ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects Of Households Living Conditions on Pupils' Academic Performance in Zongo Communities in Kumasi, Ashanti Region

The study sought to examine the effects of poverty on academic performance in the Zongo communities in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study is philosophically grounded in urban geography using the systems theory to establish linkages between academic performance and other socio-economic variables like income, location and parents’ educational backgrounds. The study identified the falling standard in academic performance of pupils within the Zongo communities in the basic education certificate examination and attempts to identify solutions to improve such falling standards. Questionnaires and interviews were the main research instruments. These were however supplemented with personal observation. In all, 396 questionnaires were administered to Parents, Pupils, Head teachers, Teachers and Education director. Principal Component Analysis, Cross tabulations; Chi-square and Frequency tables were employed in the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data using the Statistical Product and Service Solution. The low income of parents, location of schools within the Zongo communities, and parents’ educational background were the major causes of low Pupils performance within the Zongo communities. The study recommends that the Ghana Education Service should conduct regular training and supervision of teachers working under the Islamic Education Unit. The study also recommends that the School Feeding Program of the government should be introduced within the Zongo communities as a way of supplementing the nutritional needs of the Pupil within the Zongo communities. The study also proposes empowering the youth and the parents within the study areas through vocational and technical training so as to create job opportunities, and thereby reduce unemployment within the study area. The study finally concludes that improvement in parent's income is a single most important factor that can enhance the academic performance of the pupils living in the Zongo communities.

Source: KNUST
Effects of human capital management on the performance of Regional Education Directorate, Kumasi-Ashanti Region

Despite the importance many institutions recently attach to their Human Capital as an asset and partner with whom the long term objectives and goals can be achieved, there is much to be desired. It is perceived that, a lot of Human Capital practices that have been adapted by most organisations have effects on the performance of the organisation in the long run. This dissertation therefore, sought to investigate the existence of Human Capital Practices at the Regional Education Directorate, Kumasi; assessing Human Capital practices, positive work attitude, effects of Human Capital and challenges. The research design for this study was descriptive and the researcher relied on questionnaire as a primary source of gathering data and reviewing available literature a secondary way of gathering information. The researcher applied quantitative method. Most respondents agreed that Human Capital Management practices, training and development, and positive work attitude existed at the Regional Education Directorate, Kumasi. Significant number of respondents realized that there was partiality in the manner compensation and rewards were given, coaching and mentoring was least applied to enhance performance. Majority of respondents were neutral about policies, procedures and decisions. However, the findings revealed that, Human Capital contributes to high performance and also enhances performance. After conducting the research, and making analysis of the data, the researcher recommends that as direct beneficiary of the policies, procedures, and decision, it is fair that employees also participate in taking such decisions so that they will be ready to help implement it. Shadowing, Coaching and Mentoring should be instituted to help develop Human Capital to prevent scarcity of key skills. Again, the researcher recommends that an appraisal system should be instituted to make compensation effective and fair according to an employee‘s performance. Last but not the least, the researcher recommends that, all stakeholders should continue to put in place the right administrative structures to help maintain this healthy and positive finding.

Source: KNUST
Effects of Human Disturbance on Butterfly Diversity and Abundance in Atewa Range Forest Range Forest Reserve, Ghana

In the face of increasing human disturbance in tropical forests, it is important to understand how disturbance influence species assemblages. Though butterflies respond dramatically to disturbance, only a limited number of studies have examined the effects of varying levels of disturbance intensities on butterfly diversity and abundance. This study was conducted in Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) to determine butterfly diversity and abundance in forests which differed in plant diversity and structure as a result of different disturbance intensities (i.e. non-disturbed, moderately disturbed and heavily disturbed forests). Vegetation characteristics and butterflies were sampled within ten 50 m × 50 m plots in each forest type. The results revealed that butterfly diversity and abundance were similar in the non-disturbed and moderately disturbed forests although they were significantly lower in the highly disturbed forest (p < 0.001). There were significant relationships between vegetation characteristics, and butterfly diversity and abundance (p < 0.001) which indicate that changes in vegetation following human disturbance influenced butterfly assemblages in the area. Based on butterfly species composition in the forest types, certain butterfly species were classified as disturbance-avoiding, moderately disturbance-adapted and highly disturbance-adapted species. The findings of the study indicated that butterfly diversity and abundance were comparable in the non-disturbed and moderately disturbed forests but significantly lower in the heavily disturbed forest. Thus, intermediate form of human disturbance could maintain butterfly diversity and abundance in the forest reserve. Consequently, management efforts aimed at butterfly conservation should be geared towards protecting forests from excessive human disturbances; selective logging could be preferable.

