ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exemption from user fess in practice: a case study of Juaboso-Bia District

This study was undertaken to access the Implementation of the exemption from user fees in the Juaboso - Bia District of the Western Region. Due to rising cost of running health care services, the government of the Ghana introduced a policy of cost sharing and cost recovery known as user fees in 1982. The system has been greatly opposed by the general public as it has become a barrier to access to health care, especially the lower income group, due to its regressive nature, hence the introduction of the exemption policy in 1997. The study method adopted includes interviews of beneficiaries of the exemption policy and qualitative interviews of managers of health facilities and the use of focus group discussions. The sample size was one hundred and fifty - eight (158). Both closed and open-ended questions were used in designing the questionnaires, pre-tested and used to collect information from the respondents using face-to-face interviews. The respondents were conveniently and purposely selected. Results and findings indicate that, the exemption package that covers the poor and destitute had not worked. From table 4.1.7 about 74% of 143 exempted patients interviewed darned they were not aware of the exemption policy. The findings of the assessment showed that, 88 out of 143 constituting 65.5% of beneficiaries use health facilities (table 4.1.4). It was further observed that lack of statistics and guidelines affected the implementation of the exemption policy. From these findings, the researcher concluded that, the implementation of the exemption from user fees has not been effective. Exempted patients especially the poor, need to benefit from the exemption policy. Therefore, it was suggested that, all stakeholders should get involved to play significant roles in order to make the exemption policy more beneficial to the beneficiaries. Effective health education programmes should be instituted to create awareness. The collection and collation of data for exemptions from user fees need holistic approach to overcome the delay in reimbursing the drug account and other problems hindering the implementation of the exemption policy.

Source: KNUST
The existence of the Chirano Gold Mine Limited and its effect on the livelihood of the Chirano Concession Area

Ghana is endowed with rich mineral resources e. g. gold, diamond, manganese and bauxite. Mining of minerals has triggered agitation by communities, who expect improved livelihoods from the mining companies. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the existence of the Chirano Gold mine Limited (CGML) on communities in its concessional area (Etwebo, Akoti and Paboase). Quantitative and qualitative primary data on general household characteristics e. g. employment, food security, health care, and sustainable utilization of natural resources were collected via questionnaire, interviews and personal observations. One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were drawn from traditional rulers, district assembly, land owners, farmers, youth groups, opinion leaders and women. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists was used to analyze the data for percentages, ranges and central tendencies. Results indicated that majority (98.2%) of respondents have obtained both direct and indirect employments (through stimulus for infrastructural development) from CGML. Thirty two (32%) of the respondents expressed worry about lose and degradation of farms, farm lands and farm roads while 93% cited the problem of air pollution. Sixty-four (64%) respondents have not been educated beyond the Junior High School. This placed restrictions on the extent of employment for members of the communities who on the contrary have not fully appreciated this limitation. There appears also to be a wide communication gap between CGML and the communities. This has masked the company’s image weakening its mutual co-existence with the communities. Adoption of more open communication and operational policies and stakeholder inclusion in local interventionary measures could help improve the relationship between company and the communities for co-existence.

Source: KNUST
Experiences Coloniales Francophones Et Experiences Coloniales Anglophones: Convergences Et Divergences En Regard De La Tragedie Du Roi Christophe (Aimé Césaire) Et De The Third Woman (J. B. Danquah)

Nous nous proposons de commencer notre investigation per un petit aperçu sur le théâtre considéré comme un moyen privilégié d’ expression sociale. Deux raisons nous ont poussé á ainsi aborder le travail. Premièrement, lea deux ouvrages dont il est prinoipalementt question ici sont des pièces de théâtre; deuxièmement, Aimé Cesaire et J. B. Danquah ont reconnu, tous lea dex, 1’ importance du théâtre dans la propagation de leurs idées. Comme nous l’expliquerons plus tard, Aimé Césaire considère le théâtre comme un moyen permettant de descendre dans la rue pour parler á la masse populaire, et, par le pouvoir de la parole et du geste, faire traiismettre un message. Quant a j. B. Danquah, le théâtre représente pour lui l’oocaeion de presenter d’une facon visuelle une civilisation africaine, une sooiété hiCrarchisée St tree ordonriée. Cette preoccupation et cette fidélité poussent Darquah jusqu’à rédiger une de see pièces en twi, sa langue maternefle. Pour Césaire et pour Danquah donc le théâtre represents un moyen trés efficace de transmettre leurs messages á la masse populaire. Nous pensons donc que pour une analyse de la Tragrédie du Roi Christophe et de The Third Woman, il faudra tout d’ abord placer 1’ ensemble du proet dane le contexte du theatre conçu comme un moyen d.’expreseion sociale, et plus tard nous passerons á l’ usage que Césaire et Danquah ont fait du théâtre.

