ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Learning from epidemiological, clinical, and immunological studies on Mycobacterium africanum for improving current understanding of host–pathogen interactions, and for the development and evaluation of diagnostics, host-directed therapies, and vaccines for tuberculosis

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Learning Online during Crisis-Experiences of Students of a Women’s Community College in Ghana

This qualitative study explored how female college students in a community in Ghana undertook their online learning activities during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve the objectives of the study, criterion sampling, and an open-ended online questionnaire were used to collect data from 24 female students from the Presbyterian Women’s’ College of Education (PWC) in the Aburi community of Ghana. From conventional content analysis, it was found that female community college students appreciate online learning. They can position themselves to adapt, change their mindset, and build their confidence to study online effectively. They have also shown the ability to leverage basic interactive tools such as WhatsApp, chatrooms, and conference telephone calls to undertake virtual group study activities. They, however, have concerns with poor internet connectivity, limited financial resources for accessing internet services, limited time to grasp their content, and a lack of electronic devices. If they are supported with free internet services, electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops and equipped with online study skills, they will be able to consolidate and utilize the gains of online learning that has emerged from the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic

Source: UG
Learning orientation of part-time adult learners in Ghana

Effective and responsive instructional design requires a clear understanding of the different orientations and patterns of students towards learning. Thus learners need more help to know where emphasis has to be placed. This study tries to use Pask (1986) and Entwistle’s (1996) typology of differential learning styles in addressing how part-time student study in Ghana. Because there re no studies of this nature in the country, it serves as a preparatory ground towards curriculum design for students and distance education practitioners. The findings of the study revealed that the student had worrying needs and that their approaches to learning differed according to their personal characteristics, type of job they are engaged in and household. The study die not delve into group differences.

Source: UG
Learning patterns of secondary school students in Ghana. Implications for Post-Secondary Distance Education

Learning patterns differ significantly according to the personality and the environment in which one finds himself. In certain situations, the desire to accomplish an aim may make a person have a different way of studying. Also, significant people in one’s life can influence the way one learns. Using a sample size of 1182 the study covered size out of ten regions of Ghana. This article focuses on the various problems facing post-secondary students as they prepare for their studies. It was found out that majority of the students do not have fixed time of study, relied on tutor notes and group discussions for study. Only about 5% had computers in their homes and the average number of persons per household was around eight persons. The study concluded that the students lacked the self-confidence and self-motivation to study at a distance so needed orientation and study skills to effectively participate and complete the distance education programme.

Source: UG
Learning to Solve Africa's Problems by Africans: Innovations for Learning to Solve Africa's Problems by Africans

There is a global consensus that addressing corruption and building good governance are pre-requisites for developing people, markets and the environment. Many researches on corruption and institutions measuring corruption perceptions have rated many African countries as being corrupt and suggestions for addressing corruption have been drawn mainly from developed countries without significant recourse to Africa‟s specific peculiarity. This paper raises the question on whether African governments and its people are completely adamant to the problem of corruption. The paper therefore explored endogenous innovations in organisational practices, developed within African countries aimed at stifling corruption, factors stimulating the development of such innovations and how these innovations may be improved. The paper used secondary data and interviews with key informants in three African countries: Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Endogenous innovations against corruption in Africa are mainly spearheaded by individuals as additional measures to government anti-corruption strategies. While a few of the innovations are crude in nature and may inflict punishment on a few individuals as scapegoats, they have however restraint and compelled attitudinal change among possible culprits to a large extent. Africa needs to raise a critical mass of individuals with appropriate thinking capacities and innovativeness to sustain the momentum generated by the innovations and to achieve wider impact.

Source: UG
Learning to Teach in Ghana: An Evaluation of Curriculum Delivery

This paper reports research into the question: what kind of trained teacher emerges from the initial teacher training system and what areas and aspects of training do graduating student teachers value the most and the least? Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this paper explores exiting trainees' experiences of training and the curriculum as it is delivered and what they value. Also, in an attempt to understand the instructional practices in the colleges, tutors' lessons were observed and followed by interviews. The main findings were as follows. Despite a range of practices used by tutors, the model of teaching is fundamentally one of transmission. Copying notes and taking exams are central to the learning experience. Tutors felt trainees' content knowledge was weak. There was a general lack of engagement with practical learning experiences and contextualised learning in general. The paper suggests that there is a need for tutors to have more relevant professional development, make use of a wider repertoire of resources and make more use of teaching practice, which is the most valued part of training from trainees' perspective. In general, supervision of teaching practice was primarily understood in terms of the application of methods rather than an opportunity for problematising and contextualising teaching. In this context the attempt to introduce child-centred approaches to teaching needs careful consideration.

