Search R&P Entries
Ali, C.A., Adzifome, N.S. & Addison, A.K. (2016). Contemporary Issues of Basic Education in Ghana; Principal Component Extractions of Swot Matrix for National Development. International Journal of Strategic Research in Education, Technology and Humanities, 1,
Abstract
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats matrix identified the critical contemporary and essential issues that confront policies and programmes of basic education in Ghana. We purposively sampled sixty-five teachers and elicited fortythree essential internal and external issues in the basic schools. The SPSS method of principal component extractions revealed that internal issues of good and neat pupils in structured mathematics classrooms enhanced teaching and learning but lack of communication with authorities, pupils' previous knowledge and poor fellow teacher support hindered teaching and learning. Externally, stakeholders' support to teachers, upgrading of teachers' knowledge and general popularity of the basic schools boosted teaching and learning, whereas poor quality of pupils enrolled to pursue the overloaded mathematics syllabus and competitions faced with faith-based and private basic schools in attracting good quality pupils inhibited teaching and learning. We therefore, recommended adoption of the matrix to prioritize, address, and accelerate national development.
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats matrix identified the critical contemporary and essential issues that confront policies and programmes of basic education in Ghana. We purposively sampled sixty-five teachers and elicited fortythree essential internal and external issues in the basic schools. The SPSS method of principal component extractions revealed that internal issues of good and neat pupils in structured mathematics classrooms enhanced teaching and learning but lack of communication with authorities, pupils' previous knowledge and poor fellow teacher support hindered teaching and learning. Externally, stakeholders' support to teachers, upgrading of teachers' knowledge and general popularity of the basic schools boosted teaching and learning, whereas poor quality of pupils enrolled to pursue the overloaded mathematics syllabus and competitions faced with faith-based and private basic schools in attracting good quality pupils inhibited teaching and learning. We therefore, recommended adoption of the matrix to prioritize, address, and accelerate national development.
Ali, C.A. & Akayuure, P. (2016). Infusing Competencies and Skills of Vocational Instructors Innovations to Boost Science and Technology for National Development. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology and Sciences (ASRJETS), 18,
Abstract
The study explored how teacher-training institutions could infuse the Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutes’ instructors with educational competencies and skills as innovations to boost science and technology to accelerate national development. Even though the restructuring transformed the then Women Vocational Training Institutes into Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutes, and subsequently introduced Core Mathematics, it was still not clear whether the instructors had the required competencies and skills to implement the curriculum. This exploratory survey purposively sampled fifty instructors in three districts of Upper East Region and issued with questionnaires to explore the instructors’ educational and Mathematics backgrounds. Having coded and analysed the data with SPSS software, the findings showed that the educational and mathematical backgrounds of the instructors still require further education and training in the competencies and skills. This would build skilled manpower, create jobs, reduce north-south migration and accelerate national development. We therefore, recommended continuous inter-tertiary collaborations, scholarships and realignment of the CDVTI institutes to the Ghana Education Service to achieve these goals.
The study explored how teacher-training institutions could infuse the Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutes’ instructors with educational competencies and skills as innovations to boost science and technology to accelerate national development. Even though the restructuring transformed the then Women Vocational Training Institutes into Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutes, and subsequently introduced Core Mathematics, it was still not clear whether the instructors had the required competencies and skills to implement the curriculum. This exploratory survey purposively sampled fifty instructors in three districts of Upper East Region and issued with questionnaires to explore the instructors’ educational and Mathematics backgrounds. Having coded and analysed the data with SPSS software, the findings showed that the educational and mathematical backgrounds of the instructors still require further education and training in the competencies and skills. This would build skilled manpower, create jobs, reduce north-south migration and accelerate national development. We therefore, recommended continuous inter-tertiary collaborations, scholarships and realignment of the CDVTI institutes to the Ghana Education Service to achieve these goals.
Ali, C.A. & F.T. Oduro (2016). Contemporary Mathematical Tools of Forecasting: Overview of Metropolis Hastings Algorithms. International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology (IJESRT), 5,
Abstract
This paper used the Metropolis Hastings Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms to forecast and monitor the dynamics of HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Ghana. The study sampled four sites in Upper East Region and explored them with these algorithms. Even though there were many Monte Carlo algorithms, the study discovered that the independence Metropolis-Hastings’ were the most suitable and appropriate for this mathematical forecasting and monitoring. We therefore, recommended for the continuous and extensive use of these algorithms in immunological surveys to help modify the continuous use of prevalence rates.
This paper used the Metropolis Hastings Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms to forecast and monitor the dynamics of HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Ghana. The study sampled four sites in Upper East Region and explored them with these algorithms. Even though there were many Monte Carlo algorithms, the study discovered that the independence Metropolis-Hastings’ were the most suitable and appropriate for this mathematical forecasting and monitoring. We therefore, recommended for the continuous and extensive use of these algorithms in immunological surveys to help modify the continuous use of prevalence rates.
Wilson, K. N.
