ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Concerns of primary school teachers in the Cape Coast metropolis about the 2007 educational reform in Ghana

The study sought to track the concerns of primary school teachers in the Cape Coast Metropolis about the 2007 educational reform in Ghana within the framework of the Stages of Concerns dimension of the Concerns-Based Adoption Model developed by Hall, Wallace and Dossett in 1973. Data were gathered from three hundred and sixteen (316) private and public school teachers in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region. Results indicated that teachers have high concerns at personal, management, consequence and refocusing stages. This is an indication that primary school teachers in the metropolis are more concerned about the impact of the reform on learners. However, they are limited by their inadequacy in terms of knowledge and skills required by the reform and lack of material resources for successful implementation. Notwithstanding teachers’ lack of knowledge and skills, they have developed other strategies of improving upon the implementation of the reform. ANOVA results showed that primary school teachers’ concerns are totally independent of the type of school they work in whether private or public. Regarding gender, it was found that female teachers have more management concerns than their male counterparts. It is recommended that Ghana Education Service organizes a series of workshops, seminars and forums for heads of schools and their teachers to upgrade their knowledge and skills as required by the 2007 reform. Again, material resources needed to enhance the implementation of the reform should be provided.

Source: UCC
Concerns of Teachers about the Implementation of Information and Communication Technology Curriculum in Basic Education in Ghana

Research findings in the literature show that teachers’ concern about change process is extremely personal and it influences the implementation of innovation. This study aimed at assessing information and communication technology teachers’ stages of concern regarding the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) curriculum in basic schools. It also examined the effects of teachers’ personal factors or variables such as gender and teaching experience on their stages of concern towards the implementation of ICT curriculum. Modified Stages of Concerns Questionnaires (SoCQ) (Hall, George & Rutherford 1979) based on Concern Based Adoption Model (CBAM) were used to collect data from 346 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study showed that teachers generally had their first and second high concerns at informational and consequence stages respectively and with low concern at awareness stage. Furthermore, statistically significant difference was found between gender and informational, management, consequence, collaboration and refocusing concerns. However, according to the results, teachers’ stages of concerns were not related to their teaching experience.

Source: UCC
The Concordance Between Xpert Mtb/rif, Microscopy and Culture for Presumed Tuberculosis Patients at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

Sputum Smear Microscopy (SSM) is time-honoured tuberculosis (TB) detection tool in resource-constrained settings such as Ghana. However, sensitivity and specificity are low. The purpose of this retrospective study, which included 494 archived samples, was to assess the degree of agreement between TB detection by Xpert MTB/RIF, SSM, and Culture (LJ media) diagnostic tests in presumed TB patients at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH). At the CCTH, all archived samples have already undergone Xpert MTB/RIF tests. In this study, all of the archived samples were cultured and microscopically examined. Age, gender, HIV status, and diagnostic test type were among the variables of interest. Using STATA version 16, SSM and microscopy data from positive TB cases diagnosed were compared to Xpert MTB/RIF diagnoses using a two-sample proportional test. Logistic regression was used to determine the strength of the association and the factors associated with positive TB cases. Overall, the proportion of TB cases detected by SSM was 19.3 (13.9 – 25.6 %) compared to 22.2 (17.3 – 27.8). The specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF, as opposed to tradition, changed into additionally lower: 92.5 (89.0 – 95.2%) as opposed to 99.6 (97.6 – 100.0%). (p = 0.001) The kind of diagnostic device used changed into found to be notably associated with the detection of nice TB cases (p = 0.01). This study emphasizes the importance of using Xpert MTB/RIF, as molecular diagnostics are number one in diagnosing TB despite limited resources. It also highlights the importance of using SSM with an MTB/RIF expert and the tradition of selecting different types of NTM-containing mycobacteria.

Source: UCC
Conditioning Protects C. elegans from Lethal Effects of Enteropathogenic E. coli by Activating Genes that Regulate Lifespan and Innate Immunity

Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits avoidance behavior when presented with diverse bacterial pathogens. We hypothesized that exposure to pathogens might not only cause worms to move away but also simulta- neously activate pathways that promote resistance to the pathogen. We show that brief exposure to virulent or avirulent strains of the bacterial pathogen entero- pathogenic E. coli (EPEC) ‘‘immunizes’’ C. elegans to survive a subsequent exposure that would other- wise prove lethal, a phenomenon we refer to as ‘‘conditioning.’’ Conditioning requires dopaminergic neurons; the p38 MAP kinase pathway, which regu- lates innate immunity; and the insulin/IGFR pathway, which regulates lifespan. Our findings suggest that the molecular pathways that control innate immunity and lifespan may be regulated or ‘‘conditioned’’ by exposure to pathogens to allow survival in noxious environments.

