R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Tamanja, E. M. J. (2016). Child migration decision making in Ghana: The actors and processes. Ghana Journal of Geography, 8,
Abstract
The discourse on child migration decision making tends to present children as vulnerable and without agency. This presupposes that decisions are often imposed on the individual child who only complies with decisions of adults. On the contrary, the process is complex and continuous, and can only be well understood within the contexts in which such decisions are made. It involves many actors and varying conditions under which the decisions are made. Therefore, understanding child migration decision making requires a deeper understanding of the context and the actors involved. Drawing on interviews with young migrants from rural farming communities in the north east of Ghana to Accra, and using the child-in-family approach to migration decision making, this paper examines the actors and intricacies in child migration decision making in Ghana. In contrast with perceptions that migration decisions are often imposed on children, this study finds a complex but congenial process on a continuum from unilateral to consultative and imposed, involving children, their parents and members of their communities. The paper suggests that parents and policy makers be more proactive and sensitive to the concerns of children, with local government and traditional authorities focusing on education, to expose the realities of child migration before the decisions are made.
The discourse on child migration decision making tends to present children as vulnerable and without agency. This presupposes that decisions are often imposed on the individual child who only complies with decisions of adults. On the contrary, the process is complex and continuous, and can only be well understood within the contexts in which such decisions are made. It involves many actors and varying conditions under which the decisions are made. Therefore, understanding child migration decision making requires a deeper understanding of the context and the actors involved. Drawing on interviews with young migrants from rural farming communities in the north east of Ghana to Accra, and using the child-in-family approach to migration decision making, this paper examines the actors and intricacies in child migration decision making in Ghana. In contrast with perceptions that migration decisions are often imposed on children, this study finds a complex but congenial process on a continuum from unilateral to consultative and imposed, involving children, their parents and members of their communities. The paper suggests that parents and policy makers be more proactive and sensitive to the concerns of children, with local government and traditional authorities focusing on education, to expose the realities of child migration before the decisions are made.
Tamanja, E. M. J. (2016). Child migration and academic performance: The case of basic education in Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7,
Abstract
The nexus between migration and academic performance is complex and difficult to extricate. Not only are there several factors affecting academic performance, but also many of these factors are confounding, making it difficult to identify and isolate in order to address. Furthermore, the discourse appears silent on the nexus between child migration and education in general and academic performance in particular. This study seeks to fill this gap by comparing the performances of 250 migrant and 240 non-migrant school children randomly selected and their examination marks obtained in ten basic schools in the Upper East region of Ghana. Using the Independent Sample T-Test to analyse the data, it emerged that although performance was generally low in the schools, non-migrant children performed relatively better than their migrant counterparts. This implies that, migrant children are more likely to underachieve and possibly unable to progress to higher levels of education since performance is a proximate determinant to academic progress in Ghana. Therefore, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders in education need to give more attention to migrant children in their schools to address the effects and improve learning outcomes.
The nexus between migration and academic performance is complex and difficult to extricate. Not only are there several factors affecting academic performance, but also many of these factors are confounding, making it difficult to identify and isolate in order to address. Furthermore, the discourse appears silent on the nexus between child migration and education in general and academic performance in particular. This study seeks to fill this gap by comparing the performances of 250 migrant and 240 non-migrant school children randomly selected and their examination marks obtained in ten basic schools in the Upper East region of Ghana. Using the Independent Sample T-Test to analyse the data, it emerged that although performance was generally low in the schools, non-migrant children performed relatively better than their migrant counterparts. This implies that, migrant children are more likely to underachieve and possibly unable to progress to higher levels of education since performance is a proximate determinant to academic progress in Ghana. Therefore, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders in education need to give more attention to migrant children in their schools to address the effects and improve learning outcomes.
Arthur, Y. D. Sekyere, F. Marlle, E K. & Banuenumah, W. (2016). The impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Obuasi Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) - The customers perspective. International Journal of Contemporary Applied Sciences, 3,
Abstract
Globally several studies had been conducted using SERVQUAL model in different discipline and context. However, little had been discussed on comparing the impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the customer perspective. The study adapted the modified version of SERVQUAL model as a tool to measure the variables of the study. The study used convenience sampling method to select customer of ECG. The questionnaires were distributed and collected for analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Software. Simple Regression was used to test for the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. The result indicates that all the five dimensions of service quality performed poorly P >0.05. Furthermore the service quality had a negative impact on customer satisfaction and concludes that the service quality deserves improvement. The study finally recommends that staff should be engaged on regular basis to be trained on issues of costumer services and its effects on organizational performance. Further studies on SERVQUAL model using the five service quality dimensions can gradually close the gaps to bring success to the ECG.
