Welcome to UGSpace
UGSpace is the institutional repository of the University of Ghana. UGSpace is an open access electronic archive for the collection, preservation and distribution of digital materials.
- facilitate the deposit of digital content of a scholarly or heritage nature
- and ultimately share, preserve and promote the intellectual output of the University in a managed environment.
Communities in UGSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
- Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.
- Grey literature consists of research and information produced outside conventional publishing channels, such as reports, policy briefs, working papers, and conference materials. It offers valuable insights and data that complement peer-reviewed sources, supporting research, policy, and practice.
- The J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives preserve Ghanaian and African cultural heritage through music, oral traditions, photographs, and audiovisual collections. Guided by Professor Nketia’s vision that African traditional arts must be collected, preserved, practiced, and continually inspire creative expression, the Archives serve as a living resource for scholarship, teaching, and innovation
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Recent Submissions
Towards the Teaching of Computer Programming in Rural Ghana: Teacher Motivation, Tools and Policy. A Case of Senior High Schools in Northern Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2023) Abiam, S.
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of Senior High School teachers
in rural Ghana in the teaching of computer programming while considering the difficulties that
policies and tools for teacher motivation present. Extant studies on the teaching of computer
programming have largely focused on developed nations. Similarly to this, a close examination
of the literature reveals that the majority of the experiences of computer programming in
schools occur in western countries also referred to as Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich,
and Democratic (WEIRD) nations.
Additionally, many extant studies on computer programming have called for studies on the
teaching of programming in rural developing economies like Ghana to help broaden the scope
of the impact of the implementation of the subject in the Ghana Education Service (GES) since
2007. This study adapts the Fit-Viability theory, the quantitative methodology, and the survey
approach to examine how computer programming is taught in rural Senior High Schools in the
northern part of Ghana and the factors that negatively affect or influence teachers in these rural
areas of the country. The target population for this study was teachers in the five regions of the north namely:
Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper West, and Upper East who are into the teaching of
computer programming. After two and half months of data collection, one hundred and fifty
(150) questionnaires were valid for statistical analyses. To test the hypothesis, the Partial Least Squares Structural Model (SmartPLS-SEM) approach
was used. The findings indicate that the task characteristics of teachers teaching computer
programming in rural Senior High Schools in northern Ghana have a significant impact on
teacher performance in the subject (CP). The studies also found that IT infrastructure is crucial
in the delivery of lessons by teachers. Furthermore, the findings indicate that teacher motivation
has a considerable impact on teachers' lesson delivery and performance. Additionally, the study
concluded that favorable educational policies for rural Senior High Schools can result in
optimal CP teacher performance. Similarly, economic conditions benefit teachers who teach
computer programming in rural SHSs in northern Ghana. The current study contradicted the
theory in terms of organizational support. This implies that, if the other factors mentioned above
are improved, organizational support alone cannot affect the performance of teachers teaching
programming in rural SHSs.
Moreover, some implication of the study is that the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ghana
Education Service (GES), and other stakeholders or agencies involved in the education sector
need to invest enough funds into computer programming education in rural areas of the country.
Lastly, the study recommends that future research studies on the teaching of computer
programming should consider using a qualitative technique to extract interpretations and
experiences to contrast with the results of this current study.
Towards an Integrated Health Information System in Ghana Using Fit and Viability Theory
(University of Ghana, 2023) Ackoussah, S.
An integrated health information system (IHIS) allows data to be securely exchanged and
transferred to locations where it can be used to generate knowledge and information that advances
policy objectives. An integrated health information system supports the delivery and monitoring
of integrated health care across the globe. IHISs also serve as public health monitoring and
management systems. Electronic health records (EHR) and electronic medical records (EMR) have
received the majority of attention in recent studies on the deployment of integrated health
information systems. The adoption of an integrated health information system, its benefits, and the
relationship between its adoption and effective and efficient health care delivery are not well
documented. Extant studies on health information system adoption have focused mostly on
electronic health records. There is a lack of literature on the adoption of an integrated health
information system, its benefits, and the correlation between its adoption and effective and
efficient health care delivery. Ghana has a fragmented health information system, which hinders
the smooth communication and exchange of data between health institutions.
