ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Effects of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) on Malaria Morbidity by Anglogold Malaria Control Programme in the Amansie Central District.

Though significant strides have been made to control or eradicate malaria, it still remains the number one killer in tropical Africa in general and Ghana in particular. Various control interventions have therefore been put in place since 1957 to help control the disease. Among other interventions has been the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) which has been implemented in the country by various agencies at various locations to help reduce the malaria burden. Despite the implementation of IRS alongside other interventions, there are still doubts as to the real contribution of IRS to the fight against malaria. This study therefore seeks to do an assessment of the IRS intervention as against others like use of insecticide treated nets, intermittent preventive treatment etc. in the fight against malaria. The cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The cross-sectional design allows data to be collected from a selected population at a specific time based on particular variables of interest. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the study population. The multi stage simple random sampling method was used to select its respondents and the quantitative approach was used to analyse the data collected. This made it possible to be able to draw inferences between variables. Also, data collected from the Integrated Health Management Information Systems was used to analyse data from fourteen different health facilities. This was done to assess the impact of IRS on illness caused by malaria before, during and after the indoor residual spraying. The study focused on the implementation of IRS in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region by Anglogold Malaria Control Limited by analysing malaria data from all health facilities in the district, prior to the implementation of the IRS, during the four’s year period of implementation and two years after implementation. The research revealed that, during the four year period of the implementation of the IRS programme, malaria burden in the Amansie Central district was relatively lower as compared to the period before the IRS intervention and after the IRS intervention. This was evident in the reduction in the number of malaria cases and OPD attendance during the program period (2013 to 2015) and consequently reduced the malaria incidence by 50%. At the end of the research the recommendations made were that the District Health Directorate should make efforts that ensure that beneficiaries of the intervention are involved in the program from the very beginning to the end and also prioritize public education as a way of gaining the people’s support. Finally, spraying operators should be encouraged to be polite and respectful to the people and also make it a point to recruit spraying operators from the district.

Source: UCC
Assessing the effects of rural enterprise programme on poverty reduction in the Tano-North District

The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of Rural Enterprise Programme on poverty reduction in Tano-North District. Using a stratified sampling technique, one hundred and forty five (145) respondents made up of oil palm extractors and oil palm farmers, as well as Rural Enterprise staff were sampled from the study’s target population of 220. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in probing the research questions of how the Rural Enterprise Programme have affected poverty reduction in Tano-North District. Interview schedule and questionnaires were the main instruments used to obtain the needed data. The study employed frequencies and percentages in analysing the study’s results. In some cases, direct quotation from the respondents were also discussed in accordance with qualitative approach. Findings of the study showed that although REP has created jobs for some people in the Tano-North District, the programme has failed to improve upon the standard of living of the beneficiaries. In addition, the study found that REP’s contribution to job creation in the Tano-North District was low. The study recommended that beneficiaries of REP should be supported financially by the government of Ghana to enable them expand their business in order to improve their standard of living. It was further recommended that Tano-North District Assembly should prioritise activities that will facilitate the creation of jobs for more women and unemployed youth to ensure their retention in the district for development.

Source: UCC
Assessing the effects of Sunlight on the photooxidation of tropical oils

This study aims to investigate the influence of sunlight on the photooxidation of tropical oils (TOs). Coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), and palm kernel oil (PKO) were chosen for determining the indicators of photooxidation when exposed to and in the absence of sunlight for seven weeks. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in free fatty acid (FFA) levels and peroxide value (PV) when the TOs were exposed to sunlight. The iodine value (IV) and colour content decreased significantly (p < 0.05) due to the decomposition of unsaturated FFAs owing to the breaking-down of the π-bonds and the degradation of colour pigments during photooxidation. FTIR analysis showed strong vibrational absorptions at 1721 and 3505 cm-3, 1720 and 3560 cm -3, and 1721 and 3554 cm-3 for the CNO, PO, and PKO samples exposed to sunlight, respectively. These bands can be attributed to the presence of secondary oxidation products, which were absent in the TOs that were not exposed to sunlight. A simulation was performed to support the FTIR results, which also indicated peaks from the secondary oxidation products at 1744 and 3660 cm-3. The study also revealed that the rate of photooxidation was different for each TOs. The rate of oxidation followed the order PO > PKO > CNO. In contrast, no notable changes were observed in the TOs kept away from the sunlight. These results suggest that exposing TOs to sunlight influences their oxidation stability and quality

