ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Mothering among Black and White Non-Ghanaian Women in Ghana.

Although “race”, like “gender” is a socially-constructed category, “colour” still has deep meaning and significance for most people. Often disconcertingly so. In 1998, during a trip to Germany with my daughters, at the time aged two and five, we shared one such experience. The three of us were travelling in the tram (or streetcar) with my sister and her son, aged one at the time. My nephew is phenotypically “white” with fair skin and blonde hair, while my sister and I, and my daughters, are varying shades of brown. At one stop an elderly lady got on board and sat close to me. It must have been obvious that my sister and I and our children belonged together. As the journey progressed it became clear that the woman was very curious about our party of multi-hued individuals. When she could no longer contain her curiosity the woman asked me about the family connections. I explained the family connections to her. She wanted to know how come my nephew was so white. I told her that his father was white. The woman then remarked matter-of-factly, “oh – he must have been very relieved that his son didn’t turn out dark.” I was too amused by the old woman’s complete lack of sophistication and sensitivity to have room for any anger or irritation at the racial slur. My sister had decided, she explained later, that she did not have the energy to begin an argument with someone who was so obviously unaware of her racialised thinking. However, the entire experience set me thinking about the power that parents, and in my sister’s case mothers, have to transmit, and more importantly subvert, “ racial” identities to their children. Clearly, for the white woman the Caucasian child was central and powerful while the rest of the family were the “other”. But how do mothers transmit or circumvent such images and racial identities when it comes to their own children? What race, or ethnicity, does your child become when s/he does not necessarily share your race/ethnicity? The question itself poses a contradiction. These are the issues that this paper explores.

Source: UG
Mothers' Experiences of Stillbirth: A Study in the Accra Metropolis

The purpose of the study is to explore and record experiences of mothers who lost their babies during delivery. Fourteen mothers in the Accra Metropolis were recruited, through purposive sampling, interviewed in English, Ga or Akan languages, using a semi- structured interview guide and analysed through content analysis. News of stillbirth and observing the dead babies is a painful experience for mothers; they mourn in unique ways based on their faith and or beliefs. Mourning in excess and talking about stillbirth is seen as a potential for sterility and invitation for a recurrence. The urgency to attend to clients has been observed as deficient and communication gaps have been recorded. There is no organised institutional support in time of their loss; available support was basically emotional in the form of encouragement and pieces of advice in addition to self- motivation which finally results in a normal grief process leading to a quick bio- psychosocial recovery. Women who declined to be recruited as well as those who turned down the interview appointment could be in a psychologically challenging state therefore avoiding the researcher. There is the need for a customised stillbirth management protocol by stakeholders; a training programme on bereavement services is advocated for service providers.

Source: UG
Mothers' perspectives of physical and psychological issues associated with caring for Ghanaian children living with tuberculosis: A qualitative study

im: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the mothers' perspectives on issues associated with caring for Ghanaian children aged 0–14 years living with tuberculosis. Design: Exploratory descriptive qualitative design. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted face to face with 15 purposively sampled mothers from two health facilities in the Greater Accra area. Transcribed data were analysed using computer-enhanced thematic analysis. Results: Findings were grouped into (1) physical burden on the mothers and (2) psy chological burden on mothers. The eight subthemes indicate that mothers of children living with tuberculosis experienced tiredness, sleeplessness, body pains, weight loss and sicknesses as they cared for their children. In addition to worrying, mothers experienced stigma and negative emotions such as sadness, guilt, fear and loneliness. Conclusion: Mothers of children diagnosed with tuberculosis in Ghana experience physical and psychological health problems related to their caregiving roles. Nurses and other healthcare providers should identify specific problems and offer broadbased emotional and other support for these women.

Source: UG
Motion estimation in flotation froth using the Kalman filter

Machine vision systems have been used to monitor mineral froth flotation systems since the 1990s and their ability to track key performance indicators of the systems online is critical to improved plant operation. One of the challenges faces by these computer vision systems, is estimation of the motion of the froth, which is hindered by the simultaneous deformation, bursting and merging of bubbles. In this paper, we propose a block based motion estimation method using Kalman filtering to improve the motion vector estimates resulting from the new-three-step-search technique. Experimental results derived from flotation froth video sequences are presented.