Source: KNUST
Exemption policy as it affects pregnant women in St Mary’s Hospital, Jaman District, Ghana

The exemption policy is meant to improve financial access to health care and utilization of health services. However, the achievement of this objective continues to be in doubt as the target beneficiaries find it difficult to access the exemption funds. The study examined the implementation of the exemption policy as it affects the pregnant woman in the Drobo St Mary’s Hospital The study was descriptive with a cross sectional design. Data was collected at one point in time. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used Questionnaire and personal interviews were used to collect data. A sample size of one hundred and rhnetys1x (196) was chosen. This was made up of Five (5) Hospital Management Team members, (41) Hospital staff and one hundred and fifty 150) pregnant women. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the pregnant women while purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of Hospital Management Team and Hospital Staff. Out of one hundred and n1netys1x only one of the management team members failed to respond to the questions. The study revealed that most (98%) of the’ potential beneficiaries had not benefited from the exemption policy at St Mary’s Hospital for the past three years largely due to lack of reimbursement and ignorance resulting from inadequate public education on the policy. The study therefore recommended that Hospital Management Team and staff should extend exemption to cover CAN and sick pregnant women. This should be done during ANC attendance and beneficiaries should be totally exemption from all bills. The Health Exemption Committee should reimburse the amount spent on the exemptions to the providing health institution. This should be done on quarterly basis. The total bill together with the total attendance should be presented to the committees by the providing institutions

Source: KNUST
The exemptions for the aged: the case of Sekyere - East District

The rapidly increasing population poses a challenge to the health services that must expand to keep up with the population growth. Health services are financed through private, public and donor funds. Public financing comes from government consolidated funds. Recognising the inability of governments alone to finance health services, cost sharing mechanisms are increasingly being explored and the Ghana Government is doing same. User charges were introduced sixteen years ago and other financing mechanisms such as the health insurance scheme are being explored. Vulnerable groups like children, paupers and the elderly in Ghana have fewer resources and do not benefit proportionately from user charges. In view of this an exemption policy had been introduced to provide access to health services to the vulnerable groups in the society. This requires knowing how implementers understand and interpret the policy to let beneficiaries enjoy the exemption policy. The study sought to assess the extent to which exemption and waivers protect the aged, and the impact it has had on their health seeking behaviour in the Sekyere — East District. The study design was retrospective cross — sectional, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. The sample size was 95, comprising 84 aged and 11 health care providers. Results from the study indicate increases in attendance over the years. However, because beneficiaries have to buy their own drugs most of the time, majority of them are not satisfied with the services given at the facilities. Moreover, the level of awareness of the policy among both clients and health providers is high but the details are known to only a few of them. Recommendations are made to the health managers to intensify education on the details of the policy and also provide quality health care services. The Government should also have to give absolute exemption to the aged because at that stage their health problems are many and chronic.

Source: KNUST
Expanded dimensions of adinkra symbolism and their new applications in the socio cultural milieu

Adinkra symbolism has been used in a number of ways to reflect and depict the beliefs and philosophies of traditional ‘Asante’ culture in our contemporary Ghanaian culture. Although these symbols and their importance are a reflection of the indigenous culture, not many people including artist are aware of their meanings and the wealth of information and design concepts that are embedded in them. Many attempts are being made today, to educate and inform on the importance of these symbols. Current programs such as ‘Agoro’ on GTV are very good examples but they are woefully inadequate. This research attempts to present the designs in adinkra symbols as a source of idea development to equip Artist and Designers with a variety of ideas and design in their creative works. The present inclusion of these symbols in the nation’s medium of exchange “the cedi” suggest that Ghana is bent on exposing its culture to the world.

Source: KNUST
Experiences of family care givers of dementia patients seeking care at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

Psychosocial disabilities affect various people worldwide. Dementia which is synonymous to ageing affects all, irrespective of social status. Dementia poses a threat to the individual and nation in all, as the cost of caring is exceedingly huge. This study examines the experiences of family caregivers of dementia patients, the support services available to them as caregivers and the coping strategies they employed while under stress from the care giving duties. The study employed phenomenological design using a qualitative method. Purposive and availability sampling techniques were used to select 18 participants for the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data was analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. This study has demonstrated that family caregivers of dementia patients go through a lot of challenges and do not meet their daily needs that would make life and caring easy for them. The challenges reported were in forms of health, social, economic and psychological challenges. These challenges coupled with their needs made caregiving very difficult. Also, positive reappraisal was the most used coping strategy employed by some of the caregivers when under stress. Again, there was no government or nongovernment support services available to them as caregivers but the support services they needed as family caregivers was in the form of financial and psychological support. It was recommended that there should be a rethinking of how caregiving is constructed in Ghana, their health and well-being of caregivers should be a paramount aspect of patient well-being as stipulated in the Ghana Mental Health Act. This will help achieve the united nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disability,vi who stipulates the well-being of caregivers is paramount in their convention and ensuring Ghana meeting the Sustainable Development Goal 3 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages by 2030

