College of Humanities & Social Sciences

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Cash Management: A Case Study of logs & lumber Ltd, Kumasi
(2000) Osman, Halidu Babamu
The poetry of Ghanaian hip-life music
(2003) Baffour-Awuah, Felicia
Ghanaians songs, like all other folk songs, must be studied in the broader context of culture. This is because the meaning of a song can be derived from the world view of those who create, perform and listen to it and from the function of the song in that culture. Hence, there must be a relation between the verbal content of the songs and other areas of the culture. In Ghana, there are songs for nearly every occasion or circumstance, including ceremonial and work songs, occupational songs, contest and victory songs sung by athletes, gospel music, highlife music and, currently, hip-life music. “Hip-life” is a term that does not yield itself to easy definition. This is because, Hip-life is not just music; it is a combination of music, body expression and manner of expression. At the musical level, Hip-life is a derivation from Highlife, Hip-hop and Rap. Hip-life emerged as a fusion of other forms of music at the close of the twentieth century. The form has features characteristic of the century. These are features which cannot be ignored because of the vehemence with which they attract attention to themselves, especially through the vehemence of expression, the extremity of the body language and of the “dress code” that cannot be derived from the music of high-life. Hip-life music was coined with the aim of familiarizing the people of Ghana with Hip-hop which was then the choice of the masses. In other words, it intended to use the local dialect to break the barriers for the youth that were into Hip-hop but could not understand English. Hip-life is therefore a fusion of the Hip-hop music of Europe and America and the Highlife music of Africa. It is worth nothing that Hip-life portrays both the culture of Africa and that of Europe and America. Hip-life musician always try to portray their culture by using codified and pedantic language (alliteration, imagery, rhythm, lyrics and so on) and reaching out to the youth and should be looked at critically. Again, the departure from the grand themes of highlife, which is at the base of Hip-life, to the banal themes of daily existence that have been a dominant feature of the twentieth century is so marked and so significant that it is worth studying. Such a study is expected to provide answers to such questions as: what gave rise to such a dramatic change or development? What is the new direction? What significant is that the western world witnessed this development more than half a century earlier. The radical changes of all the arts went on in Europe and America in the early twentieth century that is now referred to as “modernism” sported some salient characteristics that included the following: nothing can be taken for granted in the arts; our perception of reality is necessarily uncertain and provisional; the unparalleled complexity of modern urban life must be reflected in literary form; supposedly primitive myths can help us to grasp and order the chaos of contemporary experience; and so on. At the very surface, it appears that the paradigm shift which is similar to that which occurred in the early years of modernism in Europe and America is now occurring in Ghana in a form that may be quite different from how it manifested itself elsewhere. The objective of this study is to trace the genesis of Hip-life lyrics as well as determine what influences the traditional oral poetry, the contemporary written poetry of Ghana, Africa and foreign poetry, have had on form and content of Hip-life poetry. The significance of the study lies in the fact that it is a whole new way of life and being the dominant literary mouthpiece of this country, it is at least necessary to listen to what they are saying, why they are saying so, the way they are. Some Africans (Ghanaians) see it as a brother listen to Hip-life music because of the kind of language used, especially the choice of words. But Hip-life music, unlike Highlife, is a medium of expression that incorporates traditional folklore materials into a modern song form by including foreign elements. It fuses traditional Akan rhythms and melodies with European instrumentation and harmony, the reason being that Africans are products of the impact of foreign influences upon the society. Moreover, Hip-life is the dominant avenue through which much of the creative talents of the youth of Ghana today find their expression. This is an attempt analyse and place in the proper perspective the literary creativity of the times and thereby determine the direction of the creative expression of the youth. Much of this creativity is in the Avant Garde vein and this suggests a link with the Avant Garde in Europe and elsewhere. It is always important that society has an idea of the direction of it creative expression and this study is meant to fill a vacuum as it intended to supply new information on this trend and therefore, it is meant to add new knowledge to the existing stock. Different methods were employed in collecting data and the song. With the data collection, a face-to-face interview method was used to collate data on the evolution and future of Hip-life music from artistes, composers and studio engineers. The collection of the songs was two folds: transcription of the songs and some written songs at the cover of the albums. This study will have an introduction and four main chapters and a conclusion. Chapter one will trace the historical evolution of Hip-life music. Chapter two will focus on the thematic and stylistic elements of selected text of Hip-life music. Chapter three will discuss in detail the analyses of some selected text of Hip-life songs. The final part will study the influence, both thematic and stylistic, on Hip-life music by means of a comparative study of the poetry of Hip-life, and the conclusion will be a brief review of the work. It will also highlight the transformation the Hip-life undergone and the effect of Hip-life on the society.
