ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Causes of poor sanitation and their implication on the environmental health of the users of metro mass transit terminals in Ghana- case study of Kumasi, Sunyani and Bibiani

Poor environmental sanitation at road transport terminals in developing countries is a global challenge. The main objective of the study is to examine the causes of poor sanitation and their implication on the environmental health of the users at (MMT) terminals in Ghana. Stratified random sampling and convenient sampling technique was used in selection of 385 respondents (the permanent and temporary users, the statutory bodies managing the selected cities and the management of the selected (MMT) terminals) from Kumasi, Sunyani and Bibiani representing Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and Western Regions respectively. An observation or survey, questionnaire and interviews were used to gather responses from the respondents. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0 and Ms. Excel. The study revealed differences in opinion of the respondents from the selected (MMT) terminals. However, general environmental sanitation condition is poor; poor attitude towards sanitation coupled with inefficiencies on the part of those responsible for sanitation at (MMT) terminals. In conclusion, the location of the terminals be maintained, the level of the pedestrian and vehicular conflicts is very high, there is inadequate facilities in the terminals, the available facilities are in a deplorable state, the current sanitation situation is very bad, the maintenance culture at the terminals is not the best, there is a high level of awareness of health risk, the severity of the health risk also very high and the safety and the security at the terminals is not the best.The study recommends that there is the need for intensive public education on sanitation at the (MMT) terminals frequently to promote a positive attitude and behaviour towards environmental sanitation. In addition, there must be conscious effort to provide adequate facilities and ensure strict enforcement of the sanitary bye-laws to let people be responsible for good environmental sanitation practice at the terminals

Source: UEW
Causes of poor students’ academic performance in mathematics among junior high school students in Bantama Sub – Metro in Kumasi Metropolis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that contribute to students’ poor performance in mathematics at selected junior high schools in Bantama Sub – Metro in Kumasi Metropolis. The sample for the study consisted of all Junior high school students preparing for the final examination that comprised of 337. Questionnaire in the form of likert format ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5) was used to collect data. The methodological inquiries was quantitative research approaches using descriptive cross-sectional design which included the following statistical analyses: mean and standard deviation and percentages were employed to answer the research questions of the study. Findings indicated students that show no interest in math class because of Mathematics phobia existence among junior high school students in the study area, the exhibition of poor knowledge of mathematics content by many mathematics teachers and poor teaching methods by teachers were the major factors that affect their performance in Mathematics and students mind go blank and they were unable to think when working mathematics. Based on these findings it was recommended that Ministry of education either directly or through its agents should enhance primary school pupils Mathematics background through inclusion of more introductory Mathematics concepts in the primary Mathematics syllabus and also motivate teachers. This includes subsidizing of house rents. The provision of incentives towards mathematics courses in universities and Colleges of Education through grant-in-aids and scholarships should be considered. This will help in training more mathematics teachers. Again, there is need to develop a love for mathematics through the setting up of “Mathematics Club” in every junior school.

Source: UEW
Causes of pupils‟ poor performance in integrated science in selected junior high schools

This is an investigative study into the causes of pupils‟ poor performance in Integrated Science in some selected Junior High Schools in the Anomabo Circuit of Mfantsiman Municipality of Ghana. The study took a look at the factors that might exist to hinder the performances of the pupils. The study adopted the descriptive method of qualitative research and data were collected with a set of questionnaire and an interview schedule and data from questionnaire were analysed using frequencies and percentages. The validity and reliability of these research instruments were realized after pilot testing. The trustworthiness of the interview guide was ascertained by using member check. Inter-rater was used for the observer reliability, and content and face, and Cronbach Alpha was used for the validity and reliability of the questionnaire respectively. Using the purposive and simple random sampling techniques, a sample of three schools with 69 respondents comprising 60 pupils and 9 teachers were selected for in-depth study. The results indicated that the science teachers faced some challenges in dealing with the content of the Integrated Science syllabus. Lack of the availability of teaching resources, low teacher competency and low experienced teachers. It was, therefore, recommended that there is the need for regular organization of professional development activities such as induction and in-service training by the Ghana Education Service, adequate resources should be provided, experience and qualified teachers should be provided in order to address the problem in the Anomabo Circuit.