Source: KNUST
Experimental simulation and kinetic modeling of bioenergy potential of Eichornia crassipes biomass from the Volta River basin of Ghana under mesophilic conditions

The study presents the results of the laboratory experiment performed on the anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth biomass harvested from the Volta River basin of Ghana and Fruit waste sludge as the inoculum. Batch mode of experiment was performed under mesophilic conditions (29 ± 3 C) with a hydraulic retention time of 61 days. The experimental setup was made up of three (3) fermenter bottles of 5.0 L capacity namely F1, F2 and F3. F1 served as the control whiles F2 and F3 served as the test fermenter bottles. Each of the fermenter bottles was fitted with BlueSens methane sensor and BlueVcount flowmeter for the measurement of methane composition and biogas volumes, respectively. The Theoretical Biomethane Potential (BMP) of the water hyacinth biomass was estimated to be 422.23 ml/gVS. The experimental BMP was determined to be 402.62 ml CH 4 /gVS and 356.03 ml CH 4 /gVS for F2 and F3, respectively. Consequently, a biodegradability value of 95.36 and 84.32 % was obtained from F2 and F3, respectively. Moreover, the F2 fermenter bottle recorded a cumulative net methane and biogas volumes of 5576.3 ml and 12,014 ml, respectively. Likewise, a total net cumulative methane and biogas volumes of 4931.0 ml and 11,384 ml were produced from the F3 fermenter bottle. Using the First order kinetic model, an average value of hydrolysis constant for water hyacinth biomass was determined as 0.051 day 1 . Furthermore, the modified Gompertz model, the logistic function model and Transference function models were used to fit the experimental cumulative biogas and methane production data. The outcome of the study shows that, the production of biogas from water hyacinth biomass harvested the Volta River basin of Ghana could offer sustainable control solutions to its invasion on water bodies whiles providing a cheap and reliable means of biofuel to the riparian communities.

Source: KNUST
Experimental study of a biomass gasifier

The availability of biomass materials and development in technologies to use them with low levels of emission make biomass an attractive renewable source of energy. Gasilication of biomass into a combustible gas brings with it a number of advantages over the direct method of burning the biomass materials, mainly: Ease of distribution in pipelines to consumers in whole cities or to each point of use e.g. gas stove, lamp or cylinder in an engine. If the gas is of the right quality, it can be used in spark, compression, turbine and Stirling engines for efficient power generation in compact units. The study was in two parts; one part dealt with the gasification of three classes of biomass residues from industrial activities to determine their suitability for use in energy conversion by the gasification route using a locally constructed downdraft gasifier. The other part was a study of the influence of the variation in the gasifier inlet air valve opening on the characteristics of the producer gas and the gasifier performance characteristics. Among the characteristics studied are the producer gas composition, the gas heating value, the gas flow rate, temperature, gasification efficiency and heat loss along the cooling/delivery pipe for the following hiomass feedstock: redwood, 0/ram, teakwood shear butter cakes and sawdust. 1he above characteristics were determined tor each gasitier feedstock and four settings of the inlet air valve opening namely 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. By a graphical method, the percentage inlet air valve opening that yielded the maximum gasification efficiency as well as the maximum value of this efficiency was determined. This study revealed a number of facts relating to the type of inputs (both biotnass type or the inlet air valve opening) that produce maximum or minimum output: Although the lower heating value of the gas produced had a maximum value of 4.1628 ± 0.063MJm3 for redwood feedstock at full inlet air valve setting, the maximum gasification efficiency of 66% was obtained at 62% inlet air valve setting. An amount of 156.17± 12.33MJ, the highest value of heat energy was lost along the cooling pipe at 25% inlet air valve setting.

