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Donkor, E., Adu, C., & Kemevor, A. K. (2014). Comparative Study of Fashion Production Units in Ghanaian Polytechnics. Arts and Design Studies, 24,
Abstract
Technological and vocational Education has emerged as one of the most capable Human Resource Improvement Strategies that African countries need to conform, in other to train and update their technical labour force for speedy industrialization and national development. The impact of Technical and Vocational Education and the way skills training and competences are learnt in developing countries can improve polytechnic education of which Fashion is one. The Ghanaian Polytechnics have mostly since their inception relied heavily on industries outside the school environment to give their students hands-on-training in industrial practices related to their various programmes. Students studying fashion design and textiles also face similar challenges. This study therefore focuses on comparative study of production units in Polytechnics that offer fashion design and textile courses by examining the need to compare production units in Polytechnics and the role production units play especially in fashion education. The study also seeks to identify best practices in the fashion industry that could be replicated in a production unit for effective fashion education in Ghanaian Polytechnics. The study seeks to compare equipment available in production units in fashion design and textile department in Accra, Ho, Kumasi and Takoradi Polytechnics. The simple random sampling technique was used to sample views from the respondents and as data collection instrument a structured questionnaire was administered to one hundred and forty seven respondents (147). Out of the one hundred and forty seven respondents, twenty eight (28) were interviewed. The interpretation of the data reveals that most Polytechnics offering fashion education have production units. From the responses it can be concluded that the machines in the institutions production units if maintained and used properly will improve polytechnic education and also bridge the gap between Polytechnics and industries. Since the institutions will produce competent and skilled graduates, garment manufacturing industries will have confidence in the polytechnic’s graduates and willingly employ them. Based on the study certain recommendations have been made.
Technological and vocational Education has emerged as one of the most capable Human Resource Improvement Strategies that African countries need to conform, in other to train and update their technical labour force for speedy industrialization and national development. The impact of Technical and Vocational Education and the way skills training and competences are learnt in developing countries can improve polytechnic education of which Fashion is one. The Ghanaian Polytechnics have mostly since their inception relied heavily on industries outside the school environment to give their students hands-on-training in industrial practices related to their various programmes. Students studying fashion design and textiles also face similar challenges. This study therefore focuses on comparative study of production units in Polytechnics that offer fashion design and textile courses by examining the need to compare production units in Polytechnics and the role production units play especially in fashion education. The study also seeks to identify best practices in the fashion industry that could be replicated in a production unit for effective fashion education in Ghanaian Polytechnics. The study seeks to compare equipment available in production units in fashion design and textile department in Accra, Ho, Kumasi and Takoradi Polytechnics. The simple random sampling technique was used to sample views from the respondents and as data collection instrument a structured questionnaire was administered to one hundred and forty seven respondents (147). Out of the one hundred and forty seven respondents, twenty eight (28) were interviewed. The interpretation of the data reveals that most Polytechnics offering fashion education have production units. From the responses it can be concluded that the machines in the institutions production units if maintained and used properly will improve polytechnic education and also bridge the gap between Polytechnics and industries. Since the institutions will produce competent and skilled graduates, garment manufacturing industries will have confidence in the polytechnic’s graduates and willingly employ them. Based on the study certain recommendations have been made.
School of Creative ArtsJul 17, 2015
Siaw, S.D., Kemevor, A.K., & Dzramedo, B.E (2014). The appropriate effects of elements and principles of designing apparel in fashion. Global Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, 2,
Abstract
Fashion makes a dramatic statement about one’s personality and when worn with elegance and flair, gives an impression of sophistication and style. That is why a true fashion designer is said to possess the ability to transform a piece of fabric into a work of art. It can be said therefore that, the proper use of elements of art play an important role in designing beautiful and attractive dresses. That is why several factors ought to be considered before choosing the right design elements and principles for a fabric. This and many other factors led to the need to understand designers and consumers technicalities on the proper use of elements and principles for designing apparel. The study employed structured questionnaire survey of 105 respondents of fashion designers and consumers with basic ideas on fashion. The data analysis was carried out with simple frequency levels and using the regression analysis to test the hypothesis of the study and determine the coefficient of the effects of elements and principles on fashion design. It was established that, most consumers and designers have a general idea on elements and principles of design as being part of garment construction and daily dressing codes but also acknowledge that they were not aware of its technicalities and effects on the overall look of fashion. The study however recommends that, a broader awareness on these materials of design with descriptive and common word should be selected and that which easily represents each concept group and effectively communicates its essence.
