Development Studies

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The Contributions of Non-Farm Economic Activites to Poverty Reduction in the Yilo-Krobo District
(University of Ghana, 2010-07) Alhassan, O.
Non-farm economic activities are emerging as an important player in the rural economy notwithstanding the continuing dominance of farming. This is attributed to a multiplicity of factors. This paper presents findings of a study on the rural non-farm economy in the Yilo-Krobo District of the Eastern Region. The study reveals a strong association between poverty at the household level and participation in the non-farm economic activites. It reveals further that some characteristics play crucial role in facilitating household participation and effectiveness in the nonfarm economy. These include higher education, household size, income directly obtained from participation in the non-farm economy as well as the number of persons from a household involved in the economy. A set of factors of critical importance to the operations of non-farm enterprises are financial capital, labour and credit. Household access to basic social amenities also enhances the reduction and sustenance of poverty reduction efforts. Non-farm households experience varying levels of access to health services, consumption of portable water and waste disposable facilities. Using data obtained from the Ghana Living Standards Survey 5 plus, the study the predicted and compared incomes from farm and nonfarm economic activities and arrived at the conclusion that the latter contributes more to household income.
An Assessment of the Revenue Collection Performance of Salaried and Commissioned Revenue Collectors in Ga East and La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assemblies in Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2019-12) Haligah, H.Y.
Local government revenue generation plays an important role in promoting and sustaining economic growth, providing infrastructure development and improving the social welfare of citizens. However, the failure to fully collect local revenue has become one major administrative problem faced by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana. Low motivation and inadequate capacity of Revenue Collectors have been identified as a challenge in most MMDAs and this contributes to an ineffective and inefficient generation of local revenue. Studies on low revenue collection in Ghana mostly overlook factors affecting the revenue collection performance of personnel engaged in the collection of local revenue. This thesis adopted a quantitative approach by using regression analysis to examine factors that affect the revenue collection performance of Salaried and Commissioned Revenue Collectors in the Ga East and La Nkwatanang-Madina Municipal Assemblies. In addition the study determined the difference between the revenue collection performance of Salaried and Commissioned Revenue Collectors in these Assemblies. Results from the study indicate that earnings and experience positively affect revenue collection performance. Revenue Collectors in La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly on average collect more revenue compared to Revenue Collectors in Ga East Municipal Assembly. The thesis also finds that Commissioned Revenue Collectors on average collect more revenue compared to Salaried Revenue Collectors in both Assemblies. The study recommends an incentivized-based salary structure for Revenue Collectors. In addition, MMDAs should ensure that they retain Revenue Collectors with years of experience in revenue collection. For effective collection of revenue, it is also recommended that MMDAs engage the services of more Commissioned Revenue Collectors as they may help improve future revenue generation.
Addressing Poor Sanitation in the La Community of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality through Communication
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Anderson, M.T.
This study focuses essentially on investigating the extent of institutional cooperation among Zoomlion (waste management agency), the local government and other relevant stakeholders in addressing the sanitation crisis in the La community of LaDMA in Accra Ghana through the use of communication. The study employs the mixed-method research. Secondary data is obtained from journal articles, academic books and newspapers whiles primary data was collected through questionnaires and unstructured interviews. Major findings from the study reveal that Zoomlion cooperates with the LaDMA and other relevant stakeholders in the La community in utilising communication tools such as social media, television, radio, Zoomlion vans with sirens as strategic methods in addressing the sanitation crisis in the area. These strategies have greatly improved on the waste management situation in the La community as they result in increase in awareness creation, lobbying for effective policies and legislation against poor sanitation conditions, as well as, assisting in capacity building for addressing sanitation crisis in the area. However, there are a number of challenges which confront the various institutions and stakeholders in cooperation to address the sanitation challenges in the La community of LaDMA. These include, financial constraints, expertise personnel constraints, negative sanitation practices and behaviour, among others. The study therefore concludes that Zoomlion as a private waste management agency plays a significant role in cooperation with the Government (precisely LaDMA) and other relevant stakeholders in addressing the dire sanitation crisis in the La community through the use of effective communication tools and strategies. It is therefore recommended that LaDMA should continue to collaborate and cooperate effectively with Zoomlion and all major stakeholders in the La community, to be able to effectively tackle or totally eradicate filth from Ghana, with much emphasis on the La community of LaDMA
Assessing the Prospects of Green Energy Technologies Photovoltaic System As an Alternative Source Of Energy: The Case of Micro and Small Businesses in the La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality
(University Of Ghana, 2018-07) Samad, I.
