R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Acquaye, V.N.A. (2016). Love in African Poetry: How Fluent are our Poets?. International Journal of Educational Leadership, 7,
Abstract
As an expansion on an earlier study titled “The theme of Love: the ignored issue in African Poetry”, this study further explores how much African poets write about love in their poetry. Dating from the 1930s to the present, the study looked at love poems in anthologies and the number of critical analyses on them. On examining the works of African poets in anthologies and journals, it was realized that African poets have given very minimal attention to love as a theme as well as scholarly research on them. This revelation ought not be interpreted as grounds for concluding that the theme of love is absent in African culture and life; since indeed a lot of love is made manifest in African cultural practices such as in betrothal, marriage, childbirth, naming ceremonies, the extended family system and funerals. It is recommended that African poets should begin to expand their writings to the theme of love since love is so fundamental and universal to life.
As an expansion on an earlier study titled “The theme of Love: the ignored issue in African Poetry”, this study further explores how much African poets write about love in their poetry. Dating from the 1930s to the present, the study looked at love poems in anthologies and the number of critical analyses on them. On examining the works of African poets in anthologies and journals, it was realized that African poets have given very minimal attention to love as a theme as well as scholarly research on them. This revelation ought not be interpreted as grounds for concluding that the theme of love is absent in African culture and life; since indeed a lot of love is made manifest in African cultural practices such as in betrothal, marriage, childbirth, naming ceremonies, the extended family system and funerals. It is recommended that African poets should begin to expand their writings to the theme of love since love is so fundamental and universal to life.
Gleku, T., Wilson, K. N., & Amos, P. M. (2016). Depression among teenage mothers in Otumi Community in the Kwaebibirim District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 6,
Abstract
The research investigated depression among teenage mothers in Otumi. The population for the study comprised all teenage mothers in Otumi community. The sample size comprised sixty teenage mothers from Otumi community in the Kwaebibirim District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study aimed at finding whether the level of depression varied with age, socioeconomic status and marital status of non clinical teenage mothers. The main instrument used for the collection of the data was the Beck Depression Inventory, and the data collected was analyzed and presented in descriptive and inferential statistic form using frequencies, t-test tables and percentages. The result of the study revealed that age, socioeconomic status and marital status has significant relationship with the level of depression among the mothers. It was evident from the study that young teenage mothers, teenage mothers from low socioeconomic background and teenage mothers who are single suffer high level of depression. In the light of the above findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection as well as the Department of Social welfare should organize social education and create social safety nets to support teenage mothers to help curb their level of depression. Key Words: Depression, Teenage Mothers
The research investigated depression among teenage mothers in Otumi. The population for the study comprised all teenage mothers in Otumi community. The sample size comprised sixty teenage mothers from Otumi community in the Kwaebibirim District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study aimed at finding whether the level of depression varied with age, socioeconomic status and marital status of non clinical teenage mothers. The main instrument used for the collection of the data was the Beck Depression Inventory, and the data collected was analyzed and presented in descriptive and inferential statistic form using frequencies, t-test tables and percentages. The result of the study revealed that age, socioeconomic status and marital status has significant relationship with the level of depression among the mothers. It was evident from the study that young teenage mothers, teenage mothers from low socioeconomic background and teenage mothers who are single suffer high level of depression. In the light of the above findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection as well as the Department of Social welfare should organize social education and create social safety nets to support teenage mothers to help curb their level of depression. Key Words: Depression, Teenage Mothers
Fiawotoafor, T. & Agbeh, A. (2016). An Assessment of Information Literacy Skills of Undergraduates: Implication for Instructional Programming.. Ghana Library Journal, 26,
Abstract
The study assessed information literacy skills of undergraduates of the College of Agriculture Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong Campus. Descriptive survey method was used in this study and the sample size was 400 students who were randomly selected. The data was collected using a survey instrument. The results of the study clearly revealed a serious deficiency of knowledge in all the main areas of information literacy by the respondents. Majority of the respondents had inadequate knowledge of the basic elements characterizing information seeking process. The respondents seriously lacked the skills to identify the most efficient search strategy, inadequate knowledge and skills to evaluate internet information and how to use information ethically. It was recommended that a course in Information Literacy be integrated into the curriculum to improve the situation.
