Ghana Social Science Journal
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Item The Changing Role of CSOs in Public Policy Making in Ghana(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2008) Abdulai, A-G.; Quantson, R.The last two decades have seen significant changes in the relationship among the State, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Development Partners (DPs) in many developing countries. In Ghana, this relationship has ranged from mutual suspicion and exclusion to one of greater en-gagement and accommodation. Between the 1950s and the years of Structural Adjustment in the 1980s, the state was seen as the central mechanism for economic and social development. Consequently, policy making centered on a small team of government officials with support from development partners. Since the mid-1990s, however, Ghana has witnessed a major para-digm shift in the relationship among the State, Development Partners and CSOs with regard to development policy dialogue in particular and pub-lic policy making in general. Indeed the role of civil society is growing, as exemplified in its role in some important national development policies such as the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II: 2006-2009) and the National Budget Processes since 2005. The new development paradigm is further exemplified in the emergence of numerous civil soci-ety networks and coalitions that seek to increase the penetrating powers of CSOs in the policy making processes. While skeptics may still view the policy making environment with mixed signals, there is clearly a discern-able trend for all key stakeholders – government, development partners and civil society – to look to one other not as competitors or enemies, but as partners in the development processItem The Meaning of Menopause among Ghanaian Canadian Women(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2008) Ohemeng, F.In spite of its bio-universality, menopause presents a complex phenomenon experienced differently by women from varied cultures. The meanings of menopause and what it signifies for women vary considerably. They are shaped by social attitudes about aging and women’s roles over the life course. Utilizing in-depth interviews, this study examines the meanings and experiences of menopause for ten Ghanaian-Canadian women living in To-ronto. It explores how some aspects of Ghanaian culture have influenced the women’s perceptions and interpretation of menopause. The study con-cludes that while Ghanaian women living in Canada have been surrounded by a culture where menopause is medicalized, most do not view menopause as a disease but rather as a normative life transitionItem Client Satisfaction Survey of Healthcare Delivery in Rural Ghana Using Service Quality Measurement (SERVQUAL) Approach(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2008) Turkson, P.K.Client satisfaction surveys have been emphasised over recent years to help identify barriers to quality service delivery. To identify what needs to be improved the clients’ satisfaction with the service process as well as the out-comes need to be tapped and used as bases for improved quality in service delivery. The objective of the study was to assess client satisfaction with de-livery of health care at the district level in a rural setting in Ghana. The study used questionnaire (modified SERVQUAL) that asked questions on expectations and perceptions relating to dimensions of quality connected to health care delivery - reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and tangibles. It found that the gaps between scores for perceptions and expecta-tions were widest in the subcomponents of tangibles (the appearance of physical facilities, equipment and personnel) compared to the other dimen-sions. The mean scores for perception for the district were 3.0 (out of a maximum score of 5) for tangibles, 3.4 for responsiveness, 3.7 for reliability, and 3.9 each for assurance and empathy, respectively. The use of the modi-fied SERVQUAL instrument helped in identifying various components of dimensions of quality that were perceived to be unsatisfactory by clients could be specifically targeted initially for improvement, rather than trying to improve all areas simultaneously. This is critical in a resource-poor envi-ronment as it helps in prioritisation and efficient use of resourcesItem The Management and Sustainability of Water Supply Facilities in Rural Communities: Lessons from the Volta Region of Ghana(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2008) Kwashie, H.B.K.This article is based on research conducted between July 26 and September 12, 2007 to find the extent to which target communities, working through Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Committees, were able to continuously maintain water supply facilities extended to them under the Volta Region Community Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (VRCWSSP). At-tempts were also made to determine the factors that influenced their ability to achieve uninterrupted water supply through an efficient maintenance management culture. The results of the investigations became the basis for making some policy recommendations for, first, enhancing the capacity of the Watsan committees to maintain the water supply facilities on a sustain-able basis and, second, developing a framework for re-shaping thinking about community management of water supply systems in generalItem Archaeological Indications of Past Lifeways on the Krobo Mountain, Ghana(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2008) Gblerkpor, W.N.Data from a recent archaeological survey and excavations conducted on the Krobo Mountain confirm claims that the settlement was the main religious and political centre for the Krobo people of south-eastern Ghana. Despite the physical separation of the settlement into Yilo and Manya sections, there is a remarkable similarity in the cultural landscape of the two groups. The ruins