This study assesses the prospects of green energy technologies (photovoltaic system) as an alternative source of energy in La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality. The assessment revolves around analyzing the influence of socioeconomic, institutional and technical factors on the adoption of green energy technologies (photovoltaic system) as an alternative source of energy by micro and small businesses. The data are drawn from the administration of questionnaires and in-depth interviews with the aid of an interview guide in La Nkwantanang-Madina. Data consist of a survey of 197 micro and small businesses and five (5) in-depth interviews. The survey was conducted to ascertain the level of education of respondents, business background of respondents, knowledge of green energy technologies, willingness to pay for solar energy technologies and their adoption decision of solar energy technologies as an alternative source of energy. The in-depth interviews were done to assess the existence and nature of policies and/or regulations on solar energy technologies and their influence on adoption in La Nkwantanang-Madina, the cost of solar energy technologies, the rate of demand, payment plans for consumers, and the efficiency of solar energy technologies and so on. The data were analyzed in terms of the relationship between social, economic, institutional and technical factors and the adoption of solar energy technologies as an alternative source of energy by micro and small businesses. The findings show that the adoption of solar energy technologies is influenced by factors such as the level of education of respondents, business type of respondents, respondents’ perception about the efficiency of solar energy technologies and the cost of these technologies. The further assessment indicated that businesses are willing to incur some level of cost in the adoption of solar energy technologies. Taking advantage of the willingness of businesses to pay for solar energy technologies will require the government and other stakeholders to initiate policies (e.g. subsidies) that will facilitate the adoption of these technologies. It was however found that people’s knowledge of these technologies, business value, monthly electricity expenditure of businesses the rate (cost) of electricity from the grid, institutional setup the existence of by-laws and gender of respondents are less likely to exert significant influence on the adoption decision of micro and small businesses in La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality. Based on the findings, the study therefore concludes that the prospects of solar energy technologies as an alternative source of energy is appreciable but for the adoption of these technologies to be significant there is the need for institutions and measures to address the factors that have significant influence on the adoption decisions of respondents in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality.
The Determinants Of Ownerships Of Toilet Facilities Among Households In Madina-Zongo In The La Nkwantang Municipality, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2018-01) Nambo, D.
Quite often sanitation issues have been relegated to the background, nevertheless development economists suggest that achieving high sanitation standards can save the economies of low and middle-income countries of almost 5% of their Gross Domestic Products (GDP) (Hutton, 2015; 2012). Indeed, the selected theme ‘Toilets and Jobs’ for the 2016 UN World Toilet Day (WTD) emphasized the vital role toilets play in creating strong economies, improving health and protecting people’s safety and dignity (UN Water, 2016). This underscores the importance of the present study in Madina-Zongo. The study was conducted to assess the level of access to improved toilet facilities and the factors that influence the ownership of toilets facilities among households in Madina-Zongo. The study used a mixed method strategy. 170 households were interviewed, and the data was summarized in frequencies tables, cross-tabulations and logistic regression. In addition, 5 in-depth and a key informant interviews were conducted to triangulate with the quantitative analysis. The study found that only 30% of the households own improved technologies exclusively reserved for their households. About 24% rely only on public toilets and another 44% depends on shared facilities, which includes 3.53% of facilities considered as unimproved. Compared to poor households, low income and high income households were more likely to own improved toilets, statistically significant at 5% and 1% respectively. Compared to heads of households who had no formal education background, educated households were more likely to own an improved toilet, statistically significant at 5% and 1% for head’s with basic/secondary education and higher education, respectively. The chances are that a household size that increases more than 4 in the study area will less likely owned an improved toilet, statistically significant at 5%.
Microcredit And Women Empowerment: A Case Study of The “Women In Development” Program in La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly
(University Of Ghana, 2017-07) Adaawen, D.A.