Source: KNUST
The Effects of Illegal Small-Scale Gold Mining (“Galamsey”) Activities on the Water Quality of the Akantansu and Sintim Rivers in the Asutifi North District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of illegal small-scale gold mining ("Galamsey") operations on the water quality of the Akantansu and Sintim rivers in the Asutifi North District of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. Water samples were collected from the two rivers for physico-chemical and heavy metal analyses. Levels of physico-chemical parameters were determined by standard methods while heavy metals were by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results show that, generally, higher values were recorded at downstream locations for most of the phyisco-chemical parameters studied. Mean values for temperature, pH, conductivity, TDS and TSS were within the WHO recommended guideline values for drinking water. However, samples from the rivers were found to be very turbid (> 5 NTU) and consequently coloured (> 20 TCU). Dissolved oxygen decreased at the downstream sampling locations and the mean values were generally slightly below the 5 mg/l recommended by the WHO. Mean levels of copper, arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury were generally higher downstream of the rivers, but were lower than the WHO acceptable limits. However, levels of iron were above the WHO acceptable limits, with very high values being recorded downstream of the rivers. The general trend in the levels of the parameters studied suggests influence from the small-scale gold mining activities along the banks of the two rivers.

Source: KNUST
Effects of inadequate toilet facilities on health in the Pru district of the Brong Ahafo Region.

The study examines the effects of poor sanitation due to inadequate toilet facilities on health in the Pru district of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The main objective of this research was to find out the health effects posed by inadequate toilet facilities in the Pru district of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The conceptual framework used for the study was the one by Hirve et al 2015 which is the conceptual model for sanitation in different settings, problem of use and health impact. The study employed the multi stage sampling technique. The sample size, 380, was derived using the table by Krejcie and Morgan (1970). The study made use of the mixed method approach in a case study design and also used the cross sectional survey design. Both qualitative (descriptive) and quantitative (inferential) techniques were used. Quantitatively, results from the structured questionnaire were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. This study found that, the toilet facilities are inadequate in the study area. Most of the respondents do not have access to any toilet facility. Toilets in the homes are very few and public toilets are woefully inadequate. Most respondents, especially the youth and males, engage in open defecation. This has exposed them to many sanitation-related infections. In line with the findings, the study recommended, increased provision of toilet facilities in the district. Regular disposal of waste from toilets is also recommended. There should also be a massive and intensive education to erase some bad perceptions people in the study area have about sanitation. Further studies can be done with special emphasis on people‘s perception on sanitation.

Source: KNUST
Effects of Industrial Waste Effluents Discharged Into Sakumo II Lagoon in Accra, Ghana

Wetlands are among the most productive life support systems in the world and are of immense socio-economic and ecological importance to mankind. Despite the ecological and environmental services they provide, urbanization, and over–exploitation of resources are taking a serious toll on wetland resources within urban areas. The aim of this study was to establish the current pollution status of the Sakumo II Lagoon, as well as investigate the influence of effluent discharge from industrial activities on the quality of water in the lagoon. Social survey was also conducted to assess people’s awareness and knowledge on the lagoon and wetland importance. Water samples were collected from three sections (South, Mid and North) of the Sakumo ll lagoon for a period of six (6) months and industrial effluents from three industries (Coca Cola Bottling Company, Kasapreko and Printex) for three (3) months and analyzed for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, electrical conductivity, NO3-N, PO4-P, NO-N and NH4-N. Results obtained were compared with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-Ghana permissible guideline values of 2002 for effluents discharged into water bodies and mean values from similar studies on the lagoon. One way ANOVA test indicated that the pH and turbidity of the lagoon water were the parameters of the water quality most significantly affected (p< 0.05) by pollution in both seasons. TSS (112.1 mg/l), TDS (371.2 mg/l) and conductivity (741.1 µS/cm) were however not affected by pollution and values were statistically similar (p>0.05). Compared to EPA–permissible values, concentrations of nitrate and ammonia for both water and effluent samples were high. Based on these results, the Sakumo II lagoon could therefore be described as relatively polluted with nutrient load and the influence of anthropogenic activities. It is therefore recommended that there should be improvement in sanitation facilities and enforcement of regulations on the protection of the lagoon and wetland resources.

