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- ItemAcceptance of HIV Counselling & Testing Among Pregnant Women in the Kumasi Metropolis(2008-07-13) Sakyi, Kwofie GabrielIn Ghana, as in most parts of Africa, south of the Sahara, HIV/AIDS account for a lot of mortality and morbidity in children. Children born to infected mothers acquire infection and progress to clinical diseases. This mother-to-child-Transmission (MTCT), accounts for most of the cases in children less than 15 years. To help address this problem, the Ghana National Policy on HIV/AIDS and STIs has come out with strategies that include the use of routine Counseling and Testing (CT) as a tool for the prevention of MTCT (PMTCT). The main objective of this study was to determine the level of acceptance of this routine HIV CT, as well as factors associated with acceptance among pregnant women in Kumasi Metropolis. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional type, with structured questionnaire as the data collection tool served on 200 pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic (ANC) in the Kumasi Metropolis. The sampling frame was pregnant women attending ANC at the three hospitals in the metropolis. The 200 ANC attendants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Findings include a high level of acceptance, with 87.5% of respondents accepting to undergo HIV testing either before or after counseling. The effects of socio-demographic characteristics on acceptance of HIV CT were not statistically significant. The knowledge level of pregnant women on HIV/AIDS and Prevention of mother to Child transmission (PMTCT) significantly affected HIV CT acceptance (p = 0.000): Those with adequate knowledge levels were twenty four times more likely to accept HIV CT than those with inadequate knowledge levels. Seeking Spousal permission did not significantly affect acceptance (p= 0.86). However, spousal involvement significantly encouraged HIV CT (p = 0.04) Given the high, level of acceptance which is consistent with high acceptance levels in some African studies, the existing strategy of routine HIV CT, as a tool for PMTCT of HIV, should be sustained, and if possible improved upon.
- ItemAccountability practices in selected Christian health association of Ghana (chag) hospitals(knust, 2021) Amedewonu Israel KafuiThe study focuses on accountability practices in CHAG health facilities in the Volta Region. It was conducted in three CHAG health facilities which include Margret Marquart Catholic Hospital, Kpando, Anfoega Catholic Hospital, and Matter Ecclesiae, Sokode. In this research, non-probability sampling was employed. This method was used because the researcher purposely selects who to include in the study based on their capabilities to provide essential data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative data gathered. It was revealed that there was no clear written accountability framework in the CHAG health facilities and internal controls available were very weak. Internal auditors were not allowed to carry out their work professionally and independently. According to the findings, it was recommended that the health facilities should strengthen their internal control to increase productivity as well as performance. Also, there should be regular training for internal auditors and all other categories of staff for increased performance. Budget and Procurement committees should be well established to enhance accountability practice in the health facilities.
- ItemAcid Mine Drainage: Effect of acid mine drainage on water and soil resources within the Bogoso/Prestea Mine Resource. (Bogoso Concessional Area)(FEBURARY, 2009) Afriyie – Debrah, CharlesHeavy metals contamination (As, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cd) and other physico-chemical changes (pH, temperature, EC, DO, alkalinity, S042-, free CN) in underground and surface water, and carbonate carbon and sulphate sulfur in soil samples due to the effect of acid mine drainage (AMD) were assessed around Golden Star Resource Mine (Bogoso concession). Underground and surface water samples were collected from seven different sites and soil samples from three different sites within Golden Star Resources Mine (Bogoso concession) between November, 2006 and April, 2007. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine the heavy metal concentrations whilst the physico-chemical parameters were determined using standard methods. Average total levels of arsenic, iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cadmium were 0.0313, 3.7675, 0.0518, 0.0382, 0.8102 and 0.008 (mg/l) and average dissolved levels were 0.0104, 0.6737, 0.0356, 0.0256, 0.6998 and < 0.005 (mg/l) in surface water respectively. In underground water, average total levels of arsenic, iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cadmium were 0.0058, 5.8220, 0.1676, 0.0339, 0.2521 and 0.0065 (mg/l) whilst average dissolved levels were 0.0050, 4.3496, 0.1219, 0.0215, 0.2239 and 0.006 (mg/l) respectively. Iron and manganese levels in surface and underground waters exceeded Ghana Environmental Protection Agency standards for mining effluent. Differences in pH, temperature, E.C, alkalinity, S042-, iron, Cu, Zn and Mn levels in the seven water samples were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Surface water samples recorded values of EC and S042- ions higher than in underground water samples which exceeded acceptable limits. Carbon and sulfur in soil samples varied from 0.1922 to 1.8247 % and 0.0237 to 1.5830 % respectively. The results of the study showed high impact of AMD on water quality in Bogoso mining area. This effect could be attributed to the release of metals as a result of oxidation of metal-bearing sulphides in the mine dumps and pits at the selected sampling sites. The study showed that addition of lime as a treatment option has not been effective. Hence new conventional methods should be considered in the treatment of acidic water (AMD) in the mining area.