The purpose of this study is to assess the fit and viability of an integrated health information system
within the Ghanaian health sector. The study further seeks to investigate the benefits of IHIS
adoption. Lastly, the study explored the correlation between IHIS adoption and effective and
efficient health care delivery. The study does this through the lens of fit and viability theory. The
study adopted a quantitative methodology and a survey approach to examine how well the
Ghanaian health system is fit and viable toward an integrated health information system in an effort
to fill the vacuum in the literature. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was designed by Google Forms and used to collect data for the study. A quantitative data analysis method was employed
through partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to achieve the objectives of
the study. A total of 461 health care workers were conveniently sampled through an online
questionnaire designed using Google Forms.
The study found task characteristics, organisational viability, and state policy as the major
influencers of IHIS integration in Ghana. Technology characteristics, economic viability, and IT
infrastructure were not having a significant influence on integrated health information system
implementation. Digital curiosities significantly influence the relationship between technology fit,
IT infrastructure, and the Integrated Health Information System (IHIS). Furthermore, the
moderator, Age of Health Institutions, had a negligible impact on the economic and organisational
viability of IHIS adoption. The findings of the study are important for policymakers in the health
sector of Ghana since it has revealed the major influencers of IHIS adoption. Additionally, this
study contributes suggestions to help Ghana's health institutions, public health officials, and
government make the most of IHIS for effective, prompt, and more inclusive health care delivery.
Because this study adopted a quantitative approach, it is recommended that a qualitative approach
be adopted to ascertain a deeper understanding of how an integrated health information system
could go a long way toward improving efficiency and communication in the health sector. Lastly,
the government must be considered in further studies to know its viewpoint on IHIS adoption and
usage.
Culture, Language and Health: A Linguistic Investigation of Communication Strategies in Gynaecological Consultations in Accra, Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2022) Dankyi, B.O.
The essential role of effective doctor-patient communication in patients' healthcare outcomes is
well established in the literature. Numerous studies have shown that language, communication,
and cultural barriers can negatively affect patients' health outcomes. However, in many countries
in Africa, communication in healthcare has faced neglect and is grossly understudied, likely due
to socioeconomic, cultural, and physical hindrances. The need for studies is underscored by the
increasingly multiethnic, multicultural, and multilingual societies in many cities in sub-Saharan
Africa, including Ghana. Of particular interest is communication in sexual healthcare, given its
private and intimate nature and the cultural prohibition on sexual expressions. As a result,
gynaecological encounters present a particularly challenging situation for healthcare
communication in Ghana. Adding to the apparent discomfort is the overwhelming male dominance
of professionals, presenting an even more complex situation from cultural and religious
perspectives. Consequently, gynaecological encounters become daunting for most women, a
situation heightened by the high sexual and reproductive health needs of most women in Ghana.
This study investigated communication strategies female patients and male/female doctors
employed during sexual healthcare encounters to overcome possible language and cultural
barriers. Furthermore, the study explored doctor-patient communication and doctor-patient
perceptions of the communication relationship through their use of English. To achieve this, 35
doctor-patient interactions were recorded from the University of Ghana Health Services (UHS)
and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Audio recordings of doctor-outpatient face-to-face
encounters served as the main data sources, augmented by data from individual semi-structured
interviews and participant observations that contributed to the triangulation of results. NVivo 12.6
and Discursis were employed as f a e used in the analysis of data. The study adopted Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) as its theoretical lens. CAT highlighted the
doctor-patient gynaecological communicative adjustments being negotiated under culturally
sensitive and restrictive health interactions. The findings from the study established the doctors
and patients employed several communication strategies in their interactions, such as using
medical jargon (M. J), avoidance (AVO), code-switching (C-S), and low tones (L-T) to promote
communication, enhance understanding and in all the interactive processes accommodated
bilaterally to each he
c ica i eed . English only or English with a local language
(mostly Twi) were predominantly employed. The local language often utilised was to enhance
a ie de a di g f ech ical edical c ce . The results from this study point to
paternalism as the dominant model of the doctor-patient relationship, promoted by patients. This
was reflected in the overwhelming verbal dominance of doctors during the interactions. Patients'
preferences and satisfaction were primarily based on effective communication strategies, choice
(s) of language, continuity of care with a doctor, and the d c
level of expertise. Given the vital
role of sexual health, the findings from this study may contribute to policies aimed at enhancing
patient experiences in this area of healthcare by promoting access and quality of care. The findings
are particularly significant in a country such as Ghana, where language, sexual, and reproductive
healthcare needs are compelling.
