R&P Entries
Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with Presentations
Danso-Wiredu E. Y
Annual Ghana Geographical Association and Ghana Geographical Teacher’s Conference: Geography, place and Development.. University of Ghana, Legon-Accra 4th -8th August, 2015.
Paper presented:
Housing and Infrastructure and the Role of Civil Society when Market and State Fail: The Case of Old Fadama, Accra
Abstract
Housing and infrastructure provision is the responsibilities of the state. Unfortunately in many developing countries, the state is unable to provide these resources to its citizens. In Ghana, since 1980s when the country adopted the SAP policies, its housing policy has changed. The state is relaxed in its efforts to provide housing for its population. Its role is therefore to create enabling environment for the private sector to build for the masses. This obviously has failed to translate to low income group within the country which cannot afford the cost of houses provided by the private sector. The difficulty in having access to decent homes has forced many urban dwellers to rent ‘cheap’ homes in slum communities one of such communities is Old Fadama in Accra. The community has turned its water logged area into a habitable one. Usually an acceptable place to call a home is to reside in houses made up of sleeping, bathing and toilet rooms. Old Fadama residents only have one room to call a home. They instead depend on community bathrooms, toilets and food vendors for survival. To pay as low rent as possible, many of them live in what is termed ‘group rooms’, where rent is shared among room members. The papers argue that Old Fadama stands out as a community that has been neglected by the state in terms of housing and infrastructure provision, but it residents are not perturbed by it, rather they depend on range of community based organisations to plan and facilitate developments and set rules which govern the residents. The paper uses Karl Polanyi concept of economic integration, but argues, in the case of Old Fadama, market, redistribution and reciprocity are instituted by civil society actors with regards to housing and community infrastructure provision. The research is part of a PHD study conducted in four poor communities in Ghana since March 2012. The author spent six months in the community interviewing a wide range of leaders and residents. Fifty interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guide for residents and an unstructured guide for leaders. All respondents were purposefully selected through community leaders and by the researcher’s informal links. The community has been divided into five zones A-E, so stratified purposeful sampling was employed to select respondents from each of the zones. Keywords: Urban housing; community infrastructure; Old Fadama; Civil society
Housing and infrastructure provision is the responsibilities of the state. Unfortunately in many developing countries, the state is unable to provide these resources to its citizens. In Ghana, since 1980s when the country adopted the SAP policies, its housing policy has changed. The state is relaxed in its efforts to provide housing for its population. Its role is therefore to create enabling environment for the private sector to build for the masses. This obviously has failed to translate to low income group within the country which cannot afford the cost of houses provided by the private sector. The difficulty in having access to decent homes has forced many urban dwellers to rent ‘cheap’ homes in slum communities one of such communities is Old Fadama in Accra. The community has turned its water logged area into a habitable one. Usually an acceptable place to call a home is to reside in houses made up of sleeping, bathing and toilet rooms. Old Fadama residents only have one room to call a home. They instead depend on community bathrooms, toilets and food vendors for survival. To pay as low rent as possible, many of them live in what is termed ‘group rooms’, where rent is shared among room members. The papers argue that Old Fadama stands out as a community that has been neglected by the state in terms of housing and infrastructure provision, but it residents are not perturbed by it, rather they depend on range of community based organisations to plan and facilitate developments and set rules which govern the residents. The paper uses Karl Polanyi concept of economic integration, but argues, in the case of Old Fadama, market, redistribution and reciprocity are instituted by civil society actors with regards to housing and community infrastructure provision. The research is part of a PHD study conducted in four poor communities in Ghana since March 2012. The author spent six months in the community interviewing a wide range of leaders and residents. Fifty interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guide for residents and an unstructured guide for leaders. All respondents were purposefully selected through community leaders and by the researcher’s informal links. The community has been divided into five zones A-E, so stratified purposeful sampling was employed to select respondents from each of the zones. Keywords: Urban housing; community infrastructure; Old Fadama; Civil society
DOGBEY, E. & SANORTEY, T. D.
