Department of Economics
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/23098
2024-03-29T01:28:01ZFood systems thinking unpacked: a scoping review on industrial diets among adolescents in Ghana
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41344
Food systems thinking unpacked: a scoping review on industrial diets among adolescents in Ghana
Sambu, W.C.; Picchioni, F.; Stevano, S.; Codjoe, E.A.; Nkegbe, P.K.; Turner, C.
Unhealthy diets are among the main risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In Sub Saharan Africa,
NCDs were responsible for 37% of deaths in 2019, rising from 24% in 2000. There is an increasing emphasis on health harming industrial foods, such as ultra-processed foods (UPFs), in driving the incidence of diet-related NCDs. However,
there is a methodological gap in food systems research to adequately account for the processes and actors that shape UPFs
consumption across the diferent domains of the food systems framework and macro-meso-micro levels of analysis. This
paper interrogates how the Food Systems Framework for Improved Nutrition (HLPE in Nutrition and food systems. A report
by the high level panel of experts on food security and nutrition of the committee on world food security, 2017), considered
the dominant framework to analyse nutrition, and language of interdisciplinarity are practised in research with regards to
consumption of UPFs among adolescents in Ghana, a population group that is often at the forefront of dramatic shifts in
diets and lifestyles. We conducted a scoping review of studies published between 2010 and February 2022, retrieved 25
studies, and mapped the fndings against the domains and analysis levels of the Food Systems Framework for Improved
Nutrition (HLPE in Nutrition and food systems. A report by the high level panel of experts on food security and nutrition of
the committee on world food security, 2017). Our study illustrates that there is a tendency to address unhealthy diets among
adolescents in a siloed manner, and as a behavioural and nutritional issue. In most cases, the analyses fail to show how
domains of the food systems framework are connected and do not account for linkages across diferent levels of analysis.
Methodologically, there is a quantitative bias. From the policy point of view, there is a disconnect between national food
policies and food governance (i.e., trade and regulations) and initiatives and measures specifcally targeted at adolescent’s
food environments and the drivers of UPFs consumption.
Research Article
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZEstimating public and private sectors’ union wage effects in Ghana: is there a disparity?
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41335
Estimating public and private sectors’ union wage effects in Ghana: is there a disparity?
Owusu-Afriyie, J.; Baffou, P.T.; Baah-Boateng, W.
Purpose – This study seeks to estimate union wage effect in the public and private sectors of Ghana,
respectively. It also seeks to ascertain whether the union wage effect in the two sectors varies.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors use data from the Ghana Living Standards Survey 6 (GLSS 6,
2012/2013) and Ghana Labour Force Survey (GLFS, 2015). In terms of estimation technique, the authors employ the
Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition technique to estimate union wage effect in public and private sectors, respectively.
Findings – The findings indicate that union wage effect in the public sector is positive and higher relative to
that of the private sector.
Practical implications – The findings imply that strict enforcement of Section 82 of Labour Act 2003 (Act
651) will curb the political influence of public sector unions over their employer (Government).
Originality/value – This research paper has not been presented to any journal for publication and it is the
authors’ original work.
Research Article
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZUnconditional cash transfers and safe transitions to adulthood in Malawi
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41234
Unconditional cash transfers and safe transitions to adulthood in Malawi
Lambon-Quayefio, M.; Peterman, A.; Handa, S.; et al.
As national social safety nets are expanding in Africa and globally, evidence on the impact of programs on youth
transitions can help guide future investment and program design decisions. This paper examines the effects of
Malawi’s flagship cash transfer program on safe transitions to adulthood among youth living in households
experiencing ultra-poverty. The evaluation was a cluster-randomized control trial implemented over three years
using panel data on youth aged 13 to 19 at baseline. Household receipt of bi-monthly transfers led to im provements in four out of six outcome domains: 1) education, 2) physical health, 3) emotional wellbeing and
mental health, and 4) sexual and reproductive health. There were limited or no impacts on outcomes related to
HIV risk and time use. Results imply that similar programs in the region may also facilitate safe youth transitions.
Nonetheless, more intentional gender- and youth-specific designs may have promise for more holistic impacts,
and further evidence is needed on longer-term effects.
Research Article
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZHow optimal is Ghana’s single-digit inflation targeting? An assessment of monetary policy effectiveness in Ghana
http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41109
How optimal is Ghana’s single-digit inflation targeting? An assessment of monetary policy effectiveness in Ghana
Amoatey, R.; Ayisi, R.K.; Osei-Assibey, E.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is twofold. First, to estimate an optimal inflation rate for Ghana and
second, to investigate factors that account for the differences between observed and target inflation.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper explored the questions within two econometric frameworks:
the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Threshold Regression Models using data spanning the period
1965–2019.
Findings: The study estimated a range of 5–7% optimal inflation for Ghana. While this confirms the
single-digit inflation targeting by the Bank of Ghana, the range is lower than the central bank’s band of
6–10%. The combined behaviours of the central bank, banks and external outlook influence inflation target
misses.
Practical implications: The study urges the central bank to continue pursuing its single-digit inflation
targeting. However, it implies that there is still room for the Bank to further lower the current inflation band to
achieve an optimal outcome for growth and welfare. Again, the Bank should commit to increased transparency
and accountability to enhance its credibility in attaining the targeted inflation.
Originality/value – The study is one of the first attempts in Africa and Ghana to estimate optimal inflation
target and investigate the underlying factors for deviation from the targets
Research Article
2023-01-01T00:00:00Z