The Role of Social Media in Enhancing Collaborative Learning and Academic Performance: Evidence from the University of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2025) Compson, E.
The increasing use of social media in higher education has raised important questions about its
role in shaping collaborative learning and academic performance. Although global research has
highlighted both opportunities and challenges associated with social media adoption, less is
known about how these dynamics operate in the Ghanaian context, where students navigate
structural and infrastructural limitations. This study responds to that gap by examining how
social media is adopted and used for academic purposes among students at the University of
Ghana. The research was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Self
Determination Theory (SDT). TAM emphasises the role of perceived usefulness and ease of
use in driving adoption, while SDT provides a lens for understanding how social media fosters
interaction, relatedness, and motivation. A quantitative survey was administered to 400
students, and the data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to test
relationships between adoption, peer and faculty interaction, and academic performance. The
results demonstrate that students are more likely to adopt social media when they perceive it to
be both beneficial and easy to use. Once integrated into their academic routines, social media
platforms were found to facilitate communication, resource sharing, and collaboration with
peers and faculty, all of which contributed to improved academic outcomes. The findings
confirm the value of social media as an extension of the classroom environment, while also
drawing attention to local barriers such as unreliable connectivity and limited institutional
support.
The study contributes to theory by showing how TAM and SDT can be applied together to
explain patterns of technology use and motivation in higher education. It also demonstrates the
methodological value of structural equation modelling in studying complex behavioural
relationships in resource-constrained settings. Practically, the findings provide guidance for educators and students on how to integrate social media effectively into teaching and learning,
and for policymakers seeking to design interventions that promote purposeful digital
engagement. By situating the analysis within Ghanaian higher education, the study enriches
global debates on digital learning while providing evidence that is directly relevant to local
practice and policy.
The Impact of Social Media Activism on Disaster and Crisis Management in Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2025) Iddrisu, A-K.
Social media activism has become an indispensable tool in modern disaster and crisis management,
offering new opportunities for communication, coordination, and public engagement. In Ghana,
where disaster response systems face logistical and infrastructural challenges, social media
activism provides a promising platform for mobilizing resources, disseminating timely
information, and influencing public behavior. Despite its growing relevance, limited empirical
research has examined how social media activism shapes disaster and crisis management outcomes
within the Ghanaian context. This research evaluated the influence of social media activism on
disaster and crisis management, utilizing the information systems success model as a guiding
framework. Specifically, the study examines the influence of information quality, service quality,
system quality, and activism intensity on social media use, and how such use translates into net
benefits during crises. A quantitative research design was adopted, with data collected from 400
respondents across governmental agencies, NGOs, and civil society groups engaged in crisis
management. Smart-PLS structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed
hypotheses.
The findings reveal that information quality, service quality, and activism intensity are significant
positive predictors of social media use, while system quality showed no significant effect.
Additionally, social media use strongly predicted net benefits in disaster and crisis management.
These results suggest that the effectiveness of social media activism in Ghana depends more on
the reliability of information, responsiveness of services, and intensity of activism rather than
technical system features. The study contributes to theory and practice by highlighting implications for policymakers, emergency managers, and digital activists in enhancing crisis response
strategies. As a result, further study ought to concentrate on examining the direct and measurable
impact of social media activism on disaster and crisis management outcomes, beyond just
information dissemination.