Centre for Social Policy Studies
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Socio-Economic Impacts Of Scholarship On Student Mobility: The Case Of Kenyan Students Studying Abroad(University Of Ghana, 2022-06) Juma, L.A.The purpose of this study was to examine the socio-economic impacts of scholarships on student mobility, using Kenyan students studying abroad as a case. The focus is on geographic mobility where students leave their home country to study in a foreign country due to scholarship funding. In the recent past, there has been an increase in the number of scholarships globally translating to an increased number of students moving away from their home countries to gain knowledge from foreign countries. Such cases have been predominant, particularly in students moving from developing nations like Kenya to developed ones. However, these movements are also present from developed to developing, between developing nations, and between developed nations. As a result, this study sought to determine the social and economic impacts of scholarships towards this increased movement. This is critical as it essentially dislodges the inclination that researchers have towards student mobility for degree student social life, city offerings, where academic performance, talent, and work experience are considered wholesome contributory factors for scholarships and brings focus on opportunities for economic and social development. Other specific objectives included exploring the motivation, application processes, and major destination countries for student mobility through scholarships, exploring the nature of migration preparation processes for student mobility through scholarships, evaluating the economic and social impacts of scholarships on student mobility, and evaluating the challenges and possible solutions of scholarships on student mobility. To satisfy these objectives, the study had a mix of both qualitative and quantitative study designs wherein a survey with 80 participants guided data collection with key informant interviews also conducted for data saturation. Literature was reviewed to give a general overview of the research subject and to identify material that might aid in achieving the study’s goals. The researcher conducted a study of students who had or were studying abroad on scholarships. This was accomplished by online administration of questionnaires and interviews with all respondents selected using snowball sampling method. The data was then gathered, analyzed, presented, and evaluate to arrive at the study’s conclusions. Primarily the study was able to establish that the primary motivating factor for scholarships was encouragement by professors which was supported by 34% of the respondents. Apart from this, the most significant push factor was limited financial support in the home country supported by 73.3% of the respondents while the most significant pull factor the was availability of financial aid indicated by 96.7% of the respondents. The results show that scholarships indeed have significant social and economic impacts. The social impacts included increased social and religious interactions which were supported by 86.7% of the respondents, strengthened commitment which 83.3% of the respondents indicated that they had experienced, global learning and international understanding which was experienced by 70% of the respondents, and enhanced professional and leadership life. For the economic impacts, the study confirms leverage on tuition fees which was indicated by 100% of the respondents, leverage on transportation and accommodation indicated by 86.7% of the respondents, increased financial freedom and maturity which was experienced by 70% of the respondents, while responsibility, increased earnings, and employment potential was indicated by 56.7% of the respondents. The report thus recommends that there is a need for the Kenyan Government through the Ministry of Education to collaborate with the scholarship-providing institutions to optimize the social and economic impacts as they directly or indirectly benefit the nation.Item Decentralization And Agricultural Development In The Ho West District Of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2022-04) Dzakaklo, T.K.Most governments across the globe resorted to decentralisation of public services to the local government authorities as a solution to central government failures, and as a means to ensure popular participation in the development planning of their localities. The government of Ghana operationalized the decentralisation of the agriculture department as part of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in 2012 as a way of ensuring participation of the local stakeholders including farmers in its development. Against this backdrop, this study was pursued to analyse the extent, and the dynamics of the agricultural sector decentralisation and its contributions to food security in the Ho West District of Ghana. This research was conducted using a mixed research method with an exploratory design. A sample size of 377 consisting of food crop farmers, some core staff of the Ho West District Assembly and some technical staff of the Department of Agriculture in the Ho West District. The study revealed a poor implementation of decentralisation of the agriculture department which resulted in the lack of financial autonomy, delays in the allocation of statutory funding, and failure of the transfer of the needed resources to accompany the policy. In addition, the study showed that, even though decentralisation of the agriculture department in Ho West has contributed