- ItemAddressing domestic violence against women: a case study of Navio traditional council in Kasena-Nankan West District of the Upper East Region, Ghana.(November, 2019) Thomas, Amibase;Background:Domestic violence against women has been recognized both globally and locally(Ghana) as a major violation of a woman’s human rights.Despite the enactment of Domestic Violence Act(Act 732) and establishment of Domestic Violence and Victims Supports Unit (DOVVSU), the problem still lingers. To adequately address the problem, calls are made to consider other alternatives systems of disputes resolution such as the traditional authorities. The study assesses the effectiveness of traditional authorities’ intervention in addressing domestic violence against women in the Navio traditional area. Methods:A cross sectional research design wasadopted for the study.Simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of the study sample.The study participants were interviewed using a pre-tested structured close and open-ended questionnaire.The data wasthen analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency, mean, standard deviation and presented on tables and graphs. Results:The study reveals that domestic violence occasionally occurs in the community (74.7%) and remains largely unreported (60.9%). The study further found that respondents preferred the traditional authorities in resolving domestic violence cases to the police and victims felt safe under the interventions put in place by the traditional head. Conclusion: The study concludes that victims of domestic violence are aware of interventions put in place and prefer the traditional leaders over the police in dealing with reported cases.
- ItemAdherence to anti-hypertensive medication regimens among patients attending the G.P.H.A. Hospital in Takoradi - Ghana.(2006-08-08) Jambedu, Haruna AhmedBackground: Adherence is the extent to which a person’s medication-taking behaviour coincides with the healthcare providers’ medical advice. It includes both dosing regularity and timing of intake. Many physicians face the problem of non-adherence among their hypertensive patient population. During the first year of treatment 16 – 50% of patients stop taking their high blood pressure medications. Overall, it is estimated that only about 30 – 50% of patients with hypertension adhere precisely to their hypertension medication regimens. Adherence is important in the treatment of hypertension Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the extent of non-adherence to hypertensive medication regimen in G.P.H.A. Hospital, Takoradi. The reasons for non-adherence in the study were also evaluated. Methods: A prospective study of 150 hypertensive patients on medication for at least 6 months, who reported at the OPD of this hospital, was carried out. The Morisky questionnaire was administered to the patients and reasons for non-adherence sought. Pregnancy related hypertensive patients were excluded in this study. Results: The study revealed that total adherence to anti-hypertensive medications regimens was 19.3% and partial or medium adherence was 49.3%. Hence the adherence rates (i.e. those who took their medications ≥ 75%) to anti-hypertensive medicines in the institution was 68.6% and the non-adherence rate was 31.4%. The major reasons for non-adherence were forgetfulness (45.4%) by the patient to take medications on time or missed doses and side effects of the medications (20.8%). Finance (10.4% was also a problem for the paying patients who have to make up-front payment to re-fill their medicines. Conclusion: The prevalence of adherence among hypertensive patients in this health facility was 68.6%. Thus, indicating the need for adherence counselling.
