ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Liquidity management in rural banking: a case study of some selected rural banks in Ghana.

The importance of rural banks as providers of financial services to ensure growth in the predominantly agro-based economy cannot be over emphasized. Rural banks have been established to mobilize rural funds and assist the rural folks with credit facilities mainly in their productive activities. The sheer size and complexity of the modern economy increases the importance of liquidity crises and this is all the more reason it needs to be carefully considered. This study was therefore conducted to assess the liquidity management practices of some selected rural banks in Ghana. The study utilized primary data and secondary data to answer the research questions. Questionnaires and interviews were the main instrument used to gather primary data. Secondary data were obtained from the financial statements and reports of the selected rural banks. The findings showed that the various mechanisms adopted by rural banks in preventing liquidity crises were short term investments, active deposit mobilization, high transaction deposits, interbank liquidity management using the markets risk framework and reducing capital tied up in inventory. The study recommended that a contingency funding plan (CFP) should be instituted that clearly sets out the strategies for addressing liquidity shortfalls in emergency situations. A CFP should outline policies to manage a range of stress environments, establish clear lines of responsibility, include clear invocation and escalation procedures and be regularly tested and updated to ensure that it is operationally robust.

Source: KNUST
Liquidity risk management practices: The case of selected financial institutions in the Kumasi Metropolis

The study sought to examine the current liquidity risk management practices of selected financial institutions in the Kumasi metropolis; precisely Rural and Community Banks, Savings and Loans Companies and Microfinance Institutions. In all, 4 Rural and Community Banks, 4 Savings and Loans Companies, and 4 Microfinance Institutions (specifically, deposit-taking institutions), were chosen for the study, using a convenience sampling method. The key respondents, who on the other hand were the branch managers, operations and risk managers, were chosen purposively. Specifically, 3 respondents were selected from each institution, making a total of 36 respondents in all. Primary data were gathered using both questionnaires and interviews. The study revealed that internal control systems and institutional policies play a major role in the liquidity risk management practices of these institutions. Again, the setting of limits on savings withdrawals and the use of customers’ savings as a source of funding, were found to be the least used strategies across the three different groups of financial institutions (as a result of an increased competition in the banking sector). A further analysis of the results using a one-way ANOVA indicated that there were largely no significant differences in liquidity risk management practices across the three groups of institutions studied. Furthermore, the study revealed that a proper liquidity risk management had brought more benefits to the Rural and Community Banks than the Microfinance Institutions. Lastly, it was found that the Rural and Community Banks, as well as the Savings and Loans Companies were mostly affected by credit risk, whereas liquidity risk was a major risk for the Microfinance Institutions.

Source: KNUST
Literary Production and Islamic Reform in Ghana: A Case Study of Sheikh Aminu Bamba of Ejura

This thesis analyses the literary works of Bamba of Ejura as a reflection of his contributions to Islamic reform in Ghana. The thesis examines the background of Bamba in order to appreciate the diverse factors which contributed to shaping his reform ideas. In particular the study analyses Bamba’s interpretations of theological, jurisprudential, and conflict resolutions competence issues. While the study argues that, aspects of Bamba’s ideas on Islamic theology and jurisprudence were not original, though well embedded in the mainstream traditional Islamic scholarships, his ideas which focus on eradicating religious laxities within the Tijaniyyah was outstanding. In the field of inheritance and jurisprudence, his ability to undertake extensive research which aims at addressing some socio-religious problems in the community underscores the unique perspective he contributed to Islamic law. Despite the fact that Bamba belongs to the Tijaniyyah brotherhood his ideas on Islamic reform were receptive to Muslims of different doctrinal divides in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Lithology and pore fluid prediction of a reservoir using density, compressional and shear wave logs: a case study of the Tano basin

Due to the higher uncertainties associated with the traditional method of determining lithology and pore fluid using well logs, quantitative rock physics analysis was carried out to determine the lithology and pore fluid of a reservoir in the Tano Basin. Inaccurate prediction of lithology and pore fluid, results in the inaccurate determination of other petrophysical properties such as porosity, permeability, net pay, etc. Rock physics analysis reduces the uncertainties related to the traditional method of predicting lithology and pore fluid. The primary objective of this thesis is to predict lithology and pore fluid using rock physics analysis, however, the oil-water-contact (O.W.C) and reservoir zone were also predicted. In this thesis, density, compressional wave velocity and shear wave velocity logs were used as input to calculate elastic parameters such as velocity ratio, Poisson’s ratio, and Lamé parameters. The calculated velocity ratio log was used to differentiate between sand and shale. Rock physics analysis of the calculated Lamé parameters was used for comprehensive lithology prediction. A crossplot of Lamé’s ratio (λ/μ) and difference (λ*⍴ - μ*⍴) using Goodway (2001) interpretation template was carried out. The gas sand, wet sand, and carbonate formations were delineated according to the crossplot analysis. Poisson’s ratio and velocity ratio crossplot was also used to determine the pore fluid content. Oil sand, gas sand, and brine sand were predicted from the crossplot analysis. Oil-water-contact and reservoir zone were identified due to the rapid variations observed in the velocity ratio log. This thesis demonstrates how rock physics analysis can be used to improve lithology and pore fluid prediction of the Tano Basin.