Microcredit has been identified to be an effective tool for empowering women. Evidence from the literature suggests that access to microcredit has the power to improve their productive capacity. The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly introduced the “Women in Development” program to provide credit to women groups to expand on their income generating activities. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of microcredit on women empowerment. The study also sought to investigate the type or kind of income generating activities beneficiaries engaged in. Finally, the study sought to assess the challenges beneficiaries encountered in managing and using their credit. The study employed the survey method using structured questionnaires and interview guide. It also used face-to-face interviews and in-depth interviews. All the 100 beneficiaries took part in the face-to-face interviews and 8 beneficiaries were engaged in the in-depth interviews. The results revealed that access to microcredit helps expand the income generating activities of the beneficiaries. It was also established from the study that access to microcredit affected beneficiaries’ decision-making positively in terms of decisions regarding their own health, children’s education and health, making purchases and decisions regarding their mobility. Access to credit has also improved upon the family and social relationships of these women. A major challenge encountered by the women was the size of the credit, which affects the progress of their Income Generating Activities (IGAs). It was therefore recommended that government should increase funding to District Assemblies to enable them increase the amount of loans given to them.
Micro-Credit and the Socioeconomic Wellbeing of Women. A Case Study of Queen of Peace Co-Operative Credit Union
(University Of Ghana, 2017-07) Abayateye, T.O.
Women lack economic resources, and have limited access to financial and non-financial resources. Over the years, credit facilities have been made available to women in the hope of improving their wellbeing. However, some school of thought have remained critical about the role micro-credit plays in the wellbeing of women. Given this, this study sought to explore the extent to which micro-credit can improve or contribute to the wellbeing of women, with emphasis on their income levels, asset accumulation and how they dealt with health issues. The study was conducted in the context of La Nkwantanang Madina Assembly. A qualitative approach was used to gain the experiences of women members of Queen of Peace Co-operative Credit Union. Findings from the study show that majority of the women experienced increases in their income levels, bringing about increased contribution to household expenditures and in the education of their wards. Support from spouses of the women also played a role in this regard. The findings from the study also showed that a significant number of the women experienced increases in asset accumulation as well as the credit enabling them to deal with health issues. The study also found out that the purpose for which the loan was put, played a significant role in the socioeconomic wellbeing of the women. Organizations seeking to improve the wellbeing of women through the provision of micro-credit can focus on helping the women invest in income generating activities, as this might trickle down to other areas of their wellbeing such as their health and the education of their wards.
Factors Influencing Loan Repayment among Microenterprises in the Greater Accra Region: A Case Study of La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality.
(University Of Ghana, 2017-07) Abukari, R.
Although microenterprises contribute significantly to the growth and development of every country, they are confronted with double-barren issues of access to credit and loan repayment. Existing studies that have attempted to estimate factors associated with loan repayment have also relied heavily on limited micro-finance datasets while others have concentrated on loan repayment among farmers and thus leaving loan repayment among microenterprises at the regional and national level largely unexplored. This study therefore explored socioeconomic factors and loan conditions that associate with loan repayment among microenterprises in the Greater Accra region using a nationwide survey dubbed the Ghana Socioeconomic Panel Data Survey of 2014. The survey had 5009 households and covered several aspects of debt holdings for household members. A total of 144 (26.8%) households with debt holdings for the Greater Accra region were compared to 1420 (33.5%) debt holdings for other regions as well as 678 (36.5%) debt holdings for households with microenterprises. The loan conditions and socioeconomic factors associated with loan repayment for these debt holdings were compared to situations of Greater Accra region, Ghana and households with microenterprises. To ensure triangulation of data, in-depth interviews with some purposively selected micro-entrepreneurs were conducted to further deepen the understanding of the factors that influence loan repayment of households. The study found that in the Greater Accra region, borrowers with some level of formal education were less likely to repay their loans compared with borrowers without any form of education. It was also found that borrowers who obtained loans for the purposes of consumer goods were less likely to repay their loans. The study recommends that creditors of loans to microenterprises in iii the Greater Accra region should consider factors such as age, educational level, purpose of loan and sources of loan in designing credit facilities to determine who is likely to pay back a loan on time.
Assessing the Progress towards Improved Water Accessibility in Urban Accra: A Case Study at Dome
(University Of Ghana, 2017-10) Dadson, J.K.