Source: UCC
Assessing the effects of the dimensions of knowledge absorption capacity on sustainable innovation of firms in ghana

The global and dynamic landscape of the business environment necessitates firms to effectively assimilate, transform, and exploit their newly acquired knowledge to ensure the ultimate innovative result. However, innovation is a creative-destruction, as it could yield both positive and negative rippling effects. It is thereby imperative for firms to ensure that the implementation of their innovative activities, facilitated by effective firm-level absorption capacity, transcends beyond the economic dimension of sustainability to incorporate ecological and social dimensions. The study investigated the influence of the dimensions of absorption capacity on sustainable innovation of firms. The study was limited to 549 firms with data sourced from the Ghana Enterprise Survey combined with the Ghana Innovation Follow-up Survey, conducted in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The study applied both the ordered-logit and the logistic regression models. The study found that the knowledge acquisition capacity of firms exerts a significantly positive effect on firms’ likelihood to sustainably innovate. The capacity of firms to transform knowledge exerts significantly positive effect on firms' likelihood to sustainably innovate. Furthermore, knowledge exploitation capacity of firms was found to exert a positive and significant effect on firms’ likelihood to introduce at least a form of sustainable innovation. The study recommended that the government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, should support research and development of firms through granting of interest-free loans for research and development purposes. The study, further, recommended that firms should prioritize investment in state-of-the-art machinery, ultra-modern equipment, and cutting-edge software to facilitate seamless knowledge transformation within the organization.

Source: UCC
Assessing the effects of the integration of ICT into the curriculum of rural basic schools in Atwima Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

This study looked at the challenges facing the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders and efforts being made to address the ICT situation in some schools based in rural areas in the Atwima District of Ghana. The design for the study was a descriptive survey. The sample was made up of 105 people drawn from 6 selected basic schools in the Atwima District of Ashanti Region. The main instrument used for the study was questionnaire. After pilot testing, reliability co-efficients of .75 for students' questionnaire and .72 for both teachers and headmasters' questionnaire respectively were obtained. The following were some of the main findings of the study; first, 70% of the basic schools in the districts have been connected to the national electricity grid but power supply is irregular. Second, none of the schools has computer laboratory or internet facility. Third, there is an inadequate computer supply to the schools. Fourth, most of the ICT teachers have the requisite qualification to teach the subject. Finally, there is lack of financial and material support from non governmental agencies Based on the findings it was recommended that: stakeholders should make effort to streamline regular electricity supply to the schools. Second, Government should provide computer laboratories to facilitate internet connectivity in at least each educational circuit. Third, there should be adequate supply of computers and teaching and learning materials.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Efficacy of a Recycled Abattoir Wastes Fertilizer (Thallotm) as an Alternative Phosphorus (P) Source on Soil Fertility, Crop Yield and N-Fixation in Low Nutrient Tropical Soils in Two Agro Ecological Zones of Ghana

Inorganic fertilizer application has successfully improved crop yields in Ghana, but they are often expensive and not readily available to smallholder farmers and has been reported to induce soil acidity, greenhouse gases emission and eutrophicaton. This study examined the effect of Thallo (a novel multi-element fertilizer produced from abattoir wastes by Elemental Digest, UK.) on soil pH, OC, total N, available P and exchangeable K contents, crop N, P, and K uptakes and use efficiencies, as well as the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of maize, cabbage, cowpea, and sweet potato across Semi Deciduous forest and Coastal Savannah agro ecological zones of Ghana. The study comprised three treatments namely recycled abattoir waste fertilizer (Thallo), conventional NPK and control with four replications laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The result showed that Thallo improved significantly (P<0.05) soil pH, organic matter content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium in both experimental sites compared with the NPK treated soil. Also, relative to the conventional NPK treatments, Thallo increased maize grain yield by 13.5% (Jukwa) and 18% (UCC), cabbage head yield by 13% (Jukwa) and 23% (UCC) for the two zones respectively, cowpea seed yield (109%) and sweet potato tuber yield (72%) at coastal savannah. Thallo increased crop N, P and K uptakes and their use efficiencies by all the crops in both agroecological zones. In conclusion, the application of Thallo improved soil fertility, increased crop yield, crop N, P and K uptake and use efficiency by all crops under field conditions. Coastal Savannah zone recorded higher yields than the Semi Deciduous forest.