- ItemThe Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) by Ghanaian companies the level of compliance with reference to the preparation of financial statement.(November, 2015.) Acquaye, SandraBefore the adoption of IFRS among firms every country had its own reporting accounting standards which gave room to conflict when it comes to comparing financial statements from different countries. The move of business into the global economy has brought a lot of challenges in comparability, reliability and objectivity, this has therefore increased the need to move accounting standards into globalization. This study was conducted to know whether companies listed on Ghana stock exchange were actually complying with IFRS by Ghana since 2007 when it was adopted. The study used both primary and secondary data for data collection, primary source was questionnaires administered and for the secondary source published financial statements. The finding of the study was that over the years since compliance of IFRS has been made compulsory for all listed companies on the stock exchange, the level of compliance is high and the study was also able to identify some factors that influence the adoption of IFRS. The study recommends that there must be more training and education for both preparers and users of financial information. Also develop these standards in curricula sectors such as the universities to create more awareness for accounting students
- ItemAffordable energy efficient housing: The Proposed Tema Community 23, Greater Accra Region.(2008-07-19) Agbomanyi, Freeman KwameGlobally, affordable energy efficient housing has become a better option for providing adequate housing for urban dwellers. Most developed countries have considered the option passionately and have been enjoying the benefits of allocating resource towards developments of such nature. Some of the benefits include low energy use, low operational cost and increased rate of development of housing units. However, this has not been given adequate attention in developing countries like Ghana where the adverse effect of rapid population growth on housing delivery for urban dwellers and energy use in housing is prominent. The adverse effect includes the accumulation of housing deficit and energy crisis. The housing deficit was 250,000 units in 1985, 300,000 units in 2002 and in 2006 it was 500,000 units. To help solve the problem, this thesis investigates the benefits of tropical architecture design principles such as the use of passive ventilation techniques, use of courtyards, building orientation, appropriate window sizing and placement. The use of compressed earth as walling material, design standardization, efficient land use planning and measures put in place to reduce energy use in the buildings were also considered. The advantages of encouraging the use of energy saving technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LED), air conditioning exchangers (HVAC) and biogas in the Proposed Affordable Energy Efficient Housing for Tema Community 23were highlighted. The proposed affordable energy efficient housing for Tema community 23 may serve as a good model to help government and private developers to increase the supply of adequate housing units. It also serves as case to encourage policy makers to develop and enforce measures for ensuring that energy is efficiently used in buildings to prevent energy crisis.
- ItemAflatoxin M1 Contamination of Raw Cow Milk, Milk Products and Dietary Exposure(November, 2018) Addo-Boadu, CollinsGlobally, the occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in milk and milk products has been reported in many countries and therefore a thorny issue especially for developing countries. Despite the health effects of exposure to Aflatoxin M1 such as acute liver damage, cirrhosis of the liver and tumor induction, studies on occurrence and dietary exposure is generally lacking in Ghana. This study therefore sought to determine the incidence and dietary exposure to Aflatoxin M1 in three selected suburbs in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Thirty (30) samples of raw cow’s milk, 30 samples of Burkina drink and 23 locally made cheese (wagashi) were randomly purchased from the three suburbs (Ashaiman, Madina, Nima) in the Greater Accra region and analysed for the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). Solid phase extraction was used for the extraction and clean-up of samples and subsequently analysed using a high-performance chromatography coupled with fluorescence detector and Pyridinium Bromide Perbromide (PBPB) as a post column derivatization agent for detection and quantification. Using a food frequency questionnaire to obtain food consumption estimates and mean body weights, a deterministic approach was used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFM1 through raw cow’s milk, burkina drink and wagashi. Five of the thirty milk samples (16.67%) were positive with mean AFM1 levels of ±0.25 ug/l. Seven of the thirty Burkina samples (23.33%) showed presence of AFM1 with mean concentration of ±0.09 ug/l. Five of the cheese samples showed presence of AFM1 with mean concentration of ±0.04 ug/kg. The concentrations of AFM1 were lower in the locally made cheese than in the raw cow’s milk and Burkina drink. All the individual results for each product was above the EU limit of 0.05 ug/kg. For EDI, the results obtained showed that infants recorded the highest mean AFM1 across the three food types and therefore the age group exposed to significant risk. AFM1 intake through wagashi was relatively lower across all age groups compared to burkina drink and raw cow’s milk.
- ItemAmbient air quality and the health of communities around Chirano Gold Mines Limited(2011) Ntim, MichaelIn communities where mining operations take place there are lot of environmental problems that comes with their processes. One of the greatly affected parts is ambient air quality. This studies aims at investigating the pollution status of the ambient air and the state of health of the communities living within its catchments. With the vitalograph, lung function tests namely; Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec., Peak Expiratory Flow and Forced Expiratory Flow were performed on inhabitants of Paboase and Akoti communities in the concession of the Chirano Gold Mines Limited. The PM10 and Total Suspended Particles (TSP) in the ambient air were also monitored for a period of 8 months at 7 sampling stations. Results show that the mean PM10 level (64.04 μgm-3) was below the EPA- Ghana standard (70 μgm-3) but above the WHO standard (50 μgm-3). Also the levels of PM10 were below these standards except at all sampling stations except at the Rom Pad (166.72 μgm-3) possibly due to the crushing of rocks and its feeding into the processing plant causing greater liberation of particulate matter into the atmosphere. Mean TSP level (138.93 μgm-3) was also below both the EPA- Ghana standard (230 μgm-3) and WHO standard (200 μgm-3). For similar reasons, higher levels (367.62 μgm-3) than the standards were recorded at the Rom Pad. There was a statistical difference (p<0.00) between the predicted and the measured ling functions suggesting that the ambient air is not polluted and hence, there are health effects associated with the prevailing ambient air quality.