Source: UG
Leaving Care in Africa

Many children in sub-Saharan Africa find themselves without adequate parental care, resulting from growing levels of poverty, disease (e.g., Aids and Ebola), harmful cultural norms, conflict, and trafficking, among others. In Africa, most orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are taken care by the relatives and other community members, but this traditional system is under stress, and many OVC end up on their own on the streets or in child-headed households (Leinaweaver, 2014). Others enter the formal alternative care system (also known as foster or out-of-home care) provided through residential care facilities known by different names, such as orphanages, child and youth care centers, or children’s homes. Recent estimates suggest that about 2.7 million children are in formal care globally, of which about 11% live in sub-Saharan Africa (Petrowski, Cappa, & Gross, 2017). However, many more children are unaccounted for in unregistered facilities run by nongovernmental organizations dotted across the continent

Source: UG
Leaving the child behind was not easy’: lived experiences of mothers returning to work after maternity leave in Ghana

This study explored the lived experiences of employed mothers returning to work after maternity leave in the Ghanaian context. Using a qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 employed postpartum mothers who had returned to work within one year after birth. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated that speak to mothers’ experiences of returning to work after maternity leave: setting the stage for work return, embracing the emotions of work return, re-adapting to the workplace, and impact on personal and family health. Mothers’ return to work after maternity leave was preceded by extensive physical and psychological preparations including childcare arrangements that enhanced their readiness for paid work. Despite such preparations, most mothers experienced their return to work as emotionally challenging marked by feelings of sadness, guilt, and frustration. Childbirth and return to work also negatively impacted mothers’ work performance as well as their personal and family wellbeing. Moreover, combining the increased responsibilities associated with childbirth and work demands emerged as a major source of stress for postpartum mothers. These findings underscore the need for policies, organisational practices, and comprehensive support structures that facilitate mothers’ return to work after maternity leave.

Source: UG
Left Thoracic Kidney: A rare finding at Intravenous Urography

Thoracic kidney is a rare type of renal ectopia. Patients with thoracic kidneys are usually asymptomatic and the condition is usually discovered incidentally during radiological evaluation for other conditions or during thoracic surgery. An intravenous urography done for a thirty-eight year old man referred on account of a seemingly small right kidney on an abdominal ultrasound scan, showed a normal right kidney and a left thoracic kidney. Thoracic kidney is a rare but an important cause of a thoracic ‘mass’ or ‘elevated hemi diaphragm’. It should be considered in the evaluation of such patients to prevent unnecessary surgical interventions and image guided biopsies.

Source: UG
Leg ulcers in adult sickle cell disease patients in Benin City Nigeria

Background: Chronic leg ulceration is the most common cutaneous manifestation of sickle cell disease. In this study we observed adult sickle cell disease patients with leg ulcer. Methodology: In this observational study, patients with sickle cell disease at University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Sickle Cell Centre Benin, from July 2008 to June 2009 were recruited. After informed consent 273 patients were selected but only 250 (125 males and 125 females) were interviewed and completed a pre-tested questionnaire. Data included socio-demographic information, history of previous leg ulcers and current ulcers confirmed by examination. In those currently with leg ulcers, haemoglobin phenotype, stable haemoglobin (calculated as average haemoglobin in the absence of vaso-occlusive crises in past 3 months, site, diameter and status of leg ulcers were documented. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11. Results: In sickle cell disease patients leg ulcers were found currently in 24(9.6%) and previously in 56(22.4%), while in sickle cell trait it was 0% and 2(0.8%) respectively. Leg ulcers were more prevalent in males than females (M:F=3:1), in those with lower stable haemoglobin 6.1–8g/dl (58.4%), age range of 18-25 years (66.7%), around left lateral ankle (66.7%) and with average diameter of 5-10cm (58.4%). Aetiology was mainly traumatic (58.4%) with 33.4% as traditional traumatic scarification. Greater than one year recurrence was 50%, and ulcers were septic in 83.4%. Conclusion: A lower stable haemoglobin, ignorance and poverty play important role in worsening chronic leg ulcers in sickle cell disease. Improved health education, prompt medical and surgical intervention could improve these leg ulcers.