Source: UG
Motivating issues affecting students’ use of social media sites in Ghanaian tertiary institutions

Purpose Social media usage has become popular among the youth. The popularity and acceptance of this tool by the youth in large numbers make it necessary to find out more about the reasons why the youth are so interested in social media sites and as a result rely so much on it in every social engagement irrespective of the dangers or demerits it poses. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach With the adoption of survey methodology, this paper randomly selected 204 students majoring in sociology from University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to participate in the study. Findings Using the uses and gratifications theory, this study identified the following: WhatsApp was found to be the most widely used social media tool in both institutions; chatting and keeping in touch with loved ones and maintaining distant relationships are the major factors that motivate students in both institutions to use social media sites. The results further indicated that students are highly influenced by social media sites and, therefore, this has become their main medium of communication within and outside campus. Practical implications Social media, one way or the other is controlling the world and everything in it. The exposure of students to this tool requires the taking of certain relevant measures to direct the focus of its usage in tertiary institutions. It is against this background that this paper strongly recommended its integration into the academic system and the enshrinement of social media policies in the handbook of university students in Ghana. Originality/value This paper adds to existing literature on students frequent use of social media and confirms the assumptions of the uses and gratifications theory which simply asks the question why and how people use media.

Source: UG
Motivation and career aspirations of female students studying science at Achimota School in Accra, Ghana

Accra, in terms of their motivations for pursuing science and future aspirations. It explores parental backgrounds and how they impacted on the motivations and aspirations of the girls. The survey method was adopted in this study, which involved a sample of 65 girls in the first and second years. The analysis of data revealed among others, that most of the respondents had educated parent(s), some of whom had science background. However, whereas, parents and for that matter family relations provided a source of motivation to pursue science at Senior High School (SHS), other important sources of motivation are self and teachers. The study however found that girls who intend to pursue science beyond SHS are not necessarily those whose parents studied science and that given the opportunity girls can pursue science to realize their career goals. To this extent, the paper recommends among others, that there should be provision of adequate facilities for the teaching of science in Senior High Schools. This will ensure that Science Teachers are better able to make the teaching of science as practical as possible in order to sustain the interest of students in general and female students in particular.

Source: UG
Motivation and retention of health workers in Ghana’s district hospitals: Addressing the critical issues

Purpose – This study seeks to undertake a systematic review to consolidate existing empirical evidence on the impact of financial and non-financial incentives on motivation and retention of health workers in Ghana’s district hospitals. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed a purely quantitative design with a sample of 285 health workers from ten district hospitals in four regions of Ghana. A stepwise regression model was used in the analysis. Findings – The study found that financial incentives significantly influence motivation and intention to remain in the district hospital. Further, of the four factor model of the non-financial incentives, only three (leadership skill and supervision, opportunities for continuing professional development and availability of infrastructure and resources) were predictors of motivation and retention. Research limitations/implications – A major limitation of the study is that the sample of health workers was biased towards nurses (n = 160; 56.1 percent). This is explained by their large presence in remote districts in Ghana. A qualitative approach could enrich the findings by bringing out the many complex views of health workers regarding issues of motivation and retention, since quantitative studies are better applied to establish causal relationships. Originality/value – The findings suggest that appropriate legislations backing salary supplements, commitment-based bonus payments with a set of internal regulations and leadership with sound managerial qualities are required to pursue workforce retention in district hospitals.

Source: UG
Motivational orientation of persons managing community water supply and sanitation programmes in the volta region of Ghana: An empirical study

This paper reports on an investigation into factors that determined the decisions of Watsan members to participate in and commit themselves to management activities that would ensure the sustainability of water supply and sanitation programmes in their communities. The particular management activities considered for this study were Watsan meetings, implementation of decisions and promotion of hygiene and sanitation practices. The major finding was that there were emerging shifts in the motivational orientations of the Watsan members to initially provide voluntary services to their communities, which was based purely on normative values. The current trend is that their decisions to continue membership and to participate in and commit themselves to Watsan activities are increasingly being shaped by remunerative values. It implies that their continued membership and willingness to perform their management tasks satisfactorily, in future, would depend on how much satisfaction they derived from being members. It is argued that, the absence of these motivational factors will eventually make the Watsan Committees incapable of holding scheduled meetings regularly and frequently, effectively implementing their decisions and efficiently promoting hygiene and sanitation practices in their communities.

