ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The role and challenges of Savings and Loans Companies in Ghana

The Ghanaian economy, like all developing economies has a large proportion of business in the small-scale and self employed group. These people have needs which are not being satisfied by the traditional banks resulting in a situation of large amounts of funds in the hands of players in this market, thus remaining outside the banking system. It is hoped that the Non-Bank Financial Institutions, which comprise various categories of organizations, including Savings and Loans Companies will service this part of the market which remain outside the traditional banking scope resulting in mopping up of these funds. This study sought to determine the role and challenges of Savings and Loans Companies in Ghana with particular focus on their contribution to savings mobilisation and credit availability within the five-year period 2003 to 2007. Three sets of questionnaires were used in this study; one each for Savings and Loans Companies, traditional banks and customers of the Savings and Loans Companies respectively. These questionnaires served as a guide to interviews that were conducted with the respondents. Annual reports for the years 2003 to 2007, Statistical Bulletin (February 2008) as well total contributions of various financial players to savings mobilisation and credit availability were obtained from Bank of Ghana. It was found that even though their contribution to savings mobilisation cannot be judged as being significant, there was a steady rise in contributions of Savings and Loans Companies to savings mobilisation during the period 2003 to 2007. The average annual growth of loans and advances of Savings and Loans Companies far exceeded that of the economy as a whole. In respect of the study sample, there was no presence of Savings and Loans companies in four out of ten regions of the country. The impact of Savings and Loans companies could increase immensely if they expanded their services to cover areas where they are yet to establish their presence, located branches closer to their customers and offered additional services.

Source: KNUST
The Role and Importance of Sculpture in the Ga Culture: A Case Study at the Ga-Mashie Traditional Area

Archaeological findings at Chorkor and Omsby road in the Greater Accra Region have revealed certain symbols and relief sculptures of the lifestyles of the people of Ga dating back to the 11th century. The study therefore sought to find out the role and the importance of sculpture in the Ga culture. Interviews, observation and questionnaire administration of qualitative research method were used in gathering data for this research. The investigation involved the elders of the Ga people to document how and why certain sculpture works are displayed at the entrance of shrines, chief palaces, and various areas in the community. The thesis has recorded numerous sculpture works such as drums, thrones, linguist staffs, and monuments, busts, stools, etc. as the major findings as well as their functions. The main findings revealed that these sculpture works have many roles to play in the economy, social life, political rule, medicine, workshop, religion and spiritual growth of the people. It is the main recommendation of this research that sculpture works of the Ga tradition must be displayed in art galleries for the nation’s development. Also, the Ga Mantse, Art Council, Museums and Monuments Board should indulge in the training of the youth to develop positive attitudes towards Sculpture works in the Ga-Mashie traditional area in order to promote art.

Source: KNUST
The Role and Importance of Traditional Music In Patakro Culture

The study was designed to identify the role and importance of traditional music in Patakro Culture. Traditional music is a very important valuable legacy, which is widely accepted and used in many parts of the Ghana to improve the standard of living of the people. However, it appears traditional music in Patakro culture has been neglected. This is because most people including the youth are unable to identify the various forms of traditional of music. In addition the people are not are of the roles and important of traditional music. Extensive literature was drawn on the topic relying upon secondary information from various documented sources relevant to the study. The descriptive survey method was employed in the analysis of the data by making use of lots of information that came from the indigenous people themselves as they did identification of traditional musical instruments. The major objectives of the study are to unravel the various forms of traditional music in Patakro culture in order to examine its importance and roles in the life of the people. Additionally, identify the beauty of traditional music in the life of the people, suggested possible means of promoting Patakro traditional music to attract tourist and the socio-economic development of the village, and concluded with some suggestions to the people to uphold and appreciate their traditional music to train them morally. It is therefore recommended that since traditional music is not all that popular with majority of Patakro youth, it should exhibit and showcase at various festivals.