Fashion makes a dramatic statement about one’s personality and when worn with elegance and flair, gives an impression of sophistication and style. That is why a true fashion designer is said to possess the ability to transform a piece of fabric into a work of art. It can be said therefore that, the proper use of elements of art play an important role in designing beautiful and attractive dresses. That is why several factors ought to be considered before choosing the right design elements and principles for a fabric. This and many other factors led to the need to understand designers and consumers technicalities on the proper use of elements and principles for designing apparel. The study employed structured questionnaire survey of 105 respondents of fashion designers and consumers with basic ideas on fashion. The data analysis was carried out with simple frequency levels and using the regression analysis to test the hypothesis of the study and determine the coefficient of the effects of elements and principles on fashion design. It was established that, most consumers and designers have a general idea on elements and principles of design as being part of garment construction and daily dressing codes but also acknowledge that they were not aware of its technicalities and effects on the overall look of fashion. The study however recommends that, a broader awareness on these materials of design with descriptive and common word should be selected and that which easily represents each concept group and effectively communicates its essence.
School of Creative ArtsJul 17, 2015
Opoku, M., Baiden, S., & Kemevor, K. A. (2015). QUALITY SYSTEMS OF FINISHING CLOTHING IN THE SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES IN GHANA.. Projournal of Humanities and Social Science (PHSS), 3,
Abstract
The study is intended to address the quality systems of finishing locally manufactured garments which contribute tremendously to the sales and acceptance of garments globally of the small scale industries in Ghana. The sample size of the study was 70 respondents which mainly constituted fashion designers, fashion students and consumers. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used for data collection and analysis made. Major findings from the study indicated that most of the local fashion designers do not adhere to quality systems of finishing since they were trained informally and besides, no law governs their activities. The inability of these designers to practice the appropriate finishing procedures affects their sales both locally and internationally. On the other hand, the clothing students admitted that finishing cannot be underestimated or ruled out in garments production since it (finishing) plays a very vital role in terms of the volume of sales which is directly related to the quality of the final output. They however asserted that finishing forms part of the core courses taught in school. Consumers had little knowledge in garment finishing as revealed by the study. The study concludes with a call on institutions, agencies and stakeholders to collaboratively help develop and sensitize local fashion designers on the importance of finishing in garment designing for a better global acceptance and value.
The study is intended to address the quality systems of finishing locally manufactured garments which contribute tremendously to the sales and acceptance of garments globally of the small scale industries in Ghana. The sample size of the study was 70 respondents which mainly constituted fashion designers, fashion students and consumers. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used for data collection and analysis made. Major findings from the study indicated that most of the local fashion designers do not adhere to quality systems of finishing since they were trained informally and besides, no law governs their activities. The inability of these designers to practice the appropriate finishing procedures affects their sales both locally and internationally. On the other hand, the clothing students admitted that finishing cannot be underestimated or ruled out in garments production since it (finishing) plays a very vital role in terms of the volume of sales which is directly related to the quality of the final output. They however asserted that finishing forms part of the core courses taught in school. Consumers had little knowledge in garment finishing as revealed by the study. The study concludes with a call on institutions, agencies and stakeholders to collaboratively help develop and sensitize local fashion designers on the importance of finishing in garment designing for a better global acceptance and value.
