ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Internal Audit Quality in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Central Region

The motivation for the study was the infractions cited by the Auditor General in the audit report of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) from 2014 to 2018 as well as the Auditor General’s Report on Management and Utilization of District Assemblies’ Common Fund and other Statutory Funds from 2015 to 2018. The study examined the influence of competence, independence, nature of work performed, management support and stakeholder perceptions of internal audit staff on internal audit quality. Stratified random sampling was employed for data collection from one hundred and sixteen internal audit staff, management and other stakeholders of MMDAs in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze objectives and multiple regression was employed to test the hypotheses of the study. The results of the study revealed that competence, independence, management support, nature of work performed by the internal audit staff and positive stakeholders’ perception of internal audit staff positively affect the quality of the internal audit work. The study affirmed inspired confidence theory which states that an auditor must be independent and professionally competent to enhance audit quality. The study recommends that MMDAs should enhance the competence of the internal audit staff through professional training and provide adequate resources to enable internal audit staff enhance the quality of their activities.

Source: UCC
Determinants of international students’ choice of universities in Ghana: A case of university of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

The current study examined the determinants of international students’ choices to public universities in Ghana. With migration system theory and push-pull theory as lenses, the findings of the study were based on surveys with 435 international students (University of Ghana=166; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology =269) randomly selected and the data was analysed using the IBM SPSS 21. The study found that, in both University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the cost of tuition was one of the major factors that influenced their choice. Also meeting people with diverse culture, the search for new experience, the reputation of the institution stood tall among all the social factors that influenced their choice. In terms of academic factors, the value of the degree influenced international students’ choice into University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The respondents were satisfied with the fact that teaching and learning was practical. International students had good communication and interaction with the local people and the lecturers respectively. The high cost of living, acts of discrimination and unavailable flexible banking were some of the challenges that international students’ face. The study therefore recommends that university authorities should conduct students need assessment to identify their basic needs as international students. To cure the problem of discrimination, the universities should organise games and programmes for both native and international students to build social networks

Source: UCC
Determinants of Isolated Systolic Hypertension among HIV/AIDS on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross Sectional Study in the GA South Metropolis

Background: Mortality in HIV/AIDS patients have increasingly been attributed to non- communicable causes. Since the dawn of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) infection and antiretroviral drugs, there has been conflicting data on the role of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) use across the globe with no data in Ghana. We studied the prevalence and determinants of isolated systolic hypertension in HIV/AIDS patients on ART. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 200 HIV/AIDS patients who received treatment at the HIV/AIDS clinic of the GA South Municipal Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), pulse and anthropometric (weight and height, waist and hip circumference) data were obtained using standard protocols. Other relevant data were obtained with the aid of a pretested questionnaire. Results: Age, Blood Pressure, Pulse Pressure, BMI and WHR were significantly associated with duration of ART use. The mean systolic blood pressure was significantly high in patients who have been on ART for over 2 yrs. Males were significantly older than females (p=0.003). 4%, 0.5%, and 5.5% of the participants had grade 1, 2, and ISH respectively. Gender was significantly associated with ISH (p=0.021). Females are less likely to develop isolated systolic hypertension. Those within the age group; 30-39 yrs (OR: 7.05, 95% CI: 4.10-12.13, p<0.0001), 40-49 yrs (OR: 3.42, 95% CI: 0.36- 32.10, p<0.0001) 50-59 yrs (OR: 6.13, 95% CI: 0.62-61.03, p<0.0001) are at risk of developing ISH. Conclusion: Isolated systolic hypertension was prevalent in 5.5% of HIV/AIDS patients on ART. Age and gender were the significant determinants of ISH. Efficient and easy accessible measures should be adopted to prevent and control ISH in HIV/AIDS patients on ART especially males and young adults.

