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Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. and Sam E. F (2019). Commodity-Based Trading Associations at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Geography, 11,
Abstract
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. and Sam E. F (2019). Commodity-Based Trading Associations at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Geography, 11,
Abstract
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
Danso-Wiredu E. Y. (2020). Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. (2020). Saving for one another: the informal economy of subsistence among the urban poor in Ghana. GeoJournal, ,
Abstract
Urban space is monetized. Survival in urban areas is therefore largely dependent on the dictates of methodological individualism, capitalist norms and values, which are invariably linked to rentseeking and instrumentalism in most urban transactions. The urban poor in Ghana, who are mostly informal sector workers, face enormous challenges in transacting with banks and other financial institutions. This challenge, however, does not prevent them from participating in the money market. They devise strategies of savings and acquiring loans largely on interest-free basis. They also invest in informal activities to financially secure themselves and their future. This paper discusses the mechanisms that regulate the institutionalization of informal savings and investments in urban poor communities in Accra and Winneba in Ghana. It is based on a qualitative research conducted between 2014 and 2016 with 133 participants in four Ghanaian communities using purposive sampling technique. The study employs the concept of equality matching to discuss urban financial common strategies. The paper attempts to debunk the hegemony of the capitalist profit perspective in urban transactions, emphasizing that the urban poor in Ghana mobilize their finances through established social relations with largely no profitmaking in mind. Keywords Urban poor · Informal savings · Urban-commoning · Financial strategies · Equality matching · Ghana
Urban space is monetized. Survival in urban areas is therefore largely dependent on the dictates of methodological individualism, capitalist norms and values, which are invariably linked to rentseeking and instrumentalism in most urban transactions. The urban poor in Ghana, who are mostly informal sector workers, face enormous challenges in transacting with banks and other financial institutions. This challenge, however, does not prevent them from participating in the money market. They devise strategies of savings and acquiring loans largely on interest-free basis. They also invest in informal activities to financially secure themselves and their future. This paper discusses the mechanisms that regulate the institutionalization of informal savings and investments in urban poor communities in Accra and Winneba in Ghana. It is based on a qualitative research conducted between 2014 and 2016 with 133 participants in four Ghanaian communities using purposive sampling technique. The study employs the concept of equality matching to discuss urban financial common strategies. The paper attempts to debunk the hegemony of the capitalist profit perspective in urban transactions, emphasizing that the urban poor in Ghana mobilize their finances through established social relations with largely no profitmaking in mind. Keywords Urban poor · Informal savings · Urban-commoning · Financial strategies · Equality matching · Ghana
Hanson, R., Twumasi, A. K. & Boi-Doku, A. (2019). Analysis of industrial effluent from some factories in Tema. European Journal of Earth and Environment, 6,
Abstract
This research work analysed the quality of some important physico-chemical parameters of industrial effluents collected from two soap factories (A and B) in the Tema industrial area. In the study, PO4-, NH3, BOD, COD, TSS and turbidity for both factories were high compared to the EPA standards. Measures of NO3-, total hardness, calcium, and chloride, for both factories were below the EPA standard. Alkalinity value for factory A was below the EPA standard while that for factory B was higher. pH value for factory A was within the pH range for EPA while that of factory B was higher. TDS and conductivity for factory A were below the recommended EPA standard while that of factory B was higher. Due to the high amount of PO4-, NH3, and turbidity, eutrophication could occur in the receiving water, thereby affecting aquatic life. The high BOD, COD and TSS contribute to the decrease in oxygen supply in the receiving water which indicates high pollution by organic pollutants. The high alkalinity, TDS, conductivity and pH could contribute to the deformity and death of fishes in the receiving water from especially Factory A. Effluents from both factories were highly polluted in many respects and so EPA audits must be intensified to prevent pollution of water bodies in Ghana.