Source: UG
Legal and Institutional Issues in Land Policy Reform in Ghana

Land acquisition, ownership and management of land relations constitute some of the biggest challenges to Ghana’s effort to forge ahead with its development agenda (Asante, 1964). Land disputes are rampant throughout the country and indeed, cases involving disputes over land constitute an estimated 50% of total cases filed nationally (Wood, 2002, quoted in Crook, 2005). Land management adjudication and administration institutions have been constituted by statute and, in many respects, their responsibilities clearly stated. However, their effectiveness as regulatory and judicial institutions is yet to be felt. Their operations have been marred by serious overlaps and contradictions that often undermine their individual and collective responsibility as land management bodies (see Sevenue, 2001). The institutions and agencies for allocating and distributing land and regulating land relations as well as settling land disputes include customary land management and conflict resolution authorities (e.g. traditional rulers, kinship or family groups), state courts, and state land administration authorities (e.g. the Lands Commission, District and Regional Physical Planning Authorities, the Land Title Registration Authority and the Survey Department). As Pressman and Wildavsky (1973) note, even with the best expertise and resources, coordinating the authorities and roles of these numerous and overlapping agencies in effective, institutionalised procedures and processes that provide certainty for social interactions will obviously be an uphill battle as a result of the problem of complexity of joint action.

Source: UG
The Legal and the Reasonable: Exploring the Dynamics of E-waste Disposal Strategies in Ghanaian Households

The increasing demand for consumer electrical and electronic equipment in recent years in the absence of any official channel, policy or regulation for the safe disposal of their end-of-life products has created a new environmental challenge: electronic waste (e-waste) whose improper disposal can create both health and environmental hazards. This study analyses how households in Accra dispose of their electronic waste using data collected between February 5 and April 23, 2010. The significance of the study relates to the fact that it is the first of its kind in the country. The results show that the majority of households typically store their used electronic products for perceived value while the least disposal option among households is selling to peddlers. Using the multinomial logit regression model, the study indicates that though drop-off as a disposal strategy is unknown, it has a high potential for becoming a major disposal channel if it is implemented without any cost to beneficiaries. The study further shows that selling of e-waste to peddlers has a recent history but shows great potential and acceptability among households. To ensure the enactment of the appropriate policy framework, the study calls for an in-depth understanding of the existing informal collection system for possible integration into any formal regulating system

Source: UG
The Legal Regime and the Compliance Façade in Public Procurement in Ghana

Purpose The extant literature posits several claims about the equitable resources allocation through compliance in public procurement management. Notwithstanding, there are hardly any empirical studies that explore the link between the causes and extent of compliance on one hand and value for money (VfM) on the other hand. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of public procurement laws in ensuring VfM in a developing country context. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a qualitative case study approach involving three local government agencies in Ghana. Purposive and stratified random sampling strategies were used in selecting respondents who were interviewed through focused group discussions, semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires. The study utilizes an interpretivist/constructivist paradigm which allows for the co-creation of knowledge and subjectivity in knowledge acquisition. Findings The study finds that the presence of a legal and regulatory framework does not ipso facto guarantee compliance and VfM. Additionally, a possible reason why even reported cases of compliance do not translate into VfM is that evidence of compliance, especially in a developing country setting, is often a façade. Practical implications Public procurement entities in developing countries stand little chance of achieving accountability and VfM gains if they continue to rely on compliance as a micro-management tool. Originality/value The paper challenges the dominant assumptions in the public procurement management discourse by drawing attention to the quality of reported compliance and its implication for VfM.

Source: UG
Legal Source, Institutional Quality and FDI Flows in Africa

Purpose This paper aims to find out how the legal system interacts with other institutions in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Africa. Design/methodology/approach The authors use annual panel data of 49 African countries over the period 1980 to 2011, and use the system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation technique and pooled panel data regression. Findings The authors find that the source of a country’s legal system deters FDI inflow as institutions alone cannot bring in the needed quantum of FDI. In terms of trading blocs, it was found that there is negative significant relationship between institutional quality and FDI for South African Development Community (SADC) as well as Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) countries. Practical implications For policy implications, the results suggest that reliance on institutions alone cannot project the continent to attract the needed FDI. Originality/value Empiricists have devoted considerable effort to estimating the relationship between institutions and FDI on the African continent, but this paper seeks to ascertain the effect of legal systems and institutional quality within African specific trade and regional blocks.

