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Sam, E. F., Brijs, K., Daniels, S., Brijs, T., & Wets, G (2020). Testing the convergent- and predictive validity of a multi-dimensional belief-based scale for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/ minibus for long-distance trips in Ghana: A SEM analysis. Transport Policy, 85,
Abstract
We examined the predictive validity of the public bus passenger safety attitude scale (PBPSAS), a measure of personal safety attitude (PSA), to predict future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Using 510 adults, we tested among other things the hypothesis that PSA has a positive significant effect on future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses involved: (1) descriptive analyses of measure reliabilities and the strength and evaluation of people’s safety-related beliefs, (2) fitting measurement and structural models to determine the factorial structure of PSA and (3) path analysis to examine the relationships between two different measures for personal safety-related attitude (indirect (belief-based) measure for PSA and a direct measure) and future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and AMOS 24. We found that: (1) a second-order factor model provides a more parsimonious framework for explaining PSA than a three-factor model, (2) the indirect measure for attitude towards personal safety has convergent validity, (3) PSA has a positive significant effect on both a direct measure for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/minibus, and future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips and (4) that the direct measure for attitude towards personal safety also has a positive significant effect on the future intention to use public bus/minibus. We thus conclude that PBPSAS is a useful instrument for measuring PSA and is valid in predicting future intentions to use public bus/ minibus for long-distance trips.
We examined the predictive validity of the public bus passenger safety attitude scale (PBPSAS), a measure of personal safety attitude (PSA), to predict future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Using 510 adults, we tested among other things the hypothesis that PSA has a positive significant effect on future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses involved: (1) descriptive analyses of measure reliabilities and the strength and evaluation of people’s safety-related beliefs, (2) fitting measurement and structural models to determine the factorial structure of PSA and (3) path analysis to examine the relationships between two different measures for personal safety-related attitude (indirect (belief-based) measure for PSA and a direct measure) and future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and AMOS 24. We found that: (1) a second-order factor model provides a more parsimonious framework for explaining PSA than a three-factor model, (2) the indirect measure for attitude towards personal safety has convergent validity, (3) PSA has a positive significant effect on both a direct measure for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/minibus, and future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips and (4) that the direct measure for attitude towards personal safety also has a positive significant effect on the future intention to use public bus/minibus. We thus conclude that PBPSAS is a useful instrument for measuring PSA and is valid in predicting future intentions to use public bus/ minibus for long-distance trips.
Sam, E. F., Brijs, K., Daniels, S., Brijs, T., & Wets, G
32nd ICTCT conference. Warsaw, Poland 24-25 October 2019
Paper presented:
Testing the convergent- and predictive validity of a multi-dimensional belief-based scale for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/minibus for long-distance trips in Ghana: A SEM analysis
Abstract
We examined the predictive validity of the public bus passenger safety attitude scale (PBPSAS), a measure of personal safety attitude (PSA), to predict future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Using 510 adults, we tested among other things the hypothesis that PSA has a positive significant effect on future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses involved: (1) descriptive analyses of measure reliabilities and the strength and evaluation of people’s safety-related beliefs, (2) fitting measurement and structural models to determine the factorial structure of PSA and (3) path analysis to examine the relationships between two different measures for personal safety-related attitude (indirect (belief-based) measure for PSA and a direct measure) and future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and AMOS 24. We found that: (1) a second-order factor model provides a more parsimonious framework for explaining PSA than a three-factor model, (2) the indirect measure for attitude towards personal safety has convergent validity, (3) PSA has a positive significant effect on both a direct measure for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/minibus, and future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips and (4) that the direct measure for attitude towards personal safety also has a positive significant effect on the future intention to use public bus/minibus. We thus conclude that PBPSAS is a useful instrument for measuring PSA and is valid in predicting future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips.
We examined the predictive validity of the public bus passenger safety attitude scale (PBPSAS), a measure of personal safety attitude (PSA), to predict future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Using 510 adults, we tested among other things the hypothesis that PSA has a positive significant effect on future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses involved: (1) descriptive analyses of measure reliabilities and the strength and evaluation of people’s safety-related beliefs, (2) fitting measurement and structural models to determine the factorial structure of PSA and (3) path analysis to examine the relationships between two different measures for personal safety-related attitude (indirect (belief-based) measure for PSA and a direct measure) and future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and AMOS 24. We found that: (1) a second-order factor model provides a more parsimonious framework for explaining PSA than a three-factor model, (2) the indirect measure for attitude towards personal safety has convergent validity, (3) PSA has a positive significant effect on both a direct measure for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/minibus, and future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips and (4) that the direct measure for attitude towards personal safety also has a positive significant effect on the future intention to use public bus/minibus. We thus conclude that PBPSAS is a useful instrument for measuring PSA and is valid in predicting future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips.