Source: KNUST
The Role Employees Play in Service Delivery to Achieve Customer Satisfaction at the Imperial Perkin Fast Food Restaurant

In recent years, the competition in the restaurant trade in Ghana is increasing. There is more choice for the customers and therefore the restaurants have to work harder to attract customers. With the continuous growth of competition in the restaurant trade especially in Ghana; understanding customers has become more and more an important method of marketing in the fast food industry. The study sought to find out if there were any relationship between employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction. It further, wanted to ascertain if employee-customer interaction attract and retained customers and finally, to find out the challenges encountered by employees’ in carrying out their duty at the restaurant. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative method in the instruments for the data collection. In all, 300 respondents took part in the study. The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between employees and customer satisfaction, χ2 (1) =197.995, p< .001. It was also revealed that there was a significant relationship between employees-customer interaction and attracting or retaining new customers χ2 (3) = 250.00, p< .001. Furthermore, the employees’ listed a couple of challenges they encounter in carrying out their duties. Some of these challenges included the following; “Bad attitude of customers”, “Poor communication between employees and management” and also “not being allowed to eat from the restaurant”. In other words, they are not supposed to eat restaurant food. The study findings suggested that employee satisfaction with working at Imperial Perkin Restaurant is important to achieving customer satisfaction. Imperial Perkin Restaurant Management should ensure that they take steps to improve and sustain employee satisfaction in order to achieve customer satisfaction.

Source: KNUST
Role of a procurement officer in preventing procurement of counterfeit medications

The deadly implications of counterfeit medicines/drugs are well understood to be a central challenge to the integrity of public health systems around the globe, as well as a direct threat to our individual health and welfare. What is less understood is that the profits from this sinister crime are increasingly being co-opted by an array of organized criminal groups and terrorist entities as a means by which to fund their nefarious operations around the world. As such, counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose a direct threat to national and international security. The main aim of this research is to explore the role of procurement officers in preventing procurementof counterfeit medicines into our public hospital and the following specific objectives were identified to help attain the stated aim; 1. To identify procurement processes (of medicines) within Ghana Health Service. 2. To identify the role of procurement officer in the procurement of medicines. 3. To identify the tools procurement officers use to ensure that the medicines they procure are counterfeit free.

Source: KNUST
The role and effect of the entity tender committee in sustainable procurement practices in public hospitals in Ghana

Public procurement systems in Ghana as a developing country lacks social and environmental integration. The introduction of sustainable public procurement practice in Ghana has necessitated the amendment of the country’s Procurement Act; Act 663 of 2003 to include sustainable requirements such as environmental, social and economic issues of sustainability in public procurement. This descriptive study is aimed at exploring the role of entity tender committees in sustainable healthcare procurement and also to identify the challenges faced in the implementation of sustainable procurement practice in public hospitals in Ghana. The research data will be collected from the entity tender committees in the various public hospitals located in Greater Accra. A quantitative and qualitative combinations data collection instruments were used. Indications from this study reveals that although the procurement unit and tender committee is made up of person with high educational background, the level of knowledge demonstrated by the respondents on issues of sustainable procurement practice was generally poor. The lack of policy documents on sustainable procurement practice has resulted in wrong practices of sustainable procurement in most public hospitals and this has negatively affected healthcare delivery. Finally, healthcare service delivery was indicated to be significantly affected by the role of the entity tender committee. In addition, the role of entity tender committees in sustainable procurement had not significantly influenced the organizational goals of the health facilities and also the compliance of interested parties. The works of the committee has significantly affected the legal structures to allow the practice of sustainable procurement in the public hospitals, however, the committees’ role has not significantly addressed the complexity of the SPP and the potential increase in cost of public procurement considering the practice of sustainable procurement. In the light of the findings, it is recommended that member of the procurement units be educated on the issues of sustainable procurement to improve knowledge levels and understanding of the objectives of the sustainable procurement practice so as not to lose focus what sustainable procurement is all about. The challenges expressed by the respondents need to be addressed through the adoption of appropriate solutions and an effective enforcement mechanism.

Source: KNUST
The role of Agricultural Extension Services in Agricultural Fransformation for Rural Poverty Reduction: a situational study in the Ashanti Region