Several reports around the globe point to the fact that access to water has improved in many parts of the world. However, there are still many people who are not able to access improved water. Many people mostly children around the world die from illnesses associated with inadequate and poor water supply. Ghana has the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and a National Water Policy in place to provide potable water. However, the people in Dome in Accra still have challenges with access to improved water. The study used data from the fifth and sixth rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey to assess the extent of improvement in improved water accessibility and the factors that influence access to improved water, and a qualitative study at Dome assessing the current situation in accessing improved water. Age, gender, education and welfare index were found to be significant and positive. Even though there has been some improvement in potable water availability in Dome, access to improved drinking water reduced by one percent over the period between the two rounds of survey. The decline resulted from increase in the population culminating in high demand of water supply services and challenges with logistics, power supply, illegal connections, debt owed GWCL by default customers and pressure on the machines due to population growth. The qualitative study revealed that even though unimproved and relatively expensive, those who provide water though the tanker services were more reliable than the GWCL. The major problem of the residents is that although they pay heavily for pipe borne water (GWCL) services they do not receive the required quality of services. The GWCL should use each decade’s population and housing census to help in planning in order to anticipate and meet the demands of the growing population. The GWCL needs to enforce its laws including prosecution on unauthorized tapping of water from its transmission pipes and non-payment of bills to generate the needed resources to acquire and maintain its machine.
Assessing Factors Affecting Property Rate Compliance Behaviour in Ghana: The Case of Ga East Municipality
(University Of Ghana, 2017-07) Samuel, G.
Property taxation is the backbone of local government revenue across the globe. Thus, property tax non-compliance behaviour threatens the independence, sustainability and development effort of local governments. This study sought to examine factors affecting property rate compliance behaviour in Ghana: the case of Ga East Municipality. Specifically, the study sought to assess property owners‟ level of knowledge of property rate laws, and the determinant factors of compliance behaviour. The study employed a mixed method. A total of 120 property owners were interviewed using a survey instrument and two key informant interviews were conducted with the Municipal Rating Office and the Municipal Deputy Finance Director. Logistic regression model was used to examine determinants of property rate compliance behaviour while descriptive statistics was used to asses knowledge of property rate law among property owners. Findings of the study indicate that majority of the property owners representing 53 per cent are not aware of property rate laws in Ghana. Logistics regression result also shows that female property owners are more likely to pay property rate then male property owners. Also, property owners perception of the complexity of the tax system was found to significant negatively correlated with rate compliance behaviour. However, knowledge of property rate laws and rate education was found to have no significant relationship with rate compliance. The study therefore recommends that property rate education focus on providing owners with education that helps them to understand the tax system, and the adoption of compliance process that eliminate human interaction and facilitate easy compliance with respect to time and cost.
Climate Smart Agriculture Adoption by Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study of Anafobiisi and Gowrie-Kunkua Communities in the Bongo District of Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2015-07) Alare, R.S.
Climate smart agriculture (CSA) has been proposed as the best way forward for agriculture in the face of climate change. This study was conducted to survey the types of CSA practices in Anafobiisi and Gowrie-Kunkua communities in the Bongo district of the Upper East Region of Ghana, and also to investigate the role of local institutions in facilitating the adoption of such practices and the impacts on livelihoods. Results of the study indicated that commonly adopted CSA practices included intercropping (100%) residue management (98%), improved forages (97%), composting (96%), crop rotation (96%), improved crop varieties (81%), planting on contours or ridges (76%), stone or grass bunds (69%), household and or community tree planting (64%), minimal tillage (44%), improved livestock breeding (16%), mulching (15%), irrigation (18%), manure management (2%) and rain water harvesting(2%). Major factors influencing the adoption of CSA included household head type, household size, awareness, income, and nature of the land. Financial constraints, water shortages, small land space, and insufficient information were the main reasons for the non-adoption of CSA practices. Survey results from institutional interviews indicated that institutions working within the district were effectively facilitating the adoption of CSA practices among smallholder farmers. An assessment of the impact of adoption of CSA practices on livelihoods showed that the adoption of some CSA practices has contributed to household food security, improved wellbeing and improved social inclusion among respondents. The study concluded that farmers in Anafobiisi and Gowrie-Kunkua are willing to adopt CSA practices, but will need additional support, knowledge and training to successfully adopt these practices
An Exploration Of Factors That Lead To Success Of Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises In Ga East Municipality
(University of Ghana, 2016-03) Daamah, S.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have over the years developed to become an important driver of economic growth. Ideas are transformed into opportunities which have provided jobs for a large number of people outside formal jobs through the setting up of small businesses. This study focuses on the Ga-East municipality. The objectives are to identify the factors that lead to MSMEs success and also the major challenges faced by MSMEs operators. Using an ordered probit model with primary data, the study reveals that age and years of education of microenterprise owners as well as sound bookkeeping practices determine business success. The study further revealed that the major challenge faced by business owners is fuel and transportation costs. It is recommended that government give further training to firms regarding sound bookkeeping to further enhance their productivity. In addition, government must make entrepreneurship education a priority so that majority of people upon completion of formal education would have entrepreneurial skills. Also, government must work on the transportation sector and the macro-economy as a whole to bring down transportation cost and cost of credit.