FACULTY SEMINAR. AJUMAKO APRIL 27, 2016
Paper presented:
THE SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE FUNCTIONS OF SALIVA AMONG THE EWE AND THE BIRIFOR
Abstract
Studies on body fluids secretions are receiving ever increasing attention, especially in the medical field, as compared to the cultural and linguistic field. These secretions are christened; body waste, by-products, among the lot and are always associated with infections and homes for contagious pathogens. Nevertheless, a vast array of benefits are derived from all body excretes across cultures. This paper delved into saliva, one of such secreted body fluids; exploring its sociolinguistic and cultural functions among the Ewes in the Volta Region and the Birifor in the Upper West and Northern Regions of Ghana. Saliva is the commonest and easily accessible body fluid and much of it is usually swallowed when secreted. Data for this naturalistic study is elicited by opinion pool and analyzed descriptively. The findings are interpreted in a logical narrative form, revealing four types of saliva with each performing different functions beyond the basic roles of facilitating swallowing and moistening or softening food items in fauna. The study claims that the usage of saliva has varied psychological and physiological implications backing their linguistic and cultural functions among the Ewe and the Birifor. The Ewe and the Birifor use saliva for curing, cursing, insulting, blessing among others but in a variety of ways. In addition, the secretion, spitting and swallowing of saliva is a form of communication. Saliva swallowing portrays good intentions and spitting bad intentions. Saliva usage occurs in the proverbs, idioms and other linguistic constructions of the people. The paper concludes that the live of a people revolves around saliva usages for cultural and linguistic purposes.
Studies on body fluids secretions are receiving ever increasing attention, especially in the medical field, as compared to the cultural and linguistic field. These secretions are christened; body waste, by-products, among the lot and are always associated with infections and homes for contagious pathogens. Nevertheless, a vast array of benefits are derived from all body excretes across cultures. This paper delved into saliva, one of such secreted body fluids; exploring its sociolinguistic and cultural functions among the Ewes in the Volta Region and the Birifor in the Upper West and Northern Regions of Ghana. Saliva is the commonest and easily accessible body fluid and much of it is usually swallowed when secreted. Data for this naturalistic study is elicited by opinion pool and analyzed descriptively. The findings are interpreted in a logical narrative form, revealing four types of saliva with each performing different functions beyond the basic roles of facilitating swallowing and moistening or softening food items in fauna. The study claims that the usage of saliva has varied psychological and physiological implications backing their linguistic and cultural functions among the Ewe and the Birifor. The Ewe and the Birifor use saliva for curing, cursing, insulting, blessing among others but in a variety of ways. In addition, the secretion, spitting and swallowing of saliva is a form of communication. Saliva swallowing portrays good intentions and spitting bad intentions. Saliva usage occurs in the proverbs, idioms and other linguistic constructions of the people. The paper concludes that the live of a people revolves around saliva usages for cultural and linguistic purposes.
Sanortey, T.D.
Language in the Midst:Theories and Practice. KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana 27th-29th July, 2015
Paper presented:
A Thematic analysis of Birifor Festival Songs
Abstract
Abstract This study is an attempt to examine the major themes in some Birifor festivals songs which are sang mainly during the celebration of the festivals. Birifor is an anglicized form of Bιrιfυɔr, an ethnic group located in Northern Ghana, and some parts of neighbouring Burkina-Faso and La Côte d’Ivoire. Bιrιfυɔr is a dialect of Dagaare, which belongs to the Gur language group. It refers to the speakers and the language as well. Birifor festivals songs to the best of this researcher’s knowledge, have attracted little attention in the linguistic literature. The analysis is purely descriptive with focus on the themes. Data is collected from native speakers who have in-depth knowledge about the festivals songs. Purposive sampling of five songs were chosen out of ten recorded songs from three Birifor communities in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region for the analysis. The researcher was a participant observer throughout the festivals’ nights and days. The aim was also to assuage suspicion and enhance rapport among the lead singers, neophytes, celebrants and the community members. The findings reveal that a catchy theme attracts a lot of the festival’s gifts from the audience and the main celebrant. The themes are also centered on hard work, hope, caution and lamentation.