Source: UCC
Determinants of Late Presentation and Histologic types of Breast Cancer in Women Presenting at a Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In Ghana and many parts of Africa more than 50% of breast cancer patients present with advanced stage even though evidence suggests that health education on breast cancer has intensified. Objectives: To determine the socio demographic characteristics of women presenting with breast cancer, pattern of presentation and the association between patients demographic characteristics and stage of presentation. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study over a period of three months was conducted at the Breast clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. Women with histological diagnosis of breast cancer were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results: Fifty women with breast cancer were studied with ages between 27 and 75 years with peak between 40-49 years. Majority presented three months after noticing the first symptom, usually a breast lump. Twenty nine (58%) women presented with late stage breast cancer. The commonest histologic type 44(88%) was invasive ductal Carcinoma. There was a strong positive correlation between stage of breast cancer and place of residence (0.4496) but a weak positive correlation between stage of breast cancer and age (0.1684), as was also stage of breast cancer and marital status (0.1143). There was a negative correlation between level of education and stage of presentation (-0.3398). Conclusion: Breast Cancer is common in 40-49 age groups. The incidence of late stage breast cancer is 58% with majority presenting within 7-12 months of onset of first symptoms, mostly breast lumps with invasive ductal carcinoma as the most common histologic type in stage 3. Fear of mastectomy was the main reason for late presentation. Most patients had some knowledge on breast cancer mostly from the radio stations. The stage of Breast cancer was strongly associated with patients’ level of education, residence (distance from facility) and religion.

Source: UCC
Determinants of loan default in UT Bank

Banks play very significant task in the fiscal life of every country. A strong and stable financial system, underpinned by sound macroeconomic management and prudential regulation, is an essential ingredient for sustained growth. A bank is a financial intermediary that accepts deposits and channels those deposits into lending activities, either directly or through capital markets. The main objective of this study is to identify the determinants of loan default using UT Bank as a case study. The design of the study will be a cross-sectional survey design using the qualitative approach. From the results, it was clear that, the major cause of default associated with Business Loans, Auto Loans and Salaried Loans are divergence of loans and delays in funds payments, inadequate income from repayment source and multiple loan obligations respectively. Again, the study showed that, Construction is the industry of the Business Loan portfolio that has the highest default rate. In relation to Auto Loan, the Private Individuals sector is the category of product that has the highest default rate and the Private Services sector is the category of the Salaried Loan portfolio which has the highest default rate. Business Loan however has the highest default rate among the three loan products. It was also observed that the reasons why the clients find it difficult to repay loan is because of the high interest rate, loss of job, accident car and bankruptcy.

Source: UCC
Determinants of loan repayment performance of fishermen: empirical evidence from Ghana

This study investigated factors influencing loan repayment performance of fishermen. A survey of 67 randomly sampled fishermen was conducted using a standard questionnaire. An interview schedule was the main tool of data collection while descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were the main analytical techniques. The study showed that majority of the fishermen interviewed were in the productive age range, had high average annual income and were experienced fishermen. Empirical results indicated that 70.1% of the fishermen interviewed had delayed repayment and this was partly attributed to low catch and high debts from fishmongers. Regression estimation results reveals that loan repayment increased with years of education, fishing income, years of fishing experience and amount of loan whilst the age and investment made negatively influenced the amount of loan repaid. The regression analysis finds the fishing income, loan and amount of investment made as significant predictors of the amount of loan repaid. The covariates in the model explained 77% of the variation in the loan repaid. It is recommended that allocation of loans to fisheries sector be increased to stimulate fishing activities and improve repayment performance of fishermen

Source: UCC
Determinants of Low Performance of Female Students In Science Subject: a Survey of Junior High Schools in The Aowin District

The study set out to investigate the determinants responsible for the low performance of female students in science in the Aowin district. To achieve the purpose, the study was guided by five (5) objectives. Methodologically, descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study employed quantitative approaches through the use of self – developed questionnaires. The female students in the five (5) educational circuits in the Aowin District participated in the study via responding to the developed questionnaires. In all, 375 female students were selected for the study using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. The obtained quantitative data analysis was analyzed using descriptive (means and standard deviations). The study revealed that factors responsible for low performance of female students in general are identified as: poor psychological state of the female students in the Aowin district, the teachers in the Aowin district attitude towards the learning of science and finally, the socio – economic background of the parents in the Aowin District. It was therefore recommended that Ghana Education Service in the Aowin District should be encouraged to source for sufficient science teaching – learning resource materials so that each student has a science subject taught. The idea would lead to better performance in science subjects at Junior High Schools in the Aowin District.