Pre-Retirement Preparation Programme. Demonstration theatre, North Campus, Winneba, Ghana 10-11 Sept 2015
Paper presented:
Retirement Preparation
Abstract
Wilson, K. N
ISSBD Research methodology skills training workshop. Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya 4-6th November, 2015
Paper presented:
PREDICTORS OF RETIREMENT ADJUSTMENT AMONG SENIOR STAFF OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN GHANA
Abstract
Retirement as a stage in life has been seen differently by different people based on their perception, preparation and personal experience. Whiles some people face retirement with bated breath and joy others face it with fear, trepidation and uncertainty. This study investigated some of the institutional and personality variables that could predict retirement adjustments among the senior staff of three public universities in Ghana. Using the mixed method approach of research with the descriptive survey as the research design, the study employed the purposeful sampling technique to select the universities, and the availability technique to select a sample size of 111 respondents (who had than 60 months or less to attain the compulsory retirement age of 60 years in Ghana) out of which 15 were selected through a consensus for in-depth interview. The study made use of two instruments comprising a self-report questionnaire (Retirement Adjustment Questionnaire [RAQ]) and semi-structured interview sessions. The RAQ had internal consistency of 0.872 on the Cronbach Alpha Co-efficient. Both the descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data was transcribed into text and subjected to thick narrative descriptions from which thematic categories with explanations emerged through out the study for conclusions and recommendations to be made. Findings from the study revealed that one main consideration or adjustment process for retirement was the financial implications on the retiree. The study thus recommends among other things pre-retirement workshops/seminars on socio-economic, political and institutional factors that could influence retirement adjustment processes, and on potential investment opportunities as contingency plans to ease the transition from active working life to retirement.
Retirement as a stage in life has been seen differently by different people based on their perception, preparation and personal experience. Whiles some people face retirement with bated breath and joy others face it with fear, trepidation and uncertainty. This study investigated some of the institutional and personality variables that could predict retirement adjustments among the senior staff of three public universities in Ghana. Using the mixed method approach of research with the descriptive survey as the research design, the study employed the purposeful sampling technique to select the universities, and the availability technique to select a sample size of 111 respondents (who had than 60 months or less to attain the compulsory retirement age of 60 years in Ghana) out of which 15 were selected through a consensus for in-depth interview. The study made use of two instruments comprising a self-report questionnaire (Retirement Adjustment Questionnaire [RAQ]) and semi-structured interview sessions. The RAQ had internal consistency of 0.872 on the Cronbach Alpha Co-efficient. Both the descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data was transcribed into text and subjected to thick narrative descriptions from which thematic categories with explanations emerged through out the study for conclusions and recommendations to be made. Findings from the study revealed that one main consideration or adjustment process for retirement was the financial implications on the retiree. The study thus recommends among other things pre-retirement workshops/seminars on socio-economic, political and institutional factors that could influence retirement adjustment processes, and on potential investment opportunities as contingency plans to ease the transition from active working life to retirement.
Wilson, K. N.
Cape Coast Archdeaconry Youth Seminar. St James Anglican Church, Agona Swedru, C/R Ghana 2nd May 2016
Paper presented:
Developing and Building Values & Life Choices
Abstract
Abdul-Manan, A., & Wilson, K. N.
2016 School of Social Sciences International Conference on ‘The Social Sciences, Good Governance and Sustainable Development Goals. Accra, University of Ghana, ISSER Conference Room 14-15 April 2016
Paper presented:
Retirement Planning: Challenges Faced by Teachers in Sagnarigu District in the Northern Region of Ghana
Abstract
ABSTRACT This research sought to determine teachers’ perceptions on the planning and challenges towards retirement in Sagnarigu District of Northern Region of Ghana. The target population for this study comprised all teachers in the study area. The sample size was 258 teachers made up of 166 male and 92 females. The study employed the descriptive cross-sectional design and the gathered data collected were subjected to statistical analyses using mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages chi-square, T-test and One Way ANOVA. Findings indicated that teachers at Sagnarigu District of Northern Region were highly concern on housing planning; Teachers who participated in the study perceived retirement as when one is no longer gainfully employed and has to receive pension benefits. Again, teachers who participated in the study showed that the dominant challenge that confronts them in Sagnarigu District in their quest to plan towards retirement was that planning towards retirement makes them age faster. However, seeking counselling to prepare them psychologically helps teachers to plan towards their retirement. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the Government should put in place a policy that would compel all organizations and institutions to organize retirement seminars/workshops for their employees who have between 10 to15 years to go on retirement. Again, Social Security and National Insurance Trust should target the employers of the various institutions and organizations that they deal with. Key Words: Retirement Planning, Challenges & Teachers
ABSTRACT This research sought to determine teachers’ perceptions on the planning and challenges towards retirement in Sagnarigu District of Northern Region of Ghana. The target population for this study comprised all teachers in the study area. The sample size was 258 teachers made up of 166 male and 92 females. The study employed the descriptive cross-sectional design and the gathered data collected were subjected to statistical analyses using mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages chi-square, T-test and One Way ANOVA. Findings indicated that teachers at Sagnarigu District of Northern Region were highly concern on housing planning; Teachers who participated in the study perceived retirement as when one is no longer gainfully employed and has to receive pension benefits. Again, teachers who participated in the study showed that the dominant challenge that confronts them in Sagnarigu District in their quest to plan towards retirement was that planning towards retirement makes them age faster. However, seeking counselling to prepare them psychologically helps teachers to plan towards their retirement. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the Government should put in place a policy that would compel all organizations and institutions to organize retirement seminars/workshops for their employees who have between 10 to15 years to go on retirement. Again, Social Security and National Insurance Trust should target the employers of the various institutions and organizations that they deal with. Key Words: Retirement Planning, Challenges & Teachers
