ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of Remarriage and Inheritance Practices on the Psychological Wellbeing of Konkomba Widows in Gushegu Municipality, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine effect of widow remarriage and inheritance practices on the psychological wellbeing of Konkomba widows in Gushegu Municipality of Ghana. Phenomenological design was adopted for the study. The study used 20 Konkomba widows using purposive and snowball sampling procedure. Ten family elders were also selected using purposive sampling procedure. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guide and focus-group discussions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that; widows were not allowed to remarry by their own choice but were forced to marry a relative of their late husbands; widows were not given the right to inherit any properties unless they agreed to marry a relative of their late husbands; the remarriage practices affected the psychological wellbeing of the Konkomba widows negatively, It was recommended that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana should, in collaboration with the National House of Chiefs, undertake massive education in the Gushegu Municipality on the widowhood remarriage practices which affect the psychological wellbeing of the women.

Source: UCC
Effect of remittances on child welfare in Ghana

This thesis investigates the effect of migrant remittances on child welfare in Ghana. The specific objectives are to examine: (1) the effect of remittances and gender on child labour; (2) the effect of remittances on child welfare clinic child education in Ghana. Using the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS) Round 6, the study employs the instrumental variable 2SLS approach in order to achieve the first and third objectives. This approach is adopted in order to address the endogeneity of remittances. To achieve the second objective, the study uses the Poisson regression model. The study finds evidence that irrespective of whoever is the head of the household, remittances income is inversely related to child labour. However, the negative effect is much higher for male-headed households than it is for female-headed households. Furthermore, remittances child welfare clinic attendance thereby improving child health. Finally, the result indicates that remittances have a positive and significant influence on child education. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the Bank of Ghana should facilitate the establishment of more mobile money transfer outlets and reduce the transactions cost of remittance so as to enable households improve child welfare. Furthermore, the government should provide incentives to attract negative impact on child labour.

Source: UCC
Effect of Retirement Intentions Predictors on the Staff Retirement Behaviours of University of Cape Coast

Retirement from employment is unavoidable. Life is full of cycles from beginning to finish, but a comfortable retirement is one of the most difficult. Therefore, the primary goal of the study is to examine the effect of retirement intentions predictors on the staff retirement behaviours of University of Cape Coast. The study used the quantitative approach and an explanatory research design. The research concentrated on university employees. The University of Cape Coast employed both academic and non-academic staff. The study surveyed 250 employees using the convenience sampling technique. Employees’ opinions on the study’s stated objectives were gathered via a self-administered questionnaire. The survey discovered a statistically significant moderate positive association between employee retirement behaviour and personal circumstances. The study also revealed that statistically significant moderate positive association between employee retirement behaviour and work-related factors. Finally, the study discovered a statistically significant moderate positive association between employee retirement behaviour and financial circumstances. It can be established that employees’ intentions to retire had a favourable impact on their behaviour. It is suggested that management update themselves on the organisation’s personal circumstances procedure, be more explicit with their personal circumstance’s goals, and increase employee participation in developing them.

Source: UCC
Effect of Reward on Employee Retention at Takoradi Technical University

The study was conducted to examine the effect of reward on employee retention at Takoradi Technical University. The objectives were to determine the components of reward packages, examine staff willingness to remain in the institution for the foreseeable future and examine the effect of reward on staff retention at Takoradi Technical University. Both descriptive and explanatory research design were adopted in this study with much reliance on quantitative research approach. The study adopted simple random sampling technique. The total number of employees were four hundred and fifty-five (455) out of which 218 workers were selected to participate in the study. Structured questionnaire was used and Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for the primary data processing. Statistical techniques used were linear regression analysis, mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage. The study found that diverse reward packages were given to staff which were both intrinsic and extrinsic: sense of personal satisfaction, self-esteem and pride and extrinsic: competitive pay, fringe benefits, promotions, merit bonuses. The findings further revealed that employees were willing to be with the institution and that they are happy and satisfied for the institution. Lastly, it was found that both intrinsic and extrinsic reward predicts positive effect on employee retention, however a weak one. The study concluded that both intrinsic and extrinsic reward predict retention of employees. However, extrinsic reward predicts more than the intrinsic reward. The study recommended that management of Takoradi Technical University should augment the provision of reward packages to their staff so as to boost retention of employees since the prediction was weak.

