ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An Examination of the Effects of US Immigration Policies on Ghana and Ghanaian Migrants (2016-2019)

The United States immigration policies, particularly under President Trump, towards Africa and Ghana has attracted some attention both in scholarship and policy discourse. The Trump administration’s deportation of some Ghanaians migrants and the associated tension that ensued between the US and Ghana, over the former’s visa restriction on some sections of the Ghanaian populace are important events for intellectual inquiry. This study, therefore, focused primarily on exploring the implications of President Trump’s immigration policies towards Ghana and Ghanaian migrants in the US. This study is qualitative research and relied on secondary data including books, journal articles, newspapers, and official websites of state institutions, among others. The study used content analysis to analyze the secondary data obtained. The study found that the major immigration policies of President Obama include Secure Community Programme and Deferred Actions Against Childhood Arrivals – DACA on the one hand, while that of the Trump administration include, the Zero-Tolerance Policy, The Public Charge Act, Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) and the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). The study further revealed that Republicans such as President Trump are Restrictionist in nature, thereby generally deprioritizing migrant resettlements. The study showed that there are the two main justifications for the implementation of US’ immigration Policies towards Africa under the Trump Administration. The First is to safeguard the national interest of America by protecting the American citizenry and secondly to fulfill a political campaign promise made during 2016 Presidential elections, in order to be re-elected to office in 2020. It was found that Ghana and some other African countries were directly affected by President Trump’s immigration policies that placed a US visa ban on some Muslim countries in Africa and visa restrictions for nationals of “recalcitrant countries”. The study recommends that an appreciation of US immigration policies, towards Africa, by Ghana is crucial to appreciating the changing trends, causes, effects, and suitable solutions in dealing with the US.

Source: UG
An Examination of the Implications and Global Interventions of Child Marriage in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Burkina Faso

Child marriage has been a very serious problem in sub-Saharan Africa, having links to several other systemic problems on the sub-continent. Using Burkina Faso as a case study, this study examines the state of child marriage in sub-Saharan African, focusing on uncovering the underlying factors that perpetuate child marriage in Burkina Faso, the implications that the practice have on young girls, as well as the successes and challenges that interventions put in place to address the problem have achieved and faced, respectively. Using a qualitative research design, the main data collection method was interviews, coupled with extensive literature review. The analysis of the data identified poverty, high illiteracy rate, a lack of sensitization, religion and the predominant family structure as the underlying factors perpetuating the practice in Burkina Faso. The practice infringes on the human rights of the young girls by, amongst other things, creating slave-like conditions for them in their ‘marital homes’, and traumatizing them physically, emotionally and psychologically. The national legislations, international instruments and efforts of international organizations to address the issue have seen some successes, including setting the legal age for marriage in the country, and establishing a few shelters for at-risk girls and child brides, amongst others. However, its main challenges in meeting its goal of eradicating child marriage in Burkina Faso includes poverty, loopholes in the national legislations, the absence of national legislations and the severe lack of sensitization which results in a lack of knowledge on the dangers of the issue, as well as the various remedies available for victims and potential victims. The study concluded with recommendations for, amongst others, future detailed research on the challenges identified that militates against addressing the problem in Burkina Faso, as well as intensification in civil society activities to address the problem of child marriage in the wake of the government shortfalls.

Source: UG
An Examination of the Influence of Globalization on Ghana’s Foreign Policy since the End of the Cold War

The emergence of globalization has made the world a global village. It has thus made interactions between states easier to conduct as the world has become a smaller place. Consequently, it has made states to fashion their foreign policy in such a way that follows the current trends of the world. The purpose of this research is to examine how globalization has influenced Ghana’s foreign policy in terms of its decision making and implementation in the area of economic diplomacy, regional integration and culture. The research discovered that Ghana’s foreign policy has not changed in its tenets since it is part and parcel of the constitution of Ghana. However, in pursuing the foreign policy agenda it has been influenced from time to time as the process of globalization intensifies. The research used a purposive sampling technique to collect data from ten (10) respondents who are knowledgeable in the area of globalization as well as Ghana’s foreign policy. The study found out that globalization has made economic diplomacy easier to practice. It also discovered that some aspects of Ghana’s culture has been influenced in the area of music, clothing, dance, arts as well as education. The research further made some recommendations to help Foreign Policy Practitioners to improve upon Ghana’s foreign policy in the light of the trends in globalization