Source: UEW
Causes of senior high school students’ unrest in Obuasi municipality a case of Obuasi secondary technical

The study was carried out to investigate into the causes of students’ unrest in Obuasi Municipality a case study of Obuasi Secondary Technical School. And what environmental factors contribute to the causes of senior high school students’ unrest? The study adopted descriptive research design, using quantitative method of data collection. The researcher used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to analyse the data and presented in frequency, mean, standard deviation and percentages. The target population included all of the third year students of Obuasi Secondary Technical School. Simple random sampling was used to select 60 students for the study. The study found among others that arbitrary collection of fees or monies outside those approved by GES lead the students to demonstration. Majority of the students agreed that the head masters’ leadership behavior contribute to the causes of senior high school students’ unrest in Obuasi Municipal. High rate of hard drug abusers at Obuasi has promoted indiscipline among students, causing students to demonstrate, and that bullying and intimidation making students to feel unsafe and unhappy at school, and teachers’ poor methods of teaching cause students to riot or demonstrate Based on the findings, it is recommended that the school administration should as a matter of urgency desist from the arbitrary collection of fees or monies outside those that have been approved by GES. PTA and SMC should monitor the school administration on the approved fees by the government.

Source: UEW
Celebrity endorsement in contemporary advertising in Ghana

The study investigated factors contributing to the usage of celebrities in Ghanaian contemporary advertising. It has been in public perception that advertisers are recognized as major contributors of lies or deception in marketing through the use of celebrities (illustrations and photographs). The study was rooted in both the qualitative and quantitative approaches to seek answers to solve the research problems. The researcher used qualitative approaches to gain in-depth knowledge and principles of involving celebrities in Ghanaian contemporary advertising from selected organizations within advertising industry. The researcher further used quantitative deigns to get responses from large number of consumers segmented within Cape Coast Metropolis. The outcome of the research pointed to a massive popularity in the use of celebrities in the contemporary Ghanaian advertising culture. The reasons for celebrity endorsement in advertising was largely due to their influences on consumers that emanate from the various roles they play in the society and the respect and admiration those roles exude. The study also revealed that there are varied contractual agreements between celebrities, advertisers and the Food and Drugs Authority that are supposed to regulate celebrity endorsement in advertising. It was therefore recommended that celebrities, besides their adherence to rules and regulations governing advertising, should be well vest in Ghanaian culture and values. The study established the need for celebrities to ensure, for instance, that only true messages of a products or service are always conveyed to their targeted audience. There is also the need for permanents by-laws established and regulated by Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG).

Source: UEW
Challenges affecting Teacher attitudes and practice towards Technology integration in Physical education teaching in senior high schools at Volta region

The study was conducted to investigate challenges head teachers of basic schools face in the implementation of the School Feeding Programme (SFP) at the Sunyani ‘B’ Circuit of the Bono Region. The objectives of the study were to identify practices that are involved in the implementation of the School Feeding Programme, find out head teachers’ practices in the implementation of school feeding programme, examine the challenges basic schools head teachers face in the implementation of the school feeding and to identify strategies to manage the challenges of implementing SFP in basic schools at Sunyani Circuit of the Bono Region. A case study design was adopted for the study. The target population consists of all head teachers of Sunyani Circuit of the Bono Region. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 head teachers and the primary schools for the study. Semi-structured interview guide was utilized to collect data for the study. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found that provision of adequate food items was a practice involved in the SFP. Also, head teachers saw to it that caterers abided by the menu chart has been given them and check the quantity of the food and also saw to it that the food the pupils are given was standard. Again, challenges in the implementation of the SFP were delays in the payment of caterers, political instability and poor monitoring and supervision. The study also revealed that strategies to manage the challenges were the involvement of parents and the community and provision of adequate financial resources for the implementation of the SFP. It is recommended based on the findings that the Municipal Directorate of Education should ensure proper monitoring and evaluation in the SFP to ensure effective implementation.