School of Creative ArtsJul 17, 2015
Taluah, A. R.
Kofi Awoonor and the Challenge of History International Symposium. University of Ghana - Legon, Accra, Ghana September 17th – 19th 2014.
Paper presented:
Kofi Awoonor: The Man and Teacher
Abstract
Throughout history, men have often been too good at glorifying their fellow men only when they have passed on into the hereafter. This gilt is even so strong as I pen down these words to express what I deem my personal experiences with the man and teacher, Professor Kofi Nyidevu Awoonor. To say I am burdened by grief will be an understatement. Since my first encounter with Professor Awoonor, I have always referred to him as my academic dad. It was on his firm shoulders that I took my first flight into academic consciousness. Indeed, I am most indebted to the Almighty God for making me what I am today and if I ever want to thank the Almighty for bringing an impactful person in my life, Professor Awoonor stands out amongst a few others. Like many other students, I first met Professor Awoonor in his well known poem "The Cathedral." I must confess that the poem enthralled me with its sententious aphorisms and it's skillful dribble of metaphor and imagery. I had thought to myself: "What is the force that drives men to weave such beautiful yet thought provoking works of art." This poem first ignited the creative sensibilities in me. I fell in love with the poem and poet at once. I had met Professor Awoonor in the Selection of African Poetry and later got to know him from my creative writing classes and other courses that he taught in the Department of English, University of Ghana. Professor Awoonor tries to express the wisdom of our ancestors; purely an academic view and he is deemed cruel. He takes pride in his roots as an Ewe, and overall an African and he is said to be tribalistic. My encounter with Professor Awoonor however reveals the contrary. There are several virtues about the man and teacher that most people are yet to know.
Throughout history, men have often been too good at glorifying their fellow men only when they have passed on into the hereafter. This gilt is even so strong as I pen down these words to express what I deem my personal experiences with the man and teacher, Professor Kofi Nyidevu Awoonor. To say I am burdened by grief will be an understatement. Since my first encounter with Professor Awoonor, I have always referred to him as my academic dad. It was on his firm shoulders that I took my first flight into academic consciousness. Indeed, I am most indebted to the Almighty God for making me what I am today and if I ever want to thank the Almighty for bringing an impactful person in my life, Professor Awoonor stands out amongst a few others. Like many other students, I first met Professor Awoonor in his well known poem "The Cathedral." I must confess that the poem enthralled me with its sententious aphorisms and it's skillful dribble of metaphor and imagery. I had thought to myself: "What is the force that drives men to weave such beautiful yet thought provoking works of art." This poem first ignited the creative sensibilities in me. I fell in love with the poem and poet at once. I had met Professor Awoonor in the Selection of African Poetry and later got to know him from my creative writing classes and other courses that he taught in the Department of English, University of Ghana. Professor Awoonor tries to express the wisdom of our ancestors; purely an academic view and he is deemed cruel. He takes pride in his roots as an Ewe, and overall an African and he is said to be tribalistic. My encounter with Professor Awoonor however reveals the contrary. There are several virtues about the man and teacher that most people are yet to know.
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
Taluah, A. R.
7th International Youth Forum: Right to Dialogue - “Europe/Not Europe: Knowledge, Identity, Dialogue” (Debates, Cultural and Artistic Events, Friendship). Trieste, Italy October 3rd – 5th 2014.
Paper presented:
The Haunting Images of the West in Ghanaian Creative Arts: Tradition versus Innovation.
Abstract
Many literary artists and critics in time past have affirmed the significance of tradition as a source of inspiration in creative works. Though the driving force in moulding a creative work such as a poem is innate, a true artist must have knowledge of a given tradition or traditions to excel in the enterprise. In quite recent times however, much of the poetry by budding poets tends to imitate Western forms in lieu of the traditional. This paper is therefore an attempt to address the effects of foreign traditions on the creative abilities of the Ghanaian youth. It traces the antecedents that are most likely to have caused the negative outlook towards most indigenous traditions in Ghana to the embrace of Western traditions. It also examines some pertinent issues in the educational system in Ghana and the impact of the English language as the language of instruction and its effects on the culture of the creative arts.