Source: UG
Motivations and Perceptions of Students of Russian and French towards the Languages at the University of Ghana

Although many countries have multilingual citizens, learning a foreign language is a challenge for most people. In this article we examine the attitude of students towards studying Russian and French in the University of Ghana; how they cope with the difficulties of the languages which they find interesting but quite different from their various mother tongues and English – the official language of the country; how they appreciate Russian and French culture; what motivates them and how to motivate other Ghanaian students to learn these languages. We also consider how to improve the quality of teaching the Russian and French languages. The University of Ghana has been offering Russian studies for over four decades and French studies for over six. The number of students admitted every year to the Russian and French Sections depends on many factors, but more importantly on the University’s policy on admission such as quotas for admitted students in a department, number and variation of offered subjects, etc.

Source: UG
Motivations for food prohibitions during pregnancy and their enforcement mechanisms in a rural Ghanaian district

Abstract Background Food taboos are known from virtually all human societies and pregnant women have often been targeted. We qualitatively assessed food taboos during pregnancy, its motivating factors, and enforcement mechanisms in the Upper Manya Krobo district of Ghana. Methods This was an exploratory cross sectional study using qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs). Sixteen FGDs were conducted. Participants were purposively selected using the maximum variation sampling technique. Tape recorded FGDs were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Malterudian systematic text condensation technique. Results All the participants were aware of the existence of food prohibitions and beliefs targeting pregnant women in Upper Manya Krobo. The study identified snails, rats, hot foods, and animal lungs as tabooed during pregnancy. Adherence motivators included expectation of safe and timely delivery, avoidance of “monkey babies” (deformed babies); respect for ancestors, parents, and community elders. Enforcement mechanisms identified included constant reminders by parents, family members and significant others. Stigmatization and community sanctions are deployed sparingly. Conclusions Food taboos and traditional beliefs targeting pregnant women exist in Upper Manya Krobo. Pregnant women are forbidden from eating snails, rats, snakes, hot foods and animal lungs. To a large extent, socio-cultural, and to a lesser, health concerns motivate the practice.

Source: UG
Motivations of pre-service teachers in the colleges of education in Ghana for choosing teaching as a career

This study investigated the motives of pre-service teachers for choosing teaching as a career from one college of education in Ghana. Employing descriptive survey design, the study randomly invited 300 pre-service teachers to participate in the study. Findings from the study showed that pre-service teachers chose teaching as a profession due to their desire to shape the future of children and adolescents, prior teaching and learning experiences, to enhance social equity and perceived teaching ability. The study further showed that female preservice teachers rated job security, time for family, shape future of children and adolescents, and work with children and adolescents significantly higher than males. Also, pre-service teachers who reside in rural areas rated perceived teaching ability and intrinsic career value significantly higher than those who reside in urban areas. It is recommended that authorities at the colleges of education need to attend to excellence in teacher education and optimize support structures to promote and sustain preservice tea chers’ positive teaching motivations and behaviours.

Source: UG
Motivations of pre-service teachers in the colleges of education in Ghana for choosing teaching as a career

This study investigated the motives of pre-service teachers for choosing teaching as a career from one college of education in Ghana. Employing descriptive survey design, the study randomly invited 300 pre-service teachers to participate in the study. Findings from the study showed that pre-service teachers chose teaching as a profession due to their desire to shape the future of children and adolescents, prior teaching and learning experiences, to enhance social equity and perceived teaching ability. The study further showed that female pre-service teachers rated job security, time for family, shape future of children and adolescents, and work with children and adolescents significantly higher than males. Also, pre-service teachers who reside in rural areas rated perceived teaching ability and intrinsic career value significantly higher than those who reside in urban areas. It is recommended that authorities at the colleges of education need to attend to excellence in teacher education and optimize support structures to promote and sustain preservice teachers’ positive teaching motivations and behaviours.