to the participation of local stakeholders in the decision-making, it has not translated into ensuring food security in the District. Additionally, the study found an incomplete fiscal decentralisation of the department resulting in lack of the fiscal autonomy necessary for effective operations of the department. The study recommends a complete fiscal decentralisation, adequate and timely allocation of financial resources to the department, and the need for the deployment of qualified and adequate number of agricultural extension agents to the District.Item The Role Of Non-Governmental Organizations In Urban Poverty Reduction: The Case Of Ayawaso West Municipality(University Of Ghana, 2020-10) Mukaddas, F.Poverty in Ghana has often been described as being a rural phenomenon and as a result the focus of the various poverty reduction programmes in the country has mainly concentrated on the rural communities. However, recent studies have identified the incidence of poverty in in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), including Ayawaso West Municipality, to be increasing. This study examined the various roles being played by the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Ayawaso West Municipality in addressing poverty. The study employed an explanatory research design with an interview guide as the primary research instrument for collecting the data. Sixty-seven (67) respondents who were beneficiaries of the various activities of NGOs were sampled for the study. The study showed that most NGOs contribute to poverty reduction through their involvement in capacity building and empowerment of the poor in income generating activities and advocacy. The study suggests that NGOs need to review their strategies in the areas of service delivery and advocacy roles in urban areas to remain relevant to the current development discourse. Further, effective collaboration between Government and NGOs is necessary to ensure that urban poverty is reduced to enhance the chances of Ghana attaining the Sustainable Development Goal Number One.Item An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Learning Outcomes Of Pupils In Kasoa(University Of Ghana, 2021-07) Intsiful, R.E.The poor performance of students' in Ghana continues to be a concern. Several studies have identified a range of factors that contribute to this. This study contributes to that literature by analysing student based factors that affect the learning outcomes of students. To identify the student based factors, comparison was made with respondents who proceeded to the Senior High School after completing the Junior High School and those who did not further their education. The study was guided by the input-process –output system theory and the motivational system theory. A survey approach was adopted for the study. The target population of 120 students were purposively selected in Kasoa in the central region of Ghana. Sixty of these young people (30 females, 30 males) were in SHS while another 60 (30 females, 30 males) had completed the BECE but not continued to the SHS. Drawing on the Input- Process-Output theory, the inputs that were responsible for low academic performance of students in the public schools in Kasoa were socio-demographic background, health status, students’ attitude, peer pressure and social media. In particular, the socio-demographic background was seen as a critical input for success as it draws specifically on the educational and occupational backgrounds of parents. The educational level of parents has a significant relationship on the academic performance of students whereas there is no significant relationship for the respondents who live with a guardian. The likelihood of proceeding to SHS, depended on whether a mother had at least some primary school education or more and whether a father had tertiary education. The effect was starker for girls than for boys. Parents with education take greater interest in their children’s education by purchasing more books to supplement their school work and exhibiting general interest in their education. The Motivational System Theory is centred on individual student attitudes. It was found in the study that the understanding and the importance of education to the student plays a critical role in how they see schooling and education. The understanding informs their attitude of whether to further to the senior high school or not. It also influences the absenteeism rate, skipping of school and study pattern. Also, the rate at which one leaves the school to hang out with friends was attributed to peer pressure which is premised on one's attitude which is drawn from the motivational system theory. Some students experienced positive peer pressure while some encountered negative peer pressure. These negative encounters led some of the students to ignore their books, chatting while a teacher was teaching and playing all the time which contributed to their poor academic performance. The poor health status of some learners also contributed to their poor academic performance. Their absence to school meant they missed several instructional hours which teachers hardly repeat what was taught in their absence. Even though most of the students did not have smart phone to be on social media, the people who had it recount how they were lured into internet fraud, betting and watching of pornography which negatively affected their academic performance. The study clearly shows that students encounter many challenges that need timely intervention to improve their academic performance. Hence, it helps to identify factors that contribute to the