Une étude thematique et esthetique de quelques contes dagaaba
(2005) Braimah, Balica
Appraisal of the Financial performance of SSNIT investment portfolio (1995 - 2004)
(2006-06-04) Darke, Washington Komla
This study is an appraisal of SSNIT Investment Portfolio Performance, focusing on establishing and analysing the relationship between 1) the portfolio returns and investment asset allocation policy, asset selection strategy and asset timing strategy; and 2) the portfolio returns and selected macroeconomic variables...
An analysis of the disbursement of the District Assemblies's Common Fund in Ghana
(2007) Abu, Mohammed Awal
Fond et esthetique verbale dans le mandat de sembene ousmane et le cercle des tropiques d’alioum fantoure
(2007-08-05) Brako, Kingsley
The aim of this study is twofold: (a) to highlight the main themes treated by the two authors (S. Ousmane and A. Fantouré) in the two works studied and (b) to examine the different language techniques that the authors of the two works under study use in presenting their messages to the readership. We chose as the research topic “FORME ET FOND” because (the themes) are topical in nature and constitute a major obstacle to development. Concerning the language used by the two authors, we adopted a combination of literary, stylistic and textual approaches. Our analysis of data revealed that the two authors use simile, metaphor, humour, irony, repetition and personification. Simile and metaphor are dominant in both works. Our investigation of the various text types led us to conclude that the combination of descriptive, narrative, argumentative and dialogue is meant to avoid monotony and arouse interest. On the question of thematic consent, we found that S. Ousmane denounces corruption, fraud, social inequality, bureaucracy and parasitism to mention a few while Fantouré A, criticizes torture, murder, arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, social injustices, oppression and exploitation of Blacks by Black leaders. To help solve some of these problems raised in the two works under study, we recommend that the concept of democracy, good governance and eradication of poverty are made to take centre stage in planning by our respective governments.
The Gambaga “witches’” colony: its artistic and other cultural life
(2007-08-08) Nangpaak, Duut George
The “witches’” Camp at Gambaga in the East Mamprusi District of the northern Region, is a place where women who are accused of witchcraft take refuge under the protection of the Gambaga chief (the Gambag-rana). Although there have been some achievements from the initiative of the Gambaga ‘Out Cast Home Project’, very little has been done to expose the positive and negative attributes of the camp. The study examined the trend of events that take place at the camp from the artistic and cultural perspectives. The core objective was to identify the problems of the inmates and bring them to the public domain for possible assistance. The exercise was made possible by means of questionnaire, interviews, photographs, on site seeing and note taking, and a literature from relevant sources. The study found that the accommodation facilities of the inmates were in dilapidated state. Most of the cultural practices revealed, which the “witches” go through, were also cruel and forcible. The inmates and other concerned people who were interviewed, were of the view that something needs to be done to improve the living conditions at the camp. The “witches” stand to benefit from this study due to the recommendations made to Community Based Organization, Women Organizations, the Government Agencies such as the CHRAJ and the National Commission for Civic Education to extend their programme in aid of the women and also forestall further occurrences.