of shrines, houses, palaces, as well as the advanced nature of the set-tlement pattern suggest that the communities had attained a high level of socio-cultural and landscape development before their expulsion in 1892. The typical association of schnapps bottles, with palm-wine tap-ping/storage vessels, mumui indicates the twin utility of imported and local liquor during traditional rites and festivals in the past. The identification of iron anklets and bells, cowries, and glass beads in contexts similar to those found in communities in present-day Krobo suggests retention of some as-pects of ancient customs and religious ritesItem This Place is better than my Home ’: Anecdotes on child fosterage and child domestic work in three Districts in Northern Ghana(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2008) Owusu, G.A.; Adjei, F.G.Fosterage in West Africa is peculiar and has key benefits. This study, which was conducted in three districts in the Upper East and Northern regions of Ghana, uses qualitative in-depth interviews to fill some essential gaps in the study of fosterage. Unlike most studies on the phenomenon, ours provide perspectives from both the foster children and the receiving parents, and employs cultural relativism to analyze the data. The findings supported several past studies on the subject--fosterage was being done as a social ser-vice within the context of the extended family mainly and nearly all the foster children were girls. Crisis fosterage was predominant. Although both children and foster parents/guardians seemed to have some challenges, all the children said that they fared better in the foster homes, compared to their biological homes. This was not without financial strains to the foster parents. We found an eclectic mixture of previous explanatory frameworks proposed for child fosterage in the sub-region. Policy implications of our findings are given.Item The Net Benefit of Migration: The Case of Migrant Nurses from Ghana to the United Kingdom(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2009) Quartey, P.; Kwakye, E.Skilled worker migration from Ghana to Europe and the USA has been on the increase in recent years. These out-migrations bring enormous benefits as well as costs but the net effect is yet to be ascertained. Using survey data from 100 nurses practising in Ghana and a similar number practising in the UK, this paper investigates their reasons for migrating and attempts to cap-ture the net benefit of migration. The paper concludes that migration of nurses brings positive net private benefit but this excludes social cost such as the rise in mortality rates due to shortage of nurses, and other social costs which do not easily lend themselves to valuation in monetary terms.Item The Economy and Regime Change in Ghana, 1992-2004(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2009) Debrah, E.The article examines the link between economic conditions and policies, on one hand, and regime changes, on the other. Ghana’s politics, since inde-pendence has been shaped by events on the economic front more than the popularized issues of ethnicity, regionalism and personal ambitions. Most of the political transitions were to a large extent influenced by economic cir-cumstances. The early military coups that destabilized the democratic order appeared to have resulted from the unhappiness of army officers over rising economic distress even though ideological and ambition factors were also important determinants. Even the ‘third wave’ of democratization took place within the context of economic crisis. The failure of the PNDC regime to bring about early economic recovery engendered popular disillusionment and heightened the agitations for the return to democratic rule. Post-democratization politics mimics the pattern of economic influence over re-gime changes. The historic power alternation in 2000 happened against the backdrop of poor economic performance by the NDC government. Macroe-conomic instability including deteriorating living standards of the people was blamed on the incumbent’s economic mismanagement. Consequently, majority of Ghanaian voters effected a change of government hoping that the new government would bring about improved economic and living conditionsItem The Dilemma of the Peasant: Macroeconomic Squeeze and Internal Contradictions in Northern Ghana(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2009) Yaro, J.A.The article assesses the emerging dilemmas and contradictions in three vil-lages in Northern Ghana resulting from contemporary changes in the rural landscape. An analysis of the sources of these changes and their manifesta-tions in the sphere of production and exchange is carried out. A combination of qualitative and quantitative data from field studies is used. It is argued that changes in peasant societies have resulted in interwoven multiple social, political and economic problems. Peasants in northern Gha-na struggle with the new macroeconomic situation characterised by rising costs of production, tough international competition and limited opportuni-ties for domestic marketing. They also have to deal with social systems which are gradually being altered by the commercialised norms developing in the peasant landscape, thereby generating internal contradictions. These dilemmas are translated into asymmetrical patterns of food in/security for various groups with different income generating activities and levels of in-fluence over resources.Item Structural Adjustment Programme and Tourism Development in Ghana (1985-2005)(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2009) Akyeampong, O.At the prodding of the IMF/World Bank, several developing countries un-dertook socio-economic reforms in the 1980s aimed at restructuring and stabilizing their economies. Dubbed structural adjustment programmes (SAPs), the specific reforms included trade liberalisation, privatization, de-valuation and export promotion. In Ghana tourism, which had