Abstract This study is an attempt to examine the major themes in some Birifor festivals songs which are sang mainly during the celebration of the festivals. Birifor is an anglicized form of Bιrιfυɔr, an ethnic group located in Northern Ghana, and some parts of neighbouring Burkina-Faso and La Côte d’Ivoire. Bιrιfυɔr is a dialect of Dagaare, which belongs to the Gur language group. It refers to the speakers and the language as well. Birifor festivals songs to the best of this researcher’s knowledge, have attracted little attention in the linguistic literature. The analysis is purely descriptive with focus on the themes. Data is collected from native speakers who have in-depth knowledge about the festivals songs. Purposive sampling of five songs were chosen out of ten recorded songs from three Birifor communities in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region for the analysis. The researcher was a participant observer throughout the festivals’ nights and days. The aim was also to assuage suspicion and enhance rapport among the lead singers, neophytes, celebrants and the community members. The findings reveal that a catchy theme attracts a lot of the festival’s gifts from the audience and the main celebrant. The themes are also centered on hard work, hope, caution and lamentation.
EMMANUEL FON TATA
International Conference on Advanced Trends in ICT and Management. Accra, Ghana 28 -29 April, 2016
Paper presented:
REMOTE TRAINING MODEL:- A NEW PARADIGM FOR TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP IN GHANA
Abstract
Apprenticeship, unlike formal vocational and technical education seeks to instil in its learners, basic and advanced practical skills to enable them serve society and earn a living in a sustainable way, hence contributing to national development. In Ghana, Apprenticeship has been providing the traditional solution for developing and financing vocational skills of young people in poor societies. Several affords by the government of Ghana (discuss later in this paper), to formalize apprenticeship have not been sustainable. Today, apprenticeship in the informal economy represents the main road to skills development in Ghana. Estimations suggest that about 80 per cent of the skills imparted in the informal economy in Ghana are transferred through apprenticeship. However, apprenticeship lack a training plan, the passive nature of learning, the limited entry possibilities of new technologies, an incomplete training content and the difference in quality of skills acquired due to the absence of trade testing and certification. Also, the often long training periods and the risk of exploitation of apprentices as ´cheap labour´ are criticized, as well as the lack of post-training follow-up and support for apprentices to start up their own business. This is where this study comes in. This study suggests a much reliable, easier and sustainable model for enhancement of apprenticeship in Ghana through a collaboration between apprentice shops, technical universities (or polytechnics), and the deployment of an easy to use, online apprentice Electronic system which will be referred in this paper as "Remote Training Model". the Remote Training Model was designed mainly for the purpose of apprenticeship enhancement. Remote Training Model is an online resource and learning centre for apprentice in different skills. it contains recent information and graphical illustrations, it also provide a huge database on "how to" in a lot of skills sets. E-apprentice help apprentice to search the net in case of challenges handling unfamiliar technologies. Remote Training Model is continuously being updated to include the latest technologies in the market and technical issues related to these technologies explained in graphical forms.This study involved the training of some 50 apprentices, in different skills through a non-read/write and semi-read/write training module. Data was collected from the technical institutions and from the apprenticeship training shops. The data was carefully analyzed and the results yielded a common ground for the enhancement and formalization of apprenticeship training in Ghana. This model benefits both the technical institution as a state apparatus used here, the apprentice and the masters/mistresses, and also contributes to national development. Keywords: Remote Training Model; RTM, ICT; information communication technology.