This research work analysed the quality of some important physico-chemical parameters of industrial effluents collected from two soap factories (A and B) in the Tema industrial area. In the study, PO4-, NH3, BOD, COD, TSS and turbidity for both factories were high compared to the EPA standards. Measures of NO3-, total hardness, calcium, and chloride, for both factories were below the EPA standard. Alkalinity value for factory A was below the EPA standard while that for factory B was higher. pH value for factory A was within the pH range for EPA while that of factory B was higher. TDS and conductivity for factory A were below the recommended EPA standard while that of factory B was higher. Due to the high amount of PO4-, NH3, and turbidity, eutrophication could occur in the receiving water, thereby affecting aquatic life. The high BOD, COD and TSS contribute to the decrease in oxygen supply in the receiving water which indicates high pollution by organic pollutants. The high alkalinity, TDS, conductivity and pH could contribute to the deformity and death of fishes in the receiving water from especially Factory A. Effluents from both factories were highly polluted in many respects and so EPA audits must be intensified to prevent pollution of water bodies in Ghana.
Akayuure, P.
International Conference on Engineering, Science and Mathematics Education. Acapulco Resort and Convention & SPA, Kyrenia, North Cyprus 8-10 November, 2019
Paper presented:
The Spatial Competency of Prospective Teachers to Teach Basic Shape and Space Concepts in Ghanaian Curriculum
Abstract
Teachers’ spatial competency is very critical for the effective teaching of shape and space concepts in the basic mathematics curriculum. However, it seems developing such competency remains a blind spot or implicit in teacher education curriculum in Ghana. Does teacher education provide the spatial thinking skills needed by basic schoolteachers to teach spatial concepts? The study investigated the spatial ability and self-efficacy levels reached by prospective teachers prior to their final-year teaching internship programme at the basic schools. The spatial competencies of 378 final-year prospective teachers from 4 colleges of education in Ghana were measured using spatial orientation and visualization tests, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The two tests were highly reliable with 60% correlation between them. No gender or programme differences existed. The mean achievement in orientation was significantly higher than the visualization test. Findings support the argument for teacher institutions to pay more attention to prospective teachers’ spatial skills development as means of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Teachers’ spatial competency is very critical for the effective teaching of shape and space concepts in the basic mathematics curriculum. However, it seems developing such competency remains a blind spot or implicit in teacher education curriculum in Ghana. Does teacher education provide the spatial thinking skills needed by basic schoolteachers to teach spatial concepts? The study investigated the spatial ability and self-efficacy levels reached by prospective teachers prior to their final-year teaching internship programme at the basic schools. The spatial competencies of 378 final-year prospective teachers from 4 colleges of education in Ghana were measured using spatial orientation and visualization tests, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The two tests were highly reliable with 60% correlation between them. No gender or programme differences existed. The mean achievement in orientation was significantly higher than the visualization test. Findings support the argument for teacher institutions to pay more attention to prospective teachers’ spatial skills development as means of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
International Conference on Engineering, Science and Mathematics Education. Acapulco Resort and Convention & SPA, Kyrenia, North Cyprus 8-10 November, 2019
Paper presented:
The Spatial Competency of Prospective Teachers to Teach Basic Shape and Space Concepts in Ghanaian Curriculum
Abstract
Teachers’ spatial competency is very critical for the effective teaching of shape and space concepts in the basic mathematics curriculum. However, it seems developing such competency remains a blind spot or implicit in teacher education curriculum in Ghana. Does teacher education provide the spatial thinking skills needed by basic schoolteachers to teach spatial concepts? The study investigated the spatial ability and self-efficacy levels reached by prospective teachers prior to their final-year teaching internship programme at the basic schools. The spatial competencies of 378 final-year prospective teachers from 4 colleges of education in Ghana were measured using spatial orientation and visualization tests, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The two tests were highly reliable with 60% correlation between them. No gender or programme differences existed. The mean achievement in orientation was significantly higher than the visualization test. Findings support the argument for teacher institutions to pay more attention to prospective teachers’ spatial skills development as means of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Teachers’ spatial competency is very critical for the effective teaching of shape and space concepts in the basic mathematics