The study assessed information literacy skills of undergraduates of the College of Agriculture Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong Campus. Descriptive survey method was used in this study and the sample size was 400 students who were randomly selected. The data was collected using a survey instrument. The results of the study clearly revealed a serious deficiency of knowledge in all the main areas of information literacy by the respondents. Majority of the respondents had inadequate knowledge of the basic elements characterizing information seeking process. The respondents seriously lacked the skills to identify the most efficient search strategy, inadequate knowledge and skills to evaluate internet information and how to use information ethically. It was recommended that a course in Information Literacy be integrated into the curriculum to improve the situation.
Nyame, G. (2017). A Customer-Complaint Analyzer for E-Banking Services: The Context of the Ghanaian Banking Industry. Information and Knowledge Management, 7,
Abstract
Banking and financial institutions continue to intensify their efforts to engage in technological innovations in the provision of quality e-banking products and services. With this strategic approach, many banks in Ghana have migrated from the traditional and rudimentary branch banking to web-based banking transactions. This paper develops a model for a web-based customer-complaint analyzer that addresses customer complaints or suggestions in real time as well as supporting decision making processes of banks and other financial institutions. The exploratory prototype model, context diagram and UML use-case diagram were used to simplify and explain the design and development phases of the system. Both alpha and beta tests were done at the Ghana Commercial Bank and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana Limited of the KNUST Branch in Kumasi, Ghana. It is very expedient on the part of banks in Ghana to use complaint analyzer system to enable them do analyses on customers’ complaints or suggestions as well as on performance for improved and better service delivery. Keywords: e-banking, analytical performance, customer complaints analyzer, banking industry, customer service delivery
Banking and financial institutions continue to intensify their efforts to engage in technological innovations in the provision of quality e-banking products and services. With this strategic approach, many banks in Ghana have migrated from the traditional and rudimentary branch banking to web-based banking transactions. This paper develops a model for a web-based customer-complaint analyzer that addresses customer complaints or suggestions in real time as well as supporting decision making processes of banks and other financial institutions. The exploratory prototype model, context diagram and UML use-case diagram were used to simplify and explain the design and development phases of the system. Both alpha and beta tests were done at the Ghana Commercial Bank and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana Limited of the KNUST Branch in Kumasi, Ghana. It is very expedient on the part of banks in Ghana to use complaint analyzer system to enable them do analyses on customers’ complaints or suggestions as well as on performance for improved and better service delivery. Keywords: e-banking, analytical performance, customer complaints analyzer, banking industry, customer service delivery
Yelkpieri, D., Ofosu-Dwamena, E. & Kwegyir-Aggrey, P. (2017). Home related factors and its influence on learning among students in the Awutu-Senya and Effutu educational districts. INTED2017 Proceedings, ,
Abstract
The state of the home influences the development and learning of every child in diverse ways. This study sought to investigate how home related factors such as learning resources like television, radio set among others influence students’ success in schools. A cross sectional survey and multi-site case study design was adopted in carrying out this study. The population of the study was made up of school officials, students and parents. A sample size of 331 was used. The sample was selected by using purposive, quota, convenient and random sampling techniques. The data collection instruments were questionnaire, semi-structured interview schedules and focus group discussions. The instruments were pilot tested to ensure they were reliable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in presenting the data. The study found that the learning environment provided by parents at home determines the academic achievements of students. The study revealed that some students did not have basic things such as tables, chairs and a place to study at home. Some students indicated that the learning facilities at home were provided by both parents. Further findings indicated that some students were over-burdened with household chores which affected their learning at home. When the hypothesis was tested the statistics revealed that the correlation was statistically significant (p<.001). The researcher recommends that parents should make sure they create an enabling learning environment at home to enhance students’ success levels in schools.