Source: UEW
Challenges affecting teacher attitudes towards ict integration in physical education teaching among teachers of senior high schools in the Western region

The study was designed purposively to investigate the challenges affecting attitudes towards information technology integration in Physical Education teaching among teachers of Senior High Schools in the Western Region of Ghana. Descriptive design was adopted in carrying out the research. Seventy-eight (78) Physical Education teachers were sampled using the census sampling technique. Secondary Physical Education Teacher‘s Attitudes and Information Technology Practices Inventory (SPEAITPI), with a 5-point Likert scale format, was used to collect data. The instrument was subjected to content and construct validation procedures and a reliability test which yielded a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.85. Five (5) research questions guided the study. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation. The reliability scores for the four scales were; (a) Physical Education teachers‘ perceptions of relevance/ importance of information technology (α = 0.69); (b) Physical Education teachers‘ information technology proficiency and use (α = 0.76); (c) Contextual factors (α = 0.67); and (d) Physical Education teachers‘ teaching styles/beliefs (α = 0.73). Results showed Perception of Importance revealed higher means (M = 4.29, SD = 0.60) than all other variables examined in the study. This showed that teachers had positive attitude towards information technology in Physical Education. One major recommendation was that teacher education universities in Ghana should review their curriculum so that information technology can be included in the curricula to provide adequate training for graduate Physical Education teachers to gain confidence in applying information technology in teaching.

Source: UEW
Challenges and constraints of hospitality and tourism education in Ghana (a case for Greater Accra metropolitan area)

The main purpose of this thesis was to examine the challenges and constraints of hospitality and tourism education in Ghana. It was specifically directed towards identifying factors hindering the development of hospitality and tourism education in Ghana, exploring the effectiveness of competency skills learnt in school and it relevant to the job market and the significant of a closer industry/academe relationship for hospitality and tourism development in Ghana. The study employed descriptive research design and made use of mixed methods as such both qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and analyses were used. A non-probability cross-sectional survey was used to sample 76 graduate employees from three hotels in Accra, in addition to 9 lecturers from Accra Polytechnic. Three in-depth interviews were conducted in totality, two from line managers or supervisors from the hotels and an head of department. Chi-square, Correlation and Phi Coefficient of Association were the main tests and analytical tools used in this study. The study revealed that, indeed factors such as educators not providing realistic information to students leading to “reality shock” when they enter the industry, hospitality and tourism education and training not corresponding to industry’s career path in Ghana, unrealistic career expectations leading to early exit by graduates and lack of resources allocation and support are militating against the development of hospitality and tourism in Ghana. Again, it came out that most hotels employ more polytechnic graduates than graduates from the universities. The policy implications here is that the polytechnic should be encouraged to stick to their core mandate of providing practical and technical training to meet the needs of the industry.

Source: UEW
Challenges and coping mechanisms of women in leadership in senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The role and contribution of women in modern organisations have been phenomenal. However, societal norms and other patriarchal values continue to stifle the progress of women leaders. The overall purpose of the study was to examine the challenges and coping strategies of women in leadership in the Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study adopted non-numerical data and used purely qualitative research approach. Phenomenological design was used to support the study framework where the required data were collected through interviews. The target population for the study were female headmistresses and assistant headmistresses in the various Senior High Schools in the Metropolis. The study used involved all six female headmistresses and eight assistant headmistresses in the Metropolis. The participants were sampled using the census to meet the study objectives. The data were analysed thematically. The study revealed that no policies or programmes were in place to discourage women from enhancing their careers as women. However, in spite of the aforementioned provisions, there are few mentors occupying such positions and there are no training programmes available to train females who are interested in occupying leadership positions. It is recommended among many that Ministry of Education and Ministry of Gender and Social Protection provide policies that would enhance women capacity and skills towards leadership positions, the Ghana Education Service should design policies aimed at protecting women leaders from men egoism and insubordination by introducing strong punishment for those found culpable.