Source: UG
An Examination of the Latent Structure and Reproducibility of the Life Skills Scale for Sport in Botswana and Ghana

With the growing interest in sport-based positive youth development (PYD) programs across the African continent, there is a need to establish suitable measures to evaluate the success of these programs in fostering PYD. The Life Skills Scale for Sport (LSSS) was recently developed as a sport-specific measure of life skills development. Despite its good psychometric properties among British youth sport participants, cross-cultural evidence indicates differences in the conceptualization of the eight factors measured by the LSSS. To determine the suitability of the LSSS for use in the African youth sport context, this study examined the latent structure and reproducibility of scores produced by the scale in a sample of youth sport participants from Botswana and Ghana. Cross-sectional data from a sample of 495 youth athletes (male = 51.72%), aged 12–21 years (M = 16.76, SD = 1.58) from junior and senior secondary schools was used in this study. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling were conducted, and conventional fit indices were used to assess model fit. Results on the original LSSS model indicated the need for model re-specification in the current sample. A re-specified LSSS, consisting of the original eight factors but only 34 of the original 43 items demonstrated improved fit and adequate internal consistency. Scores derived from the re-specified LSSS proved to be a valid estimate of life skills development in the current sample of youth sport participants. This has important implications for the utility of the LSSS in different cultures.

Source: UG
An Examination of the Nexus between Liberal Democracy and National Development: A Comparative Study of Ghana and Singapore

The economic performance of democratic states in Africa is a rising concern against the assumptions of the modernization theory that, developing nations must adopt the values of the western societies (democracy) in order to develop. The third wave of democratization in Africa rather led to harsh economic conditions, especially from the international financial institutions as a means of receiving aid. These conditions deteriorated the economic development of most African states and cast doubts on the assertion that liberal democracy facilitates development. This leads to the question of whether democracy is the ideal form of governance for developing states. Should Ghana adopt another governance model in order to develop? The study primarily examines the relationship between the political system of Ghana and its path to economic growth and development by analyzing some key factors that contributed to the development of Singapore as a blueprint for Ghana. Using a mixed-method research approach, the study employed the Excel Software to analyze the performance of both states using the economic growth, inflation levels and the Human Development Index (HDI), as against the political system of Ghana under a democratic rule and Singapore, an authoritarian rule. The study indicates that Singapore outperformed Ghana in all the economic indicators adopted in the study which some scholar’s attribute to the success of the existence of the one-party dominance –the People’s Action Party (PAP). The study definitively answers the question that democracy significantly impacts growth when its tenets are applied with some developmental strategies. Ghana should continue to promote its democratic credentials; however, there’s the need to change the focus from just conducting elections and winning power to the development of the nation.

Source: UG
An Examination of the Opportunities and Challenges Facing Women in Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (2000-2019)

Historical accounts from various countries globally have proven that women were exempt from officially participating in diplomatic activities until the early 1990’s. In Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has helped implement Ghana’s foreign policy over the years. Although Ghanaian women have participated in decision making, management and development, not enough women in Ghana have played significant roles in politics and public service. Using the qualitative research method, this study looked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and found out how women have had the opportunity to serve there, their numbers in the past and their current representation, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face. Findings from the study indicate that women’s representation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional integration has improved over the years. Although there seem to be more women than men in the Ministry, more men occupy top positions than women. There was a general consensus that the only opportunity available to women that was not equally available to men was paid maternity leave. Opportunities available to women include recruitment and promotions, as these are based on merit from entrance examinations and interviews. Some of the challenges identified included appointments being more favourable to men, work life balance and sexual harassment particularly of women. Additionally, cultural factors hinder women’s advancement due to difficulties for the husbands of female officers to follow them on postings abroad, which has resulted in several cases of infidelity and divorce. A key finding was that, there was no real consensus as to whether or not the Ministry had any policies concerning sexual harassment. Recommendations include making the working environment within the Ministry more sensitive to the family, work life balance, enhancing inclusiveness of males in family life by increasing paternity leave, developing and implementing a sexual harassment policy and committee to address issues pertaining to sexual harassment. Furthermore, data should be made available for further research in the area.