Traditional costumes and their relevance as cultural symbols to film making in Ghana Asante case study
(2007-08-10) Akwetey, Vicentia Koteitsoo
Fifty years after the independence of Ghana, the Ghanaian film makers have not adopted a particular Ghana national costume by which the characters in Ghanaian films can be identified as Ghanaians. As a result of this, the Ghanaian screen has been overtaken by the Nigerian film. This is partly due to the fact that most Ghanaians can identify Nigerian characters in terms of costume, make-up and manner of behaviour in the Nigerian film; while to a large extent, they strangely lack that affinity with the characters in the current Ghanaian video productions on the Ghanaian screen. As a possible solution, the study proposed Asante traditional costumes as relevant cultural symbols that could be the premise for the development of creative costumes for characterization in Ghanaian filmmaking. This is based on the assumption that Asante culture is representative of Ghanaian culture and therefore its popular traditional costumes are recognised as Ghanaian cultural symbols. It is also evident that the creation of a Ghanaian cultural identity on the film screen would make a bold political and cultural statement which would project Ghana on the world scene and yield economic benefits. The investigation has identified Asante traditional costumes, established reasons for similarities and differences between their symbolism and those of the other Ghanaian cultures. It has also critically analysed Asante traditional costumes to determine their level of relevance in creating a Ghanaian cultural identity for characters in filmmaking. The cultural orientation of filmmakers has been explored to determine their perception on the issue of representation and cultural identity in filmmaking in this country. These objectives have been achieved in the thesis by largely employing the qualitative research approach.
Evaluating Service Quality in Automobile Firms in Ghana: a Case Study of Vodi Technik Motors Ltd (VTML)
(2007-08-24) Ajongbah, Matthew Batawura
Service quality is the major driving force for business sustainability in today's competitive global market place, it is recognized that after sales service, high quality is essential for the success of any automobile firm, when other factors have been considered, it leads to customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and high profitability, it is often said that the salesman sells one vehicle and the workshop sells (after sales service) the rest, therefore a key strategy for customer focused is to measure, monitor and evaluate customer satisfaction. The study therefore aimed at finding out, the factors that account for customer dissatisfaction, the level and nature of after sale service quality in automobile firms in Ghana, the determinants of customer-perceived service quality and to make recommendations to improve service quality in automobile industry in Ghana. Customers perceive service quality mainly in the moment of interaction with the service provider. Thus for the quality management of services, it is important to understand which service encounter the customer perceives as positive and which is negative. Ofi the basis of this understanding the physical environment of the service must be customer friendly. Customer kindness, that is "the front office personnel" approach to the customer and his problems, regardless of the service delivered; is the only factor to have significant relationship with future car servicing intentions, future car purchase intentions, and word- of-month recommendations.
Saving practices among customers of Ghana Commercial Bank Ltd, Makola Branch, Accra
(2007-5-4) Aborgah, Eric
Savings deposits constitute a significant proportion of the funds, which are usually available as loans for developmental purposes in the lives of individuals and organisations on both the micro and macroeconomic levels...
An assessment of credit delivery in microfinance: a case study of First Allied Savings and Loans Limited
(2008) Owusu, Wih Boafo
First Allied Savings and Loans Ltd. which was established in 1996 as a Non-Bank Financial Institution have attracted a growing attention in Ghana. FASL has nine branches throughout the country. FASL commenced operations with the mission of offering convenient access to efficient, innovative and responsive financial services to the micro and small scale entrepreneur on a sustainable basis for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders. FASL offer their clients a variety of products and services. FASL has four major lending products: Commercial (Individual) loan, Susu, Allied Mpontu and Travel Credit. The study mainly sought to assess the responsiveness of customers to the products of FASL and the extent to which the Microfinance programme has also sustained the institution. A random sampling technique was adopted. Two hundred and fifty customers and staff of FASL were sampled to administer the questionnaire. All the two hundred and fifty people to whom the questionnaires were administered responded and thereby given a 100% response rate The study revealed that, the microfinance scheme at FASL has helped low-income men and women to overcome the formidable barrier in gaining access to mainstream financial services and has also sustained the institution. The study, therefore recommended the need to set up an authorized body that would be charged with the regulation, supervision and the development of the microfinance sector.