Globally several studies had been conducted using SERVQUAL model in different discipline and context. However, little had been discussed on comparing the impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the customer perspective. The study adapted the modified version of SERVQUAL model as a tool to measure the variables of the study. The study used convenience sampling method to select customer of ECG. The questionnaires were distributed and collected for analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Software. Simple Regression was used to test for the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. The result indicates that all the five dimensions of service quality performed poorly P >0.05. Furthermore the service quality had a negative impact on customer satisfaction and concludes that the service quality deserves improvement. The study finally recommends that staff should be engaged on regular basis to be trained on issues of costumer services and its effects on organizational performance. Further studies on SERVQUAL model using the five service quality dimensions can gradually close the gaps to bring success to the ECG.
S.K. Amedorme & Nsoh, S.N. (2014). Analyzing the causes of road traffic accidents in Kumasi metropolis. International Journal of Engineering Innovation and Research, 3,
Abstract
The study analysed the causes of road traffic accidents in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. Random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 137 drivers of commercial vehicles in the metropolis. Data collection was through a self completion questionnaire, interview and observation. Descriptive statistics and percentages were used to analyse and interpret the data. The findings showed that reckless driving; bad nature of roads and unfavourable weather conditions accounted for the major causes of road traffic accidents in the metropolis. Driving under the influence of alcohol and the use of cell phones while driving came out as minor causes of road traffic accidents. The study also showed that about 30% of the drivers were fully aware that driving under the influence of alcohol leads to road accidents while nearly all drivers admitted to the use of cell phones whilst driving. The drivers were generally satisfied with the roles played by the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority in curbing road traffic accidents. Keywords – Ghana, Road Accidents, Road Traffic Fatalities, Causes of Road Accidents
The study analysed the causes of road traffic accidents in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. Random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 137 drivers of commercial vehicles in the metropolis. Data collection was through a self completion questionnaire, interview and observation. Descriptive statistics and percentages were used to analyse and interpret the data. The findings showed that reckless driving; bad nature of roads and unfavourable weather conditions accounted for the major causes of road traffic accidents in the metropolis. Driving under the influence of alcohol and the use of cell phones while driving came out as minor causes of road traffic accidents. The study also showed that about 30% of the drivers were fully aware that driving under the influence of alcohol leads to road accidents while nearly all drivers admitted to the use of cell phones whilst driving. The drivers were generally satisfied with the roles played by the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority in curbing road traffic accidents. Keywords – Ghana, Road Accidents, Road Traffic Fatalities, Causes of Road Accidents
Nsoh, S.N. & Amedorme, S.K. (2015). Perceptions of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Distance Learning students of the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana about their courses of study and face-to-face sessions. International Journal of Education and Research, 3,
Abstract
The study sought the perceptions of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Distance Learning students of the University of Education, Winneba, about the quality of their courses of study, usefulness of study materials and performance of lecturers during face-to-face sessions. The study was guided by three research questions. The sample for the study was 650 respondents. A cross-sectional survey design and a questionnaire were employed for the study. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to organise the data. The study showed that students were satisfied with the quality of their courses of study, study materials and performance of lecturers on the face-to-face sessions. The study, however, revealed that lecturers do not provide prompt feedback on students’ assignments and no reading materials are uploaded online for students to access. It is recommended that lecturers provide prompt feedback on students’ assignments and study materials should be put online for students to access. Key words: Technical education, vocational education, distance learning, face-to-face sessions,study materials, courses of study.
The study sought the perceptions of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Distance Learning students of the University of Education, Winneba, about the quality of their courses of study, usefulness of study materials and performance of lecturers during face-to-face sessions. The study was guided by three research questions. The sample for the study was 650 respondents. A cross-sectional survey design and a questionnaire were employed for the study. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to organise the data. The study showed that students were satisfied with the quality of their courses of study, study materials and performance of lecturers on the face-to-face sessions. The study, however, revealed that lecturers do not provide prompt feedback on students’ assignments and no reading materials are uploaded online for students to access. It is recommended that lecturers provide prompt feedback on students’ assignments and study materials should be put online for students to access. Key words: Technical education, vocational education, distance learning, face-to-face sessions,study materials, courses of study.