Sam, E. F., Blay, D., Antwi, S., Anaafi, C., & Adoma, J. A (2019). Pre-hospital and trauma care to road traffic accident victims: Experiences of residents living along accident-prone highways in Ghana. In O. Karcioglu & M. Eneyli Emergency Medicine and Trauma. London, UK: IntechOpen.
Abstract
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) and associated injuries are a major public health problem in developing countries. The timely emergency pre-hospital care and subsequent transportation of accident victims to the health facility may help reduce the accident and injury outcomes. Available evidence suggests that RTA victims stand a greater chance of survival if attended to and cared for in a timely manner. This exploratory qualitative study set out to explore the experiences of residents of 12 communities along the Kasoa-Mankessim highway in Ghana (an accident-prone highway) in administering emergency pre-hospital care to RTA victims. We utilised data from a purposive sample of 80 respondents (i.e., people who have ever attended to RTA victims) from the communities through structured interview schedules. We found that the majority of the respondents had little knowledge and/or professional training in first-aid and emergency pre-hospital care to RTA victims. The skills and knowledge exhibited were gained through years of rescue services to RTA victims. The “scoop and run” method of first-aid care was predominant among the respondents. We recommend regular community member (layperson first responder) sensitisation and training on emergency pre-hospital care for RTA victims.
Sam, E. F., Brijs, K., Daniels, S., Brijs, T., & Wets, G (2019). Construction and validation of a public bus passenger safety scale. Transportation Research Part F, 66,
Abstract
Public transport (PT) passengers make safety evaluations, yet to the best of our knowledge, there exists no instrument that captures what is considered by public transport users when they make such personal safety evaluations. What exists is a generalised service quality scale (SERVQUAL). Unfortunately, this scale does not adequately capture the content domain of personal safety which is important to PT users, especially in developing countries where PT vehicle accidents are both frequent and severe. This study discusses the development and validation of a public bus passenger safety scale (PBPSS), for measuring public bus passengers’ safety. The results of two independent studies suggest that the PBPSS measures three facets of public bus passengers’ safety: driver related, transport operator-related and vehicle-related. Through both exploratory Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (using IBM SPSS Statistics and AMOS respectively), we demonstrated that the new scale is reliable, psychometrically sound and can be utilised to assess public bus passengers’ safety. The 3-factor model observed through PCA was confirmed using CFA, indicating that the same factor structure existed in both datasets. The final 3-factor, 17-item model exhibited an acceptable model fit and evidenced both convergent and discriminant validity.
Public transport (PT) passengers make safety evaluations, yet to the best of our knowledge, there exists no instrument that captures what is considered by public transport users when they make such personal safety evaluations. What exists is a generalised service quality scale (SERVQUAL). Unfortunately, this scale does not adequately capture the content domain of personal safety which is important to PT users, especially in developing countries where PT vehicle accidents are both frequent and severe. This study discusses the development and validation of a public bus passenger safety scale (PBPSS), for measuring public bus passengers’ safety. The results of two independent studies suggest that the PBPSS measures three facets of public bus passengers’ safety: driver related, transport operator-related and vehicle-related. Through both exploratory Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (using IBM SPSS Statistics and AMOS respectively), we demonstrated that the new scale is reliable, psychometrically sound and can be utilised to assess public bus passengers’ safety. The 3-factor model observed through PCA was confirmed using CFA, indicating that the same factor structure existed in both datasets. The final 3-factor, 17-item model exhibited an acceptable model fit and evidenced both convergent and discriminant validity.
Sam, E. F.