- ItemAn assessment of financial literacy among sme owners/managers in the osu klottey municipal area(knust, 2021) Yeboah EvansThis study explored the level of financial literacy among SME Owners/Managers in the Osu Klottey municipal area by investigating five key financial literacy indicators namely, book-keeping, budgeting, savings and borrowing, investment, and debt. With the adoption of the quantitative approach and a survey design, a sample of 188 respondents were selected using the simple random sampling technique. Data were obtained from primary data source using the structure research questionnaire, after which the data were analyzed by means of descriptive analytical technique. The study established that SME owners/managers possess low literacy in all the financial literacy indicators employed for the study except savings and borrowing which they possess medium literacy. In recognition of these outcomes, recommendation is made that SME managers strive to enhance their financial literacy to be able to optimize their financial decision to enhance the growth and sustainability of their businesses. In addition, recommendation is made for policy makers and relevant stakeholders put in place mechanisms to enhance the financial literacy of SSME owners to improve SME growth since they contribute significant to the country’s GDP.
- ItemAn Assessment of Financial Literacy in the Informal Sector of Ghana: A Case Study of Market Women in the Kasoa Market(knust, 2021) Birikorang RichardThis study examined the financial literacy in the informal sector of Ghana focusing on Market Women in the Kasoa Market. Particularly, the study examined the knowledge of the market women on financial matters, the extent of application of financial literacy, and the factors that influence the level of financial literacy of the market women. The study used the survey design of research on a population of market women in the Kasoa Market. The simple random sampling was used to obtain a sample of 96 respondents. Primary data were obtained using the research questionnaire. The obtained data were analysed statistically using the mean and standard deviation, together with the relative importance index with the aid of Excel Software. The study found that the market women are knowledgeable on insurance issues but possessed low knowledge on investment, savings and other key areas of financial issues. The study further indicates that the market women significantly apply their knowledge on financial matters on financial records keeping and budgeting related issue more than investment and insurance issues. It is also found that the key factors that influence the market women level of financial literacy are their experience and exposure to financial matters, level of education, and the financial knowledge of family members. In the light of the findings of the study, the study concludes that indeed, knowledge on financial matters among the market women is low in spite the substantial support which adequate knowledge on financial matters can lend to improving their trading activities, personal welfare, and the overall economy. The study further concludes that strategies are adopted by relevant stakeholders to help the market women obtain reasonable level of financial knowledge in all aspects so as to improve their trading activities which would translate into contributing to the general economy.
- ItemAn assessment of the book keeping practices of small and medium scale enterprises (smes) in Kumasi metropolis.(knust, 2021) OWUSU BRIDGETThis study sort to examine accounting information system practices of SMEs in the Kumasi metropolis. The study specifically sorts to: assess the accounting records keeping procedures of Small and Medium Enterprises; examine the value relevance of accounting information from the perspective of the SMEs and finally determine the influence of accounting information on SMEs operational performance. The study adopted a quantity study approach and data was collected from 385 respondent and analysed using OLS regression model. The major findings revealed that most SMEs do not apply the double entry principles required in accounting to record their business transactions; the study also showed that accounting information system has a positive and significant impact on firm performance among Small and Medium Enterprises within the Kumasi metropolis. It is recommended that the government organized periodic training to assist SMEs understand the need to maintain proper books of account such as ledger account in order to generate relevant and faithful representation accounting information.
- ItemAn assessment of the level of tax compliance among small and medium enterprises in the cape coast metropolis(knust, 2021) ABOTSI CYNTHIAThe purpose of the study is to assess the level of tax compliance amongst small and medium enterprise in the cape coast metropolis. The study utilized the quantitative method. Two hundred (200) business owners and attendants of the cape coast metropolis were sampled using the simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression were employed in the analysis of data. The study found low knowledge level of business owners and attendants of smes in cape coast regarding tax compliance and obligation issues. The study found that the most dominant indicator underscoring factors causing non-compliance of smes to tax laws and obligations is digital economy, followed by level of education, next is attitudes of sme operators, behaviour of tax administrators, structure of the tax system and the least being the rate of taxes. The study found that tax education exerts significant effects on tax compliance behaviour of smes. It was discovered that improving tax compliance comes with adopting strategies that can target some specific tax areas namely tax education, tax system, tax administration, tax payers, and digitization or technology issues. It was concluded that adequate knowledge, education, training on tax laws, compliance would improve amongst smes in cape coast. The study recommended that adequate tax education is required in order to improve the work of smes on regular basis in relation to tax compliance.
