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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.
Ali, C.A., Adzifome, N.S. & Addison, K.A., (2015). Contemporary Issues of Basic Education in Ghana; Principal Component Extractions of Swot Matrix for National Development. F. Anam, Diji, C. & Adebitan, E. African Regional Conference on Sustainable Development Strategies: Contemporary Issues and Challenges in African Development Patterns: Multi-disciplinary Assessment. Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya: International Institute for Policy Review and Development Strategies.
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. & Davis, E.K., (2016). Harnessing Indigenous Basketry Resources for National Development: A Long Term Prospects for Mathematics Education in Ghana. S. Abazaami, A. Mahama & A. Seidu Northern Harmattan School, University for Development Studies (UDS) and Partners. University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana: Institute for Continuing Education and Interdisciplinary Research (ICEIR).
Abstract
The study explored how indigenous Northern basketry industry could be harnessed and integrated into mathematics education to accelerate national development. Even though basket weaving is an age old occupation in Northern Ghana, it still experiences little integration and consolidation into formal education in Ghana. This qualitative survey purposively interviewed fifty basket artisans, teachers and pupils in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Upper East Region of Ghana. The findings revealed that integration of the indigenous basket industry would boost employment, reduce poverty rate, integrate indigenous knowledge and improve learning outcomes. We therefore, recommended Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders fashion out policies and programmes to encourage harnessing of indigenous baskets to achieve these goals.
The study explored how indigenous Northern basketry industry could be harnessed and integrated into mathematics education to accelerate national development. Even though basket weaving is an age old occupation in Northern Ghana, it still experiences little integration and consolidation into formal education in Ghana. This qualitative survey purposively interviewed fifty basket artisans, teachers and pupils in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Upper East Region of Ghana. The findings revealed that integration of the indigenous basket industry would boost employment, reduce poverty rate, integrate indigenous knowledge and improve learning outcomes. We therefore, recommended Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders fashion out policies and programmes to encourage harnessing of indigenous baskets to achieve these goals.
C.A. Ali & Akayuure, P. (2016). Exploring Postgraduate Students’ Research Knowledge and Skills in Normality Tests and Verifications. Us-China Education Review ‘A’, 6,
Abstract
The study explored research knowledge and skills of postgraduate students in testing and verifying normality of data in order to boost their confidence and credibility of educational research findings. This exploratory survey randomly sampled 66 postgraduate students, out of about 150 postgraduate students in five faculties of the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. The results of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16 revealed that the postgraduate students require these innovative skills in order to test and verify their educational research data. We therefore recommended continuous inter-faculty collaborations and regular research conferences participation by teaching staff and postgraduate students to beef up their knowledge and skills in research analyses.
The study explored research knowledge and skills of postgraduate students in testing and verifying normality of data in order to boost their confidence and credibility of educational research findings. This exploratory survey randomly sampled 66 postgraduate students, out of about 150 postgraduate students in five faculties of the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. The results of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16 revealed that the postgraduate students require these innovative skills in order to test and verify their educational research data. We therefore recommended continuous inter-faculty collaborations and regular research conferences participation by teaching staff and postgraduate students to beef up their knowledge and skills in research analyses.
C.A. Ali & 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.
C.A. Ali & Oduro, F.T. (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.
Ali, C.A., Adzifome, N.S. & Addison, A.K. (2016). Contemporary Issues of Basic Education in Ghana, Principal Component Extractions of SWOT Matrix Matrix for National DevelopmentSwot Matrix as a Tool of National Development. International Journal of Strategic Research in Education, Technology and Humanities, 3,
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.
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.