Smart Cities in the 21st century: The Geographers Perspective. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana 6-10 August 2019
Paper presented:
On the intention to cycle for work and school trips in Winneba, Ghana
Abstract
Cycling is a sustainable transport mode and an indispensable feature of a smart city. As an active transport mode, cycling also has health benefits. In developed countries, cycling is a vital transport mode with wide utility; the situation in developing countries is different. Particularly in Ghana, cycling is not a preferred transport mode given the associated challenges of lack of cycling infrastructure, safety concerns and cultural perceptions. Underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour, this study explores the intention to cycle for work and school trips in Winneba. We used the structural equation modelling technique to model the intention to cycle for work and school trips among a convenient sample of 260 staff and students of the University of Education, Winneba. We found low cycle ownership and use among the study participants occasioned by perceived barriers. We also found that participants’ perceived behavioural control (i.e. the extent to which they feel able and confident to cycle) was the most important predictor of their intention to cycle for work and school trips. Participants’ attitudes toward cycling and subjective norms (social pressures to cycle) did not significantly influence the intention to cycle for work and school trips. Measures to promote cycling for work and school trips should reduce cyclists’ exposure to traffic risks by investing in dedicated cycling infrastructure. Creating awareness of the personal and environmental benefits of cycling and providing incentives for cycle use on campus are other useful interventions to promote cycling on campus.
Cycling is a sustainable transport mode and an indispensable feature of a smart city. As an active transport mode, cycling also has health benefits. In developed countries, cycling is a vital transport mode with wide utility; the situation in developing countries is different. Particularly in Ghana, cycling is not a preferred transport mode given the associated challenges of lack of cycling infrastructure, safety concerns and cultural perceptions. Underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour, this study explores the intention to cycle for work and school trips in Winneba. We used the structural equation modelling technique to model the intention to cycle for work and school trips among a convenient sample of 260 staff and students of the University of Education, Winneba. We found low cycle ownership and use among the study participants occasioned by perceived barriers. We also found that participants’ perceived behavioural control (i.e. the extent to which they feel able and confident to cycle) was the most important predictor of their intention to cycle for work and school trips. Participants’ attitudes toward cycling and subjective norms (social pressures to cycle) did not significantly influence the intention to cycle for work and school trips. Measures to promote cycling for work and school trips should reduce cyclists’ exposure to traffic risks by investing in dedicated cycling infrastructure. Creating awareness of the personal and environmental benefits of cycling and providing incentives for cycle use on campus are other useful interventions to promote cycling on campus.
Kyiileyang, M. (2016). Literary Aesthetics in the Narration of Dagara Folktales. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 7,
Abstract
Dagara folktales, like other African folktales, are embedded with various literary aesthetic features related to structure, language and performance. This paper examines major literary aesthetics found in Dagara folktales. The methodology used is based on the collection, analysis and interpretation of selected Dagara folktales gathered through fieldwork. The focus of the paper is on the structure and the language of Dagara folktales. The argument of this paper is grounded on the Structuralist Theory as seen in Gerard Genette’s Narrative Discourse which offers the basic constituents and techniques of narrative. Genette proposes various categories of narrative which cover Time, Mood and Voice. Genette’s narrative structure suggests that the various categories and subcategories emphasise that the narrative is a complex structure in which the narratee is largely present in the various strata of the structure. Genette is concerned with the macro-text of the recit, that is, the ordering of events in the narrative. The study revealed that there are similarities and differences in the structure and the language of Dagara folktales in relation to other African folktales. Keywords: Dagara People, Folktale, Literary Aesthetics, Performance, Structuralist Theory
Dagara folktales, like other African folktales, are embedded with various literary aesthetic features related to structure, language and performance. This paper examines major literary aesthetics found in Dagara folktales. The methodology used is based on the collection, analysis and interpretation of selected Dagara folktales gathered through fieldwork. The focus of the paper is on the structure and the language of Dagara folktales. The argument of this paper is grounded on the Structuralist Theory as seen in Gerard Genette’s Narrative Discourse which offers the basic constituents and techniques of narrative. Genette proposes various categories of narrative which cover Time, Mood and Voice. Genette’s narrative structure suggests that the various categories and subcategories emphasise that the narrative is a complex structure in which the narratee is largely present in the various strata of the structure. Genette is concerned with the macro-text of the recit, that is, the ordering of events in the narrative. The study revealed that there are similarities and differences in the structure and the language of Dagara folktales in relation to other African folktales. Keywords: Dagara People, Folktale, Literary Aesthetics, Performance, Structuralist Theory