hitherto been an insignificant industry in the national economy, was in 1985 declared along with three other sectors as a ‘priority sector’ and promoted as a tool for diversification and for earning foreign exchange in the context of SAP. Between 1985 and 2005, tourism flourished in Ghana in the wake of SAP, even though the sector’s key components i.e. accommodation, intermediar-ies and car rentals enjoyed dissimilar fortunes. More importantly, business travel emerged as the catalyst in the transformation of the sector, a process which underlines the link between the tourism sector and the socio-economic and political environments in which the former operates. Deci-sion-makers and tourism planners ought, therefore, to appreciate this link in order not to conceive tourism development as the mere construction and marketing of attractions and accommodation facilities as if leisure travel held sway in the country.Item Citizenship, Authenticity, and Belonging in Europe and Ghana: The Case of the Ghanaian Migrant(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2012-06) Gyekye-Jandoh, M.A.This study analysed the perspectives of first generation Ghanaian migrants to and from Europe regarding the changing definition of citizenship in Europe, and how these perspectives, including the notion of authenticity, impacted Ghanaian migrants' feelings of 'home' and 'belonging'. It examined 'belonging' and authenticity in relation to the family at 'home', and looked at migrants' feelings of belonging in the 'host' country in Europe in relation to their feelings of belonging in their country of origin or 'home' country. The results indicated that Ghanaian migrants tended to exhibit a more instrumental approach to the acquisition of citizenship in Europe and were sceptical of 'belonging' in their host country. When it came to the issue of 'belonging' in their home country, Ghana, these migrants tended to exhibit less of an instrumental approach and more of an emotional approach, making reintegration possibleItem Origin, Growth and Functions of Periodic Market Centres Along the Volta Lake in Ghana(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2012-06) Ofori, B.D.This study outlines the historical factors and processes leading to the emergence and growth of 43 periodic market centres along the Volta Lake. The study's methodology involved the use of base maps and on-the-spot visits to locate the market centres, and observations and interviews at the centres. The development of the market centres were linked to the Volta River Project which involved the damming of the river at Akosombo in 1964 for hydroelectric power generation resulting in the formation of the Volta Lake. The study situates the development process within the context of the two main bodies of theory that explain the origin of market centres and concludes that the findings tend to unify the theories. Apart from their marketing functions, the market centres perform other services in the Volta Lake region. In confirming these functions, this study calls for greater attention to planning to maximize the potential of the market centres in stimulating growth at the local level and promoting national development.Item Religion and Treatment of Psychological Disorders in Ghana: A Review of the Ghanaian Literature(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2012-06) Kwakye-Nuako, C.O.; Dankwah, J.A comparative bibliographic study is carried out on the aetiology of psychological disorders, preferred treatment options and the link, if any, with religion in the Ghanaian setting. The common thread in all these empirical studies is that indeed the Ghanaian is religious and esteems religion highly in all aspects of life, especially in health-seeking behaviours. However, there is a seemingly unclear relationship between religion and psychological disorders per se. Implications of these findings in the literature are discussed.Item Macroeconomic Environment and the Output of the Agricultural Sector in Nigeria, 1971 to 2010(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2012-06) Akinleye, O.S.; Ighodaro, C.A.U.This study examines the relationship between the macroeconomic environment and the output of the agricultural sector in Nigeria during the 40- year period from 1971 to 2010 using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model of cointegration analysis. Over the long run period, the levels of the real government expenditure and the value of loans disbursed in the agricultural sector were found to influence the level of agricultural sector output as measured by the value added to gross domestic product (GDP). The major implication of the study is that increased loans to the agricultural sector in Nigeria expand the output of that sector and provide favourable conditions for improved livelihood opportunities for rural people and urban poverty reduction through more stable food prices. Further, government resources going into the agricultural sector must emphasise their quality aspects with more attention paid to investment spending compared to recurrent expendituresItem A Brief Survey of the Literature on Microfinance and Agriculture(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2012-06) Ahiakpor, F.; Asmah, E.The factors that affect agrarian transformation are complex and often interrelated. Access to financial services is an important input necessary for such transformation. A type of financial service that has become of increasing importance to farmers is microfinance. An important question concerns the role that microfinance initiatives have played regarding the development of agriculture in developing countries, especially those in Africa. This brief literature review suggests that while microfinance may have had some positive impacts on agricultural development and transformation, it has not been the panacea for the myriad of problems facing farmers and the rural poor.Item Palm Produce Trade in Cameroon's Cross River Region From