Source: KNUST
Livelihood strategies and the determinants of subjective wellbeing; A case study of subsistence farmers in the Northern region of Ghana

The study analyzed livelihood strategies and the determinants of subjective wellbeing among subsistence farmers in the Northern region of Ghana. Cross-sectional data was collected from a sample of 346 subsistence farmers drawn from four districts (Tamale metropolis, West Mamprusi, Central Gonja and Kpandai) using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected from households heads through personal interview using structured questionnaire. The livelihoods of subsistence farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana was characterized by income poverty and deprivation from many needs like food, health and low levels of formal education. Using cluster analyses four livelihood strategies were identified among subsistence farmers. The strategies comprised of the adoption of; Agriculture only strategy, Agriculture and Off-farm strategy, Agriculture and Nonfarm strategy and Agriculture, Off-farm and Nonfarm strategy (The Mixed strategy).The Hirschman-Herfindahl index which measured income diversification found incomes of subsistence farmers to be 71% diverse. The asset pentagonal analysis showed that subsistence farmers had less social and financial capital compared to other capital assets. Results from the study reveals that 29% of subsistence farmers were completely unsatisfied with their life situations whiles 32% of them felt their livelihoods left them completely satisfied. Using an ordered logit procedure, food insecurity and the adoption of Agriculture and Off-farm livelihood strategy reduced the subjective wellbeing of subsistence farmers while social capital, human capital, annual income per capita, residence in the Tamale Metropolis and adopting the Agriculture and Nonfarm livelihood strategy improved the subjective well- being of subsistence farmers. Encouraging nonfarm activities and social capital formation is recommended for growth in income and the improvement in the subjective well-being of subsistence farmers.

Source: KNUST
Livelihood strategies, lowlands rice cultivation and implication for the adoption of rice technologies (a case study of integrated rice management options)

Rural households in developing countries undertake a wide range of activities to make a living and the understanding of this complex interaction is a prerequisite to effective technological and policy intervention. The Crops Research Institute (Ghana) in collaboration with the West Africa Rice Center (WARDA) at 2003 and 2004 introduced Integrated Rice Management (IRM) practices to rural rice farming communities in the Western Region of Ghana with a view to improve the livelihood status of the communities. The contribution of IRM and their complementarily with the other livelihood strategies provides the broader picture of farmers' response "and adoption. However the broader pictures is usually obscured and to improve this understanding, a good knowledge of prevailing livelihood strategies of farmers is needed, hence the study to assess the livelihood strategies of lowland rice farmers and their implication for the adoption of improved rice management options. The study adopted a participatory technique and involved rice farmers, opinion leaders and other, stakeholders such as extension officers, heads of on-going projects and other institutions that operate within the Shama Ahanta East districts. Primary and secondary data were used in this study. Farmers who have been introduced to IRM learning classes (IRM- exposed) and those who had not (non-IRM exposed) were purposively selected for this survey. K-means cluster analysis and multiple regression were used in analyzing data. The results of the study reveals that farmers engage in similar and diverse livelihood activities which are sometimes undertaken simultaneously (distillation from sugarcane and rice production) or consecutively (distillation activities using oil palm and rice production). Predominant livelihood activities were rice farming and distillation. In addition, exposure to IRM options afforded farmers time to engage in dry season vegetable production, thus increasing income. Three different livelihood strategies; Diversified Land Rich Farmer, Partial Subsistence Middle Income Farmer and Partial Subsistence Low Income Farmer were identified and each of these differed from the other in its contribution to total income. Percentage contribution of rice to total income was least in Diversified Land Rich Fanner and highest in Partial Subsistence Low Income Farmer indicating rice as an important source of money for the poor. However, farmers within these communities were constrained in certain infrastructure such as power tillers, threshers, tarpaulin and high quality milling machine in addition to the rain-fed agriculture they practiced which imparted negatively on their farm activities. Therefore, it is recommended that infrastructure such as threshers, tarpaulin and improved milling machines be provided by relevant stakeholders in the development process to prevent post harvest losses and increase the quality of grains produced for the improvement of the livelihoods of the respondents.