Source: UCC
Determinants of Mobile Banking Adoption among University of Cape Coast

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the determinants of mobile banking adoption among sandwich students of the University of Cape Coast. Precisely, the study: assessed the perceived ease of use towards mobile banking adoption; analysed perceived usefulness towards mobile banking adoption; ascertained social influence towards mobile banking adoption; evaluated the perceived risk towards mobile banking adoption, and examined the perceived cost towards mobile banking adoption among sandwich students of University of Cape Coast. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study whereby a convenience sampling technique was used to select 341 sandwich students. Questionnaire administration was the data collection method used. The data were analysed with the use of frequency and percentages. It was found that the majority of the students consistently agreed with all the indicators of perceived ease of using mobile banking and its usefulness as well as the social influences towards mobile banking adoption. Similarly, it was found that the majority of the students consistently agreed to all proxies of the perceived cost of mobile banking adoption, but the majority of the students agreed to certain aspects of perceived risk towards mobile banking adoption, while the majority of them disagreed to other aspects of perceived risk towards mobile banking adoption. The conclusion was that mobile banking presents some perceived ease of use, social influence, usefulness, risks and cost to the students. Thus, it was recommended for the management of the banks to intensify ease of use, usefulness and social influence, while reducing the risks and cost of mobile banking services.

Source: UCC
Determinants of modern family planning use among women of reproductive age in the Nkwanta district of Ghana: a case–control study

Background: Average contraceptive prevalence rate in the Nkwanta district of Ghana was estimated to be 6.2% relative to the national average at the time, of 19%. While several efforts had been made to improve family planning in the country, the district still had very low use of modern family planning methods. This study sought to determine the factors that influenced modern family planning use in general and specifically, the factors that determined the consistently low use of modern family planning methods in the district. Methods: A case–control study was conducted in the Nkwanta district of Ghana to determine socio-economic, socio-cultural and service delivery factors influencing family planning usage. One hundred and thirty cases and 260 controls made up of women aged 15–49 years were interviewed using structured questionnaires. A logistic regression was fitted. Results: Awareness and knowledge of modern family planning methods were high among cases and controls (over 90%). Lack of formal education among women, socio-cultural beliefs and spousal communication were found to influence modern family planning use. Furthermore, favourable opening hours of the facilities and distance to health facilities influenced the use of modern contraceptives. Conclusion: While modern family planning seemed to be common knowledge among these women, actual use of such contraceptives was limited. There is need to improve use of modern family planning methods in the district. In addition to providing health facilities and consolidating close-to-client service initiatives in the district, policies directed towards improving modern family planning method use need to consider the influence of formal education. Promoting basic education, especially among females, will be a crucial step as the district is faced with high levels of school dropout and illiteracy rates.

Source: UCC
Determinants of motivation of senior high school agricultural science teachers in the central region, Ghana

A correlational research design was used to examine the perceived levels of motivation and related variables of agricultural science teachers of selected Senior High Schools in Central Region of Ghana. Their existing levels of motivation, job satisfaction, supervision, work conditions, recognition, promotion, involvement in goal setting and background characteristics as well as the relationships among these variables were determined. The results showed perceived average levels of motivation, job satisfaction, supervision, recognition, promotion and involvement in goal setting among the teachers. However, they perceived low level of work conditions. Positive and significant relationships were found between motivation, and the following variables: work conditions (r = 0.451), recognition (r = 0.510), involvement in goal setting (r = 0.417). Other significant relationships observed were between recognition and involvement in goal setting (r=0.340), recognition and work condition (r=0.362), and recognition and supervision(r=0.372). Regression analysis showed that the best predictors of motivation of teachers were recognition and work conditions, both variables explaining approximately 32% variations in motivation of the teachers. It is therefore recommended that, to improve the motivation of Senior High School Agricultural Science teachers, there is the need to improve various aspects of work conditions of the teachers such as salary, health insurance coverage, accommodation and other facilities. Teacher recognition by both employers and supervisors need to be strengthened through giving teachers equal chance of winning the "Best Teacher Award" and verbal appreciation to teachers from supervisors, parents and students