Many literary artists and critics in time past have affirmed the significance of tradition as a source of inspiration in creative works. Though the driving force in moulding a creative work such as a poem is innate, a true artist must have knowledge of a given tradition or traditions to excel in the enterprise. In quite recent times however, much of the poetry by budding poets tends to imitate Western forms in lieu of the traditional. This paper is therefore an attempt to address the effects of foreign traditions on the creative abilities of the Ghanaian youth. It traces the antecedents that are most likely to have caused the negative outlook towards most indigenous traditions in Ghana to the embrace of Western traditions. It also examines some pertinent issues in the educational system in Ghana and the impact of the English language as the language of instruction and its effects on the culture of the creative arts.
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
Taluah, A. R.
1st International Conference on Language, Literature and Communication – LALICOM. Winneba, Ghana. February 3rd - 5th 2015.
Paper presented:
The Teaching and Learning of the English Language in Ghana: Problems and Implications
Abstract
The teaching and learning of the English language in Ghana and Anglophone countries in Africa for that matter has been a subject of unflinching debate in quite recent times. Many opinions point to the assertion that the teaching and learning of the English language is centred on reading comprehension, summary, grammar, spelling and writing skills and other such related areas to the disregard of oral communication skills. Many researchers have found the neglect of oral communication skills in the school curriculum as the major problem in the leaning of the English language. A survey of trends in the teaching and learning of the English language however reveals that the contention is much on the teaching of the English language as compared to its learning as most teachers of English are unqualified to teach English. Drawing from his experiences as a leaner and a teacher of the English language, the research explores in detail the problems and implications in the teaching and learning of the English language. The origin of the English language and its encounter with the diverse languages in Ghana are examined vis a vis its role in diverse facets in the Ghanaian society and new measures proposed for possible adjustments .
The teaching and learning of the English language in Ghana and Anglophone countries in Africa for that matter has been a subject of unflinching debate in quite recent times. Many opinions point to the assertion that the teaching and learning of the English language is centred on reading comprehension, summary, grammar, spelling and writing skills and other such related areas to the disregard of oral communication skills. Many researchers have found the neglect of oral communication skills in the school curriculum as the major problem in the leaning of the English language. A survey of trends in the teaching and learning of the English language however reveals that the contention is much on the teaching of the English language as compared to its learning as most teachers of English are unqualified to teach English. Drawing from his experiences as a leaner and a teacher of the English language, the research explores in detail the problems and implications in the teaching and learning of the English language. The origin of the English language and its encounter with the diverse languages in Ghana are examined vis a vis its role in diverse facets in the Ghanaian society and new measures proposed for possible adjustments .
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
Taluah, A. R.
18th Great Writing International Conference. London Imperial College, United Kingdom. June 20th - 21st 2015.
Paper presented:
Exploring the Perspectives of the Creative Mind: The Innate versus the Acquired
Abstract
From a traditional point of view, every talent is said to be a divine gift: and the creative arts are no exceptions. It is for such reason that there is said to be the god of medicine, thunder, harvest, dance and song, of which the creative arts belong amongst a host of others. It is believed that one who has not been divinely endowed with a gift cannot succeed in the endeavour. Yet, in the very recent generations, diverse formal institutions have been set to fine tune the minds of many individuals into the creative arts. The questions that arise are thus, at what point does the acquired talent supersede the innate or the vice versa? Can formal teaching actually make an artist? And if indeed both perspective can be true of an artist, who is better? While the two perspectives cannot be detached from one another, the fact still remains that the innate talent supersedes the acquired talent. This paper therefore sets out to outline the two main perspectives of the creative mind and examine the diverse notions of the creative arts in the social, economic, political and cultural dimensions. It further delineates the reasons that account for the diverse perspectives of the creative arts and theirs effects on society and the individual creative artists as a whole.