Assessing difficulties in humanitarian logistics operations- a case of Care International - Ghana
(2008) Kwesi-Buor, John
Given the role played by NGOs in Ghana in the field of education, health, economics, and to some extent the political field, it is high time a research is conducted into their operations. This research seeks to assess the challenges (difficulties, or problems, barriers) that CARE International face in carrying out its humanitarian relief operations. The research focuses on challenges faced in planning, distribution and control of humanitarian relief activities of the NGO. It was found that planning is key to all supply chain activities. To be able to meet targets, NGOs need to plan every activity - be it procurement, inventory management, distribution, or implementation. NGOs should form coordinated and collaborative network for humanitarian relief operations to succeed. Planning humanitarian relief operations without control is a mirage. Thus NGCM should endeavor to control every step of their operations in order to save lives, cost, time and resources. An in-depth interview with some senior staff of CARE/Social Support Foundation (CARE-SSF) in Obuasi was the source of primary data which was evaluated against standard supply chain models such as the SCOR. In examination of the application of logistics practices to humanitarian relief activities, particular attention is placed on relief and aid operations regarding HIV/AIDS victims, and the orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The HIV/AIDS menace is a critical issue the world over. The management aspect of this canker using modern business logistics techniques has been highlighted in this research.
Financial Management of the District Assemblies: A Case Study of Birim South District Assembly of the Eastern Region of Ghana
(2008) Amesimeku, Henry Yao
This research aims at assessing the how efficient and effective do District Assemblies manage their finances in the course of working at their set goals and objectives. The research question assess the Assemblies adherence to the guiding principles and laws governing their operations, application of their internal control system and the Assemblies’ position as far as financial management is concern. The literature review, apart from summarizing the modern approaches to theories, identifying the principles of financial management, the reforms adopted in the public sector, shows that these research questions are also important in assessing the Assembly’s position in financial management Data was triangulated from three sources: questionnaires, one-to-one interviews and a past conducted survey on financial management in local governance. The findings from these data showed that Assemblies are not managing the finances effectively and efficiently. They are not doing things according to the prescribed guidelines, laws and procedures governing their operations. And finally, it was concluded that the central government and the Assemblies should insist on the reforms at the Assemblies adherence to the laid down procedures Based on these findings, this study concludes that there is inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the financial management at the District Assemblies. This study closes with the identification of its limitations and some suggestions for further research in this area.
Regulations of Microfinance Institutions in Ghana: A Case Study of First Allied Savings and Loans Limited
(2008) Ansah-Abrokwah, George Philip Kwasi
Responding to the rapid growth of various types of microfinance institutions (MFIs) around the world and the gap in knowledge on whether and how these institutions should be regulated, a research work is being conducted to provide a framework for addressing regulatory issues which impact the operations and the institutional development of MFIs. Kumasi which was selected for this assessment has a wide range of informal, semi-formal and formal MFIs providing financial services to the poor. Subsequent in depth - work on issues in developing sustainable rural / microfinance in Kumasi presented an opportunity to deepen the assessment of how the legal and regulatory environment is important to sustainable microfinance. This study shows the Framework Regulating Microfinance Institutions with emphasis on First Allied Savings and Loans in Kumasi. The Regulations of MFI's which was discussed included Minimum Capital Requirement, Provisioning, Collateral, Capital Adequacy, Operations, Ownership and Corporate Governance, Enforcement among others. This Research is to ascertain whether FASLC has been able to work within the Framework Regulating MFI's in Ghana and also whether the Supervision Department has played their role in ensuring effective supervision of MFI's especially First Allied Savings and Loans Company.