Nsoh, S.N. (2015). Assessment of the performance of reconditioned lead-acid starter batteries: The case of batteries reconditioned by local mechanics in Suame Magazine, Ghana. International Journal of Contemporary Applied Sciences, 2,
Abstract
The study assessed the performance of lead-acid starter batteries reconditioned by local mechanics at Suame Magazine, Ghana, for their abilities to be charged, start an engine and to provide adequate illumination for safe driving at night. The sample comprised of 30 batteries and 36 respondents. The survey research design was used for the study and battery tests, observation and semi-structured interview were tools used to collect data for the study. Descriptive statistics was used to discuss the results and conclusions were drawn by comparing findings of the study with typical test results as bench marks. The study established that reconditioned batteries can be charged, are able to start engines and can provide adequate illumination for safe driving at night. The results, however, showed that second-hand lead plates were used to recondition dead cells. It is recommended that government should assist the mechanics to have access to new lead plates and other equipment to enhance their work. Keywords: Assessment, Ghana, lead-acid battery, lead plates, specific gravity, Suame Magazine
The study assessed the performance of lead-acid starter batteries reconditioned by local mechanics at Suame Magazine, Ghana, for their abilities to be charged, start an engine and to provide adequate illumination for safe driving at night. The sample comprised of 30 batteries and 36 respondents. The survey research design was used for the study and battery tests, observation and semi-structured interview were tools used to collect data for the study. Descriptive statistics was used to discuss the results and conclusions were drawn by comparing findings of the study with typical test results as bench marks. The study established that reconditioned batteries can be charged, are able to start engines and can provide adequate illumination for safe driving at night. The results, however, showed that second-hand lead plates were used to recondition dead cells. It is recommended that government should assist the mechanics to have access to new lead plates and other equipment to enhance their work. Keywords: Assessment, Ghana, lead-acid battery, lead plates, specific gravity, Suame Magazine
Nsoh, S.N. (2015). AWARENESS OF TRADERS AT LORRY STATIONS ABOUT THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF AUTOMOBILE EMISSIONS: THE CASE OF FEMALE TRADERS IN A LORRY STATION IN KUMASI, GHANA. Global Journal of Advanced Engineering Technologies and Sciences, 2,
Abstract
The study assessed the awareness of female traders at a lorry station in Kumasi, Ghana about the adverse effects of automobile emissions on their health. A cross-sectional survey design with a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from all 48 traders who sell at the station. The results indicated that the traders believed all automobile emissions have a smell, are visible and blue in colour. The findings also showed that 47.9% of the traders knew automobile emissions cause irritation of the eyes, 43.7% felt the emissions cause coughing and 31.3% attributed nausea and vomiting to the inhalation of the emissions. It was concluded that the traders were aware of some of the adverse effects of automobile emissions. They were, however, not aware that the inhalation of the emissions could result in death. The study recommended that the local authority (Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly) should relocate either the lorry station or the female traders to save the latter from inhaling dangerous emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency should also embark on vigorous education of the general public on the adverse effects of automobile emissions. Keywords: adverse effects, automobile emissions, Ghana, health, Kumasi, traders.
The study assessed the awareness of female traders at a lorry station in Kumasi, Ghana about the adverse effects of automobile emissions on their health. A cross-sectional survey design with a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from all 48 traders who sell at the station. The results indicated that the traders believed all automobile emissions have a smell, are visible and blue in colour. The findings also showed that 47.9% of the traders knew automobile emissions cause irritation of the eyes, 43.7% felt the emissions cause coughing and 31.3% attributed nausea and vomiting to the inhalation of the emissions. It was concluded that the traders were aware of some of the adverse effects of automobile emissions. They were, however, not aware that the inhalation of the emissions could result in death. The study recommended that the local authority (Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly) should relocate either the lorry station or the female traders to save the latter from inhaling dangerous emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency should also embark on vigorous education of the general public on the adverse effects of automobile emissions. Keywords: adverse effects, automobile emissions, Ghana, health, Kumasi, traders.
Taluah, A. R. (2016). The Haunting Images of the West in Contemporary Ghanaian Poetry. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2,
Abstract
Many literary artists and critics in time past have affirmed the significance of tradition as a source of inspiration in creative works. Though the driving force in moulding a creative work such as a poem is innate, a true artist must have knowledge of a given tradition or traditions to excel in the enterprise. In quite recent times however, much of the poetry by budding poets tends to imitate Western forms in lieu of the traditional. This paper is therefore an attempt to address the effects of foreign traditions on the creative abilities of the Ghanaian youth. It traces the antecedents that are most likely to have caused the negative outlook towards most indigenous traditions in Ghana to the embrace of Western traditions. It also examines some pertinent issues in the educational system in Ghana and the impact of the English language as the language of instruction and its effects on the culture of the creative arts.