The majority of agricultural producers in Ghana still use the traditional approach in crop production with technological change very slow and minimal. In view of this, Agricultural Extension Services have been adopted by the government as a major agricultural transformation strategy. Nevertheless, the expected impact from the intervention has not been realized due to inadequate funding, lack of logistics, insufficient Field Staffs and non-participatory modes of technology transfer. This is the problem which the study investigated taking Ashanti Region as a case study. The study was guided by the following objectives; the examination of the nature of the extension services provided and the assessment of the institutional and logistical arrangements put in place for the extension services delivery. The study further sought to assess the modes of agricultural technology dissemination, examine the feedback mechanisms and, based on the findings, recommendations were made towards effective extension services delivery. A case study method was adopted in which Ashanti Region was chosen to facilitate the ease of data collection. Respondents were selected through a simple random sampling technique to gather data from the farmers using structured questionnaires from three purposively sampled Districts of Ahafo-Ano South, Atwima-Nwabiagya and Ejisu-Juaben Districts. Institutional survey involving the Directorates of Agriculture in the selected Districts was also embarked upon. The study identified that 100 percent of the farmers received agricultural technology whilst an average of 53.3 percent of them received non agricultural technology. The study also identified a deficiency in logistical supply, inadequate and irregular government funding. It was also revealed that 89 Agricultural Extension Agents were required in the Districts but 47 of them were available, creating a huge deficit of 42. Recommendations were made to help provide solutions to the challenges of extension services provision in the country. Some of these include disseminating technology to farmers in manageable groups of a maximum of twenty, increasing logistical and EFS capacity, motivating Field Staffs, institutionalizing provision of credit in kind and establishing a National Extension Services Provision Fund to help make extension services delivery sustainable.

Source: KNUST
The role of Agroforestry in the development activities of selected women’s self-help groups in the Ashanti Region

In Ghana self-help groups which have cottage industries continue to play an important role in the life’s of rural women. However regular supplies of fuelwood to these cottage industries tend to be taken for granted. A study of the rural cottage industries of some selected self-help groups in the Ashanti region was undertaken in order to understand the socio—economic implications of the recent awareness of declining fuelwood- supplies. The study sought to establish how best the various agroforestry practices and technologies can be introduced and adapted to suit the socio-economic structure of women’s self- help groups, especially those engaged in rural cottage industries that require the use of fuelwood. The main objective of the study was to find out the role agroforestry could play in the development activities of these women’s self-help groups. This was done by examining their socioeconomic structure especially the way they organise their group activities. They were asked about their sources of fuelwood and the types of species normally used as fuelwood. The study also included a look at their awareness of agroforestry and tree planting and the potential for the adoption of agroforestry technologies. The groups have well organised structures around which their activities are centred. The generation of income is the main reason the groups engage in their economic activities. Activities are organised on weekly basis to ensure the sustainability of their projects. Markets for their products exist both inside and outside their localities. Group leaders are selected from members who voluntarily opt for leadership positions. Group membership is between 20 and 110 women with ages ranging from 25 years to a little over 50 years. Participation in activities by members is good even though there are few members who do not take an active part in the group’s activities. The women’s self-help groups are already experiencing some problems in obtaining fuelwood for their cottage industries. They sometimes have to supplement with waste products from their cottage industries. Fuelwood utilization has changed as they no longer use the preferred species of fuelwood but any type that is readily available, and this includes species that are not normally considered suitable as fuelwood Fuelwood was obtained mainly from farms, uncleared vegetation, backyards and other villages. In recent times fuelwood is purchased from sawmills, chainsaw operators and fuelwood contractors. The groups face more shortages during the rainy season. All the groups were aware of the benefits of tree planting but awareness of agroforestry is low. However they have a positive attitude towards the introduction of trees into their production systems. The self-help groups were able to identify potential niches in their activities for the introduction of agroforestry technologies.

Source: KNUST
The role of Art Education in the training of Kayaye: A study in Techiman Market.

The influx of kayaye from the three regions of the northern part of Ghana to the south is truly becoming unbearable. They are seen with their head pans choked in the cities and market centers jobless, they are therefore found in groups sitting and chatting or sleeping. “What will be the future of the three northern regions if this situation is not addressed?” one may ask. Though their services are much needed, their future must be considered. The central focus of the study was to identify the school-going kayaye who operate in Techiman market and help them acquire some basic skills in art vocations. The training given to the girls was Batik, Tie and Dye, T-shirt printing, Beadmaking and designing was fully participated by the girls, even though it cannot fully help them to be self-employed, it can help prepare their minds and create interest for them to further the training, in vocational institutions or apprenticeship to become self-employed or be employed by others instead of becoming kayaye. The study was carried out in the form of Interviews, Photographs, Observation and Participant observational techniques and also notes taking. The researcher revealed that almost 90% of these kayaye are children of the migrants from the north, who came down south in search of jobs. Because of frustrations and poverty their children had to suffer, and to survive and meet their needs they had to dodge school and work as kayaye. The study also revealed that some of the natives from Techiman are also involved in the kayaye activities because of poverty. The study also revealed that some of the parents of the kayaye were once kayaye and some are still in the job with their children, so tradition must go on. Again most of the school-going kayaye are from the Islamic schools. The reason is that their fathers has given birth to many children with different mothers because Islam allows polygamy, all these have affected the children. The research supports the idea that if the parents of these girls are being supported financially or given a job to do by the government, individuals etc., their wards will have peace to study in class. The recommendations made in the study could be valuable in addressing the increasing number of school-going girls entering into kayaye business.