Wilson, K. N. (2016). Towards Successful Retirement Adjustment: Nexus Between Confidence Level, Internal, And External Contingency of the Ghanaian Worker (The Case Of Senior Staff of the University Of Education, Winneba, Ghana). International Journal of Advancement in Social Science and Humanity (IJASSH), 1,
Abstract
Retirement as a stage in life has been seen differently by different people based on their perception, preparation and personal experience. Whiles some people face retirement with bated breath and joy others face it with fear, trepidation and uncertainty. This study investigated relationship between confidence level, internal, and external contingency of the Ghanaian worker in relation to planning towards their retirement. Using the quantitative paradigm of research with the descriptive survey as the research design, the study employed the random sampling approach in selecting the respondents. The study made use of a self-report questionnaire (Retirement Adjustment Questionnaire [RAQ]), with reliability co-efficient of 0.872. Inferential statistical tools were used to analyse test the hypothesis for the study. Findings from the study revealed that one main consideration or adjustment process for retirement was the financial implications on the retiree. The study thus recommends among other things pre-retirement workshops/seminars on socio-economic, political and institutional factors that could influence retirement adjustment processes, and on potential investment opportunities as contingency plans to ease the transition from active working life to retirement. Key Words: Retirement Adjustment, Confidence Level, Internal and External Contingency
Retirement as a stage in life has been seen differently by different people based on their perception, preparation and personal experience. Whiles some people face retirement with bated breath and joy others face it with fear, trepidation and uncertainty. This study investigated relationship between confidence level, internal, and external contingency of the Ghanaian worker in relation to planning towards their retirement. Using the quantitative paradigm of research with the descriptive survey as the research design, the study employed the random sampling approach in selecting the respondents. The study made use of a self-report questionnaire (Retirement Adjustment Questionnaire [RAQ]), with reliability co-efficient of 0.872. Inferential statistical tools were used to analyse test the hypothesis for the study. Findings from the study revealed that one main consideration or adjustment process for retirement was the financial implications on the retiree. The study thus recommends among other things pre-retirement workshops/seminars on socio-economic, political and institutional factors that could influence retirement adjustment processes, and on potential investment opportunities as contingency plans to ease the transition from active working life to retirement. Key Words: Retirement Adjustment, Confidence Level, Internal and External Contingency
Danso-Wiredu E. Y
4th Social Science Conference: Bringing the Gown to town; Developing Society through human security and social justice, University of Education. Winneba. North Campus, University of Education, Winneba 15-16 March, 2016
Paper presented:
Fishing in Ghana, the story of reciprocity, gender and market, Penkye in focus
Abstract
Abstract Fishing is an important economic activity for people along the coastal areas in Ghana as well as those living close to other water bodies in the country. The livelihoods of the people revolve around the fishing business. The economic, social and cultural activities of the people are institutionalized and embedded within the business. Penkye is a known area in Winneba, the history of the community is tied to that of the entire Winneba township, as the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. It is located along the coast and almost all the residents of the community are employed in the fishing industry directly or indirectly. What is intriguing about this community is the story it tells about its fishing business and daily survival of the residents. And how the two are entangled in the story of reciprocity and gender roles. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life as a whole. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, I construct economic life histories for men and women within the fishing community. And then analyze how they formulate livelihood strategies differently as a result. It concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy that Polanyi described in his book, the great transformation. It also questions the idea of neoliberal economy where market prices are alleged to be determined solely by demand and supply interactions between the seller and the buyer.
Abstract Fishing is an important economic activity for people along the coastal areas in Ghana as well as those living close to other water bodies in the country. The livelihoods of the people revolve around the fishing business. The economic, social and cultural activities of the people are institutionalized and embedded within the business. Penkye is a known area in Winneba, the history of the community is tied to that of the entire Winneba township, as the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. It is located along the coast and almost all the residents of the community are employed in the fishing industry directly or indirectly. What is intriguing about this community is the story it tells about its fishing business and daily survival of the residents. And how the two are entangled in the story of reciprocity and gender roles. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life as a whole. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, I construct economic life histories for men and women within the fishing community. And then analyze how they formulate livelihood strategies differently as a result. It concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy that Polanyi described in his book, the great transformation. It also questions the idea of neoliberal economy where market prices are alleged to be determined solely by demand and supply interactions between the seller and the buyer.
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