Apprenticeship, unlike formal vocational and technical education seeks to instil in its learners, basic and advanced practical skills to enable them serve society and earn a living in a sustainable way, hence contributing to national development. In Ghana, Apprenticeship has been providing the traditional solution for developing and financing vocational skills of young people in poor societies. Several affords by the government of Ghana (discuss later in this paper), to formalize apprenticeship have not been sustainable. Today, apprenticeship in the informal economy represents the main road to skills development in Ghana. Estimations suggest that about 80 per cent of the skills imparted in the informal economy in Ghana are transferred through apprenticeship. However, apprenticeship lack a training plan, the passive nature of learning, the limited entry possibilities of new technologies, an incomplete training content and the difference in quality of skills acquired due to the absence of trade testing and certification. Also, the often long training periods and the risk of exploitation of apprentices as ´cheap labour´ are criticized, as well as the lack of post-training follow-up and support for apprentices to start up their own business. This is where this study comes in. This study suggests a much reliable, easier and sustainable model for enhancement of apprenticeship in Ghana through a collaboration between apprentice shops, technical universities (or polytechnics), and the deployment of an easy to use, online apprentice Electronic system which will be referred in this paper as "Remote Training Model". the Remote Training Model was designed mainly for the purpose of apprenticeship enhancement. Remote Training Model is an online resource and learning centre for apprentice in different skills. it contains recent information and graphical illustrations, it also provide a huge database on "how to" in a lot of skills sets. E-apprentice help apprentice to search the net in case of challenges handling unfamiliar technologies. Remote Training Model is continuously being updated to include the latest technologies in the market and technical issues related to these technologies explained in graphical forms.This study involved the training of some 50 apprentices, in different skills through a non-read/write and semi-read/write training module. Data was collected from the technical institutions and from the apprenticeship training shops. The data was carefully analyzed and the results yielded a common ground for the enhancement and formalization of apprenticeship training in Ghana. This model benefits both the technical institution as a state apparatus used here, the apprentice and the masters/mistresses, and also contributes to national development. Keywords: Remote Training Model; RTM, ICT; information communication technology.
EMMANUEL FON TATA
International Conference on Advanced Trends in ICT and Management. Accra, Ghana 28 -29 April, 2016
Paper presented:
Investigating the Impact of ICT on the Enhancement of Learning amongst Special Needs Students
Abstract
Inclusive education, unlike integrated education is concerned with making sure that Special needs Students (SNS) receive equal learning like non-SNS of the same class. The University of Education Winneba over the years has made several efforts by procuring equipment to enhance immersive learning amongst SNS in their academic work, to ensure educational equity. Such efforts include the use of embossers, scanners, and other equipment at the University’s Special Education Resource Centre. This study draws on the use of ICT to create an immersive learning environment to improve on learning amongst SNS. In this study the SNS were provided with tools and trained on skills in the use of computers and software to improve learning. The study also involved training the staff of the UEW resource centre to provide them with advanced ICT skills to enable them manage exams relating to SNS. This study also tested a prototype of the SNS library resource server (a server intended to host and deploy special needs services like research on internet and study materials like audio books, video books, etc. to SNS). At the beginning of the study, an evaluation of the initial learning skills of the participants was carried out. A similar evaluation was also done by the end of the training workshop, a careful analysis of the data and results were obtained. From the data and analysis of the data, recommendations were made to the management of UEW in line with the aims of the workshop. Keywords: Special Needs Students (SNS); Information and Communication Technology (ICT), immersive learning
Inclusive education, unlike integrated education is concerned with making sure that Special needs Students (SNS) receive equal learning like non-SNS of the same class. The University of Education Winneba over the years has made several efforts by procuring equipment to enhance immersive learning amongst SNS in their academic work, to ensure educational equity. Such efforts include the use of embossers, scanners, and other equipment at the University’s Special Education Resource Centre. This study draws on the use of ICT to create an immersive learning environment to improve on learning amongst SNS. In this study the SNS were provided with tools and trained on skills in the use of computers and software to improve learning. The study also involved training the staff of the UEW resource centre to provide them with advanced ICT skills to enable them manage exams relating to SNS. This study also tested a prototype of the SNS library resource server (a server intended to host and deploy special needs services like research on internet and study materials like audio books, video books, etc. to SNS). At the beginning of the study, an evaluation of the initial learning skills of the participants was carried out. A similar evaluation was also done by the end of the training workshop, a careful analysis of the data and results were obtained. From the data and analysis of the data, recommendations were made to the management of UEW in line with the aims of the workshop. Keywords: Special Needs Students (SNS); Information and Communication Technology (ICT), immersive learning
Tamanja, E. M. J.