The impact of market segmentation on the automobile paint industry in Ghana-a case study of Akzo Nobel Sikkens/Bamson Ghana Ltd
(2008) Bokor, Morrison Awuku
This was a study undertaken at Akzo Nobel Sikkens/Bamson Ghana Ltd. it was aimed at finding out the impact of Segmentation as a Marketing strategy, in the automobile paint industry in Ghana. It was established that, the company has many options of levels of Segmentation from Mass Marketing, Niche to Micro Marketing to choose from as part of the overall Segmentation criteria. Both Primary and Secondary data were used. Secondary data gathered were from literature of previously conducted research in the subject area. Internal sales data of the company for the period 1999, 2002 and 2007 were taken. This was aimed at gathering data in order to ascertain information on turnover of the firm pre and post research which then will inform management on the impact of Segmentation on turnover. In a bid to find out the criteria and variables which are used to determine the company’s segmentation, measurability ranked as the topmost criteria considered in segmenting automobile paint market, followed by the size of the market, accessibility, growth potential, and differential responsiveness in that order. The variables used by the firm to segment the market are geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural. Finally the thesis concludes with some recommendations for management and the company’s development. In the light of segmenting the paint industry in Ghana recommendations for other manufacturers were made, for researchers who would want to widen the scope in that area of study some recommendations were also made.
Profitability Determinants of Ghanaian Banks - A Case Study of Cal Bank Limited
(2008) Mpesum, Justice Kwame
The objective of this project was to identify the factors which affect the profitability of Ghanaian banks in the Ghanaian banking industry and to identify the relationship between these factors and how they impact on each other using the Structure-Conduct-Performance model. It also set out to identify the factors which can be controlled by the banks and how their profitability can be improved. In achieving these objectives, a case study of Cal Bank Limited was chosen. The choice of Cal Bank Limited was made to represent indigenous Ghanaian banks as it was the only Ghanaian bank listed on the Ghana stock exchange. Secondly its performance upon enlistment had generated interest in the investor community. In setting out to identify the significant factors which determine the profitability of the bank, the researcher studied the bank’s internal environment, the competition within the industry and inflation as possible factors. Variables were calculated from the bank’s financial statements to serve as proxies for these determinants. These individual variables were compared with the profitability of the bank. The study revealed that industry concentration was a major determinant of the bank’s profitability. Over the study period, competition for deposits which was measured by the Herfindhal-Hirschmann index was increasingly inversely related to the profitability of the bank i.e. as concentration increased, the profitability of the bank decreased. It is therefore important that management of the bank place emphasis on improving their market share in the industry deposits in order to transform more of these deposits into interest-bearing assets which in turn will increase its profitability.
The impact of relationship marketing on customer satisfaction in the oil industry - case study: Total Oil Ghana Limited, Kumasi.
(2008) Duah, Adu Emmanuel
Relationship marketing and customer satisfaction remain critical issues in most industries, and are even more important for oil marketing companies that offer generally undifferentiated products These parity products which they provide create competition in the oil industry In the pursuit of Oil Marketing Companies to maintain satisfied customer base, they tend to invest in areas that really do not have an impact on customer satisfaction The main objective of this study was to examine the elements that constitute relationship marketing and determine customer satisfaction levels of customers of Total Oil Ghana Limited (retail outlets) A questionnaire was developed for customers of Total Oil Ghana Limited in Kumasi to ascertain whether some elements of relationship marketing which included trust, commitment, communication, promise and shared value had an impact on customer satisfaction A hypothesis was developed to test whether each of the elements will have a positive relationship on customer satisfaction in the oil industry in Ghana. From the analysis it was observed that the main relationship marketing elements that determine customer satisfaction in the oil industry in Ghana include trust, commitment, communication, promises and shared values It was also revealed that trust, commitment, communication and kept promises had a positive relationship on customer satisfaction in the oil industry in Ghana However, shared values had a negative relationship with customer satisfaction It was also observed from the analysis that Total Oil Ghana Limited had most of their customers to be more of males than females with age group of 29-38 years It was recommended that Oil Marketing Companies in Ghana should channel their resources to the elements which include trust, commitment, communication and promise as these make their customers satisfied However the element of shared values should not be ruled out completely since today’s customer is much more dynamic.