poor performance of students in Kasoa and may be used to make decisions on how to enhance academic performance.Item Decentralisation And Agricultural Development In The Ho West District Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-04) Dzakaklo, T.K.Most governments across the globe resorted to decentralisation of public services to the local government authorities as a solution to central government failures, and as a means to ensure popular participation in the development planning of their localities. The government of Ghana operationalized the decentralisation of the agriculture department as part of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in 2012 as a way of ensuring participation of the local stakeholders including farmers in its development. Against this backdrop, this study was pursued to analyse the extent, and the dynamics of the agricultural sector decentralisation and its contributions to food security in the Ho West District of Ghana. This research was conducted using a mixed research method with an exploratory design. A sample size of 377 consisting of food crop farmers, some core staff of the Ho West District Assembly and some technical staff of the Department of Agriculture in the Ho West District. The study revealed a poor implementation of decentralisation of the agriculture department which resulted in the lack of financial autonomy, delays in the allocation of statutory funding, and failure of the transfer of the needed resources to accompany the policy. In addition, the study showed that, even though decentralisation of the agriculture department in Ho West has contributed to the participation of local stakeholders in the decision-making, it has not translated into ensuring food security in the District. Additionally, the study found an incomplete fiscal decentralisation of the department resulting in lack of the fiscal autonomy necessary for effective operations of the department. The study recommends a complete fiscal decentralisation, adequate and timely allocation of financial resources to the department, and the need for the deployment of qualified and adequate number of agricultural extension agents to the District.Item The Prevalence And Burden Of Black Tax In Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-07) Mensah, G.O.This study aimed at ascertaining the prevalence and the burden of black tax in Ghana. The concept of black tax is associated with the South African economy to describe the practice where internal migrants, transfer money to their extended families to help cushion the situation of poverty and vulnerabilities among other difficulties. The practice is ubiquitous as remittances, yet, the extant literature is restricted on the characteristics of remittance senders in Ghana and more specifically, the assistance individuals provide to families, as understood in the South African context. This study situates this phenomenon within the Ghanaian social context, and as an exploratory study seeks to investigate the nature, the prevalence, and the burden of black tax and the motivating factors that shape it in Ghana. Questionnaires and interviews formed the sources of primary tools used in the data gathering. A mixed-method research design (quantitative and qualitative) was adopted. The population of the study was made up of all local government service employees (LGSEs) in Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. With the help of a multi-stage sampling strategy including stratified and simple random sampling techniques, 190 employees were recruited to participate in the study, of which 25 participated in an in-depth interview. A semi-structured questionnaire, and an in-depth interview were used in collecting quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The qualitative data were transcribed, summarized, and classified in relation to the study objectives. The quantitative data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and Inferential statistics (Exploratory Factor Analysis) and presented in tables, and pie charts with the aid of the SPSS-version16. The results generally, highlight a significant prevalence of black tax but, is burdensome on respondents. Findings from the study revealed that more than half of respondents (69.5%) had dependents outside their nuclear family. The intended purpose for sending black tax to respondents was mostly for consumption/upkeep, education, healthcare, funeral occasions/ceremonies, business, and for religious contributions. Results from the Exploratory Factor Analysis also revealed that unemployment, old age/retirement, an act of kindness/sense of obligation, a feeling of indebtedness to parents, financial constraint, socio-cultural/family values, being gainfully employed or having a regular/stable source of income, perception of being rich, and expectations due to professional career position were factors that contributed to the prevalence of black tax/local remittance among respondents. Likewise, stress, pressure, budget deficits, loss of focus, and less or no funds to save or invest, as well as inadequate maintenance of respondents’ nuclear families were stated as the burden that black tax exerts on senders. Finally, the study recommends that government should review and expand its social protection programmes to reduce the burden on remitters and their households, as well as improve the salary structure of public servants.Item Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) And The Livelihoods Of Informal Workers: The Case Of Head Porters In The Greater Accra Region Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2023-01) Yunus, S.B.This