Source: KNUST
The Role of Art in the celebration of Asogli Yam Festival and its Significance to the Socio-Economic Development of Ghana

The celebration of Asogli Yam Festival by the people of Ho, Kpenoe, Takla and Akoepe comes with the expression of joy and happiness. It is a period for social integration, display of rich culture and stock taking where artistic and economic features of the festival are displayed both knowingly and unknowingly. The study therefore sought to highlight the artistic aspects of the festival as well as its socio-economic features. This was successfully executed by giving a detailed description of the activities of the festival based on the rites and rituals performed. As a result, a framework was established which helped the researcher to classify the specific art forms used during the festival into groups and also to explore its socio-economic interests. With the historical background of the people, a comparison has been made between the Asogli Yam Festival of the past and present in which clear-cut ideas were developed for possible improvements on the festival. The study has succeeded in exposing the rich culture of the Ewes and for that matter the Asogli people to readers and at the same time exploring the economic fortunes of the festival which was facilitated by the appreciation of the arts. The Descriptive Method of research was used by the researcher to describe and interpret events. This was combined with statistics in the form of tables and figures to analyze and interpret data. Data was collected using questionnaire, observation and interview. The Stratified Random Sampling method was used to obtain the sample population for the study. The study was grouped into six chapters. Chapter one talked about the introduction. Chapter two dealt with the review of related literature, chapter three centered on the methodology for the study and chapter four consisted of the analysis and discussion of data. Chapter five included the presentation of the main findings and chapter six talked about summary, conclusion, recommendations, appendix, glossary and references.

Source: KNUST
The role of alternative dispute resolution in the settlement of construction disputes in Ghana

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an expression for the dispute resolution mechanisms, which serve as alternatives to litigation. The most basic processes used are negotiation mediation, conciliation, mediation-arbitration (med-arb), mini trial, arbitration, case evaluation and court ordered arbitration. Arbitration came with the promise of flexible proceedings, less expensive, non-confrontational approach, satisfactory outcome, among other benefits, in the settlement of commercial disputes. But unfortunately, this method has become similar to the traditional litigation due to the high dominance of the legal professionals and the court proceedings in the arbitration process. This has made the whole arbitration process expensive, time consuming and devoid of privacy and emotional expressions, thus losing almost all of its benefits to the other ADR methods. The research sought to identify the various alternative dispute resolution methods that are used in the Ghanaian construction industry and how they contribute effectively towards the settlement of disputes prevalent in the industry. The specific objectives were to identify the factors enhancing or limiting the use of other alternative dispute settlement methods apart from litigation and binding arbitration, investigate the extent of knowledge and application of the ADR techniques in dispute settlement in the construction industry, and to recommend appropriate ADR methods that could be most suitable and readily used to resolve construction disputes. The research comprised an extensive literature search on dispute resolution methods, a questionnaire survey and interviews among the consultants. Data obtained from the survey were critically analysed. The research revealed that, negotiation and arbitration (only when parties agree to arbitrate) were the most widely used methods to settle construction disputes. Very few consultants were well informed of the other ADR methods while a large number of them had little or no practical experience in the methods, especially mediation, conciliation and the hybrids. Thus, the extent of practical knowledge of the other ADR methods to some degree had not caught up well with the construction professionals.

Source: KNUST
The role of association of production entrepreneurs in development as a micro financial institution in reducing poverty: Tamale metropolis and Tolong-Kumbungu District in northern Region as a case study.

In this research, the role of microfinance in reducing poverty in Tamale metropolis and Tolong-Kumbungu district, it was found that microfinance is a tool that can be relied in reducing poverty among the poverty endemic areas such as the three northern regions. One hundred respondents were interviewed from two districts in northern region. Forty respondents were under microfinance program and sixty were not. The study revealed that those who were under microfinance program had improvement in their income levels and improvement in standard of living as compared to the non-clients whose income levels are very low and standard of living also very low. From the study it can be concluded that microfinance plays an active role in reducing poverty.

Source: KNUST