The Positive And Negative Effects Of Dump Sites On Economic Livelihood Of People. A Case Study Of The Abokobi Dump Site
(University of Ghana, 2014-12) Dawaare, T.
Globally, developing economies have relatively high production and consumption patterns which produce huge amounts of waste which normally ends up at dump sites. This study therefore sorts to identify further the positive and negative effects of the Abokobi dump site on livelihood. In all, 122 respondents were interviewed using self administered questionnaires and interviews. They were made up of 60 waste pickers, 60 non waste pickers and two officers, one each from the municipal assembly and the Abokobi dump site. The Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact and Response framework was used in the analysis to assess the dump site and its effects on livelihoods in four thematic areas; Factors that serve as drivers at the Abokobi dump site, resulting pressures and state of the dump site, Impacts of the dump site to livelihoods and Measures undertaken as a response to minimise management of dump sites. Results of the study showed that the Abokobi dump site is managed by the Zoomlion Waste Management Company and management is done with the use of a bulldozer, a compactor and an excavator therefore burning of refuse is not a method of management but happens as a result of combustion of gasses. The dump site aids in the breeding of mosquitoes, houseflies and rodents aside the air pollution and all these pose negative effects on livelihood but it again serves the livelihood of waste pickers. As a recommendation to the study, a composting facility should be constructed at the dump site which will be responsible for turning waste into other products such as fertilizers and that capping of gases in order to ensure a balanced situation between non waste pickers and waste pickers.
Microfinance Access: Challenges of Credit Delivery to Crop Farmers in the Yilo Krobo District
(University Of Ghana, 2014-07) Ohene, M.K
Accessibility by farmers to is considered as a challenge.. This study explores the difficulties encountered by crop farmers in accessing micro finance assistance to boost their production. Generally, the objective of this study is to establish the extent to which microfinance institutions’ services are accessible to crop farmers and the underlying factors influencing the delivery in Somanya in the Yilo Krobo District. The study adopted a two-stage sampling approach of cluster and random sampling. It covers all crop farmers who have knowledge about microfinance institutions and is a recognised zonal member, are microfinance beneficiaries / have attempted to obtain microcredit from micro finance institutions in suburbs of Somanya but most importantly with knowledge of microfinance institutions. Data was collected using the quantitative instrument of questionnaires for primary data. Secondary data was obtained from the District Directorate of Agriculture, the internet among others. The findings indicate that in terms of types of MFIs there are Four microfinance institutions that were identified as operating in the area namely Rural Banks, Financial Non Governmental Organizations (FNGOs), Government owned institutions and Savings and Loans Company. It was noted that more than half (51.6%) of the time, MFIs provide no reason for refusing loans while 12.9% claim crop farmers are deemed not creditworthy. The MFIs, also maintained that due to farmers’ inability to meet the relevant collaterals/guarantee demands they are unable to obtain the loans. Moreover, MFIs see crop farmers as risky clients who have a high probability of default. The findings also reveal a high level inaccessibility to micro finance services by farmers. Though respondents have good knowledge of MFIs, as much as 80.6% have never had access to financial services provided by these MFIs. Only 19.4% enjoy access once a while. In relation to difficulty of access as much as 87.1% either did not get the loan or said it was very difficult to access. The hypothesis also proved that there is a significant and positive relationship between number of acres cultivated and access to loans. This was significant at r = -0.587 and p = 0.001. The more the acres one cultivated the easier the access to loans. A major recommendation is that government must take a serious look at agricultural productivity and to get involved with direct microfinance interventions to advance micro loans as a form of a prop up of the informal sector and especially provide irrigation services to promote off season farming.
Mobilisation of Internally Generated Funds in the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly; Realities, Prospects and Challenges.