The state of the home influences the development and learning of every child in diverse ways. This study sought to investigate how home related factors such as learning resources like television, radio set among others influence students’ success in schools. A cross sectional survey and multi-site case study design was adopted in carrying out this study. The population of the study was made up of school officials, students and parents. A sample size of 331 was used. The sample was selected by using purposive, quota, convenient and random sampling techniques. The data collection instruments were questionnaire, semi-structured interview schedules and focus group discussions. The instruments were pilot tested to ensure they were reliable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in presenting the data. The study found that the learning environment provided by parents at home determines the academic achievements of students. The study revealed that some students did not have basic things such as tables, chairs and a place to study at home. Some students indicated that the learning facilities at home were provided by both parents. Further findings indicated that some students were over-burdened with household chores which affected their learning at home. When the hypothesis was tested the statistics revealed that the correlation was statistically significant (p<.001). The researcher recommends that parents should make sure they create an enabling learning environment at home to enhance students’ success levels in schools.
Kumah, A (2017). Minimum Wage Compliance in Developing Countries among the Informal Sector Workers in Ghana. International Journal of Current Innovation Research, 3,
Abstract
Minimum wage legislations are applicable in most countries in the world and across continents. This research sought to assess the level of compliance of minimum wage legislation among informal sector workforce in Ghana. Literature in relation to wages such as components, types, classifications, compositions, determinants among others relative wage analysis were reviewed. A survey research was used with the adoption of a cross-sectional design that allowed the researchers to draw one or more samples from the population at one-time period. The methodology then comprises research design, population, sample size and techniques, data collection procedure as well as data quality control. Using household and labour force survey data from varying informal sectors in Ghana as a developing country, the author calculated the rates of minimum wage compliance for employees covered by current legislation and assesses the average “depth” of violations. The level of compliance with minimum wage laws often depends on factors specific to each labour market. The research revealed, a substantial share of workers still earns less than the legal minimum wage. Enforcement has not kept up with growth in regulations to protect workers from low wages and working conditions. Several institutional structures shape enforcement, including the role of labour inspectors and the presence of unions. These enforcement enablers were non-functional and thus though make compliance negatively related to the ratio of minimum to median wages in Ghana, compliance rates with occupational or industry or location-specific minimum wage systems are more prevalent. Pursuance of informal minimum wages across sectors and the provisioning of adequate infrastructural base to expand employment opportunities shall on its own expand the economy and surge up wages to become living wages instead of pursuance of minimum wages. However, better compliance – especially for women, ethnic groups, and unskilled and informal workers – also depends on contextualized yet comprehensive minimum wage policies combining union/employer involvement, awareness-raising and credible enforcement.
Minimum wage legislations are applicable in most countries in the world and across continents. This research sought to assess the level of compliance of minimum wage legislation among informal sector workforce in Ghana. Literature in relation to wages such as components, types, classifications, compositions, determinants among others relative wage analysis were reviewed. A survey research was used with the adoption of a cross-sectional design that allowed the researchers to draw one or more samples from the population at one-time period. The methodology then comprises research design, population, sample size and techniques, data collection procedure as well as data quality control. Using household and labour force survey data from varying informal sectors in Ghana as a developing country, the author calculated the rates of minimum wage compliance for employees covered by current legislation and assesses the average “depth” of violations. The level of compliance with minimum wage laws often depends on factors specific to each labour market. The research revealed, a substantial share of workers still earns less than the legal minimum wage. Enforcement has not kept up with growth in regulations to protect workers from low wages and working conditions. Several institutional structures shape enforcement, including the role of labour inspectors and the presence of unions. These enforcement enablers were non-functional and thus though make compliance negatively related to the ratio of minimum to median wages in Ghana, compliance rates with occupational or industry or location-specific minimum wage systems are more prevalent. Pursuance of informal minimum wages across sectors and the provisioning of adequate infrastructural base to expand employment opportunities shall on its own expand the economy and surge up wages to become living wages instead of pursuance of minimum wages. However, better compliance – especially for women, ethnic groups, and unskilled and informal workers – also depends on contextualized yet comprehensive minimum wage policies combining union/employer involvement, awareness-raising and credible enforcement.