Source: KNUST
Liver Fibrosis by Transient Elastography and Virologic Outcomes After Introduction of Tenofovir in Lamivudine-Experienced Adults With HIV and Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection in Ghana

Background. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs in sub-Saharan Africa have for many years included lamivudine as the sole hepatitis B virus (HBV) inhibitor. Long-term outcomes and the effects of introducing tenofovir as part of ART in these populations have not been characterized. Methods. The study comprised a cross-sectional analysis of 106 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HBV– coinfected subjects maintained on lamivudine, as well as a prospective analysis of 76 lamivudine-experienced subjects who introduced tenofovir. Patients underwent assessment of liver fibrosis by transient elastography (TE) and testing to characterize HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and HBV replication. Results. After a median of 45 months of lamivudine treatment, HIV-1 RNA and HBV DNA were detectable in 35 of 106 (33.0%) and 54 of 106 (50.9%) subjects, respectively, with corresponding drug resistance rates of 17 of 106 (16.0%) and 31 of 106 (29.2%), respectively. Median TE values were 5.7 kPa (interquartile range, 4.7–7.2 kPa) and independently associated with HBV DNA load, aspartate aminotransferase levels, and platelet counts; 13 of 106 (12.3%) subjects had TE measurements >9.4 kPa. Twelve months after the first assessment, and a median of 7.8 months after introducing tenofovir, HBV DNA levels declined by a mean of 1.5 log10 IU/mL (P < .001). TE values changed by a mean of −0.2 kPa (P = .097), and declined significantly in subjects who had pretenofovir HBV DNA levels >2000 IU/mL (mean, −0.8 kPa; P = .048) or TE values >7.6 kPa (mean, −1.2 kPa; P = .021). HIV-1 RNA detection rates remained unchanged. Conclusions. A proportion of HIV/HBV-coinfected patients on long-term lamivudine-containing ART had poor HIV and HBV suppression, drug resistance, and TE values indicative of advanced liver fibrosis. Tenofovir improved HBV control and reduced liver stiffness in subjects with high HBV DNA load and TE values.

Source: KNUST
Lives of persons with disabilities in Cameroon after CRPD: voices of persons with disabilities in the Buea Municipality in Cameroon

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has been touted as a major breakthrough towards achieving equal rights for persons with disabilities. The promulgation of the convention provided clear guidelines for signatory countries to revise their legislation as well as to formulate policies that will take into consideration the needs of persons with disabilities. As Cameroon is a signatory to the convention, it is expected that disability-friendly policies have been implemented to enhance the living conditions of persons with disabilities. This study examined, from the perspectives of participants, the life experiences of persons with disabilities in the Buea Municipality 7 years after Cameroon signed the CRPD. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative method, involving focus-group discussions with 36 participants from three disability groups: hearing impaired, visually impaired, and physically impaired. Findings: The study found that persons with disabilities in the Buea Municipality faced many challenges in their daily endeavors. These challenges are a result of a lack of inclusive policies, leading to their exclusion from social and economic activities such as education, employment, and healthcare. Conclusions: Although the study is limited in scope, the findings suggest that persons with disabilities in the Buea Municipality were yet to benefit from the CRPD. It is, therefore, suggested that the government of Cameroon should formulate inclusive policies to address the numerous challenges facing persons with disabilities in the Buea Municipality.

Source: KNUST
Local capacity for decentralized development governance: a study of community-based Organisations in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi District

The failure of past development paradigms for African transformation has been due mainly to the fact that they were more “object centred” rather than “people centred” and therefore never considered the role of the people in the development planning process. Ghana’s attempt at making development more human centered finds expression in the decentralization programme in which district assemblies have been established to serve as agents of local development and where the grassroots people are represented, and local development units given a major role in local development issues. The case of local development organisations in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi District has been taken to assess their capacities in the governance process of local development. Field data was collected through the use of interview schedules and guides from CBOs as well as from departments working with these CBOs in the district. Field data has shown that in spite of a few and isolated cases of demonstrated capacity in terms of development initiatives and management among CBOs, there is a general lack of capacity for development governance in the district. Weaknesses in capacity among CBOs except for the WATSANs have been in fields of finance, management and technical skills. These weaknesses and the near lack of an all-level institutional linkage, coupled with ethnic divisions and negative traditional beliefs further hamper capacity for governance. A three-prong system of linkages at the district, zonal and community levels is suggested to foster a permanent, mutual and frequent interaction amongst all development governance actors.