(University Of Ghana, 2014-07) Aboagye, A.A.
Decentralisation comes with concepts such as fiscal decentralisation and autonomy which enjoins local governments to generate revenue from internal sources. The local government reforms in the 1990s and its subsequent Local Government Act in 1993 provide for a number of instruments to empower local governments in their local revenue generation. The internally generated funds (IGFs) are the own-sourced revenue of local governments in the country. It is revenue generated, accessed and utilised by district assemblies. However, the biggest challenge facing district assemblies is their inability to mobilise IGFs for local development. This study examines the realities in IGF mobilisation, the challenges confronting the municipal assembly in their local revenue generation and other potential local sources of revenue that can be utilised by the Assembly. The case study approach was used to study IGF mobilisation in the Awutu Senya East Municipality, which is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Ghana. Data were collected through in-depth interviews of people with knowledge of the subject area within the municipality. The study found out the assembly to an extent has been reaching its targets for IGF, but it was found out that these targets were not realistic considering the revenue potential of the municipality. It was also found that the assembly faces a number of challenges in its revenue generation, key among them include the leakages in the revenue system, absence of well documented data on revenue sources and a host of others. Possible solutions to these problems have been provided. The study also came out with viable local sources of revenue that is currently not being utilised by the assembly. These sources are to enable the assembly boost IGF generation in the municipality. The study acknowledged that, the inconsistencies in the central government transfers to the assembly coupled with the unrealistic targets set by the assembly in its IGF generation, has resulted in the inability of the assembly to expand the provision of services to the community. Revenues generated from local sources are used to finance the administration of the assembly resulting in their inability to provide the needed services within the municipality. The study therefore made suggestions geared towards the effective mobilisation of IGFs to enable the assembly generate realistic revenues from local sources to finance developmental projects in the municipality.
Maternal Mortality Audit, a tool to identify the causes of maternal mortality with communities’ perspective, a case study of Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality
(University Of Ghana, 2014-12) Asamoah, A.O
As the world gradually enters the last stage of MDGs target, concerns are raised with countries lacking the achievement of MDGs 5 on maternal mortality. In the 2010 Ghana Population and Housing Census, it is indicated that 33,347 women died in the last 12 months preceding the census. Out of the number, 3,026 are recorded as pregnancy-related deaths (i.e. died during pregnancy, delivery or within 42 days of the termination of a pregnancy - GSS, 2012). Since the development of the MDG 5, considerable progress has been made by some countries whiles others remain stagnated. However, challenge still remains on measurement of maternal mortality, including number of deaths, their causes and circumstances in low-income countries. One of the best strategies and cost effective way of addressing maternal mortality is the use of maternal audit tool to identify the root cause of maternal mortality. This study therefore aimed at identifying the main causes of maternal mortality in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri District and how maternal death audit together with community assessment brings out these causes. Moreover, the study also reviewed the various approaches adopted by the district in addressing the causes of maternal mortality. The study used both quantitative and qualitative analyses in drawing conclusions on findings from the field. Both primary and secondary data were collected for analysis. The study used both simple random and purposive sampling technique to sample community members, institutions including Health Directorate, Nsawam Hospital, and some health facilities in the district. A total of 125 community women were interviewed at the community. Additionally, two FGDs were conducted for 10 community members (five in each community) and 8 health staff interviewed. The study observed that maternal mortality data was only available for district hospital. The health directorate had no record of community-level maternal death. However, with a follow up to the community, it was observed that three maternal deaths had occurred at the community level. For the period under review in this research, seven facility-based maternal deaths were recorded with 20020 live births. This comes to confirm the challenges that come with analysing maternal death trends in the country. The recorded seven maternal deaths give an institutional maternal mortality rate of 35 deaths per 100000 live births for the period under the review. The study established a positive relationship between maternal audit and causes of maternal death. Through the various maternal audits conducted by the district health directorate, it was observed that the leading direct causes of maternal mortality are eclampsia, haemorrhage and obstructed labour. The indirect cause of maternal mortality was identified to be anaemia. It is therefore important to note that any strategy that addresses maternal mortality should consider providing comprehensive education on maternal care including nutrition. To ascertain the causes of maternal mortality a maternal audit team is established to collect data on three different contributing factors: technical, managerial and others (not limited to socio-cultural factors). Strategies adopted to curb any further cause of maternal mortality include emergency community transport system, community awareness campaigns and community outreach health care delivery. The study therefore recommends that the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Health Directorate through the Public Health Unit should strengthen its structures on the ground to be able to report all maternal death cases in the community. Additionally, the audit process should include community members and deceased’s relatives to help establish the socio-cultural causes of maternal death.
