the lowest income group rather pays more for water (0.84 Ghana Cedis/Capita/Day) while the highest income earning group pays less (0.36 Ghana Cedis/Capita/Day). Sachet water was also found to be in high demand (96.3% of all households purchase and use it) and a major contributor to high household water expenditure (it forms 72% of the average household water expenditure).

Source: KNUST
Accessibility of finance options and the level of satisfaction: a study of some selected business in the Sunyani municipality

The role played by entrepreneurs in the economic development of countries cannot be overemphasized. Finance is an important component needed by an entrepreneur in setting up, and or maintaining a business. The objective of the study was to examine the finance options available to the Ghanaian entrepreneur, and evaluate the satisfaction the entrepreneur derives from the various options and come up with the best option by comparing the significant levels. The study was quantitative, and used a sample of 50 entrepreneurs from the population of entrepreneurs in Sunyani Municipality. Random sampling was used to select respondents. SPSS was used in coding, entry and analysis of the data, using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The study revealed that, the finance options or sources of finance mostly used by entrepreneurs are personal credit union, banks, micro finance, and Moneylenders. The study showed that, the entrepreneurs were satisfied with the various finance options with regards to service rendered and impact on business performance and it was also revealed that firm’s age have effect of finance option available to entrepreneurs. It was recommended that financial institutions create products that will motivate savings among entrepreneurs as well as the entrepreneurs should try to save by using it as a finance option. When this is done, the entrepreneurs will have to assess interest-free funds for their businesses

Source: KNUST
Accessibility of finance options and the level of satisfaction: a study of some selected business in the sunyani municipality

The role played by entrepreneurs in the economic development of countries cannot be overemphasized. Finance is an important component needed by an entrepreneur in setting up, and or maintaining a business. The objective of the study was to examine the finance options available to the Ghanaian entrepreneur, and evaluate the satisfaction the entrepreneur derives from the various options and come up with the best option by comparing the significant levels. The study was quantitative, and used a sample of 50 entrepreneurs from the population of entrepreneurs in Sunyani Municipality. Random sampling was used to select respondents. SPSS was used in coding, entry and analysis of the data, using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The study revealed that, the finance options or sources of finance mostly used by entrepreneurs are personal credit union, banks, micro finance, and Moneylenders. The study showed that, the entrepreneurs were satisfied with the various finance options with regards to service rendered and impact on business performance and it was also revealed that firm’s age have effect of finance option available to entrepreneurs. It was recommended that financial institutions create products that will motivate savings among entrepreneurs as well as the entrepreneurs should try to save by using it as a finance option. When this is done, the entrepreneurs will have to assess interest-free funds for their businesses.

Source: KNUST
Accessing the impact of supply chain financing on organizational performance: the mediating role of supply chain integration

This research study aimed to access the impact of supply chain financing on organizational performance, and the mediating role of supply chain integration. The study utilized a survey methodology and focused on smes and manufacturing companies in Ghana in the Kumasi and Accra metropolis listed on the Ghana stock exchange and Ghana club 100, bankers, procurement professionals, and suppliers. A total of 200 respondents participated in the survey. The analysis of the collected data involved examining the link between supply chain finance on organizational performance and the mediating role of supply chain integration. In addition, the analysis also focused on the demographic and characteristics of firms from which the respondents were drawn. Next, the study evaluated the relationship between supply chain financing strategy and firm performance. The adoption of supply chain finance practices has been associated with advantages such as lower unit costs of procured goods, reduced supply disruptions, extended payment terms, and improved business continuity. The study's positive correlation supports the argument that effective supply chain financing can enhance a firm's overall performance. Furthermore, the study also investigated the influence of supply chain integration on firm performance. The study's finding underscores the idea that effective supply chain integration can contribute positively to a firm's overall performance. The study also analyses the direct and indirect results related to the mediating effect of supply chain integration on the relationship between supply chain financing strategy and organizational performance. The study's full mediation finding suggests that the positive effect of supply chain financing strategy on firm performance becomes significant only when supply chain integration is absent, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach for realizing the benefits of financing strategies.