Source: KNUST
Experiments in decorative hand building techniques in the plastic state

One can make a host of useful and decorative items with clay, it can be gritty, earthy, soft or satiny and invites the hands to mould and shape it. Clay also abounds in Ghana and it is malleable in its raw state but when fired becomes hard and durable. It is noted that, for a very long time only a few methods have been used in Ghana to make ceramic works in the Senior Secondary Schools. These include the pinch, coil, slab and throwing methods. Most wares are also decorated only in the leather-hard or bisque state using slip painting, using engobes, glazing, incisions and indigenous firing technique. Unfortunately, due to lack of commercial engobes and glaze for ceramic decoration, a large majority of works done by students lack variety of decoration in the plastic or bisque state. This project involved some experiments to find new ways of making and decorating ceramic wares in the plastic state. The experiment involved making of small shapes or knobs of clay and using them to build ceramic wares, which serve as a form of decoration on the surface. The various activities involved, making of clay knobs, the building processes using the clay-bail pot technique, half-bail technique, button technique, short coil technique, combined technique and brick technique. These techniques were later introduced to the students of Technology Secondary School in Kumasi and tested. The result of the experiments was very successful. Different types of pots were produced with very decorative surfaces. These include, clay ball ashtray, flower vase, half-ball multi-purpose ware, penholders, clay button vase, pin container, jewel boxes etc. It was observed that the introduction of these new techniques to the students gave them a feeling of independence and self-confidence. It also promoted uniqueness, cooperation, tolerance and patience. It enhanced the aesthetic quality of their ceramic works. It is however strongly recommended that the introduction of these techniques to other S.S.S ceramic students in the country and incorporating them in their syllabus will go a long way to bring variety of ceramic decoration in the green state or bisque state.

Source: KNUST
Exploitation of composite textile art techniques in the production of textile monument depicting Crocodile haven

This project is an outcome of the researcher’s bid to unearth to the fullest, textile art techniques that can find application in the production of monuments in the country. Research method employed is the Universal Research approach which is a studio base research method. Textiles was initially used as a mode of covering nakedness. However, the trend has changed, now in the United states of America textiles are used for artificial arteries, sutures, casts for fractured bones. The use of textiles in the production of monument is rare. Monuments are usually made of POP, cement, iron, bronze, etc, probably this is due to the following textiles properties as: Soptive, Thermal, and Light. Nevertheless, the problem was well assessed to enable the figuring of suitable plan to provide a solution to the problem. The scope of the study covered crocodiles, tree stump, pond and grasses of Paga Crocodile Haven and textile techniques namely macramé, appliqué, quilting, painting and modelling. Concepts considered include conventional textiles, monument, Paga Crocodile Haven, taxidermy among others in the literature review. Observation and unstructured interview were used to gather data from the field to help the study. The population of the study was limited to few numbers of people in the market concerning macramé and appliqué art technique and few people at the Paga crocodile pond who were randomly selected. The non-probability sampling method was adopted with the assumption that the findings would be representative of the macramé and appliqué artists in Kumasi and that of Paga community in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This master’s project therefore has sought to identify textile art techniques that can be composed in the production of textile monument in the country to promote tourism and also expand the scope of application of textile art techniques in nation building.

Source: KNUST
The exploitation of art for the economic development of Ghana

This thesis shows in various ways that the arts of Ghana are a potential resource base for the development of the country’s economy. This can be realised when due recognition, increased support and exploitation of art are considered as one of the topmost national priorities. The work shows by its detailed analysis, logical and philosophical, as well as scientific arguments and suggestions that, the scope and meaning of art embrace all, human endeavours which require skill and are aimed at sustaining and creating better living conditions. This thesis has extensively emphasized this point and dispelled the popular Ghanaian misconception of art as being mere “drawing. This thesis has shown further that art itself is an industry, whose pursuits, as exemplified in some artists, foster the creation, development and effective arganisatian of all the factors of production which are needed for general industrial growth in the Ghanaian economy. It proposes that such an industrial potential of art be made central to education and manpower training so that just like artists, Ghanaians in general may be better so inclined and self- motivated to initiate plans and actions towards their invdividual and social economic aspirations. It shows through many instances how this may be achieved. For example, it indicates that the knowledge and skills that education has endowed many Ghanaians constitute “capital” arid therefore such people are in themselves the “money” they need to initiate industrial activities. The discussions in this thesis also focus directly on the reappraisal of art within the context of enhancing the efficiency arid productivity of labour in offices, factories, urban commercial centres, etc. With regard to this, it draws government’s attention to policy-making as being a phericimenoni that requIres artistic acumen by which creative potentials for industrial arid national development could be inculcated into the citizens of the country. This thesis also emphasizes the need for the establishment of an industrial design corisultancy service to aid industrialists arid manufacturers in the prc.per design of Bhanaian products so as to promote their sale, both locally and internationally. / The work also shows that all developments, either in science or technology, are influenced by artistic and psychological factors that underlie how people think about themselves and what they consider to be the divine sources of their skills arid abilities The thesis gives a glimpse of the future state of affairs and hopes that Its suggestions and recommendations are adopted to guide the on-going process of nation-building.

Source: KNUST