Source: UCC
Effect of reward on retention intentions of employees of Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs Division, Tema

This study was conducted to assess the effect of reward on retention intentions of employees of Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs Divisions Tema Branch in the Greater Accra Region. The study examined the effect of non-financial reward on retention intention of employees of GRA Customs Division and to determine the effect of financial reward on retention of employees of GRA Customs Division, Tema. The study employed explanatory research design, using the quantitative research approach. Out of a population of 551 staff in Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs Division, Tema, a sample size of 232 were used. Questionnaire was used as the main data collection tool. Both inferential and descriptive statistics was used. Pearson-product moment and standard multiple regression, mean, standard deviation were used for the objectives while frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the demographic information. Findings of the study established that financial rewards do not influence retention intention of employees. However, nonfinancial reward was found to influence retention decision at the Tema Division. Non-financial reward accounted for a significant positive change in employee retention intention. Based on the finding, the study recommended that Management of Ghana Revenue Authority use job rotation as a tool to influence retention intentions of employees of the Authority.

Source: UCC
Effect of reward on the performance of teachers in some selected senior high schools in the Ga West Municipality

This study investigated to determine whether the assertion of providing initiatives leads to improved performance of teachers in the Ga West Municipality. Hence, the purpose of the study was to establish effects of rewards on performance of teachers in some selected senior high schools in GA West municipality. The first research objective sought to identify the motivation practices while the third research objective examined the influence of rewards on performance. The study employed a quantitative research approach and descriptive survey as the study design. The study was on the views of 291 respondents (teachers) from the study area with a self-administered questionnaire as the main research instrument. The results were analysed using linear regression with the help of the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS 22.0 version) software. The study found that motivation practices in senior secondary schools are effectively implemented my management. The study also found a significant influence of both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards on performance of second cycle teachers in the municipality. Specifically, the study found; opportunity for promotion, career development, staff abilities to accomplish tasks and management trust in staff as the strongest predictors of performance of teachers. Therefore, the study recommends that teachers should be given an opportunity to develop and enhance their career, management should trust teachers by them to participate decision making processes of the school. The study also recommends that government should put in place structures such as book and ICT, rent, vehicle allowances that will ensure that condition of service of the teachers are improved.

Source: UCC
Effect of risk management disclosure on the profitability of listed banks in Ghana

Within the context of corporate reporting and disclosure, information on risk has become important because of the complexity of modern businesses and these complexities have exposed firms to a lot of risks. Aside calls for the study of risk management disclosure in different cultural context, the effects of risk management on the profitability of banks still remain an issue. Content analysis was employed to examine the annual reports of listed banks from 2012 to 2016. Fixed and random effects techniques were used to assess the effects of corporate governance and bank-specific characteristics on the extent and quality of risk management disclosure, and also the effect of risk management disclosure on bank profitability. The study reveals that the amount of risk management information disclosed by listed banks in Ghana is very encouraging, that is, compliance level of 69 and 56 percent respectively for extent and quality of risk disclosure. The regression results suggest that extent of risk management disclosure of listed banks in Ghana is determined by audit committee independence and liquidity, whereas the quality of risk management disclosure is influenced by audit committee independence and bank. Also, extent of risk management disclosure positively affects the profitability of listed banks. Based on the results, the author recommends that there should be a strict regulation by the supervisory bodies; Bank of Ghana, Ghana Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission, to enhance the quantity and quality of risk disclosure by banks. In addition, audit committees of the banking institutions should positively play their vital role in ensuring that banks comply with Basel II and IFRS 7 requirements fully.

Source: UCC
Effect of salinity level of irrigation water on the yield of tomato

This research was conducted to determine the salinity level of irrigation water from a dug well, pond and tap water as well as its effect on the yield of a tomato crop at the University of Cape Coast Teaching and Research Farm. Water samples were taken at fortnight intervals to determine the electrical conductivity (dSm-1) using the TOA water quality checker 20A. The averages of the four batches were computed and used as the three sources for the period of assessment. Flowering and yield of crop were the parameters used to assess the effect of salinity level on the tomato crop. Electrical conductivity as a measure of salinity was higher in the pond (0.25 dS/m) than the well and tap water (0.07 dS/m and 0.02 dS/m, respectively). Flowering and yield of tomato was high with crops treated with well water (45.22%; 99.08kg/ha) followed by the pond (27.70%; 43.76kg/ha) and tap water (27.08%; 27.25kg/ha) in that order. There was no significant difference in flowering and in yield of crops between the tap and pond treatments at both 0.05 and 0.01 levels but there was a significant difference in yield between the well treated crops and other sources. However, the yield for all the three treatments was very low (lower than expected) because there was no fertilization, pests and disease control