Kumah, A & Boachie, W. K. (2017). Teacher Job Satisfaction as a motivational tool for School Effectiveness: An Assessment of Private Basic Schools in Ghana. International Journal of Research Science & Management, 4,
Abstract
This is a survey study undertaken to assess the function of extrinsic and intrinsic factors of motivation in determining job satisfaction of private basic school teachers in Ghana. Demographic variables such as teachers' gender, age, marital status, school resources, teaching experience, academic qualifications, and rank were examined to ascertain whether these had any reasonable large relevance, or made any significant contribution, to the level of job satisfaction experienced by teachers as well as ascertaining the mutual relationship between the teachers’ diminished interest and job satisfaction as a determinant of the extent of their relationship. A 412 sample from the population was used across 31 private basic schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. The results showed reasonable large levels of dissatisfaction in relation to intrinsic factors of work. There was a significant dissatisfaction factors in mutual relationship with demographic variables of school area and rank.A reasonable large relationship between levels of diminished interest and job satisfaction was also identified, specifically, in respect of consumption of sentimental resources and emotional detachment, which were shown to be in mutual relationship with low levels of job satisfaction. The study recommended that training must be offered to private basic school owners and encourage effective communication among stakeholders in educational sector whereas authorities in education sector should develop a formalized advancement programmes for teachers in schools notably in private basic schools.
This is a survey study undertaken to assess the function of extrinsic and intrinsic factors of motivation in determining job satisfaction of private basic school teachers in Ghana. Demographic variables such as teachers' gender, age, marital status, school resources, teaching experience, academic qualifications, and rank were examined to ascertain whether these had any reasonable large relevance, or made any significant contribution, to the level of job satisfaction experienced by teachers as well as ascertaining the mutual relationship between the teachers’ diminished interest and job satisfaction as a determinant of the extent of their relationship. A 412 sample from the population was used across 31 private basic schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. The results showed reasonable large levels of dissatisfaction in relation to intrinsic factors of work. There was a significant dissatisfaction factors in mutual relationship with demographic variables of school area and rank.A reasonable large relationship between levels of diminished interest and job satisfaction was also identified, specifically, in respect of consumption of sentimental resources and emotional detachment, which were shown to be in mutual relationship with low levels of job satisfaction. The study recommended that training must be offered to private basic school owners and encourage effective communication among stakeholders in educational sector whereas authorities in education sector should develop a formalized advancement programmes for teachers in schools notably in private basic schools.
Kumah, A & Boachie, W. K. (2016). An Investigation into the Impact of Microfinance in Poverty Reduction in Less Developed Countries (LDCs): A case of Ghana. American Scientific Research Journal foe Engineering, Technology and Sciences (ASRJETS), 26,
Abstract
The paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as a universal poverty reduction tool. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. The instrument for data collection is structured questionnaire. The study was carried out in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Using a sample size of 380 clients from various microfinance institutions (MFIs) within the research area and a survey with descriptive analysis, the result reveals among others that the clients enjoy opportunities for savings which enable them to increase their income levels by way of using their savings to acquire basic necessities of tools, equipment and materials and are able to create employment and improve their standard of living. Thus, microfinance, however, certainly plays an important role in providing safety-net and consumption smoothening. The study therefore recommends among others an urgent refocus on the promotion of micro-savings, a robust financial sector regulation and improved financial support to the MFIs by government and other stakeholders to help in the world’s effort in respect of poverty eradication agenda.
The paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as a universal poverty reduction tool. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. The instrument for data collection is structured questionnaire. The study was carried out in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Using a sample size of 380 clients from various microfinance institutions (MFIs) within the research area and a survey with descriptive analysis, the result reveals among others that the clients enjoy opportunities for savings which enable them to increase their income levels by way of using their savings to acquire basic necessities of tools, equipment and materials and are able to create employment and improve their standard of living. Thus, microfinance, however, certainly plays an important role in providing safety-net and consumption smoothening. The study therefore recommends among others an urgent refocus on the promotion of micro-savings, a robust financial sector regulation and improved financial support to the MFIs by government and other stakeholders to help in the world’s effort in respect of poverty eradication agenda.
• Awopone, A. K, Zobaa, A. F., & Banuenumah, W. (2017). Techno-economic and environmental analysis of power generation expansion plan of Ghana. Energy Policy, 104,
Abstract
This paper examines the current electrical generation expansion plan of Ghana and compares it with proposed expansion pathways with higher penetration of Renewable Energy Technologies. An adaptation of Schwartz's Scenario Methodology was used to develop the scenarios which were then analysed using the Long-range Alternatives Planning (LEAP) model. Each of the scenarios represents policy options for generation expansion in Ghana up to 2040. Energy, economic and environmental analysis of the three alternative scenarios compared to the base scenarios was undertaken. Sensitivity results show that, if the country were to follow the generation expansion path described in the renewable energy scenarios, it could reap economic benefits of 0.5–13.23% depending on the developments in fuel prices and renewable technology capital cost. The analysis further quantifies benefits to be derived from a reduction in Greenhouse gases of the scenarios. Policy implications for the generation system of Ghana based on the results are also discussed.