study examined the effects of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the livelihoods of head porters and the coping strategies employed in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology involving semi-structured interviews and participant observation with 30 head porters at the Agbogbloshie and Makola markets and Tema station in order to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their livelihoods and the coping strategies employed in mitigating the effects of the pandemic. The study found that head porters went through different experiences including cases of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic particularly when lockdown measures were implemented in Ghana. The findings also revealed that as part of their experiences, given the precarious nature of their work, many head porters were faced with financial difficulties and became susceptible to COVID-19 infections. Notwithstanding, the study showed that the head porters were proactive in adopting coping strategies, prominent among them included reliance on their social networks particularly family and friends while others resorted to mitigating the effects of the pandemic on their livelihoods by drawing from their personal savings and seeking support from government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Generally, the findings in this study indicate the lack of effective social protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups in society including head porters in Ghana. The study therefore recommends the need for provision of skills training and enactment of laws and policies to promote the wellbeing of head portersItem Participation Of Older Persons In The Decision-Making Processes And Their Subjective Well-Being – A Study In The Greater Accra Region Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-09) Adjetey-Sorsey, E.Studies have identified the positive relationship between participation in decision-making and general well-being of individuals. The purpose of this study, which was undertaken in the Greater Accra Region, is to examine the contribution of participation of older persons in the decision-making process to their subjective well-being. The study adopted a sequential exploratory mixed-method design. The qualitative approach was firstly carried out to identify and understand the main issues of interest. Purposive sampling technique was used to engage the following: older persons, opinion leaders, traditional leaders and officials of relevant state agencies from the district to the national level, in series of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Subsequently, a multi-stage random sampling technique, including simple random sampling, systematic sampling and cluster sampling were employed to select 389 respondents in eight communities for the quantitative phase of the study. Multiple linear regression technique was employed to identify the relationship between variables of participation in decision-making and subjective well-being. The findings of both the qualitative and quantitative phases of the study revealed that the family and community provided better opportunities for older persons to participate in the decision-making process. The specific opportunities for the purpose included occupation of traditional leadership positions and performance of traditional and religious rites for the community, backed by the dominant belief and value systems of the community. Family and community conflicts, poverty and gender discrimination against women were major limitations for the participation of older persons in the decision-making process. The findings confirmed a positive relationship between some variables of participation in the decision-making process and subjective well-being of older persons. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between average monthly income, one of the proxies for participation in decision-making and subjective well-being of older persons. This suggests that having adequate income enhanced participation in decision-making – which eventually improved subjective well-being of the older person. It was therefore recommended that efforts at increasing coverage of both social insurance and social assistance schemes in the country should be intensified to ensure regular and sustainable income to older persons. Based on the identified observation that participation in decision-making by older persons generally enhances their subjective well-being, it is also recommended that relevant existing legislative and policy instruments should be amended to create increased opportunities for older persons to fully and effectively participate in the decision-making process from the community to the national level. It also came out of the study that women were sometimes discriminated against in the decision-making process mainly due to unfavourable socio-cultural environment. It is therefore suggested that policy attention should be directed at addressing the unfavourable environment faced by women in the decision-making process to ensure that no one is left behind in the process.Item Non-State Actors (NSAs) And Basic Education Development In Rural Ghana: The Case Of NGOs In Nkwanta South District In Oti Region(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Ahiaku, A.Q.Non-State Actors have played a vital role in delivering different interventions to support the government's effort in the context of alternative development in all sectors, including education, during the last several years. The efforts of non-state actors, particularly NGOs, have become increasingly