Source: KNUST
Effects of inflation on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The study examined the effect of inflation rate on economic growth of economies in sub Saharan Africa. The study sampled twenty-one countries from the region from the period of 1985 to 2015 making use of secondary data. The method of fixed effect panel model was used for the regression. The empirical results pointed to a negative relationship between inflation and economic growth but not statistical significant. Secondly, the study examined the causality between economic growth and inflation by applying a granger causality test developed by Dumitrescu and Hurlin. The test showed that past values of inflation could be used to predict current economic growth and past values of economic growth could be used to predict inflation using lag two. Results from the model place emphasis on gross capital formation, population growth and real interest rate in achieving economic growth for the region.

Source: KNUST
Effects of innovative capabilities on performance in the banking industry a case of UT Bank Ghana.

Innovation is undoubtedly one primary means by which businesses can adapt to the demands of today‟s complex and ever-changing business environment. There is no doubt that the most important business problem of our time is finding a way to build companies where innovation is both radical and systematic. This research sought to examine the effects of innovative capabilities on performance in the banking industry. The specific objectives were to examine innovation capabilities of UT Bank, to assess customers‟ perception of UT Bank‟s innovative capabilities and to examine the relationship between innovative capability and performance of UT Bank Ghana. The research design adopted was descriptive. The population comprised of staff, management and clients of UT bank. The target population was estimated at 201,039. The sample used was 395. Convenience sampling was used to select 150 staff and 245 clients from the bank. The study concluded that the bank has performed well on some innovative capability dimensions. Dimensions on which UT Bank performed creditably included product innovation, marketing innovation, organizational innovation and process innovation. The study found that Product innovation, marketing innovation and process innovation had a moderate relationship with organizational performance. However, organizational innovation and collaborations had a weak relationship with organizational performance. It is therefore recommended that banks become more proactive in developing products and services that create value for customers. Banks must also empower their frontline executives to become more customer oriented as that presents an opportunity to get customer inputs toward innovative decision making.

Source: KNUST
The effects of insecticides on honey bee (Apis mellifera) population in two selected farming communities (Damongo and Larabanga) of West Gonja District in the Northern Region Of Ghana

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the prominent and most economically important group of pollinators, whose populations have declined over recent years, raising widespread concern. One conspicuous threat to honey bees is their unintended exposure to insecticides. Insecticides, once absorbed into the plant; can be present in pollen and nectar, making these flora resources toxic to pollinators that feed on them. This study therefore examined the toxic effects of insecticides on honey bees in some selected farming communities (Damongo and Larabanga) in the Northern Region of Ghana. To achieve this objective, an oral interview was conducted on forty farmers from the two communities where the bees were obtained and reared in the Damongo Agricultural Training College where the study took place. The data collected showed that three types of insecticides namely Controller Super 2.5 EC, Pyrinex 48 EC, and Golan SL were the commonly used insecticides in the area. The number of dead bees recorded after application of each concentration of the various insecticides were counted and used for the estimation of LC50. The results showed that Pyrinex 48 EC was the most toxic to honey bees in laboratory studies with calculated LC50 (1hour) value of 1.10 ± 0.37 ml/L, 1.86 ± 0.53 ml/L for Controller Super 2.5 EC, and 2.45 ± 0.83 ml/L for Golan SL. However, the mortalities of the honey bees at the various concentrations were directly related to the duration of exposure. A lower concentration of the insecticides when exposed to the honey bees for a longer period caused higher mortality than exposure of the honey bees to a higher concentration for a shorter period. Although mitigation efforts have had a limited impact, it is expected that the policy recommendations of this study if adopted and strictly adhere to will help reduce, if not completely ameliorate the unintended impact of insecticides on pollinating insects.

Source: KNUST
Effects of intercropping and cropping systems on the postharvest quality of maize and roselle.