Source: UCC
Assessing the Enablers and Constraints of Implementing Total Quality Management in the University of Cape Coast

Literature on the application of the biopsychosocial model for the management and explanation for chronic pain in sickle cell disease (SCD) and other chronic disease abound. However, there is limited research on the use of the biopsychosocial model, together with a spiritual component (biopsychosocial spiritual model). The study investigated the extent to which health-care providers utilised the biopsychosocial-spiritual model in the management of chronic pain to improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients with SCD. This study employed descriptive survey design involving a consecutive sampling of 261 patients with SCD. A researcher developed instrument for the biopsychosocial-spiritual model, the World Health Organisation Quality of Life BREF and the spirituality rating scale were used for the data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages) and partial least square structural equation modelling. The study found that health-care providers utilised the biological domain of the biopsychosocial-spiritual model more than other domains. The study also found that the level of QoL as well as spirituality of patients with SCD was quite high. A significant negative impact of spirituality on QoL was also found. Finally, biosocial domain of the biopsychosocial-spiritual model was the most significant predictor of QoL. It was recommended that policy makers should train health-care providers to integrate the psychosocial spiritual component as well as health practitioners should consider utilising this components in their treatment regime. It also recommended that authorities should intensify sickle cell education in other to strengthen awareness

Source: UCC
Assessing the Enablers and Constraints of Implementing Total Quality Management in the University of Cape Coast

The purpose of the study was to assess the enablers and constraints of Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Specifically, the study sought to find out the management structures that favour the implementation of TQM, how the quality culture and physical structures of UCC support effective implementation of TQM and the challenges that constrain the effective implementation of TQM in the University. A case study research design was used for the study which allowed for careful and critical enquiry into the subject. Stratified and simple random sampling methods were used to draw 360 students, 320 senior staff and 260 senior members for the study. A survey questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide were designed and used to collect data for the research. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and the results were presented in figures and tables. Qualitative data were also analysed under themes. The study revealed that UCC has a clear management structure that supports the implementation of quality policies. In addition, UCC has a quality culture and the physical structure of the university supports the implementation of TQM to some extent. However, insufficient resources of the university were the key constrain to the effective implementation of quality policies particularly TQM. More so, Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA) had no desks at the Colleges/ Faculties/School of the University. It is recommended that the University council should ensure that quality policies that affect the university as a whole should be established covering both academic activities and other services.

Source: UCC
Assessing the environmental and socio-economic impacts of artisanal gold mining on the livelihoods of communities in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality in Ghana

Gold mining has played an important role in Ghana’s economy, however the negative environmental and socio-economic effects on the host communities associated with gold mining have overshadowed these economic gains. It is within this context that this paper assessed in an integrated manner the environmental and socio-economic impacts of artisanal gold mining in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality from a natural and social science perspective. The natural science group collected 200 random samples on bi-weekly basis between January to October 2013 from water bodies in the study area for analysis in line with methods outlined by the American Water Works Association, while the social science team interviewed 250 residents randomly selected for interviews on socio-economic issues associated with mining. Data from the socio-economic survey was analyzed using logistic regression with SPSS version 17. The results of the natural science investigation revealed that the levels of heavy metals in water samples from the study area in most cases exceeded GS 175-1/WHO permissible guideline values, which are in tandem with the results of inhabitants’ perceptions of water quality survey (as 83% of the respondents are of the view that water bodies in the study area are polluted). This calls for cost-beneﬁts analysis of mining before new mining leases are granted by the relevant authorities

Source: UCC
Assessing the extent of staff participation in the financial administration of public secondary schools in Adansi traditional area

The study focused on assessing the extent of staff participation In financial administration in public secondary schools in the Adansi Traditional Area. The purpose of the study was to identify areas of school finances where staff members were particularly involved. It was also to find out whether finance committees had been established in the schools and how effective they were. The study also sought to find out whether staff had access to information relating to financial transactions in the schools. The target group for the research were Headmasters/Headmistresses of public secondary schools, Assistant Headmasters, Accountants, teaching and non-teaching staff and Auditors from District Education Offices. The total population was two hundred and eighty (280), and the sample size was hundred (100). The instrument used for data collection was questionnaires. The data were analysed according to the research questions of the study. Summaries of data were presented in tables, frequencies and percentages. The' findings of the research revealed that, a number of loopholes and lapses existed in the financial administrative structure of the schools investigated. It also revealed that most of the schools had established finance committees but were not active. The study therefore recommended that Heads and Accountants should involve their staff members, especially assistant heads in the financial administration of the schools. Also, Ghana Education Service could provide training in basic accounting and financial administration to management personnel through in-service programmes so as to inform staff on financial issues.