Source: KNUST
Accessibility to finance for non traditional exports in Ghana

Access to finance has been identified as a dominant constraint facing Ghanaian exporters, especially in Non Traditional Exports (NTEs). Available evidence indicate that commercial banks in developing economies would rather invest their funds in less risky ventures than to place such funds in the development of the export sector (Asiedu-Appiah, E. 2005). This qualitative study seeks to find out the difficulties NTEs sector encounter in accessing export finance to support their businesses. The study is a non-experimental research using primary and secondary data. Using convenience sampling, 60 exporters were selected for the study. Their responses to questionnaire and interviews were compiled, analysed and evaluated using techniques such as tabulation and appropriate statistical graphs. Results from the study suggest that collateral, financial statement and cash flow are critical for financial institutions in extending credit to small non-traditional exporters. The study reveal high risk (real or perceived) associated with bank lending to NTEs likewise constrain access to finance. Banks lack the appropriate instruments for managing loans to NTEs. Most important, banks typically lack the know-how to reach the NTEs market segment. The study also examines the operating characteristics and key concerns of credit guarantee schemes. Credit guarantee schemes promote the flow of finance to NTEs by acknowledging their limited ability to provide acceptable collaterals, and by mitigating risks caused by the poor credit analysis and pricing skills of banks whose loans are to be guaranteed. Some thoughts on how to make Ghana's credit guarantee schemes sustainable are also provided.

Source: KNUST
Accessing the inventory management practices in a manufacturing company: ( a case study of Juaben Oil Mills Ltd)

Effective inventory control is a vital function to help ensure the success of manufacturing and distribution companies. This effectiveness of inventory control is directory measurable by how successful a company is in providing high levels of customer services, low inventory investment and low costs. Certainly, an area where management should apply a philosophy of aggressive improvment. (http://www.rmdonovan.com/inventory -contorl .htm) Although the amount and value of inventories carried by different types of firms varies widely, a typical firm probably has about 30 percent of its current assets and perhaps as much as 90 percent of its working capital invested in inventory (J. Stevenson, 1999). Open and closed ended questionnaire and interview were used to assess all the primary data while reports and records were used for the secondary data. Graph tool of Microsoft Excel software was used to analyze the data obtained.\ The study tried to identify the inventory management system adopted by JOML with its challenges and how these systems can further be improved. The study revealed the urgent need for a well documented procedure to be adopted by the company in managing inventories. The study further indentified a lot of problems chief amongst these were shortages, overstocking and delays in deliveries. This study also revealed that the stores personnel do not have any professional training on the effect and cost of bad inventory practices. The store’s manager, however, does not take part in decision making and this poses a threat to effective inventory management. It is therefore recommended that Management considers inventory management as part of corporate planning so as to save cost in managing inventories. Management is also advised to computerized stores activities which will help improve the smooth transfer of information within and outside the stores. This will also ensure proper documentation of items to facilitate the company adopting an inventory model in the future. Although this is a demanding task, the resulting benefits of proper management of stores activities proposed by the research make the task worthwhile. Further studies must be done to implement pragmatic inventory management models relating to JOML after recommendations have been fully implemented

Source: KNUST
Accessibility, utilization and loan repayment performance by small and medium scale enterprises (smes) in suame municipal.

The study assesses the accessibility, utilization and repayment of loans by SMEs in Suame Municipality. Data obtained from the field was analyzed based on the specific objectives that were to assess the access to credit by SMEs, examine the utilization of credits obtained by SMEs, assess the determinants of loan utilization and determine loan repayment performance by SMEs in Suame Municipality. The point biserial and chi squared tests were used to measure and evaluate the relationships between these determinants and whether the loan was used for its purpose of collection. Both the direction and degree of relationship were determined using these tests. Chi squared test was also used to measure and evaluate the relationship between the location of business and whether loan was used for its purpose as well as profit level of business and whether loan was used for its purpose. They were electronically computed using SPSS. Data analysis proved that accessing credit from financial institutions by SMEs in Suame Municipality was challenging due to the inability of SME owners and managers to provide the exact collateral, required guarantors or make special deposits. The study also revealed that most SMEs in Suame Municipality did not use the credit they obtained from the financial institutions for the purpose for which collected them. All the determinants measured had positive relationships with loan utilization with the exception of the number of employees. The study revealed that most SMEs in Suame Municipality had problem in repaying their loans or credits and this was due to factors, which included the loan characteristics, financial institution characteristics and business characteristics.

Source: KNUST