Hibiscus cannabinus L., commonly called Roselle, is an important vegetable among subsistence farming households especially in most developing countries. Never the less, the productivity of maize and Roselle under intercropping arrangements is not well known. The research work on effects of intercropping and cropping systems on post harvest quality of maize and Roselle was done to determine the agronomic performance of the intercrop systems, post- harvest quality and also profitability of the intercrop arrangements. The study showed that sole maize and sole Roselle produced the highest yields per hectare compared with the intercrop systems. Within the intercrop systems, 2:2 intercrop arrangements also produced the highest grain yield of maize and Roselle leaf yield (1685.4kg and 16981.3kg/ha respectively). The least yield was produced by 1:2 of both maize and Roselle. However, the combine effect of intercropping maize and Roselle in two rows of maize and two rows of Roselle produced the highest yield and accrued profits. The least was produced by 1:2 intercrop arrangements. All the intercrop system or arrangements save significant proportion of land that otherwise will be needed by a mono cropping pattern to yield the same results. However, one row of maize and two rows of Roselle (1:2) arrangements do not save land and therefore it is not economically prudent to embark on 1:2 arrangements of maize and Roselle in the intercrop system. Monitoring of Roselle fresh leaf shelf life showed that by day two, Roselle leaves shrivel and takes three days for the leaves to completely change colour from the original green. The study also revealed that Ca, Zn, Pb, Cu, N, P, PH, TSS, TTA percentages in Roselle leaves are independent of any of the plant arrangements. However, the intercrop system has effects on Mg concentration in Roselle leaves. Two rows of maize and two rows of Roselle (2:2) arrangements contain the least percentage of Mg whiles one row of maize and one row of Roselle (1:1) arrangement had the highest Mg levels accumulated in the leaves. The percentage concentration of crude protein and carbohydrates are very high in Roselle leaves within the intercrop arrangement than sole cropping. However, increasing the number of rows of Roselle and reducing the number of rows of maize reduces the crude fat concentration in Roselle leaves but reducing the number of rows of Roselle and increasing the number of rows of maize results in increase in crude fibre content in the leaves of Roselle. These findings will be very useful especially to farmers.

Source: KNUST
Effects of intermediate centres on rural development in Ghana: a comparative study of Obuasi and Asunafo North Municipalities

Ghana as a country seems to be upgrading some of its human settlements and delineating its geographic landscape into additional sub administrative units. The upgrade and creation of these sub-settlement structures with its attendant varied infrastructural development is intended to facilitate development and consequently serving their rural hinterlands with their effects. Years into the practice of Ghana’s decentralization policy and processes, and despite efforts being made to improve rural livelihood, rural poverty and wide urban-rural disparity still persist. Yet in an era where the country’s sub-administrative centres, referred to as intermediate centres in this study, are hugely being promoted and undergoing significant socio-economic changes, they are likely to have a profound impact on the conditions of the rural poor and their ability to lift themselves out of poverty. The study was therefore designed to examine how the functional roles played by such sub-administrative units known as intermediate centres could assist to improve the livelihood of the rural poor and thereby bringing about rural development. The Case Study research design was used where two intermediate centres; Obuasi in the Obuasi Municipality and Goaso, in the Asunafo North Municipality, were purposively sampled to identify the functions each play, and the effects that the interactions existing between each one of the centres and three other rural communities also purposively selected from the respective Municipalities have on the latter. Using a confidence level of 92 percent, the sample for the Asunafo North’s case was approximately 156 household heads and that of Obuasi’s case was 157, but to ease comparison, the samples were rounded up to 150 respondents for each study area. This was further subjected to proportions to secure household heads interviewed in each rural community. The study found out that intermediate centres per their level of infrastructure availability perform certain strategic functions which tend to have either a strong or weak interaction with their rural communities. Areas where those strong linkages were identified have had rural livelihood improved than areas where weak linkages existed. The study recommended that policies enacted should rather be targeted at equipping the intermediate centres with requisite infrastructure to perform adequately their intended roles with the spread effect of such functions improving the livelihood of the rural poor and thereby bringing about rural development.

Source: KNUST
Effects of internal characteristics of family business on family business performance in the Kumasi metropolis.

The study was to assess the internal characteristics of family business on performance in the Kumasi Metropolis. The characteristics that lead to family business performance include; Founder Influence, Succession Planning, Use of Outside Consultants, Advisors and Professional Services, Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Management Style, Capital Structure and Compensation Issues. A sample size of 200 respondents was used and they were selected using a purposive and non-probability sampling techniques. Questionnaires were the main data collection instrument used and the sources of data were from both primary and secondary sources. The qualitative data was coded and analyzed using MS Excel and Predictive Analytic Software (PASW) formerly Statistical Package for Social Scientist version 20 (SPSS). The study found that, the presence of non-family members among the company’s top management improves decision-making process significantly scoring a higher Mean of 4.59 and Standard Deviation of 0.49. The study again found that, the adoption of decentralization of decision-making in the company, positively affected the continuity of the company. Moreover, it was demonstrated that Founders affect succession plan positively and finally, Family businesses have more efficient allocation of resources than non-family businesses. However, there were both major and moderate challenges facing family business such that Government had no policies protecting family businesses scoring the highest Mean of 4.58 and Standard Deviation of 0.95. The study therefore recommended that Management of family businesses should adopt cost-effective procedures, prudent financial management practices and venture into profitable investment.

Source: KNUST