Source: UCC
Conditions of service and senior high school teachers’ job satisfaction in the keta municipality

This study investigated the relationship between teachers’ conditions of service and job satisfaction (both intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction). An explanatory design was employed. Two hundred and thirty-five teachers from four senior high schools in Keta Municipality in Volta Region participated in the study. Two research objectives and three null hypotheses guided the study to find out whether there is relationship between prompt payment of teachers’ salary, fringe benefits, training and development, teachers’ regular promotion and job satisfaction. The selection of four schools and 235 respondents were carried out by simple random sampling technique. Data was obtained through the use of research questionnaire developed by the researcher for the study which was validated by the research supervisor. Data collected was obtained and analysed. Findings indicated that there was significant relationships between prompt payment of salary, promotion, fringe benefits, staff development and job satisfaction. It is recommended that government through the Ministry of Education should review the existing conditions of service of teachers, pay teachers’ salaries promptly, promote teachers regularly, and send teachers on training programmes. Finally, suggestions were proffered for further studies to be carried out in other districts of the country so that ideas can be compared.

Source: UCC
Conflict and conflict management :A case study of Nkonya Alavanyo area in Ghana

There are different ways in which conflicts can be handled. For any conflict handling mechanisms to be successful, people’s attitudes, behaviour and root causes or contradictions have to be addressed in the light of genuine commitments of all parties engaged in the peace process. Absence of such genuine commitments can result in serious challenges. The study was undertaken to examine the management mechanisms of the Nkonya and Alavanyo conflict in the Volta Region of Ghana. The study analyzes the management process with particular focus on the selection process of the mediation committee members, the mechanisms and approaches adopted by the mediation committee as well as the challenges that became associated with the mediation process. The research utilizes qualitative approach and purposive sampling methods. The study concludes that various conflict management mechanisms have been employed in the Nkonya-Alavanyo conflict. However, the conflict management processes imparted knowledge which gave more credibility to the Multi-Track Diplomacy theory of conflict management as the appropriate mechanism for this conflict. The study recommends that there is the need for intensive peace education in school curricular and in communities and this must be continuous since conflict management is not an event but a process. Conflicts having dynamic root causes or are protracted, need the involvement of all stakeholders in their management process.

Source: UCC
Conflict and conflict resolution mechanisms in the Ga chieftaincy conflict

Many conflicts in Ghana have assumed protracted nature. State and civil society organizations have used a variety of conflict resolution mechanisms to tackle most of these conflicts. However, the reoccurrence of these conflicts over time have questioned the resolution mechanisms employed to resolve these conflicts. This study sought to assess the conflict resolution mechanisms used by institutions like National Peace Council (NPC), Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs (GARHC) and Regional Security Councils (REGSEC) in resolving the Ga chieftaincy conflict. The study used eight key respondents who were purposively selected and 215 respondents who were conveniently selected. The mixed method approach was used for data collection and analysis. The study revealed that the root cause of the Ga Chieftaincy conflict is about who is the rightful successor to the Ga Mantse throne after the Ga Mantse Boni Nii Amugi II. It was also revealed that mediation, adjudication and police intervention are the most commonly used mechanisms by the conflict resolution institutions (NPC, GARHC and REGSEC). These institutions have not been able to resolve the conflict and in the process has rendered the mechanisms ineffective due to multiple challenges. Lastly, the study revealed that the approval of the Ga chieftaincy constitution by the relevant government institutions with the help of the four ruling houses and Ga Dsase to clearly state the succession line would go a long way to help resolve the Ga chieftaincy conflict. The study recommended the use of conciliation to support various indigenous resolution mechanisms to resolve the Ga Chieftaincy Conflicts.