From a traditional point of view, every talent is said to be a divine gift: and the creative arts are no exceptions. It is for such reason that there is said to be the god of medicine, thunder, harvest, dance and song, of which the creative arts belong amongst a host of others. It is believed that one who has not been divinely endowed with a gift cannot succeed in the endeavour. Yet, in the very recent generations, diverse formal institutions have been set to fine tune the minds of many individuals into the creative arts. The questions that arise are thus, at what point does the acquired talent supersede the innate or the vice versa? Can formal teaching actually make an artist? And if indeed both perspective can be true of an artist, who is better? While the two perspectives cannot be detached from one another, the fact still remains that the innate talent supersedes the acquired talent. This paper therefore sets out to outline the two main perspectives of the creative mind and examine the diverse notions of the creative arts in the social, economic, political and cultural dimensions. It further delineates the reasons that account for the diverse perspectives of the creative arts and theirs effects on society and the individual creative artists as a whole.
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
Taluah, A. R., (2014). Mother. Gabriella Valera Gruber (Ed) 10th International Castello Di Duino Literary Conference. “I/You (Dialogue/ Love/ Friendship/ Hate/ Every type of otherness: Human and Environment). Trieste: Ibiskos Editrice Resolo.
Abstract
Today, last year The maker beckoned And you answered in haste With just a faint goodbye If tears could bring life Mother, you would have risen The moment you fell to death But here we stand Here we stand mother Memories as fresh as the morning dew Life succeeded you in length But you succeeded life in depth For your deeds drown a thousand gun salutes Mother, Amongst a host of gifts The maker did give me song And none the key to unlock deaths secrets So kindly accept this song From an infantile tongue To weave you into thoughts Remould you into generations Tell of a mother who was Born an antelope Yet took her time To learn the acumen of the panther You are a stain in our minds A scar in our hearts Even though you die You live
Today, last year The maker beckoned And you answered in haste With just a faint goodbye If tears could bring life Mother, you would have risen The moment you fell to death But here we stand Here we stand mother Memories as fresh as the morning dew Life succeeded you in length But you succeeded life in depth For your deeds drown a thousand gun salutes Mother, Amongst a host of gifts The maker did give me song And none the key to unlock deaths secrets So kindly accept this song From an infantile tongue To weave you into thoughts Remould you into generations Tell of a mother who was Born an antelope Yet took her time To learn the acumen of the panther You are a stain in our minds A scar in our hearts Even though you die You live
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
Taluah, A. R. (2015). Oral Traditions as Embodiments of Knowledge: The Case of the Kasena of North Eastern Ghana. International Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies., 2,
Abstract
Before the advent of the European, every existing African community had its own means of education. Like the Kasena, the worldview of most communities is inextricably woven into the fiber of their oral traditions. Kasena oral traditions express beliefs, values, ideas and other socio-cultural negotiations that depict their philosophy of life. Quite apart from the novelty of technique of Kasena oral traditions, they serve as road guides to their endeavors and offer a better understanding of the spiritual and mundane worlds. Oral traditions embody the sense of time, place and identity of the Kasena in this multicultural world. The ways and manner to practice good hygiene and conserve the environment are embodied in proverbs, whereas the code of conduct and several other social negotiations are carried in folktales and puzzles. However, in the wake of globalization and its attendants such as Christianity, formal education and rural-urban migration amongst a host of other factors, the role and purpose of Kasena oral traditions have taken a down turn. This article therefore seeks to bring to the fore the significant role of Kasena oral traditions in transmitting and maintaining indigenous knowledge. It further examines the negative toll globalization has on Kasena oral traditions.