Kyiileyang, M. (2017). Symbolic Representation in the Naming of People among the Dagara of Northwestern Ghana. International Journal of Current Multidisciplinary Studies, 3,
Abstract
This paper examines the nomenclature of the Dagara people in northwestern Ghana. There are two main categories of Dagara nomenclature. The study is narrowed down to human beings with the main focus on traditional Dagara societies of Nandom. The spelling of words is derived from Dagara, the variety of Dagaare spoken in Nandom. I have clarified the identity of the Dagara as part of the MABIA speakers. Next, the study elaborates the two categories of nomenclature: stereotyped names and freely chosen names. Stereotyped names are customary names and fall into five categories. Freely chosen names give a wide scope of naming among the Dagara people. In this category, there are theophoric names. Most of the names depict certain literary features such as metaphor, paradox, hyperbole, various images and symbols. Certain thematic values are associated with some of the names linked to peculiar events. The methodology employed in the study was a sampling of a variety of names from the five categories of stereotyped or customary names from collection of names done by previous Dagara scholars who undertook studies on Dagara traditional practices. In fact, the study reveals how the Dagara society is closely bound with its language, tradition and culture. Keywords:Dagara, Nomenclature, Theophoric, Customary, Figures of speech
This paper examines the nomenclature of the Dagara people in northwestern Ghana. There are two main categories of Dagara nomenclature. The study is narrowed down to human beings with the main focus on traditional Dagara societies of Nandom. The spelling of words is derived from Dagara, the variety of Dagaare spoken in Nandom. I have clarified the identity of the Dagara as part of the MABIA speakers. Next, the study elaborates the two categories of nomenclature: stereotyped names and freely chosen names. Stereotyped names are customary names and fall into five categories. Freely chosen names give a wide scope of naming among the Dagara people. In this category, there are theophoric names. Most of the names depict certain literary features such as metaphor, paradox, hyperbole, various images and symbols. Certain thematic values are associated with some of the names linked to peculiar events. The methodology employed in the study was a sampling of a variety of names from the five categories of stereotyped or customary names from collection of names done by previous Dagara scholars who undertook studies on Dagara traditional practices. In fact, the study reveals how the Dagara society is closely bound with its language, tradition and culture. Keywords:Dagara, Nomenclature, Theophoric, Customary, Figures of speech
Kyiileyang, M. ,Debrah, M.A. & Williams. R. (2017). An Analysis of Images of Contention and Violence in Dagara and Akan Proverbial Expressions. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 8,
Abstract
Proverbial expressions have typical linguistic and figurative features. These are normally captivating to the listener. The expressive culture of the Dagara and Akan societies is embellished by these proverbial expressions. Most African proverbs, express various images depicting both pleasant and unpleasant situations in life. Unpleasant language normally depicts several terrifying images particularly when threats, insults and other forms of abuse are traded vehemently. Dagara and Akan proverbs are no exceptions to this phenomenon. This paper seeks to examine images of contention and violence depicted in Akan and Dagara proverbial expressions. To achieve this, a variety of proverbs from Akan and Dagara were analysed for their meanings using Yankah’s and Honeck’s Theories. The result revealed that structurally, as with many proverbs, the Akan and Dagara proverbial expressions are pithy and terse. The most dominant images of contention and violence in these expressions expose negative values and perceptions about the people who speak these languages. Keywords: Akan, Dagara, Proverb, Imagery, Contention, Violence
Proverbial expressions have typical linguistic and figurative features. These are normally captivating to the listener. The expressive culture of the Dagara and Akan societies is embellished by these proverbial expressions. Most African proverbs, express various images depicting both pleasant and unpleasant situations in life. Unpleasant language normally depicts several terrifying images particularly when threats, insults and other forms of abuse are traded vehemently. Dagara and Akan proverbs are no exceptions to this phenomenon. This paper seeks to examine images of contention and violence depicted in Akan and Dagara proverbial expressions. To achieve this, a variety of proverbs from Akan and Dagara were analysed for their meanings using Yankah’s and Honeck’s Theories. The result revealed that structurally, as with many proverbs, the Akan and Dagara proverbial expressions are pithy and terse. The most dominant images of contention and violence in these expressions expose negative values and perceptions about the people who speak these languages. Keywords: Akan, Dagara, Proverb, Imagery, Contention, Violence
Kyiileyang, M. (2018). Literary Analysis of Dagara Folktales Depicting Indigenous Health. In J. B. A. Afful, P.K.T. Grant & A.Y. M De-Souza The Humanities and Indigenous Knowledge in Health. Cape Coast: Faculty of Arts, University of Cape Coast.