Multilocality in the Global South and North: Factors, features and policy implications. TU Dortmund University 18 - 19 September, 2014
Paper presented:
Temporary migration and multilocational living arrangements in Ghana: The decisive background factors
Abstract
The phenomenon of multilocational living arrangement is not new in Africa and other areas in the Global South. Indeed, multilocality constitutes an integral component of livelihoods and an anchor of many African societies. Consequently, migration remains incomplete and “temporal”, irrespective of the generations involved, with identities often ascribed to one’s ethnic group or origin. This is epitomised in the saying that “no matter how long a log stays in water, it can never become a crocodile”. In other words, the length of stay of a migrant at a destination does not necessarily make him or her a native or anindigene of the place. It is thus common to find people in prominent positions living in the national capitals, but are identified by their villages of origin. A typical and recent example is the burial of Nelson Mandela in his ancestral home village at Qunu, instead of Johannesburg where he lived and worked as president. Multilocational living arrangements are common in Ghana, involving all segments and with antecedents in the socio-cultural fabric of the society. This makes it complex and difficult to control, even when it turns to be burdensome to some actors. Consequently, migration decisions are made through a tripartite involvement of the individual migrant, the household and community of origin. This involvement ensures support of members to implement the decision while fostering links between and among members of the spatially split households. However, the background factors of this phenomenon in the discourse remain unexplained and limits its understanding and associated benefits. This article is a product of an empirical study involving migrants from the north to southern regions of Ghana. Using interviews, observations and discussions with migrants and local leaders for a period of six months, the study explored why migrants from the north maintain relationships and identities of their places of origin.It unravelled poverty, influence of peers, accumulation of wealth and pursuit of education as the main motivations for migration. However, strong ethnic and cultural ties, are dominant background conditions which do not allow migrants to cut bonds with their origins. Therefore, they embark upon temporal migration and multilocational living arrangements to accumulate wealth while at the same time, maintain ties and identities of their places of origin.These results in the creation and maintenance of spatially split households between ruralunderdeveloped origins and urban destinations. Finally, I recommend strengthening decentralised local government structures to promote local economic development. Also, effective collaboration between government and traditional authorities, ethnic and hometown based networks wouldenhance the potential for development sinceformal government structures alone cannot meet the development needs of the society.
The phenomenon of multilocational living arrangement is not new in Africa and other areas in the Global South. Indeed, multilocality constitutes an integral component of livelihoods and an anchor of many African societies. Consequently, migration remains incomplete and “temporal”, irrespective of the generations involved, with identities often ascribed to one’s ethnic group or origin. This is epitomised in the saying that “no matter how long a log stays in water, it can never become a crocodile”. In other words, the length of stay of a migrant at a destination does not necessarily make him or her a native or anindigene of the place. It is thus common to find people in prominent positions living in the national capitals, but are identified by their villages of origin. A typical and recent example is the burial of Nelson Mandela in his ancestral home village at Qunu, instead of Johannesburg where he lived and worked as president. Multilocational living arrangements are common in Ghana, involving all segments and with antecedents in the socio-cultural fabric of the society. This makes it complex and difficult to control, even when it turns to be burdensome to some actors. Consequently, migration decisions are made through a tripartite involvement of the individual migrant, the household and community of origin. This involvement ensures support of members to implement the decision while fostering links between and among members of the spatially split households. However, the background factors of this phenomenon in the discourse remain unexplained and limits its understanding and associated benefits. This article is a product of an empirical study involving migrants from the north to southern regions of Ghana. Using interviews, observations and discussions with migrants and local leaders for a period of six months, the study explored why migrants from the north maintain relationships and identities of their places of origin.It unravelled poverty, influence of peers, accumulation of wealth and pursuit of education as the main motivations for migration. However, strong ethnic and cultural ties, are dominant background conditions which do not allow migrants to cut bonds with their origins. Therefore, they embark upon temporal migration and multilocational living arrangements to accumulate wealth while at the same time, maintain ties and identities of their places of origin.These results in the creation and maintenance of spatially split households between ruralunderdeveloped origins and urban destinations. Finally, I recommend strengthening decentralised local government structures to promote local economic development. Also, effective collaboration between government and traditional authorities, ethnic and hometown based networks wouldenhance the potential for development sinceformal government structures alone cannot meet the development needs of the society.