Source: UG
Legislating Religious Liberty: The Ghanaian Experience

T h e role of r elig ion is para doxic a l . It ma kes prejudice and it u nm a ke s p r eju di ce. W h ile th e cr ee ds of th e gr e a t re ligion s a r e u n i ve r s a li st ic, a l l s t r essing br oth er h ood, t h e p ra ctice of th ese cree ds is freq ue nt ly divis ive a nd br ut al. Th e su blim ity of re ligiou s ideals is of fset by the h orrors of pers ecu tion in t h e n a m e of th ese same id e a l s . Som e p eop le s ay th e on ly cu re for p r eju dice is more religion; some say the only cure is to abolish re ligion . Churchgoe r s a r e m or e p r e ju d i ce d t h a n t h e ave rage; they also are less prejudiced tha n th e average. 1

Source: UG
Legitimacy of Governments and the Resolution of Intra-national Conflicts in Africa

In Africa there exist many governments which are constitutionally legitimate while at the same time being 'politically and socially illegitimate' because they have ceased to be responsive to the aspirations of the people. Legitimacy is better perceived as a functional attribute rather than as a mere legal idea. This article proposes some constitutional measures which can ensure the legitimacy of governments and hence prevent the emergence of intranational conflicts in Africa. African countries are prone to conflicts because they have rather limited unifying features. Ethnicity is one of the major factors affecting nationbuilding in Africa. In this context federalism is a viable option as a system of government. The author emphasizes the importance of 'good governance' and states that the political interests of minorities should be protected in the constitution. To inculcate a culture of democracy, empowerment of the people is essential, amongst others by the introduction of street and ward governments. Accountability of the government and the reduction of corruption is also of vital importance. The author sketches the nature of a suggested anticorruption tribunal and recommends the instauration of a human rights commissioner. Finally he discusses how the OAU could help to secure the legitimacy of governments.

Source: UG
Legitimacy, Judicial Review and Human Rights Enforcement in Ghana

Constitutional democracy requires a constitutionalisation of Human Rights and the empowerment of judiciaries to enforce and protect such rights. In Ghana, these requirements have been put in place by the 1992 Constitution. Human Rights have been constitutionalised and the courts granted specific powers of Judicial Review to enforce the values of these rights by policing the actions of the legislature and the executive branches of Government. In response, the Judiciary has done a great deal through the power of Judicial Review to protect Human Rights in the country. It has developed a corpus of Human Rights jurisprudence which individuals and institutions can rely on for rights claims and protection. However, its role is not without blemish. This work seeks to discover the successes as well as the failures of the Judiciary of Ghana in enforcing Human Rights. As a theoretical prelude to the entire work, I claim that the main juridical basis to legitimate Judicial Review lies in the courts duty to enforce a higher body of law grounded in rights. On the basis of this claim, the work argues that while the Judiciary did play a constructive role in the promotion, enforcement and sustenance of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms in the country, it has not adopted a consistent approach in giving all Human Rights equal weight. A generous reception has been given to Civil and Political Rights, while Social-Economic Rights have not been sympathetically considered. This has generated a gap in Ghana’s Human Rights jurisprudence, and negated the values upheld by the postwar global Human Rights constituency - of which Ghana is a member. To avert the creation of Judicial determinism which will hold back the realisation of Socio-Economic Rights in Ghana, this work urges the Judiciary to accord equal respect to all Rights by adopting a purposive approach in deciding all rights claims.

Source: UG
The Legon Observer

An English writer and novelist. Anthony Hartley, making a plea recently for the developing world. Before an international association for intellectual and cultural freedom stated that it seemed "fairly clear that during the Seventies political instability in Asia and Africa is liable to increase ...” Earlier. He had mentioned the urgency with Which in the Fifties, the future of the underdeveloped countries had been contemplated and planned for. But how in the late Sixties this movement could be seen to have lost much of its challenge. While the urgency and human poig- nancy of the cause itself had remained unabated. Yesterday. the 1st of January, the new decade of Anthony Hartley's concern opened in dead earnest. 11 is inevitable that we should here and now speculate on its problems and promises. At least for Africa in general and Ghana in particular.

Source: UG