Source: UG
An Examination of the Privileges and Obligations of Membership of International Organization: The Case of Ghana within the United Nations

Ghana has joined several international organizations in order to enhance international cooperation with other states in addressing global security and development crises. However, this particular study focuses predominantly on Ghana’s membership to the United Nations (UN). Ghana has been a member of the UN since August 8, 1957 and as such has contributed significantly to addressing international security and development crises through the systems and structures of the UN. Towards this end, this study utilized the theories of Neo-institutionalism and Cooperation to examine the privileges and obligations of Ghana as a member of the UN. The study also accessed challenged faced by Ghana in fulfilling her obligations to the UN. The study was purely qualitative and relied primarily on secondary sources of data. Data collected was analyzed using content analysis grounded on the theories of International Cooperation and Neo-institutionalism. The main findings of the study were that Ghana as a member of the UN enjoys some privileges including sovereignty, development assistance and supports, capacity building, global recognition and good image and peaceful resolution of international disputes. The study showed that to continue enjoying these privileges as a member of the UN, there are some key obligations which behooves on Ghana to perform including political representation, troop contribution to peacekeeping operations, contribution to international development, abiding and ratification of the UN’s Conventions, Statutes, Treaties and International law, and also paying of annual dues to the accomplishment of the mandates of the organization. Also, the study showed that there are some challenges which bedevils Ghana in full fulfilment of her obligations to the UN. Paramount among these challenges include conflicting national interests, institutional proliferation of many integration groups, external influence of powerful states, economic difficulties and non-representation as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that Ghana’s membership of the United Nations has been beneficial to her development and the promotion of international peace and security. Towards this end, the study recommends the Ghana should take effective and proactive measures to manage the challenges she faces in fulfilling her obligations to the international organizations such as the United Nations, to take full advantage of the privileges which comes with being a member of such organizations as indicated in this study.

Source: UG
An Examination Of The Public Procurement Policies Of Ghana And Nigeria In The Context Of Value For Money

Public procurement is the lifeblood of every government without which the administration of states will be difficult if not impossible. The study looked at the procurement policies of Ghana and Nigeria with emphasis on attaining value for money. The study employed a qualitative research design to explore the criteria for ensuring value for money, measures of attaining value in procurement, and challenges that hinder value for money attainment in Ghana and Nigeria. Data was sourced from regulatory bodies and procurement practitioners from both countries. The study found that while Ghana mainly uses the traditional 5 rights (right quantity, right quality, right price, right place and right time) as criteria for ensuring value for money, Nigeria often used the 4 Es- economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity. However, these criteria are not mutually exclusive to each country. The study also found proper monitoring by regulators, ensuring competition in procurement, conducting Need- Based Assessments before procurement and externally auditing public organizations as means of ensuring value for money in procurement. Challenges that were identified in the course of the research are corruption of procurement authorities, low capacity of procurement personnel, and poor knowledge of procurement laws among others. The study recommends that both countries should employ more involving criteria such as debating procurements directly or through elected representatives while restricting government spending through strict budgetary approval procedures, strengthening the capacities of procurement officers through training and collaborating with Civil Society Organizations to check corruption in the public sector.

Source: UG
An Examination of the Public Procurement Policies of Ghana and Nigeria in the Context of Value for Money