important in attaining universal education. Thus, the goal of this research is to identify and analyze non-state actors and basic education development in rural Ghana, specifically in the Nkwanta South District of Ghana's Oti Region. The study used a descriptive research design with a mixed methods approach and a sample size of 107 people. The descriptive survey designs are aimed at determining the nature of the interventions offered by the NSAs and as they exist at the time of the study, by revealing how things are in their current state. The leaders and personnel of institutions (NGOs, GES-District Directorate, DA, and Traditional Authorities) as well as parents were chosen using both purposive and random sampling procedures. Furthermore, data was collected using interviews, both open and close ended questionnaires, with participants being asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement on a range of research questions in order to achieve the study's goals — Non- State Actors and Basic Education Development in Rural Ghana. As a consequence, some of the statements were given a Likert scale rating. The findings revealed that NGOs' efforts were aimed at promoting education by focusing on identifiable/targeted beneficiaries in order to achieve holistic education development. The NGOs that were evaluated used a variety of interventions to promote education in the district, including capacity building, monetary transfers, educational inputs, and infrastructure. This has helped to promote female child education, improve teaching and learning, increase enrolment, and mobilize resources, among other things. The report concluded that NSAs have exhibited a strong commitment to advancing education in the district through a variety of approaches that have had a major impact. However, financing uncertainties and gaps continue to be a problem, preventing most programs from being scaled up to a larger audience inside the district and beyond.Item The Outcome Of Society’s Influence On Persons Who Are Forced To Switch Their Left Handedness(University Of Ghana, 2022-04) Akoto, A.A.The purpose of this study is to understand the outcome of society’s influence on natural left handers who are forced to switch to use their right hand in performing activities by exploring these three objectives; to identify the various methods teachers use to force left-handed children to use their right hand; to identify challenges left-handed children encounter in schools in Ghana; and finally to assess the effects of switching from a left-handed to a right-handed person on the life of the person. The study adopted the mixed-methods approach to answer the objectives of the study. Persons who were born natural left handers but forced to switch to use their right hand were purposively sampled and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect extensive data from them. Questionnaires were also distributed to collect data from teachers. The findings further identified the methods teachers in the selected school use to enforce this switch, which include; punishing, caning and verbally abusing natural left-handers. The discomfort of sharing dual desks by a natural lefthander and a right-hander was identified as one of the challenges left-handers encounter in schools. Additionally, the findings revealed that forcefully making natural lefthanders to switch to become right-handed has effects on victims. Some of the identified effects on persons include poor handwriting; nail biting, anger, frustration, poor concentration in class, and timidity. In solving and reducing the prevalence of the phenomenon and its effects, this study recommends that education policies must include training and providing teachers with methods to make the classroom inclusive and conducive for all students including minority groups such as left-handed children; government must do more to supervise schools to implement existing policies that ensure safer classrooms for minority groups; guidance and counselling professionals must be deployed to primary and Junior High Schools to listen and provide support for left handed children who encounter verbal and physical abuse to switch their hand dominance. In addition, there must be increased education of the public including parents on the importance of allowing persons born left handed to use their more dominant hand to perform activities.Item M.A. Research And Public Policy(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Asare, A.A.The 3% District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF) for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), also referred as the Disability Fund was introduced to minimize poverty among all PWDs particularly, those outside the formal sector of employment, and enhance their social image through dignified labour. A Disability Fund Management Committee (DFMC) in every Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) is charged with the vetting and approval of received applications; monitoring and supervising utilization of the fund; sensitizing all relevant stakeholders at the district level and reporting on the fund. This study investigated needs presented by PWDs to DFMCs for funding and factors which guide the selection of beneficiaries, specifically in Shai Osudoku district, La Dade-kotopon municipality and Tema metropolis between 2018 and 2020. The study’s objectives were achieved through the analysis of secondary data on applicants’ forms and Key Informant Interviews (KII) of selected DFMCs. Based on years for which data was available, the study’s findings indicate that the prominent need presented