Many literary artists and critics in time past have affirmed the significance of tradition as a source of inspiration in creative works. Though the driving force in moulding a creative work such as a poem is innate, a true artist must have knowledge of a given tradition or traditions to excel in the enterprise. In quite recent times however, much of the poetry by budding poets tends to imitate Western forms in lieu of the traditional. This paper is therefore an attempt to address the effects of foreign traditions on the creative abilities of the Ghanaian youth. It traces the antecedents that are most likely to have caused the negative outlook towards most indigenous traditions in Ghana to the embrace of Western traditions. It also examines some pertinent issues in the educational system in Ghana and the impact of the English language as the language of instruction and its effects on the culture of the creative arts.
Taluah, A. R. (2015). The Teaching and Learning of the English Language in Ghana: Problems and Implications. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2,
Abstract
The teaching and learning of the English language in Ghana and Anglophone countries in Africa for that matter has been a subject of unflinching debate in quite recent times. Many opinions point to the assertion that the teaching and learning of the English language is centered on reading comprehension, summary, grammar, spelling and writing skills and other such related areas to the disregard of oral communication skills. Many researchers have found the neglect of oral communication skills in the school curriculum as the major problem in the leaning of the English language. A survey of trends in the teaching and learning of the English language however reveals that the contention is much on the teaching of the English language as compared to its learning as most teachers of English are unqualified to teach English. Drawing from his experiences as a leaner and a teacher of the English language, the research explores in detail the problems and implications in the teaching and learning of the English language. The origin of the English language and its encounter with the diverse languages in Ghana are examined vis a vis its role in diverse facets in the Ghanaian society and new measures proposed for possible adjustments.
The teaching and learning of the English language in Ghana and Anglophone countries in Africa for that matter has been a subject of unflinching debate in quite recent times. Many opinions point to the assertion that the teaching and learning of the English language is centered on reading comprehension, summary, grammar, spelling and writing skills and other such related areas to the disregard of oral communication skills. Many researchers have found the neglect of oral communication skills in the school curriculum as the major problem in the leaning of the English language. A survey of trends in the teaching and learning of the English language however reveals that the contention is much on the teaching of the English language as compared to its learning as most teachers of English are unqualified to teach English. Drawing from his experiences as a leaner and a teacher of the English language, the research explores in detail the problems and implications in the teaching and learning of the English language. The origin of the English language and its encounter with the diverse languages in Ghana are examined vis a vis its role in diverse facets in the Ghanaian society and new measures proposed for possible adjustments.
Taluah, A. R. & Musah, A. A. (2015). Moving Poetics: A Linguistic Analysis of Inscriptions on Vehicles. The Dawn Journal, 4,
Abstract
Scholarship has examined a wide range of social interactions in all spheres of life. In our contemporary times, the media to have gained prominence include the internet and the mobile phone. A however unique, yet complex media of communication ongoing on the principal streets of Ghana are inscriptions on vehicles; where owners and drivers of, mostly commercial vehicles express their beliefs and experiences on their vehicles. This medium of communication appears to be most effective and efficient owing to the fact that publishing such information is far less expensive. The information is also free of charge; what is required is for one to be literate in the language in which the inscription is conveyed. This article examines the contexts of shared values and experiences vis-à-vis the inferences and interferences such as biases, emotions and exaggerations that hinder the smooth transmission of messages on vehicles. It also explores the rationale, categories and the overall effects of these inscriptions on the Ghanaian population. This article maintains that inscriptions have great literary significance. They are sententious aphorisms and wise sayings with social and cultural dimensions; hence, the primary objective to open an active line of inquiry into the growing communication on vehicle channels.
Scholarship has examined a wide range of social interactions in all spheres of life. In our contemporary times, the media to have gained prominence include the internet and the mobile phone. A however unique, yet complex media of communication ongoing on the principal streets of Ghana are inscriptions on vehicles; where owners and drivers of, mostly commercial vehicles express their beliefs and experiences on their vehicles. This medium of communication appears to be most effective and efficient owing to the fact that publishing such information is far less expensive. The information is also free of charge; what is required is for one to be literate in the language in which the inscription is conveyed. This article examines the contexts of shared values and experiences vis-à-vis the inferences and interferences such as biases, emotions and exaggerations that hinder the smooth transmission of messages on vehicles. It also explores the rationale, categories and the overall effects of these inscriptions on the Ghanaian population. This article maintains that inscriptions have great literary significance. They are sententious aphorisms and wise sayings with social and cultural dimensions; hence, the primary objective to open an active line of inquiry into the growing communication on vehicle channels.