This paper examines the current electrical generation expansion plan of Ghana and compares it with proposed expansion pathways with higher penetration of Renewable Energy Technologies. An adaptation of Schwartz's Scenario Methodology was used to develop the scenarios which were then analysed using the Long-range Alternatives Planning (LEAP) model. Each of the scenarios represents policy options for generation expansion in Ghana up to 2040. Energy, economic and environmental analysis of the three alternative scenarios compared to the base scenarios was undertaken. Sensitivity results show that, if the country were to follow the generation expansion path described in the renewable energy scenarios, it could reap economic benefits of 0.5–13.23% depending on the developments in fuel prices and renewable technology capital cost. The analysis further quantifies benefits to be derived from a reduction in Greenhouse gases of the scenarios. Policy implications for the generation system of Ghana based on the results are also discussed.
Dotche, K. A., Banuenumah, W. & Ofosu, W. K. (2016). Non Regenerative Fiber Backbone Power Loss Budget,. Transactions on Networks and Communications,, 4,
Abstract
The most important stage in the design of a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber optic system is about the choice of the correct optical transmitter, and receiver combination. This depends on the signal to be transmitted over the channel. By adopting the WDM two (2) signals at two (2) different wavelengths of 1310nm and 1550nm, can conveniently be carried on the same fiber. The WDM fiber link can carry 32,256 channels and the throughput too is high (>=2.5Gbps). Many television channels can be accommodated. The amplification along the fiber backhaul remains a bottleneck due to the non-linearity effects that could be additive. In order to minimize the non-linearity effect of the amplifiers, non-regenerative solutions are nowadays used. This paper develops a power loss budget for an optical sparse WDM long haul without inserting any regenerator along the transmission line. The study gives details of establishing a 200 km fiber optic link, operating at 2.5Gbps and supporting a digital signal of Synchronous Transport Signal-48/ Synchronous Transport Module 16 (STS-48/STM-16), where the link is assumed to carry 8 (WDM). In the dimensioning, the optical interfaces were chosen in agreement with the ITU-TG 654 applicable values. The system power deficit was not satisfactory in the first attempt, and so the Erbium Doped-Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) were inserted at the light source, and a preamplifier at the optical detector side. The system power deficit was still negative but not much. The transmitting system should have a positive value of the system power deficit so that the link budget can be suggested for the required transmission. Finally the change of the detector sensitivity gave the best estimation in the design process for the required link budget.
The most important stage in the design of a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber optic system is about the choice of the correct optical transmitter, and receiver combination. This depends on the signal to be transmitted over the channel. By adopting the WDM two (2) signals at two (2) different wavelengths of 1310nm and 1550nm, can conveniently be carried on the same fiber. The WDM fiber link can carry 32,256 channels and the throughput too is high (>=2.5Gbps). Many television channels can be accommodated. The amplification along the fiber backhaul remains a bottleneck due to the non-linearity effects that could be additive. In order to minimize the non-linearity effect of the amplifiers, non-regenerative solutions are nowadays used. This paper develops a power loss budget for an optical sparse WDM long haul without inserting any regenerator along the transmission line. The study gives details of establishing a 200 km fiber optic link, operating at 2.5Gbps and supporting a digital signal of Synchronous Transport Signal-48/ Synchronous Transport Module 16 (STS-48/STM-16), where the link is assumed to carry 8 (WDM). In the dimensioning, the optical interfaces were chosen in agreement with the ITU-TG 654 applicable values. The system power deficit was not satisfactory in the first attempt, and so the Erbium Doped-Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) were inserted at the light source, and a preamplifier at the optical detector side. The system power deficit was still negative but not much. The transmitting system should have a positive value of the system power deficit so that the link budget can be suggested for the required transmission. Finally the change of the detector sensitivity gave the best estimation in the design process for the required link budget.