Source: UCC
Effect of seeds and fertilizer subsidy component of the ―PFJ‖ on the outcomes of maize farmers in the Agona West municipality of the Central region –Ghana

Maize is one of the most consumed food crops in Ghana. However, its production has been declining due to poor quality seeds and inadequate fertilizers. To deal with this challenge, the Ghana Government through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture introduced a flagship programme ―PFJ‖ with the aim of increasing productivity. Little empirical knowledge is known about how the intervention has improved the yields of maize farmers especially in the Agona West Municipality. The main objective of the study was the effect of seeds and fertilizer subsidy component of the PFJ programme on yield of maize farmers in the Agona West Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana. Two hundred and seventy-seven beneficiaries were randomly selected and interviewed using structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test and Pearson correlation matrix and OLS were used to analyze the data. The results of the study showed that most (88%) of the respondents perceived the seeds and fertilizer subsidy component of the PFJ programme to be very highly effective. Again 86% of the respondents strongly agreed to the overall perceived attributes of the PFJ programme. The study's findings showed that most (94%) of the maize farmers agreed to the fact that the PFJ policy have had comprehensive impact on their yield and on their income as compared to previous years. The dependent sample t- test shows significant increase in yield (150%) from 408mt/ha to 1038mt/ha at 0.05 alpha levels before and after the adoption of the PFJ programme respectively. The regression analysis revealed that 4 independent variables (marital status, educational level, compatibility and relative advantage) were best predictors of maize farmers yield and income. Income also significantly improved from gh₵5500 to gh₵9000 per hectare before and after the adoption of the seed and fertilizer subsidy respectively. Major problems beneficiaries identified as hindrance to the project is the repayment arrangements and the ever-changing terms and conditions of the access to the input subsidy. The study concluded that the PFJ programme has brought about 85% increase in yield. The study recommended that government of Ghana should not discontinue the intervention programme since it has the potential to improve food production, income and the well-being of the people in the study area.

Source: UCC
Effect of seeds and fertilizer subsidy component of the ―planting for food and job‖ on the outcomes of Maize farmers in the Agona west municipality of the Central region – Ghana

Maize is one of the most consumed food crops in Ghana. However, its production has been declining due to poor quality seeds and inadequate fertilizers. To deal with this challenge, the Ghana Government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, introduced a flagship programme; Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) with the aim of increasing productivity. Little empirical knowledge is known about how the intervention has improved the yields of maize farmers, especially in the Agona West Municipality. The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of seeds and fertilizer subsidy component of the PFJ programme on yield of maize farmers in the Agona West Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana. Two hundred and seventy-seven beneficiaries were randomly selected and interviewed using structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, dependent and independent sample t-tests and correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. The results of the study showed that most (88%) of the respondents perceived the seeds and fertilizer subsidy component of the PFJ programme to be ‗very highly effective‘ in improving their yields. Also, 86% of the respondents ‗strongly agreed‘ to the overall perceived attributes of the PFJ programme. Majority (94%) of the maize farmers agreed to the fact that the PFJ policy have had comprehensive impact on their yield and income after the intervention. The dependent sample t-test shows significant increase in yield (about 154%) from 408mt/ha to 1038mt/ha at 0.05 alpha levels before and after the adoption of the PFJ programme respectively. The correlation analysis shows that marital status and Voluntariness had significant relationship with maize yield at 0.5 alpha level. Income also improved from GH₵5500 to GH₵9000 per hectare before and after the adoption of the seed and fertilizer subsidy respectively. Major challenges beneficiaries faced were their inability to follow repayment arrangements and ever-changing terms and conditions of the access to the input subsidy. It is recommended that government of Ghana should not discontinue the intervention programme since it has the potential to improve food production, income and the well-being of beneficiary maize farmers.