Source: UCC
Assessing the extent to which ICT tools are used for quality teaching and learning in senior high schools- a case study in Tano south district

This study looked at the extent to which information and communications technology (ICT) tools are used in Senior High Schools (SHS) in Tano South District. The study investigated the level of availability of ICT facilities in schools, the capacity for using ICT facilities for teaching and learning, the perceived benefits of using ICT tools and the problems affecting the use of ICT tools in SHS. Survey design was used for the study. The population consisted of all the teachers and students of the Presbyterian SHS and Presbyterian SH/Commercial in Tano South District. The sample consisted of 117 teachers and 347 students randomly selected from the two SHS in Tano South District. Two different sets of questionnaire were used, one set for teachers and other set for students. Data collected for the study were analyzed using SPSS 19 and MS Excel 2007 for drawing figures. The study revealed that the schools lacked ICT facilities and teachers and students were not very familiar with the use of ICT tools. Moreover, the study revealed the perceived benefits of using ICT in schools which include making teaching-learning interesting; helping the distance learning programme; helping teachers to be up-to-date; enhancing quality of work by both the teachers and students. However, despite these perceived benefits, the study also revealed some of the challenges adversely affecting ICT in SHS as: irregular power supply; inadequate computer literate teachers; high cost of purchasing computers in schools; inadequate facilities to support full application of the ICT and lack of funds. Recommendations were also made. ©University of Cape Coast

Source: UCC
Assessing the extent to which ict tools are used for quality teaching and learning in senior high schools- acase study in tano south district.

This study looked at the extent to which information and communications technology (ICT) tools are used in Senior High Schools (SHS) in Tano South District. The study investigated the level of availability of ICT facilities in schools, the capacity for using ICT facilities for teaching and learning, the perceived benefits of using ICT tools and the problems affecting the use of ICT tools in SHS. Survey design was used for the study. The population consisted of all the teachers and students of the Presbyterian SHS and Presbyterian SH/Commercial in Tano South District. The sample consisted of 117 teachers and 347 students randomly selected from the two SHS in Tano South District. Two different sets of questionnaire were used, one set for teachers and other set for students. Data collected for the study were analyzed using SPSS 19 and MS Excel 2007 for drawing figures. The study revealed that the schools lacked ICT facilities and teachers and students were not very familiar with the use of ICT tools. Moreover, the study revealed the perceived benefits of using ICT in schools which include making teaching-learning interesting; helping the distance learning programme; helping teachers to be up-to-date; enhancing quality of work by both the teachers and students. However, despite these perceived benefits, the study also revealed some of the challenges adversely affecting ICT in SHS as: irregular power supply; inadequate computer literate teachers; high cost of purchasing computers in schools; inadequate facilities to support full application of the ICT and lack of funds. Recommendations were also made.

Source: UCC
Assessing the guidance services at Wesley college of education, Kumasi

This study was a descriptive survey designed to assess the guidance programme being offered in Wesley College of Education and suggest ways of improving it. The specific guidance services under study were Information and Counselling Services. The views of 200 students and the college counsellor were gathered by means of a self-designed questionnaire consisting of thirty Likerttype items. The data was then subjected to frequency and percentage analysis to answer the research questions formulated to guide the study. The results of the analysis indicated that the problems faced by the students of the college included financial, family problems, relating with colleagues and lack of counselling. The guidance programme also faced such problems as some students not knowing the counsellor; students not being informed about the services available in the college; the counsellor not keeping some discussions with students confidential; no counselling room; no fixed counselling schedule; the counsellor not working with other tutors and lack of administrative support. Based on the findings it was recommended that the college counsellor studied the needs of students so as to plan and implement relevant guidance programmes in the college. He could form a guidance and counselling committee to help him in his work and also update his knowledge and skills and put up good attitude in order to attract students for help. Administrative support could also help to make the counsellor's work more effective.

Source: UCC