curriculum. However, it seems developing such competency remains a blind spot or implicit in teacher education curriculum in Ghana. Does teacher education provide the spatial thinking skills needed by basic schoolteachers to teach spatial concepts? The study investigated the spatial ability and self-efficacy levels reached by prospective teachers prior to their final-year teaching internship programme at the basic schools. The spatial competencies of 378 final-year prospective teachers from 4 colleges of education in Ghana were measured using spatial orientation and visualization tests, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The two tests were highly reliable with 60% correlation between them. No gender or programme differences existed. The mean achievement in orientation was significantly higher than the visualization test. Findings support the argument for teacher institutions to pay more attention to prospective teachers’ spatial skills development as means of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Sam, A. (2020). Students' conceptual difficulties of some selected coordination chemistry topics in higher education. International Journal of Innovative Social & Science Education Research, 8,
Abstract
This study assessed the conceptual gains of students of some topics in coordination chemistry. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction approach was used. The accessible population was all third-year chemistry students in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)- Ghana with sample size of forty-six (46) students. The study involved students in a class of 9 groups, comprising 5-6 students each over eleven-week period. The students‟ conceptual understanding was assessed in pre-and post-tests through effect size measurements using the Cohen and the Sawilosky's " h‟ parameters. The findings among others showed that students had some conceptual difficulties inthe selected topics in coordination chemistry.
This study assessed the conceptual gains of students of some topics in coordination chemistry. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction approach was used. The accessible population was all third-year chemistry students in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)- Ghana with sample size of forty-six (46) students. The study involved students in a class of 9 groups, comprising 5-6 students each over eleven-week period. The students‟ conceptual understanding was assessed in pre-and post-tests through effect size measurements using the Cohen and the Sawilosky's " h‟ parameters. The findings among others showed that students had some conceptual difficulties inthe selected topics in coordination chemistry.
Sedegah, S., Taale, K. D., Sam, A., & Henewa, R. A. (2019). The influence of cooperative learning approach on SHS students' understanding of ionic bonding in integrated science: The case at Adeiso Presby SHS. International Journal of Innovative Social & Science Education Research, 7,
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cooperative learning approach on senior high school students’ understanding of ionic bonding in integrated science. The investigation was carried out in Adeiso Presby Senior High School in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study involved two intact form 2 classes of 85 students and 1 chemistry teacher in the Senior High School. Developmental approach was used in this study. Ionic bonding achievement pretest was administered to the study sample students. The class which obtained higher mean score of 13.52 was designated as control group and the class which obtained lower mean score of 12.35 was designated the experimental group. The prototypes for cooperative learning approach in teaching and learning of ionic bond were developed through four stages before they were implemented in the class of the experimental group. An interactive workshop was organised to discuss the developed prototype materials with the chemistry teacher. The possible advantages and challenges were discussed. During the classroom implementation stage, the teacher taught the experimental group about ionic bonding using the cooperative learning strategy for five weeks. The same teacher taught the control group about ionic bonding using the traditional teaching method. Quantitative data gathering procedures were used to obtain data for the study. The quantitative data involved a pretest and a posttest ionic bonding achievement test items which were reviewed by two chemistry lecturers of the University of Education and one SHS chemistry teacher. The reliability of the pretest and posttest ionic bonding achievement test items was determined after a pilot study, using cronbach alpha. The reliability for the pretest and posttest ionic bonding achievement items was 0.78 and 0.79 respectively. Independent one–tail t-test analysis was performed on both groups. The findings from the study indicated that the experimental group performed better than the control group in the posttest as a result of the cooperative learning strategy applied in teaching the experimental group. Again, the findings showed that the various heterogeneous groupings of mixed ability in the experimental group contributed significantly to the improvement in their performance in the posttest after the implementation of the cooperative learning technique. It is recommended that cooperative learning strategy should be incorporated into the science education curriculum.