by PWDs was assistance for Income Generating Activities (IGA) followed by requests for medical assistance and educational/apprenticeship support. The study also showed that none of the participating MMDAs was able to meet the needs of all PWD applicants which necessitates the selection of fund beneficiaries using the following factors; most vulnerable applicant, first time beneficiaries and completeness of applications. The DFMCs indicated the allocation of meagre funds among numerous applicants and the delayed disbursement of the fund from central government as challenges with the selection of beneficiaries. Among others, recommendations are made for Central Government to ensure timely disbursement of the fund to MMDAs; the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) to advocate increased percentage of the DACF allocation for the fund and adopt measures for appropriate data management especially on fund applicants.Item The Outcome Of Society’s Influence On Persons Who Are Forced to Switch Their Left Handedness(University Of Ghana, 2022-04) Akoto, A.AThe purpose of this study is to understand the outcome of society’s influence on natural left handers who are forced to switch to use their right hand in performing activities by exploring these three objectives; to identify the various methods teachers use to force left-handed children to use their right hand; to identify challenges left-handed children encounter in schools in Ghana; and finally to assess the effects of switching from a left-handed to a right-handed person on the life of the person. The study adopted the mixed-methods approach to answer the objectives of the study. Persons who were born natural left handers but forced to switch to use their right hand were purposively sampled and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect extensive data from them. Questionnaires were also distributed to collect data from teachers. The findings further identified the methods teachers in the selected school use to enforce this switch, which include; punishing, caning and verbally abusing natural left-handers. The discomfort of sharing dual desks by a natural lefthander and a right-hander was identified as one of the challenges left-handers encounter in schools. Additionally, the findings revealed that forcefully making natural lefthanders to switch to become right-handed has effects on victims. Some of the identified effects on persons include poor handwriting; nail biting, anger, frustration, poor concentration in class, and timidity. In solving and reducing the prevalence of the phenomenon and its effects, this study recommends that education policies must include training and providing teachers with methods to make the classroom inclusive and conducive for all students including minority groups such as left-handed children; government must do more to supervise schools to implement existing policies that ensure safer classrooms for minority groups; guidance and counselling professionals must be deployed to primary and Junior High Schools to listen and provide support for left handed children who encounter verbal and physical abuse to switch their hand dominance. In addition, there must be increased education of the public including parents on the importance of allowing persons born left handed to use their more dominant hand to perform activities.Item An Assessment Of The Impact Of The Planting For Food And Jobs Policy On Smallholder Farmers Food Security In The Wa West District(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Nurideen, F.An important goal of government agricultural sector policies is to improve food security through high agricultural production and job creation. Implementation of the flagship policy of the government of Ghana dubbed the ―Planting for Food and Jobs‖ started in 2017. After three years of implementation, the study sought to examine whether the policy has impacted on food security among smallholder farmers in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region. The study also examined the kind of on-farm jobs created, youth involvement as well as the experiences of farmers with the programme. The study employed a quasi-experimental cross-sectional survey design involving semi structured questionnaire administered to 200 farmers of whom 62 represented the participant group and 138 the non-participant group. Logit regression was employed to identify the factors that determine household participation in the programme. Age, education, capital access, monthly income, infrastructure, community group association and assets were found to have statistically significance in association with the probability to participate in the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme. A propensity score matching technique was applied to assess the impact of the programme on food security. At the end of the survey, participation in the PFJ has a significantly higher average food security than the non-participantsItem The Influence of Ethnicity on Voter Choice in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Amoako, E.Ghana is one country that is noted for its ethnic heterogeneity and remarkable democratic credentials. The country has since 1992 been practicing multi-party democracy and many factors have been identified as influencing the choice of candidates during elections. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the influence ethnicity has on voter choice in Ghana’s current democratic dispensation. A descriptive research design was used along with a mixed method approach. The quantitative section of the study used the data set of a national survey of a sample size of 2000 conducted in 2019 across the then ten regions in Ghana. Thereafter, qualitative data, collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions involving 50 purposively selected respondents, were used to shed light on the quantitative outcomes. It came out of the study that ethnicity is the main factor that influences voting decisions in Ghana. A suggestion was therefore made to the National Commission for Civic Education to intensify public education on the need to vote on issues that affect economic development rather than ethnicity.Item Child Labour And Quality Education in Asuogyaman District: Challenges and Motivation(University of Ghana, 2021-11) Adams, D.O.The phenomenon of child labour has in recent years received much attention from both policy makers and researchers. This study sought to fill a gap in literature by focusing on the lived experiences of these children in their quest to seek quality education alongside labouring. The purpose of the present study was to identify the motivation and challenges of children engaged in child labour in the Asuogyaman district encounter in obtaining quality education. Further, the study sought to examine the existing policies that are in place to ensure quality education of children engaged in child labour. In order to achieve the objectives, a qualitative research approach was used to collect data from 20 street children and six stakeholders comprising teachers, opinion leaders and personnel at the district education directorate. An interview guide was developed to aid data collection. The study found that the predominant economic activities undertaken by children included hawking and vending of food by the roadside and at various spots mostly done by girls, and motor riding and fishing mostly done by males. The main motivation for these children was to raise some money to assist their guardians in providing for them. However, others engaged in it because they perceived it as a way of life for their family. Others also engaged in child labour because of parental loss and some boys did it to earn money to attract and persuade girls. The involvement of children in such activities has a significant impact on their education as it leads to poor academic performance. The Asuogyaman district benefits from national policies geared towards the access to quality education in addition to its own strategies outlined in their district medium term plans such as the FCUBE, school feeding, free uniforms etc. Non-governmental organizations in the district have also contributed to improving quality education amidst the incidence of child labour in the form of scholarships. The study concluded that the efforts of stakeholders to reduce the incidence of child labour have not yielded much results because it still rampant. It was therefore recommended that the district incorporates poverty alleviation programs into its plans and also stakeholders are encouraged to strengthen the sensitization programs to encourage parents and guardians.Item The Influence of Social Support on Physical Exhaustion and Emotional Distress: A Case Study of Family Caregivers of The Aged 70-100 Years in the Methodist Church - Accra Diocese.(University of Ghana, 2020-03) Benjamin - Addy, D.O.This study examined the influence of social support on physical exhaustion and emotional distress among family caregivers and also explores the relationship between caregiver burden and social support on physical exhaustion and emotional distress. A survey methodology was used to sample 120 family caregivers from a population of 240 in the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church. The findings revealed that the most influential social support relief physical exhaustion is that in the past 4 weeks, the majority feel that everything was an effort. The study also found that the most influential burden of family caregivers is that they feel they are positively influencing other people’s lives through their work. Also, the study found out that the most influential social support duke inventory is feeling useful to the family. A linear regression test revealed that social support has influence and therefore affect the physical exhaustion and emotional distress. This study revealed that social support influences physical exhaustion and emotional distress. It is recommended that there should be family commitment, education, counselling given to social caregivers and further research must be done to contribute more to this area future.Item Youth Knowledge and Awareness on Sexually Transmitted Infections (Stis) and Sexual Behaviours in the La-Nkwantanang Municipality(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Edem, B.I.Youth sexuality is of paramount concern to many stakeholders, since possible negative consequences may occur. These include HIV/AIDS, other STIs and unintended pregnancies. In Ghana, people with STIs are largely young people of age 19-24 years. So as to safeguard these young adults it is essential to assess their knowledge and awareness regarding STIs. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the consciousness and understanding of STIs among the youth and how it affects their sexual behaviours. The research was conducted in the La-Nkwatanang Municipality of Greater Accra Region. A mixed method (Quantitative and Qualitative) was adopted for the research. From a target population of youths aged 15-24 years, a total of 47 were sampled using a mix of purposive and convenient sampling for the qualitative part of the study. A sample of 1,563 observations from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) data who were aged 15- 24 years and resident in Urban Accra formed the basis for the quantitative analysis. Employing the thematic method of qualitative analysis and performing a descriptive analysis on the quantitative data, the research found that education level, media, workplace, health facilities, friends and families and colleague workers were significant elements that affected the knowledge of STIs and sexual behaviours among the youth in the La-Nkwatanang Municipality. It will be important to invest adequate resources in national capacity building programme in the recognition and avoidance of other STIs so that vulnerable youth can improve their knowledge and awareness of such infections and also affect their sexual behaviours in a positive way.Item The Contribution of the Kristo Asafo Church in Creating Employment Opportunities in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2019-12) Denteh, D.K.The research set out to explore the contribution of the Christian churches to employment creation in Ghana, using the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana as a case study. The study adopted the qualitative approach in order to obtain in-depth knowledge on the topic. The target population was the church leaders, congregants and beneficiaries of activities of the church in creating employment opportunities. A total of twenty five (25) male and female respondents were interviewed for the study. The quota system was used to ensure representation by the various sectors including agriculture, entertainment, automobile, health, banking and media. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the results showed that the establishment of the Kantanaka Group of companies has made great contributions in generating employment opportunities for Ghanaians. Further analysis indicates that the benefits derived from the employment opportunities created by the church were skills improvement, improved standard of living and a better image for Ghana. The results were discussed and recommendations made for policy implementation.Item Care of the Aged in Contemporary Ghana(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Yeboah, A.O.The population of Ghana and the world at large is not only growing but it is also greying. This increase in the number of senior citizens has come with its accompanying challenges and this has placed it on the world’s agenda. The growing number of older persons in Ghana, a country which valued norms of reciprocity and filial piety, has brought about new forms of elder care because of the decline in extended family support. This research project used qualitative methodology specifically in-depth and semi-structured interviews with older residents of Mercy Home and members of Help Age to understand the normative values and expectations of what constitutes quality care for the elderly and how caregiving affects quality of life. It explored the perceptions of both caregivers and the elderly about emerging forms of caregiving arrangements. Challenges faced by caregivers in providing quality care for the elderly was also explored. Findings from the study revealed that older persons expect caregivers to assist them with activities of daily living. Participants cited disability status, location of children, finance, values and availability of caregivers as factors determining caregiving method adopted. All participants believed caregiving impacts quality of life. Additionally, challenges faced by caregivers ranged from financial to emotional and physical. This study contributes to literature by providing qualitative insight into the normative values and expectations of older persons.Item Effects of Illegal Mining on Youth Education in the East Akim Municipality of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Afoakwa, K.Illegal mining, a kind of mining accompanying artisanal and small-scale mining, is done without adherence to good environmental protection practices and mining regulations. Just like every other mining activity, it has a direct correlation on social factors like education, health and the general well-being of the youth of Ghana. In the light of the above, the pushing factors that are causing this upsurge coupled with the increasing interest of the youth in engaging in it and it effect on their education in the Municipality is something worth considering. The study through the qualitative approach explored the phenomenon, using sampling techniques like purposive and convenience sampling to select 45 youth (boys and girls) and other 7 adults who also have knowledge as far as illegal mining is concerned to elicit information from them through interviews. This information in addition to those from relevant educational institutions were analysed. Data analysis revealed that poverty and unemployment are the major reasons for which most of the youth go into illegal mining business. Beside these factors, some youth also venture into illegal mining as a way of getting money to support their education. This, however, comes along with a big toll on their educational advancement as they frequently absent themselves from school in the process and consequently a drop in their performance. The study therefore recommends that mining communities through the collaborative and inter-sectoral approach involving all the stakeholders should counsel and empower the youth on the need to pursue education to the highest level. In addition to that, there must alternative livelihood support programmes to enable the youth to exit out of the illegal mining with the hope of a sound educational footing.