ABSTRACT Public procurement is the lifeblood of every government without which the administration of states will be difficult if not impossible. The study looked at the procurement policies of Ghana and Nigeria with emphasis on attaining value for money. The study employed a qualitative research design to explore the criteria for ensuring value for money, measures of attaining value in procurement, and challenges that hinder value for money attainment in Ghana and Nigeria. Data was sourced from regulatory bodies and procurement practitioners from both countries. The study found that while Ghana mainly uses the traditional 5 rights (right quantity, right quality, right price, right place and right time) as criteria for ensuring value for money, Nigeria often used the 4 Es- economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity. However, these criteria are not mutually exclusive to each country. The study also found proper monitoring by regulators, ensuring competition in procurement, conducting Need-Based Assessments before procurement and externally auditing public organizations as means of ensuring value for money in procurement. Challenges that were identified in the course of the research are corruption of procurement authorities, low capacity of procurement personnel, and poor knowledge of procurement laws among others. The study recommends that both countries should employ more involving criteria such as debating procurements directly or through elected representatives while restricting government spending through strict budgetary approval procedures, strengthening the capacities of procurement officers through training and collaborating with Civil Society Organizations to check corruption in the public sector.

Source: UG
An Examination of the Ramifications of the Anglophone Crisis to Cameroon’s Peace and Development (2016-2019)

The hard handedness of the Cameroonian government’s security forces against the peaceful demonstration by lawyers, teachers and civil society organizations from Anglophone Cameroon in 2016 escalated an already tense security situation in the country. The repressive response of the state security forces led to civilian deaths and the displacement of over 437, 000 people, mostly in the Anglophone regions of North West and South West of the country. Using a qualitative approach, the study examines the causes of the crisis as well as its ramifications on the people and on peace and development in Cameroon in general. The study found that the causes of the crisis are deep in history, and that the crisis had economic, political, social, and psychological ramifications on Anglophone Cameroonians and the country as a whole, as well as on Nigeria, its western neighbor. The study further noted the efforts of international actors such as the UK, US, and Switzerland, along with ECCAS and the African Union (AU), which have used largely diplomatic approaches to resolve the crisis. The study recommended, among other things, that these external actors intensify their efforts to bring a lasting solution to the crisis

Source: UG
An Examination Of The Role Of Economic Diplomacy In Regional Integration: A Case Study Of Ghana-Ecowas Relations

West African economic diplomacy is essentially development diplomacy aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its population. However, efforts to maximize the benefits of bilateral and multilateral economic diplomacy and regional integration for member nations' socioeconomic liberalization are hampered by several obstacles. As a result, the research is directed by the objectives of identifying the scope and practice of economic diplomacy, its impact, and the problems of regional economic integration within ECOWAS. This qualitative study was supported by the theoretical framework of New Functionalism Theory, which relied on ten key informants for theme analysis of data obtained by interview guide administration. According to the findings, Ghana's economic diplomacy is a tool for market integration and regional trade liberalization, which underpins commercial diplomacy management, trade diplomacy management, and financial diplomacy management. Also, the impacts of economic integration tools resulted in trade enhancement, fosters market development and growth, facilitates the creation of employment, transit goods and logistics service management, and revenue mobilization. The key challenges for the regional body are efforts stifled by a new conflict of scramble for its resources by the developed nations; failure to implement the Trade Liberalization Scheme; failure to meet the primary convergence criteria that will set the stage for the establishment of the common currency, ECO; and pockets of corruption and military coups that have destabilized peace, among others. The study advocated the establishment of institutional and legal provisions to support economic diplomacy and integration partnership agreement implementation, the promotion of more political-dedicated regimes in collective economic protocol implantation, and the consistent honoring of financial obligations, separate from the new scramble for regional integration prospects.

Source: UG
An examination of the role played by Ghana’s legislature in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic

In the wake of the recently emerged COVID-19 pandemic, legislatures were regarded as one of the important government institutions that can help cushion nations against the economic and social disruptions inflicted by the health crises, given the important roles they play in policymaking within political systems. This paper examines the roles played by Ghana's legislative institution in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper further explores some of the challenges to legislative activities during the height of the pandemic. From a content analysis of a variety of literature drawn from Parliamentary Proceedings, online journal articles, official documents, and news from credible media outlets, we found that Ghana's legislative institution was crucial to the country's management of the pandemic as they played important roles such as passing COVID-19 related laws, financial oversight, and providing a check on Executive actions. The main challenge to Parliamentary activities was the demand for rapid legislation, which weakened Parliamentary oversight and scrutiny functions. The study makes some recommendations to strengthen legislative responses to future pandemics.

Source: UG