Source: UCC
Determinants of Mushroom Commercialisation Among Small-scale Mushroom Producers in Selected Municipalities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

ABSTRACT The Ghana government has been pursuing the commercialisation of mushrooms since 1990, in accordance with the Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP), which aims to promote the commercialisation of smallholder farmers. The study explored the drivers of mushroom commercialisation in the Ga East and Adentan municipalities in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The study used a structured interview schedule to collect data from 153 mushroom producers in the study area, using a quantitative research approach, cross- sectional survey design and census. The data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, Ordinary Least Squares regression, Garret ranking and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study revealed that all the mushroom producers had received formal education and were on average 48 years old. The mean annual intensity and degree of mushroom commercialisation, respectively, were 75 percent and GHS 10202.29. Social awareness, market incentives, and the economic value of mushrooms motivated mushroom commercialisation, whereas institutional constraints and personal weaknesses, value chain challenges and market uncertainty inhibited it. The key Food Research Institute (FRI)’s contributions to mushroom commercialisation were training on production technologies and spawn supply, with annual income, economic value of mushroom, challenges in mushroom value chain and hired labour determining the degree of mushroom commercialisation. Stakeholders should encourage the youth to cultivate mushroom and enhance training in production technologies, spawn production, establish a market hub, raise mushroom awareness and strengthen the mushroom value chain.

Source: UCC
Determinants of Non-performing Loans in Ghana - a Case of Some Banks Listed on Ghana Stock Exchange

The research seeks to assess the determinants of NPLs of listed banks in Ghana. The study used descriptive research design. Secondary data were collected from seven banks during the periods of 2010 to 2020. The results showed that there was a downward trend for the movement of NPLs from the periods of 2010 to 2019, before it began to rise in the year of 2020. There was up and down movement in the profitability of the banks. The highest profitability was recorded in the year 2019. Loan to deposit ratio (LTD), capital adequacy ratio (CAR), profitability, and bank size were the factors related to the bank that revealed negative and significant impact on NPLs. Lending rate showed a positive but not significant impact on NPLs. For the macro-economic indicators, money supply (M2) and gross domestic product (GDP) showed negative and significant impact on NPLs. Inflation had positive but insignificantly impacted on NPLs. The study concluded that for the banks to decrease their exposure to NPLs there in the need to increase their CAR, LTD, return on equity (ROE) and bank size (BS). Also, there was the need to increase macroeconomic determinants; GDP, and M2 so as to reduce the NPLs of the banks. The study recommended that banks should mobilize more deposits so as to improve their CAR and also minimize the deposits issued as loans. Also, central bank together with the Government have to develop strategies in controlling the macroeconomic indicators such us money supply and inflation so an to minimize NPLs.

Source: UCC
Determinants of non-performing loans of commercial banks in Ghana

Banks in Ghana have recorded that non-performing loans from customers contribute greatly to the industry’s poor financial performance. Arguably, the influence of the cost of borrowing, and the return on savings are what contribute to increasing non-performing loans. Irrespective, subsequent to the financial sectoral clean-up there is a paucity of literature on the determinants of non-performing loans which was a main cause of the sector instability. Thus, using a descriptive research design and a quantitative approach, this study adopts a census sampling of all 23 commercial banks to identify the determinants of non-performing loans in Ghana. Using annual secondary data from 2017 to 2021, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for regression analysis, the study reports a significant, negative relationship between non-performing loans and lending rates. Also, the results showed a significant correlation between interest rates and commercial banks’ financial performance. Lastly, a significant and positive relationship between banks’ non-performing loans and cost-efficiency ratio was adduced. Inherently, interest rate, lending rate, and cost-efficiency affect the magnitude of non-performing loans in Ghana. As such, the study recommends that banks should implement proficient and successful credit risk management practices. This can be achieved by establishing suitable interest rates and lending terms through the implementation of macroeconomic policies. This would ensure that loans are aligned with the borrowers’ capacity to repay them, accurate projections are made for potential loan defaults, and appropriate steps are taken to reduce the likelihood of default by setting the right interest rates and lending rates on loans through the policies.

Source: UCC