Source: UCC
Conflict and local governance: a case of the Kassena-Nankana West District, Ghana

The understanding of conflict and local governance as a result of competing interest by people at the local level informed the study. The overall objective of the study was to assess conflict and local governance in the KassenaNankana West District. Through a sample size of 398 respondents comprising 239 (60%) males and 159(40%) females were interviewed using interview schedule. Five District Assembly staff, the Presiding Member and 23 Assembly Members were purposively selected and interviewed using interview guides. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS ver.16) and Nvivo.7 respectively. The study revealed that the development of the district was a shared responsibility among various stakeholders and not the sole responsibility of the District Assembly. Some of the causes of conflict at the local level include low participation of citizens in decision making, poor information dissemination and inadequate financial resources available to the district to undertake development projects that would meet the interest of the majority. From the study, conflict result in heightened demand for the creation of separate districts out of the existing district. During community gatherings, people preach peace and the need for peaceful co-existence as a conflict management strategy. To effectively manage conflict at the local level, DAs should mainstream peacebuilding and conflict management in their Medium Term Development Plans as a major activity. It is important that divergent interests are managed at the local level so as not to degenerate into violent conflict.

Source: UCC
Conflict management and resolution between headmasters and the teaching staff in senior high schools in the Ahafo Ano North district

The purpose of this study was to look at Conflict Management and Resolution between Headmasters and teachers in Senior High Schools in the AhafoAno North District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data was collected from a sample of 72 teachers out of the population of 122 from the two Senior High Schools in the district. The administration of a questionnaire was followed by an interview schedule. The analysis of data involved the use of descriptive statistical methods, particularly percentages and frequencies. Data gathered indicated the existence of conflict in the schools; it showed that conflict intensity was minimal. The findings indicated that setting clear goals, collective decision making, negotiation and consensus building, fairness and objectivity, and good communication skills were strategies or mechanisms that were capable of managing and resolving conflicts between headmasters and teachers in Senior High Schools. However, it was observed that, the Headmasters’ use of rational approaches in resolving conflict has helped the schools reduced the levels of conflict intensity in schools. For effective management and resolution of conflicts, it is recommended from the study that the Headmasters should organize in-service training annually to sharpen the communication skills of teachers. Also, headmasters who successfully display concern for both personal and professional needs of their staff create a school environment characterized by lower and more manageable conflict levels.

Source: UCC
Conflict management mechanisms in the administration of Cape Coast Polytechnic

Cape Coast Polytechnic, like any other organization, is likely to encounter conflict. This survey identified causes and types of conflict among the Cape Coast Polytechnic staff and examined the conflict management techniques employed in managing it. The sample of this study was made of one hundred and fifteen respondents selected from various departments of Cape Coast Polytechnic. A validated questionnaire and interview guide were designed and administered to collect data on the occurrence of conflict and conflict management strategies. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings revealed that personality incompatibility, poor communication, inadequate resources, power struggle, role ambiguity, time pressure, favourtism and competition are responsible for conflict in Cape Coast Polytechnic. Again, the study revealed that management most often employed dominance and supervision methods like forcing, coercing which created a winlose situation in which the loser ended up being disappointed and hostile. Such conflict management mechanisms, it was realized, never kept dysfunctional conflict at an appreciable level but rather, tended to resurface itself in another dimension. Based on the findings, it is recommended that management of Cape Coast Polytechnic needs to give prompt attention to addressing causes of conflicts. The use of dialogue in resolving conflicts should be embraced. Again it is recommended that management of Cape Coast Polytechnic should assist heads of departments or concerned parties to re-examine conflict situations. Ideally, management should both be willing to look at the situation from the other’s point of view. It further recommended that management should try as much as possible to discourage victimization in the Polytechnic. Polytechnic staff should rather be encouraged to give of their best. A complaints desk could be established in the Polytechnic to look into issues of victimization before they explode into serious conflicts. Such an avenue will serve as an early warning system.

Source: UCC
Conflict management practices in Kumasi Girls' secondary secondary

Student conflicts in Senior Secondary Schools are disturbing factors that can mar the administration of the schools Academic work cannot go on smoothly if there are student unrests in the schools. The study investigated conflict management practices in Kumasi Girls’ Secondary School. Three sets of questionnaire were used. A total of 140 respondents, comprising 20 teaching staff, non-teaching staff and 100 students were selected through random sampling. The results revealed that dialogue between students and school authorities was the most popular conflict management technique used by the school authorities to solve misunderstandings that arise between the two parties in the school. Also students preferred dialogue or collaboration style of managing conflicts to autocratic ways to dealing with conflicting situations. Suggestions from students on conflict management include meetings between students and their class teachers so that students could channel their grievances through their teachers to the school authorities, provision of suggestion boxes and parents teacher and students fora. Others are that offending students should be referred to the school counselors, students should be advised by P.T.A and the school’s Board of Governors.