The main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cooperative learning approach on senior high school students’ understanding of ionic bonding in integrated science. The investigation was carried out in Adeiso Presby Senior High School in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study involved two intact form 2 classes of 85 students and 1 chemistry teacher in the Senior High School. Developmental approach was used in this study. Ionic bonding achievement pretest was administered to the study sample students. The class which obtained higher mean score of 13.52 was designated as control group and the class which obtained lower mean score of 12.35 was designated the experimental group. The prototypes for cooperative learning approach in teaching and learning of ionic bond were developed through four stages before they were implemented in the class of the experimental group. An interactive workshop was organised to discuss the developed prototype materials with the chemistry teacher. The possible advantages and challenges were discussed. During the classroom implementation stage, the teacher taught the experimental group about ionic bonding using the cooperative learning strategy for five weeks. The same teacher taught the control group about ionic bonding using the traditional teaching method. Quantitative data gathering procedures were used to obtain data for the study. The quantitative data involved a pretest and a posttest ionic bonding achievement test items which were reviewed by two chemistry lecturers of the University of Education and one SHS chemistry teacher. The reliability of the pretest and posttest ionic bonding achievement test items was determined after a pilot study, using cronbach alpha. The reliability for the pretest and posttest ionic bonding achievement items was 0.78 and 0.79 respectively. Independent one–tail t-test analysis was performed on both groups. The findings from the study indicated that the experimental group performed better than the control group in the posttest as a result of the cooperative learning strategy applied in teaching the experimental group. Again, the findings showed that the various heterogeneous groupings of mixed ability in the experimental group contributed significantly to the improvement in their performance in the posttest after the implementation of the cooperative learning technique. It is recommended that cooperative learning strategy should be incorporated into the science education curriculum.
Hanson, R. & Sam, A. (2019). Unearthing pre-tertiary students' reasoning patterns about elements, mixtures and compounds. Australian Journal of Chemistry Education, ,
Abstract
This study examined pre-tertiary students’ reasoning patterns about the structure of matter after they received concept-based instruction. The one-group, pre-test, post-test, and delayed-post-test design was employed to assess participants’ understanding before, immediately after, and weeks after the instruction, using particulate representations of matter onworksheets. A focus group interview was applied for corroboration. Data were analysed on the appropriateness of scientific reasoning. Findings showed that the concept-based instruction promoted the development of scientific understanding about the nature of matter, which hitherto was idiosyncratic. Authentic concepts must be introduced in engaging ways for long-lasting concretisation and application.
This study examined pre-tertiary students’ reasoning patterns about the structure of matter after they received concept-based instruction. The one-group, pre-test, post-test, and delayed-post-test design was employed to assess participants’ understanding before, immediately after, and weeks after the instruction, using particulate representations of matter onworksheets. A focus group interview was applied for corroboration. Data were analysed on the appropriateness of scientific reasoning. Findings showed that the concept-based instruction promoted the development of scientific understanding about the nature of matter, which hitherto was idiosyncratic. Authentic concepts must be introduced in engaging ways for long-lasting concretisation and application.
Sam, A; Eminah, J. K.; Hanson, R. & Raheem, K (2019). Introducing metal-ligand geometries through science writing heuristics and modelling and modelling skills in higher education. European Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 6,
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of using Science Writing Heuristics (SWH) and Modelling and Modelling Skills (MMS) by students to predict the geometries of metal complexes. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction approach was used. The accessible population were all third-year chemistry students in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)-Ghana with sample size of twenty-nine (29) students. The study involved students in a class of 5 groups, comprising 5-6 students each over eleven-week period. The findings among others, showed that students were able to understand, use and draw metal isomeric structures correctly because they were aided by the interventional strategies (SWH & MMS) adopted during the study.
This study investigated the efficacy of using Science Writing Heuristics (SWH) and Modelling and Modelling Skills (MMS) by students to predict the geometries of metal complexes. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction approach was used. The accessible population were all third-year chemistry students in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)-Ghana with sample size of twenty-nine (29) students. The study involved students in a class of 5 groups, comprising 5-6 students each over eleven-week period. The findings among others, showed that students were able to understand, use and draw metal isomeric structures correctly because they were aided by the interventional strategies (SWH & MMS) adopted during the study.