Source: UCC
Effect of Self-Determination Skills on Academic Achievements of Distance Education Students of University of Cape Coast, Ghana

The study aimed to examine the effect of self-determination skills on the academic achievements of University of Cape Coast distance education students reading the Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) in the Kumasi Metropolis. The descriptive survey design was adopted as the research design. The study further employed a simple random technique to select 338 respondents from the second-year students DBE students in Kumasi Metropolis. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The frequencies, descriptive statistics and percentages were used to analyse the first research question. The results showed that the respondents possess choice-making skills, decision-making skills, goal-setting and attainment skills, self-regulation and management skills and self-awareness and knowledge skills. Independent samples t-test was conducted to determine the difference in the academic achievements of the female and male respondents to analyse research question two. The correlation value and test of significant value were reported to show that there was statistically no significant difference between the academic difference of the male and female respondents. The p-value from the analyses implied that the relationship between the respondents’ self-determination skills and their academic achievements is statistically significant; hence the self-determination skills have a significant effect on the academic achievements of the respondents. It is the recommendation of this study that career guidance and counselling session are organized for the students when they are enrolled into college on the need and importance of high academic achievement regardless of one’s gender.

Source: UCC
The effect of smallholder livestock production on income of farm households in northern Ghana

This paper investigates the effect of smallholder livestock production on income among farm households in northern Ghana. Questionnaires were administered to 300 household heads and ordinary least squares estimation technique was applied to the dataset. The dependent variable was income and measured by total annual income received from farm and non-farm activities by household heads. The independent variable of interest was tropical livestock unit measured by flock size. We also included farm size, household size, gender, age, educational level, distance to market, dependency ratio and access to formal credit as control variables. We found that smallholder livestock production and farm size increase income whilst distance to market and dependency ratio reduce income. Based on evidence of the positive relationship between livestock production and household income in this paper, it is recommended that policies to promote smallholder livestock production should be embarked upon to increase income. This is likely to improve livelihood and reduce poverty among the poor rural folks in the northern regions of Ghana

Source: UCC
Effect of soaked and dried false yam (lcacina oliviformis) seed meal on carcass and sensory characteristics of broiler chicken

This study was conducted to determine the effect of soaked and dried false yam seed meal (SFYSM)on the carcass and sensory characteristics of broiler chicken. A total of 48 chickens (12 birds In each treatment) were randomly selected from 120 birds fed diets containing 0% (Tl, control), 5% (T2), 7.5% (T3) and 10% (T4) SFYSM.Thebirds were weighed and slaughtered after a 24 hours feed withdrawal. Carcass and visceral weights were taken, after which the thigh and breast muscles were bagged separately for laboratory and sensory analyses respectively. The breast muscles were thawed, grilled In an oven to a core temperature of 70·C for sensory analysis, whiles the thigh muscles were used for moisture, fat, crude protein and lipid per-oxidation analyses. The results Indicated that the use of SFYSM had no significant effect on carcass and sensory characteristics of the birds. In addition,~ there was no significant difference In moisture and lipid peroxidation of the products. However, the crude protein contents of the carcasses significantly (P<0.05) Increased with an Increasing SFYSMInclusion rates. Feeding of SFYSMto broiler birds up to 10% Incision on weight basis has no effect on carcass, sensory and storability of the carcasses

Source: UCC
The effect of some selected pesticides on the growth and reproduction of fresh WaterOreochromis iloticus, Chrysicthysnigrodigitatus and Clarias ariepinus

Studies were carried out to determine the toxicity of some selected pesticides on fresh water fish in a tropical environment. The uptake of the pesticides lindane, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and propoxur, which are frequently used on farms, and in industries as well as by loggers and timber men on wood were studied in concrete ponds at the University of Cape Coast, in Ghana. The fish used for the study were Oreochromis niloticus,Clarias gariepinus, and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus. They were obtained from cultured ponds in the Cape Coast and Mankessim districts in the Central Region and Weija Dam, in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Single high lethal concentration (SD) or acute treatment and cumulative/ chronic (or multiple minor) lethal concentration (CD) treatment were employed in administering the pesticides to the fish via water. Gas chromatograph electron capture detector analysis was done on the dead fsh to see the extent of ingestion. The LC50 values obtained for lindane on the three fsh samples were as follows: Chrysicthys 0.38 mg L–1; Oreochromis 0.42 mg L–1, and Clarias 1.2 mg L–1. Mortalities occurred in fsh within 3–5 days of application. For the PCP on Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias species the LC50 values were 0.42, 0.32 and 0.64 mg L–1, respectively, for over a 2- to 3-day period. For a three-time infux period of propoxur the LC50 for Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias, were 22.0, 30.40, and 45.04 (all in mg L–1), respectively. The results obtained indicated that the pesticides had adverse effects on the general growth and reproduction of fish as shown by gonadosomatic indices

Source: UCC