Source: KNUST
Loan extension to salary workers by some selected money lending institutions in Ashanti Region.

Globally, people require money for different purposes and from different sources. Financial institutions granting micro loans to individuals are charging high interest rates in order to remain financially sustainable. This problem of high interest rate has brought in wake low repayment rates. The objective of this study was to investigate the study with three lending institutions in Ashanti Region of Ghana with the objectives of finding out the loan products available to salaries customers from these institutions, the amount of loans granted, the repayment levels and the problems faced by the lending institutions in loaning out to salaried workers. There was the purposive sampling of credit officers and managers who were interviewed. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed and thematic analysis was done on the data. It was found that salaried workers had special loan products in two institutions, the problems of loan default and poor credit appraisal were some of the problems of these lending institutions. The study concludes that there is segregation between salaried workers‟ loan products and that of non-salaried borrowers in some lending institutions. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations such as training of credit staff and proper appraisal of credit worthiness of prospective borrowers among other were made.

Source: KNUST
Local communities’ willingness to pay towards sustainable shea trees conservation and production in Bongo District, Ghana

Shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa is a tree that does well in arid and semi-arid areas of Northern Ghana. Due to recent competing demands for various uses of the tree without conservation, its stock is declining continuously. The study seeks to examine the monetary value that local people are willing to pay as well as investigate socioeconomic factors that influence respondents’ WTP towards sustainable shea tree production and conservation to halt its decline. A total of 100 respondents were selected using multistage and systematic random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a face-to-face interview to collect data for the study. The mean willingness to pay was estimated at GH¢11.00 to GH¢16.500 per year. Ordinary least square regression results show that, income, educational level, livelihood activity and marital status were statistically significant and positively influenced respondents’ willingness to pay. There were no institutional arrangements or structures that can facilitate and coordinate any payment scheme for environmental services. It is recommended that, government provides subsidies to encourage commercial shea seedlings production and conservation of existing trees as well as establish legal and institutional arrangement that would support effective design of PES to boost shea tree production in the area. Keywords: Willingness to pay, conservation, payment for environmental services, institutional arrangement

Source: KNUST
Local mythology in narrative painting

This research work stands as an exploration of mythologies and narratives sourced from hitherto marginalised or ill represented cultures in the genre of academic narrative painting which was the most visible genre in major art circles in 15th to 19th century Europe and the world built on the spirit of that time. Through experimentations, exhibitions and audience interactivity I investigate notions of identity and representation in relation to ideas which attempt to explain this popular genre. It is no doubt the power stories and myth have, from a perceived abandoned leisure activity or form of entertainment to a whole field of scientific study as some have it referred to and a tool for possible addressing of pertinent critical issues facing the world we live in today. My research employs the use of exhibitions and audience interactions as my main methodology for collecting and sharing information for my analysis. My studio work which stands between the more definite fields of traditional painting and tableaux installations sets the stage for dialogue to begin or advance on issues bothering on identity and cultural capital considering how the mythological themes of my work are set. The strategies employed in the execution and exhibition of the work stand as inflections on various canons in art and knowledge production and it‟s far reaching associations. Perhaps this gesture however subtle has inspired new imaginaries which could go a long way to institute new configurations of how newer notions of identity and representation are formed.

Source: KNUST
Local materials for collage making

The abundant materials available in Ghana for Collage making has urged the researcher on to address the problem related to conventional painting media, in this project. The researcher is particularly interested in the use of Aroline Veneer as a medium of expression in Collage Making. Chapter one of this report is the introduction to the project. The first section of the introduction describes the problem. The second deals with the hypothesis which presumes the ways of solving the problem. This is followed b the assumptions upon which the thesis has been drawn, then importance of the study, delimitation, limitations, definition of terms, research methodology, data and data collection followed sequentially in this order. Chapter Two deals with the review of the related literature. In this chapter, written evidence on various materials and techniques have been sought, studied and interpreted in relation to this research. This has made it possible for the researcher to know what has been done so far in collage making by various writers and collagists. The Third Chapter exposes the reader to the materials and equipment and also the local sources of the collage materials including preparation of adhesives, tools, accessories and Supports. The Fourth Chapter deals with the experimentation in collage painting using, rock, processed and unprocessed plant materials. The experiment also involves the use of local adhesives, simple tools and materials. The Chapter also spells out effects from the use of the materials separately or in mixed media. Chapter Five gives the results, conclusion and recommendation.

Source: KNUST