Before the advent of the European, every existing African community had its own means of education. Like the Kasena, the worldview of most communities is inextricably woven into the fiber of their oral traditions. Kasena oral traditions express beliefs, values, ideas and other socio-cultural negotiations that depict their philosophy of life. Quite apart from the novelty of technique of Kasena oral traditions, they serve as road guides to their endeavors and offer a better understanding of the spiritual and mundane worlds. Oral traditions embody the sense of time, place and identity of the Kasena in this multicultural world. The ways and manner to practice good hygiene and conserve the environment are embodied in proverbs, whereas the code of conduct and several other social negotiations are carried in folktales and puzzles. However, in the wake of globalization and its attendants such as Christianity, formal education and rural-urban migration amongst a host of other factors, the role and purpose of Kasena oral traditions have taken a down turn. This article therefore seeks to bring to the fore the significant role of Kasena oral traditions in transmitting and maintaining indigenous knowledge. It further examines the negative toll globalization has on Kasena oral traditions.
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
Bonsu, F. R. K., Hope K. N., Abraham J. D. Nkrumah, I.E. (2014). Rice Husk as an alternative litter material on moisture absorbency, foot pad dermatitis and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens in hot humid environment. Ghana Journal of Agriculture Science and Technology, 3,
Abstract
A 5-week study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of rice husk as a litter material for broilers in hot humid environmental conditions. A total of two hundred and forty (240) hybrid COBB-500 broilers at age 3-weeks were used. There were four treatments and three replicates in a completely randomized design. Each replicate had 20 birds. The treatments were, 100% wood shavings (TW100%) which was the control,100% rice husk (TR100%), combinations of rice husk and wood shavings in the ratios 1:1 (50% TR), and 3:1 (75% TR). The data obtained were analysed using GenStat (2007). The initial moisture content of the litter materials showed that the unused TR100% had the lowest moisture content (8.49%) as compared to TW100% (11.2%). The density of TR100% (0.14gcm-3) was also higher than TW100% (0.08gcm-3). The results obtained showed that feed intake and final body weight were not significantly influenced by the litter material used. However water intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the litter treatments. Moisture absorbency of TR100% was higher (P<0.05) relative to other treatments and had least moisture at the end (< 40%). Birds reared on TW100% had more incidence of foot pad dermatitis (47%) and soiled (95%) as compared to the TR100% and TR75% but not TR50%. The relative smaller particle sizes and the high silicon content of the TR100% enhanced moisture management capacity and thus had a lower rate of litter decomposition than TW100%. Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the litter treatments. It was concluded that rice husk is a suitable alternative litter material for chickens without any detrimental effect on growth performance and health of chickens in hot and humid environments.
A 5-week study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of rice husk as a litter material for broilers in hot humid environmental conditions. A total of two hundred and forty (240) hybrid COBB-500 broilers at age 3-weeks were used. There were four treatments and three replicates in a completely randomized design. Each replicate had 20 birds. The treatments were, 100% wood shavings (TW100%) which was the control,100% rice husk (TR100%), combinations of rice husk and wood shavings in the ratios 1:1 (50% TR), and 3:1 (75% TR). The data obtained were analysed using GenStat (2007). The initial moisture content of the litter materials showed that the unused TR100% had the lowest moisture content (8.49%) as compared to TW100% (11.2%). The density of TR100% (0.14gcm-3) was also higher than TW100% (0.08gcm-3). The results obtained showed that feed intake and final body weight were not significantly influenced by the litter material used. However water intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the litter treatments. Moisture absorbency of TR100% was higher (P<0.05) relative to other treatments and had least moisture at the end (< 40%). Birds reared on TW100% had more incidence of foot pad dermatitis (47%) and soiled (95%) as compared to the TR100% and TR75% but not TR50%. The relative smaller particle sizes and the high silicon content of the TR100% enhanced moisture management capacity and thus had a lower rate of litter decomposition than TW100%. Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the litter treatments. It was concluded that rice husk is a suitable alternative litter material for chickens without any detrimental effect on growth performance and health of chickens in hot and humid environments.
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