“Inclusive Education In Ghana: An Investigation into the Factors That Promote the Academic Success of Special Needs Children at the Primary School Level”
(University Of Ghana, 2016-02) Adams, I.M.
The study entailed an investigation into the factors that promote the academic success of special needs children at the primary school level. The study was carried out in Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly in two of the 10 inclusive schools three years after the municipality started piloting inclusive education. The study examined the link between the academic success of Special Educational Needs (SEN) children and the following variables: the behaviours and attitudes of SEN children; school environment and support services; teaching and learning methodologies; and parental and family involvement. The study adopted a mixed method approach employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and sampling techniques. The data were collected using a questionnaire, a quantitative data collection template and an interview schedule. The sample size was 37, which included SEN children, parents, classroom teachers, SEN Resource Teachers and the Municipal Special Education Division Officer from 2 schools. The data was collected and analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative data collected were the examination scores of three subjects for the 20 SEN children interviewed, which were analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test to test how both children‟s behaviour and attitudes and parental involvement influenced the academic success of SEN children in inclusive schools. Correlation analysis was used to test the association between school environment and support services and the academic success of SEN children. The qualitative data was classified to identify themes. The findings of the study showed that SEN children interacted well with their non-SEN classmates and were motivated and encouraged to be in school and learn. The study also found a positive and significant relationship between average score and positive attitude. The study showed no relationship between access and usage of school facilities and the average score of the SEN children. However, almost all the respondents interviewed reported the non-availability of these educational support services as having a negative impact on the learning outcomes and academic success of the SEN children. The study further reported that, as a result of the use of teaching and learning methodologies, the academic performance of children had improved. Teaching and learning methodologies adopted by the teachers in teaching SEN children were seen to be effective because of how they motivated and encouraged SEN children to participate in the learning process. There was a positive correlation between the impact of parental and family involvement in the education and academic success of SEN children. Among the recommendations made was that the physical environment or school compound of inclusive schools be safe and comfortable for both teachers and pupils regarding accessibility to the school buildings and easy movement around the teaching and learning areas. The study also recommended that all the inclusive schools should be provided with the required educational support services in the form of teaching and learning aids.
Free Maternal Health Care Policy and Access to Supervised Care at Birth: Experiences from the Central Region of Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2015-07) Asante-Sarpong, V
Improving maternal healthcare remains a major public health concern globally but particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, maternal mortality continues to be pervasive and improvements have been rather slow. Investing in supervised and emergency obstetric care resources has been touted as one major strategy to avoiding preventable maternal deaths. The clustering of mortality around delivery, and the dominance of hemorrhage, infections, and hypertensive disorders as major causes of death, brings out the significance of skilled attendance at birth and immediately after. To improve access to supervised care at birth, the Ghanaian government in 2003 introduced the user fee exemption policy for maternal healthcare. Some studies have identified some level of increase in access to supervised care after the introduction of the policy. There is however a gap in the literature on community experiences with accessing and utilizing services under the policy which is critical to understanding utilization patterns. This study used in-depth/semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey to investigate women and health provider experiences with delivery care use under the policy in the Central Region of Ghana, a region with worsening skilled attendance at birth even though it remains one of the policy’s pilot regions. Aday and Andersen’s (1974) theoretical model of access to medical care was adapted for the study. The results showed that awareness of the free maternal healthcare policy amongst mothers was very high (97.3% of respondents). This was however not matched by comprehensive knowledge on the full benefit package women are entitled to under the policy particularly emergency delivery and post-delivery services. Generally, use of delivery care was relatively lower (65%) compared with the very high awareness level. Comparing utilization patterns across the study districts, use was higher for women residing in the Cape Coast metropolitan area than for those in the Assin North municipal area. Maternal age, religion, parity, place of residence, awareness and knowledge about the free maternal healthcare policy were identified as main predictors of delivery service use under the policy. Findings on women’s delivery experiences under the policy showed that most women were motivated to access care under the policy because they understood the need for skilled care particularly around the time of delivery which the policy offers at no cost. Even though delivery care was largely free as stipulated by the policy, access to and use of care was hampered by transportation challenges primarily related to poor road infrastructure and non-availability of regular transport. Health system challenges related to healthcare infrastructure and personnel and attitudes and competence of staff were also noted. The study also found that healthcare providers were enthusiastic about the policy, as it had offered them the opportunity to provide timely maternity services to clients who were able to report to facilities early because maternity services are offered for free. Majority of the midwives interviewed were, however, concerned about limited infrastructure and medical supplies as well as staff with midwifery skills to cater for the increasing numbers of women who access care under the policy. Two important development policy and research agenda have emerged from the results of the study. With regards to research agenda, the findings have brought to bear the need for research into actual gaps in the availability of midwives and projections into future midwifery requirements to improve women’s access to supervised care at birth. The main policy recommendation from the work is that there should be increased education on the full benefit package of the free maternal healthcare policy to ensure optimum use of ante-natal, delivery and post-natal care (PNC) services among women in all accredited facilities. Overall, the study provides a more comprehensive understanding of utilization of healthcare services under the policy from the micro level. Additionally, it contributes to current scientific literature and on-going debates regarding fee exemption initiatives for maternal healthcare and achieving MDG 5 on maternal health.