Source: UCC
Conflict management practices in senior high schools in the Akuapem south municipality of eastern region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine the conflict management practices of headmasters in senior high schools in the Akuapem South District. The specific objectives of the study were to: find the common types of conflict in the schools, causes of conflicts and how the headmasters managed conflicts that occurred in the schools. The study further sought to examine the effective techniques applied by the headmasters in resolving conflicts in the schools. Five senior high schools were studied in the Akuapem south Municipality. In all 214 respondents were involved in the study. The research design used in this study was descriptive survey. Data was collected using questionnaire and a follow-up interview schedule. The statistical methods used in the analysis were frequencies and percentages. The major findings of the study were the following: communication gap and subordinates shirking their responsibilities were the main causes of conflict between the headmasters and their staff in the Municipality. The win-win, co-operative and confirming approach to conflict resolution were mostly administered by the headmasters. The approaches contributed greatly in reducing conflict in the schools. Headmasters and teachers must collaborate and co-operate greatly to create congenial and moderating work environment for improved, effective and efficient work performance in the senior high schools in the Municipality. Such environment would minimize or eliminate undue tension, rivalry, biases as well as mistrust and suspicious tendencies among staff members.

Source: UCC
Conflict management practices in senior high schools – Ashanti Mampong Municipality

The study intended to investigate effects of conflict on the administration of Senior High Schools in the Ashanti Mampong Municipality. The study was guided by four research questions. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 72 teachers and 133 students were randomly selected to deliberate on the issues. The instruments used for data collection were two self-administered questionnaires. Data collected were analysed manually and electronically whereby the electronic analysis was done by using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). The main analytical tools used were descriptive statistics with emphasis on frequency and percentages. The findings of the study showed that conflicts emanated from students, teachers and school heads. It was also seen that conflicts have negative and positive effects on the schools. The strategy mostly used to deal with the conflicts was avoidance. Besides this strategy, compromising, competition, collaborating, accommodating, expansion of resources, arbitration and changing of individuals were also used. The most effective strategies to use are avoidance, compromising, accommodating, collaborating and expansion of resources. The conclusion is that at any point in time, an effective conflict resolution strategy would depend on the relative circumstances. It was recommended that school heads should adopt a non authoritative approach to decision making so that teachers would in turn give them needed cooperation. Besides, they must ensure that preventive mechanisms are implemented to reduce the effects of conflicts.

Source: UCC
Conflict management practices of basic school headteachers in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

In this study, efforts were made to find out the extent to which primary school Head teachers in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis deal with conflict issues as they emerge in their administrative duties. The study established the insight, knowledge base and skills of the head teachers on conflict management issues. It also examined the attitude of the head teachers towards conflict in their schools and how their attitude is interpreted by their teachers. In all, ten (10) head teachers, one hundred (100) teachers and nine (9) circuit supervisors were used for the study. With the study controlled by pre-established research questions, questionnaires, interviews and observations were instruments used by the researcher to gather data from the field for analysis. The studies showed that majority of primary school Head teachers have not received orientation on conflict management since their appointment into office. On their own, only, a small percentage have participated in a formal conflict management workshop or training. Again, it was established that most of the head teachers are not informed on contemporary conflict management issues. Interestingly, this has not adversely affected their practical conflict management activities and the administrative practices of the head teachers. In addition, the study revealed that most head teachers saw conflict situations as opportunities for growth and self-development, but would not entertain it in their schools. Based on the results of the study, recommendations were advanced accordingly for future consideration - which included the provision of handbooks on conflict resolution for head teachers

Source: UCC
Conflict management processess in the central administration of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

The purpose of this study was to examine conflict management processes of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). It was to find out the sources, types of conflict, in the Central Administration, their intensity, the importance heads of department attached to conflict prevention processes and the extent to which conflict management behaviours shown by heads of department contributed to or reduced the amounts of conflict that arose in the central administration of KNUST. Thus, what conflict management processes did the heads exhibit and how well did they manage conflict to reduce tension in order to ensure progress of work in the central administration. Information was obtained from 125 respondents made up of staff from the Vice-Chancellor’s office, Registrar’s office, Finance office, Development office and the Internal Audit Department. Data analysis results indicated that generally conflicts did exist in the central administration. The more heads of department exhibited conflict prevention techniques, the less the intensity of conflict that existed in the central administration. Heads who demonstrated openness, friendliness, honesty, tolerance, organized regular meetings with staff, encouraged teamwork, free discussion of issues and avoided the use of threats had reduced levels of conflict. Heads employed methods such as persuasion, compromise, arbitration, collaboration in resolving the conflicts which occurred.

Source: UCC