DOGBEY, E.
8th ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE LINGUISTICS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (LAG 2015). KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KNUST), KUMASI, GHANA 27th – 29th July, 2015
Paper presented:
GLI, A SINGULAR PERFORMANCE MARKING THE GENESIS OF GENRES
Abstract
Abstract This paper examines GLI, a narrative construction in Ewe and features that expose its status as the source of all genres (written and oral) in Ewe. It explores the types as narrative GLI and poetic GLI; however, both types project dramatic status. Findings present, GLI as not just an etiological myth or a folkloric creation but a creative/ aesthetic work on realities and fantasies of life. It also emphasizes the fact that societies (in Africa and the world over) trace their history from oral traditions; hence, investigating the structure, form, content and others about genres (written) stemming from GLI as their source is a laudable endeavor. Finally, the paper identifies written genre as a replica of the oral one in de facto, and both oral and written genres could be accessed through performance (users’ actions on them). It recommends that, written works are best consumed when examined from the perspectives of their oral backgrounds and traditions despite the textual analytical approach projected by some schools of thought.
Abstract This paper examines GLI, a narrative construction in Ewe and features that expose its status as the source of all genres (written and oral) in Ewe. It explores the types as narrative GLI and poetic GLI; however, both types project dramatic status. Findings present, GLI as not just an etiological myth or a folkloric creation but a creative/ aesthetic work on realities and fantasies of life. It also emphasizes the fact that societies (in Africa and the world over) trace their history from oral traditions; hence, investigating the structure, form, content and others about genres (written) stemming from GLI as their source is a laudable endeavor. Finally, the paper identifies written genre as a replica of the oral one in de facto, and both oral and written genres could be accessed through performance (users’ actions on them). It recommends that, written works are best consumed when examined from the perspectives of their oral backgrounds and traditions despite the textual analytical approach projected by some schools of thought.
Adu Gyamfi, S., Ohemeng Gyaase, P. & Ansong-Gyimah, K.
Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2016. Savanna, Georgia, USA March 21, 2016 - March 25, 2016
Paper presented:
Designing Blended Learning Environment for Pre-service Teachers: The Moderating Role of Formative Experiment.
Abstract
This study used formative experiment to design and test a blended learning environment intervention on the teaching and learning of Communication Skills for pre-service teachers. The learning environment was designed on the Moodle platform to combine online learning support with traditional face-face lectures. Pre-intervention baseline data and post-intervention data were collected for comparison. Analysis of the findings showed wide acceptance of use of the blended learning environment. There was appreciable improvement of students’ participation and interaction in the course and this resulted in the improvement of the key areas of the Communication Skills course among the pre-service teachers. Lecturers were also able to interact with the students better than in face-to-face classroom setting. It was concluded that the design of a blended learning environment could improve teaching and learning in Ghanaian Universities in courses where large class sizes exist.
This study used formative experiment to design and test a blended learning environment intervention on the teaching and learning of Communication Skills for pre-service teachers. The learning environment was designed on the Moodle platform to combine online learning support with traditional face-face lectures. Pre-intervention baseline data and post-intervention data were collected for comparison. Analysis of the findings showed wide acceptance of use of the blended learning environment. There was appreciable improvement of students’ participation and interaction in the course and this resulted in the improvement of the key areas of the Communication Skills course among the pre-service teachers. Lecturers were also able to interact with the students better than in face-to-face classroom setting. It was concluded that the design of a blended learning environment could improve teaching and learning in Ghanaian Universities in courses where large class sizes exist.
Atintono, S. A., Issah S. A. & Moses L.
School of Languages Conference on Multilingualism in the African Context: Resource or Challenge?. University of Ghana, Legon October 27-29, 2015
Paper presented:
Community involvement in orthography design: The case of Sɩsaalɩ
Abstract
Atintono, S. A.
School of Languages Conference on Multilingualism in the African Context: Resource or Challenge?. University of Ghana, Legon October 27-29, 2015
Paper presented:
A Typological perspective on verbs of elevation in Gurenɛ locative constructions.
Abstract