Abstract
Folktale narration constitutes one of the most significant phenomena in Dagara expressive culture. This paper examines this literary technique which is employed in Dagara to expose some indigenous health practices prevalent in their societies. Okpewho’s narrative techniques formed the theoretical basis of the study. The data consisted of folktales chosen from separate communities from Nandom of northwestern Ghana to reflect diversity. The analysis of the data showed, first, that the major narrative skills used were symbolic language, tone, humour, suspense, mood, dialogue, effective use of body language and histrionic gestures. The second main finding relates to the dexterity and variety of narrative skills employed by the performers. The contribution of the study lies in the fact that traditional health practices that were common in Dagara societies and are now abandoned, are made known through folktale performance.
Keywords: Dagara folktales; health practices; narrative structure; narrative language performance
Danso-Wiredu, E. Y.
Development Days 2019 Conference. ‘Repositioning global development: changing actors, geographies and ontologies. Helsinki, Finland 27th February to 1st March, 2019
Paper presented:
Gendered Dynamics and Reciprocity in Fishing Communities in Ghana: The Case of Penkye, Winneba
Abstract
Most fishing communities have preserved their culture and tradition despite the changes in many sectors of the country. For example, in most cases, payments for services provided to fishermen are in kind, with fishes instead of money. This phenomenon is not only common to fishing areas in Ghana but also found in fishing communities in some countries. One peculiar feature of fishing communities is the strict gender division of labour. Again, this is not limited to fishing communities in Ghana but also in other areas Whilst men are responsible for fishing, women are usually involved in basic fish processing and marketing. The gender division roles played by both men and women are culturally embedded in the institutions within the communities. They are pursued in their life courses as institutional norms which no one questions. Both men and women are trained differently by their parents and the community on the roles they play in the fishing industry. They are socially learned as they grow up, the fishing industry shows a classic case of cooperation among men and women where organisation of fishing activities become interdependent. Neither gender would survive without the other. Though women are not involved in fishing, the role women play is as important as that of men, hence, both exercise some authority in their areas of specialization. There are indigenous communities along the coast of Winneba of which Penkye is the oldest with the history of the Winneba revolving around it. Penkye is known for its fishing activities, and for the preservation of the Effutu culture. Fishing activities in the community are done on gender basis as in other fishing communities in Ghana and many parts of the world . Apart from fishing, access to other livelihood assets such as housing is also on gender basis. The history of Penkye is linked to that of Winneba township since it is the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. Located along the coast, majority of its residents are employed in the fishing industry. Intriguing about Penkye is how social and economic livelihoods of residents are entangled in gender roles and reciprocity. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, the study constructs economic life stories for men and women within the fishing community. It analyzes how they formulate livelihood strategies differently from other parts of the country as a result. The study concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy propagated by the capitalist ideology, thereby questioning the basis of neoliberal ideology that market prices are solely determined by demand and supply interactions.
Most fishing communities have preserved their culture and tradition despite the changes in many sectors of the country. For example, in most cases, payments for services provided to fishermen are in kind, with fishes instead of money. This phenomenon is not only common to fishing areas in Ghana but also found in fishing communities in some countries. One peculiar feature of fishing communities is the strict gender division of labour. Again, this is not limited to fishing communities in Ghana but also in other areas Whilst men are responsible for fishing, women are usually involved in basic fish processing and marketing. The gender division roles played by both men and women are culturally embedded in the institutions within the communities. They are pursued in their life courses as institutional norms which no one questions. Both men and women are trained differently by their parents and the community on the roles they play in the fishing industry. They are socially learned as they grow up, the fishing industry shows a classic case of cooperation among men and women where organisation of fishing activities become interdependent. Neither gender would survive without the other. Though women are not involved in fishing, the role women play is as important as that of men, hence, both exercise some authority in their areas of specialization. There are indigenous communities along the coast of Winneba of which Penkye is the oldest with the history of the Winneba revolving around it. Penkye is known for its fishing activities, and for the preservation of the Effutu culture. Fishing activities in the community are done on gender basis as in other fishing communities in Ghana and many parts of the world . Apart from fishing, access to other livelihood assets such as housing is also on gender basis. The history of Penkye is linked to that of Winneba township since it is the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. Located along the coast, majority of its residents are employed in the fishing industry. Intriguing about Penkye is how social and economic livelihoods of residents are entangled in gender roles and reciprocity. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, the study constructs economic life stories for men and women within the fishing community. It analyzes how they formulate livelihood strategies differently from other parts of the country as a result. The study concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy propagated by the capitalist ideology, thereby questioning the basis of neoliberal ideology that market prices are solely determined by demand and supply interactions.