Source: UG
Motivations, income determinants and livelihood vulnerability of female teenage head porters in Kasoa, Ghana

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide statistical and empirical evidence on the motivations, income determinants and livelihood vulnerabilities of female teenage head porters. The paper draws from the motivational theory and the livelihood vulnerability approach to assess the motivations, livelihood vulnerabilities and income determinants of female teenage head porters in Kasoa, Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – The mixed methods data collection instruments were used to collect primary data from 200 randomly sampled female teenage head porters in Kasoa. It includes both close and open-ended questionnaires, one case study and personal observation. Findings – Based on the estimation, the study found that household poverty, unemployment, desire for regular income and quest for personal independence were significant motivational factors drawing teenage girls into head porting. Also, age of respondents and years of experience in the occupation were the significant determinants of income of respondents. Exposure to frequent malaria, stress and physical pains were common livelihood risk factors faced by the respondents. Majority of them were from the northern region of Ghana and less than 20 percent of them had formal education. Practical implications – The paper proposed for extensive implementation of robust macroeconomic and specific social protection interventions to enhance equal job and income opportunities as well as to protect the vulnerable. Originality/value – The study provides statistical and empirical results different from other related studies (Opare, 2003; Awumbila, 2007; Baah-Ennumh et al., 2012; Akanle and Chioma, 2013).

Source: UG
Motivations, Networks, and Strategies of Ghanaian importers of Chinese goods.

The discourse on economic development in Africa today is incomplete without the mentioning of China's growing influence on the continent, particularly, in the areas of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), infrastructure development and trade. Trade and the consumption of Chinese products, nonetheless, remain the key areas that most Africans today identify and associate with China. Using data collected in Ghana and China through in-depth interviews and other qualitative data collection tools, this paper highlights the motivations, networks and strategies of Ghanaian transnational traders who import items from China for sale in Ghana. The findings of the study indicate that key to accomplishing the business objectives of the trader in China is the procurement of a trusted network. Bibliogr., notes, sum.

Source: UG
Motor development in 9-month-old infants in relation to cultural differences and iron status

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies against Human Urinary Protein Sm-UP2IP of Schistosoma mansoni

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Move to Online Learning during COVID-19 Lockdown: Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences in Ghana

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has brought another dimension to teaching and learning across the levels of education. The lockdown imposed in many countries to curtail the pandemic forced many institutions of learning to shift to the online mode of teaching and learning. Using a descriptive survey research design, this study explored the online learning experiences of pre-service teachers at a Ghanaian university during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study focused on the pre-service teachers’ preparedness for online learning in terms of their digital literacy and technological devices used for online learning, their positive online learning experiences, and the challenges they encountered learning online. The findings suggested that the pre-service teachers were digitally literate and mostly accessed online learning using smartphones. Besides, online learning enabled them to communicate and collaborate actively with their coursemates and lecturers. It was found that the flexibility of online learning increased the students’ motivation to learn. However, poor internet connectivity, the high cost of data, erratic power supply, lack of appropriate devices, inability to effectively manage their time, and family interruptions were some of the challenges experienced by the pre-service teachers.

Source: UG
Move-Structure Analysis of Police Written Witness Statements in Ghana: An Account of a Context-Defining Police Discours

The police written witness statement is a major evidentiary document that has a direct bearing on the prosecution and adjudication of criminal cases. The present study examines the rhetorical structure of police written witness statements in Ghana as a genre by adopting Bhatia’s genre model to examine 120 statements on alleged criminal cases that were sampled from the Wenchi Division of the Bono Regional Police Command in Ghana. The findings suggest that the police written witness statement is typically characterized by five moves (Disclaiming, Identifying the Witness, Stating Witness’s Involvement with the Case, Reporting the Facts, and Indicating Discharge of Legal Responsibility) that bear facts necessary in the prosecution of crime in Ghana’s criminal justice system. The choice of lexicogrammatical features varied depending on the function of each move. The study concludes that the witness statements possess peculiar functional features that meet the legal demands of Ghana’s judicial expectations and police discourse.

Source: UG