Source: UEW
Challenges and coping strategies of women in political leadership positions in the Sunyani West district

This study focused on females in political leadership positions. The purpose was to examine the experiences of females in political leadership positions in the Sunyani West District. This study adopted qualitative approach. A total of 14 participants were selected using purposive sampling. The data were collected using interviews. Thematic analysis was used for the data analysis. The results showed that females in political leadership positions perceive leadership in three different ways as task oriented, goal-oriented and people-oriented. Whatever way they perceived political leadership, they faced several challenges in their leadership roles. The challenges take various forms and come from various sources. There were challenges related to family and community. However, the main challenge facing females in political leadership positions is social misconceptions about female participation in political leadership positions. The effects of these challenges are emotional breakdown of the female in political leadership to the extent that some consider quitting. Family members and supporters of women in political leadership positions receive several emotional traumas. The study reveals that the main effect of the challenges faced by females in political leadership positions is retardation in community development. Despite their challenges, females in political leadership positions appear to encourage other females into political leadership. What they advised was that females seeking political leadership positions should not react negatively to the challenges they may face. They proposed that to be successful in political leadership positions, females need to focus on their output and achievements to show their capabilities in contributing meaningfully to society. In order to challenge social misconceptions, they suggested that females in political leadership positions should develop resilience towards stigmatization, insult and other related offences. The study recommends an urgent need to discourage the unfair, unjust and unequal treatment sometimes meted out to women when they aspire to occupy political leadership positions. Women leaders are encouraged to face squarely these realities to surmount these challenges in order to take their rightful place in political leadership arena.

Source: UEW
Challenges and practices of instructional supervision in basic schools in the Asokore Manpong municipal

This study was conducted to assess the practices and challenges of instructional supervision in public basic schools in the Asokore Manpong Municipal. Descriptive survey method was employed. Asokore Manpong Municipal was selected for the study through the purposive sampling technique. All the head teachers and teachers were sampled through simple random sampling technique respectively. From these sample schools, 11 head teachers and 96 teachers were considered as the respondents of the study. Questionnaire was used as a main tool of data collection. Interview was also used to substantiate the data gathered through questionnaires. Frequency count and percentages were utilised to analyse quantitative data gained through the questionnaires. The qualitative data gathered thorough interview was also analysed by narration. The result of the study indicated that head teachers in the study area employed a variety of supervisory options to supervise their teachers base on the level of maturity of the individual teacher. Work overload of head teachers and lack of regular in-service training for head teachers were identified in the study as the challenges faced by head teachers. The study recommended reduction of workload of head teachers, regular in-service training for instructional supervisors, and the existence of cordial relationship between head teachers and teachers and sensitisation of School Management Committee and Parents Teachers Association on their roles in the schools.

Source: UEW
Challenges and prospects associated with rural electrification

Energy is essential and without it, societies can neither function socially nor commercially. Without sufficient and adequate energy resources, developing countries will not be able to foster the social and economic developments that are crucial for growth. Electricity is believed to have played a major role in development as well as poverty alleviation; expansion of access to electric energy to rural areas where poverty greatly resides has shown slow progress worldwide. In this regard, the study assessed the challenges and prospects associated with rural electrification in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Data for the study was obtained using structured questionnaires and interview schedule. In all, there were 123 respondents made up of 115 residents and eight management of the Bawku District Assembly and the Volta River Authority respectively. Quantitative data analysis was performed using the Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS), version 18, while thematic analysis was performed on the interview data. The study concludes that rural electrification has had much positive effect on the residents of the Bawku West District. This is by decreased poverty, raising the standard of living, creating more jobs in the District thereby reducing unemployment as well as enhancing the academic achievement of children in school. Rural electrification significantly impacts on the creation of SMEs in the District. The major challenge of rural electrification in the District included the scattered nature of settlement which makes it difficult to extend electricity to other parts that are far as well as inadequate funds to extend electrification to other parts of the area. It is recommended that the government through the Ministry of Energy should create the needed incentives to attract investors for rural electrification. This can be achievement by creating a system of tariffs and subsidies that ensures sustainable cost recovery while minimizing price distortions.

Source: UEW