Early 1800s to 1961(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2013) Kah, H.K.This paper examines the influence of Calabar on the nature, volume and direction of palm oil and kernel trade in the Cross and Manyu Rivers region of Cameroon between the early 1800s and 1961 when Southern Cameroons gained independence through reunification with the Republic of Cameroon. The town of Calabar was an important trading post and an entrepot for European commercial interests prior to and after European colonisation of the area. Her trading influence extended into the interior of the Cross River region of Cameroon and Nigeria. This trading influence led to competition between Calabar and Nkongsambain French Cameroon. This paper relies on a content analysis of archival material and the re-interpretation of some secondary works to examine the influence of Calabar on the palm produce trade within Cameroon's sphere of the Cross River region.Item The Socio-Cultural Contexts of Sexual Socialization and Sexual Behavior of Young People within the Family Setting in Ghana(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2013) Owusu, A.Y.; Anarfi, J.K.; Tenkorang, E.Y.Sexual socialization enables society to handle sex in a harmonious and decent way. In African settings, sexuality education has mostly concentrated on puberty rites and has focused on providing the framework for sexuality and reinforcing the boundaries of marital unions. This paper focuses on the role of the family in shaping the sexuality of young persons. It explains the socio-cultural contexts that shape the sexual behaviour and expression of sexuality among young people in Ghana within the family. We used qualitative data collection approaches which employed purposive sampling. Our findings showed that the family is seen as the primary agent for the sexual socialization of its members, and that sexual socialization is done both overtly and covertly. Basically, it is done through imitating the general disposition of both the nuclear and extended family, through role modelling. Also, the respondents were of the view that the financial circumstances of the family shape the sexual socialisation and sexual behaviour of its youth. Parents, guardians and members of the extended family themselves will thus benefit from awareness about being good role models to the youth regarding sexuality. The continuation and intensification of poverty alleviation programmes for families in dire financial need could also positively influence the sexuality and sexual expression of young persons in those families.Item Native Courts and Customary Law in Colonial Ewedome, 1914-1949(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2013) Yayoh, W.K.Customary law was an essential part of oral tradition and it was central to the debate and negotiation on power relations and identity within the colonial state. Throughout British colonies, native courts were the principal agencies through which indigenous law was adjusted to the needs of the new conditions with which Native Authorities were faced. The paper argues that the process frequently involved entry into a field in which the customary law itself afforded no precedents and created conflict between the local people, on the one hand, and the traditional leaders and colonial officers, on the other. By criminalising some customary laws and declaring others 'repugnant to natural justice', the colonial administration changed traditional jurisprudence; in which case customary law ceased to be wholly indigenous lawItem Incorporating E-Learning into Teaching and Learning at University of Ghana: Perceptions of Faculty(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2013) Tagoe, M.A.The technological revolution has increased pressure on universities to incorporate information, communication and technology (ICT) into teaching and learning. One of the critical prerequisites for successful incorporation of elearning is its acceptance by lecturers. The purpose of this paper is to determine the perceptions of lecturers towards e-learning at the University of Ghana. Lecturers had a more favourable attitude towards the introduction of web-supplemented and mixed modes ofe-learning than they had regarding web-dependent and fully online modes. Most of them were of the view that the university was not ready for fully online programmes at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the challenges identified which could affect e-learning were the relatively low bandwidth which made the internet slow and unreliable, and the low level of participation in training in the use of open source platforms. It is recommended that the training of faculty in the use of learning management platforms should be intensifiedItem Syncretism in Akuapem Society: Death and Funeral of Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2013) Ayesu, E.The funeral of Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Chief of Amanokrom-Akuapem (Ghana), held in February 2006, showcased the convergence of Akuapem traditional chieftaincy rites and Christian rituals. The development followed the decision of the funeral planning committee to carry out the deathbed wish of the late chief - that he should be buried as a Christian and a chief. Much as the chief's dying wish might be seen as a special request, it was foreshadowed by the historic agreement reached between Akuapem chiefs and Basel th missionaries in the 19 century over the celebration of Akwasidae, an important ritual of ancestor veneration associated with the Akan chieftaincy. The agreement, novel as it was, provided Akuapem converts an avenue to practise their Christian faith without abandoning the veneration of their ancestors which was embedded in their traditional religions. This paper provides a vehicle to assess some aspects of culture and development through the use of ethnographic data, archival and secondary sources, and to contribute to the study of the history of Akuapems and Akans in general