The effects of microfinance on poverty reduction: a case study of Dunkwa central market women
(2008) Dodoo, Samuel
The concept of micro-finance has emerged as a potential solution to the financial insecurity of the economically disadvantaged since the early 1970s. Microfinance Institutions have made the provision of sustainable livelihoods to local communities a major activity. One of the mechanisms is through the distribution of micro-credit therefore, it is important to determine the impact of micro-credit on the livelihood of beneficiaries in the local communities and make suggestion to improve the scheme. The objective of this study was to evaluate Micro financing as an instrument, for poverty reduction market women at the Dunkwa central market. This study has been conducted to evaluate the actual contributions of micro finance institutions to the Dunkwa Central Market women in order to improve the livelihoods of the inhabitants of the area. Micro-finance gives households the ability to manage household emergencies, build assets and reduces their vulnerability to crises. A sample size of 50 respondent traders were selected from the market, considering the various types of wares the dealt in on the market. The study focused on the market women in the study area, enhancing the poverty alleviation potential of small firms through financial, regulatory and managerial assistances will eventually reduce dependency on foreign market. This will not only save foreign exchange but also reduce the impact which fluctuations of foreign exchange receipts will have domestically.
An assessment of inbound supply chain management in Guinness Ghana Breweries limited.
(2008-06-05) Acquah, Charlotte
Supply chain management is a network of suppliers, customers, the organisation made up of procurement and manufacturing teams, wholesalers and retailer. For an organisation to function, raw materials, spare and equipment would have to be sourced from suppliers by procurement team processed by manufacturers and then distributed to final customers either through wholesalers and retailers or directly. The inbound supply chain has to do with procurement team selecting right suppliers, evaluating their performance with respect to the organisation’s goals and objectives and sustain the relationship by paying suppliers when due. The study showed the impact of inbound supply chain management on the performance of Guinness Ghana Breweries limited (GGBL) using the annual reports and financial statements. From the analysis GGBL’s turnover increased by 60% from 2003 to 2007 indicating that adequate purchases of raw materials, spare parts and equipment were acquired leading to the increase in growth. However, 47% of GGBL employees disagree that procurement pays suppliers on time after correct and complete receipt of invoice. Also, 48% of suppliers from the survey likewise indicated that there are delays in payment. This has serious implications in that a purchase order once generated is a binding document, which can lead to legal dispute by the aggrieved supplier, in case of delays in payment. To resolve this challenge a committee made up of stakeholders from the various departments and procurement needs to be formed to supervise all purchases (from budget) such that unwanted purchases are not encouraged to increase GGBL debts and also management must be committed to settle all payment issues as scheduled.
Appraising financial controls at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi
(2008-06-26) Opoku-Anto, Edwin
This long essay is mainly embarked upon to examine the effectiveness of internal control systems in place at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in its quest to deliver excellent healthcare to its clients. For the purposes of this work, attention was focused on financial and accounting control by examining three key questions as regarding; (1) existence of proper internal financial control that is consistent with the company objectives and the role of employees in ensuring the success of this plan? (2) how effective and efficient is this system in streamlining procedures, policies, plans, procedures, laws, regulations, and contracts that reduce the incidence of omissions and fraud to produce reliable financial information (3) How could internal control be improved in this organisation. There is theoretically no restriction on what internal control can evaluate and report about within an organization. However, internal financial control tends to vary from one company to another, reflecting particular objectives of directors, and senior management. Primary data was obtained through the administration of surveyed questionnaires to the sampled respondents at the account section of the hospital to ascertain the needed information for analysis and recommendation. Statistical software was used to analyse the data received from respondents in percentiles. Some findings that needed urgent attention to ensure that controls were effective are as follows; policy overrides by management, poor file management, segregation of duty, inadequate intranet facility which causes delays in data input which result in unnecessary idle time; poor receipt check at the monitoring unit because the number of workers in this section is relatively small. There is also the problem of transferring fund from one account to another (i.e. GOG, DPF, and IGF) that delays business of the hospital. It was recommended that, the hospital administration should take steps to address the aforementioned problems without further delay to be able to deliver the excellent healthcare to the public. For the limited time within which the long essay had to be completed and difficulty regarding finance, attention was only focused on financial control only. I would urge other researchers to take up the challenge to examine other aspects of internal control in the hospital regarding procurement, and maintenance sections to offer useful suggestion that could help maintain good corporate governance.

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