Gender Differences In Access To, And Use Of, Farmlands: A Case Study Of Abokobi In The Ga East Municipality
(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Appiah, J.A
Agriculture is the main pillar of Ghana’s development and the majority of food producers are women. However, women and men do not always have equal access to farmlands. Disparities in access and control over agricultural productive resources contribute to a high incidence of poverty especially for women. This study therefore used Abokobi in the Ga-East Municipality as a case to examine the gender difference in access to and use of farmland. The objectives of the study were to examine the gender differences, if any, in farm production characteristics; investigate the constraints women face in accessing farmlands; and to examine the gender differences in the economic wellbeing at the household level. The study employed a snow ball technique to select 150 farmers from Abokobi. Descriptive statistical tools, proportion test, t-test and a logit model were used to present the findings of the study. Contrary to what one might expect, the study found no statistically significant difference in farm production characteristics between men and women. With regards to their economic wellbeing, though men appeared to have higher per capita income and expenditure than females, the differences were not statistically significant. However, men had higher asset index than women. Based on the study, it appears efforts aimed at advocating for women’s right may be yielding some benefits. However, given that women are less empowered economically in terms of asset accumulation, more work needs to be done to remove the economic constraint and thereby further boost equity between men and women.
Effects of Urbanization on Access to Livelihood Resources: Experiences of Farm Families in the Ga West Municipality, Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2015-07) Cofie, E.N.K
Ghana has been lauded for being able to achieve the MDG target of “halving the proportion of those living in extreme poverty before the target date of 2015” (Ghana Statistical Service, 2013). But livelihood activities in the rural areas, which are dominated by farming, have become exposed to higher risks and vulnerabilities with new threats to access to resources. For example, with increasing urbanisation landowners are withdrawing land from farming for other uses leaving farmers stranded. The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of urbanization on access to livelihood resources by farmer households in Ga West Municipality and the adaptive strategies employed by affected families to formulate resilient livelihood. The study used a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection to elicit information from respondents. This involved two (2) community focus group discussions, eight (8) key informants’ interviews at community and Municipal Assembly level and 71 household interviews in a total of five (5) communities. Three of these communities were used as study communities and two were control communities in the Ga West Municipality. The quantitative data from household interviews were analysed using SPSS version 16.0 and Microsoft excel to generate descriptive statistics. The focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were analyzed thematically. The main finding was that urbanization and changes in population trends caused smallholder farm families to lose more than 70% of their farmlands to sand winners and estate developers. This subsequently led to reduced access to related farm resources, including, labour, technology and credit. Young people and farmers are drifting into off-farm activities. Women have resorted to selling cooked food and petty trading, which need minimal initial capital. On the positive side, parents are now sending their children to school to wean them off dependency on the land. It is recommended that central government together with local government institutions in peri-urban areas should not only acquire land for huge housing and other infrastructural development purposes, but in addition, create access to farmlands through deliberate government policy formulation aimed at conserving fertile farmlands for smallholder farmers. This would ensure that people whose livelihoods are land based have access to land for farming purposes at all times to protect them against changing demands for land for non-agricultural use.

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