- ItemAn examination of the contribution of mobile money towards an inclusive financial system in Kumasi metropolis(knust, 2021) ASENSO HENRY STEPHENThe importance of an inclusive financial system is widely recognised in policy circles and recently financial inclusion has become a policy priority in many countries. Access to appropriate financial services can significantly improve the day-to-day management of finances. The study examined the extent to which mobile money service helps improve financial inclusion in Ghana, providing evidence from Kumasi Metropolis. The study adopted the quantitative approach and the survey research design to examine the phenomenon. Using the convenience sampling technique, 200 mobile money users were sampled in the Kumasi Metropolis. Primary data specifically questionnaire was the main data collection instrument in this study. Data was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics including frequencies, mean analysis, and cross tabulation. The findings of the study suggest a positive effects of mobile money services on savings behaviour of users and that mobile money services helps to improve the welfare of users in Ghana. Nonetheless, we found some challenges mobile money users in Ghana face including high level of fraud, higher interest rate, high costs of transaction and inadequate loan amounts. We recommend that laws should be enacted to guide the mobile money service from fraud and other dubious activities to encourage an extensive use of the facility to improve financial inclusion and social welfare in Ghana.
- ItemAn Exhibition Design for Visual Art Education in Senior High Schools(KNUST, 2018-11) Kweku BoakyeExhibition is an aspect of Art education that cannot be underestimated at any level of education. It is embedded in all the syllabi of every Visual Art subjects with all the potential intention to equip students with the interest and the confidence to articulate their works to their audiences in the course of their future career development. For such reason, exhibition is meant to be taught and practised at school far long before students graduate. This study sought to document and analyse the knowledge for organising exhibition, propose and test an exhibition framework in TI Ahmadiyya Senior High School and Kumasi Anglican Senior High School all in Kumasi Metropolis, Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study adopted qualitative research method with descriptive and action research methodologies to study the knowledge and organisation of the exhibition in the selected schools. The various instruments used included questionnaire, observation and interview to solicit for data. After collecting data for analysis, exhibition model was created and tested through organising exhibition for the students’ understudy. The exhibition model served as a scheme or guide which engaged all participants who acted as artists, curators, audiences, exhibition designer, planner and even security. The study discovered the various reasons which became stumbling blocks for exhibition organisation in schools. Some of these reasons are, lack of expertise among teachers, unawareness of exhibition design, finances and discrimination of subject viability from school leadership. Teachers associate exhibition with events such as Speech Day and Anniversaries which seriously deny students the joy of displaying their works. The study recommended adaptation of the exhibition model (BEDM) into the curriculum to serve as a guide for organisation of exhibitions in Senior High Schools.
- ItemAnalyses of perceptions and adaptations to climate change by rice farmers: case study in the Ashanti and Northern Regions of Ghana(NOVEMBER, 2016) Adusei, KwameClimate change is becoming a serious global problem that is expected to pose a serious threat on the environment and many sectors of economic growth such as agricultural production and food security and especially on rural farmers whose livelihoods depend on the use of natural resources are likely to bear the burden of the adverse impacts. The extent to which these impacts are felt depends in large part on the extent of adaptation in response to climate change perceived by farmers. This study analyses the perceptions and adaptations of rice farmers to climate change in the Ashanti and Northern regions of Ghana. To carry out this analysis, a multinomial logit model, in which the choices of rice farmers' adaptations to climate change are specified to be a function of socioeconomic and institutional variables, and is estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Cross sectional data was collected from a sample of 249 rice farmers from the Adansi South district, Ahafo Ano South district and the Tolon-Kumbungu districts. The results show that rice farmers in all the surveyed districts are aware of the changing climatic conditions, and recognize climate change. The overall perception index (CBPI) of sampled rice farmers about climate change across the surveyed districts is 0.5, suggesting that rice farmers have a positive perception about climate change and as well agree to most of the perception statements about climate change. Hence, they are always willing to put measures in place to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The main adaptation strategies used by rice farmers are migrating to urban areas, diversification of crop, making of bonds (irrigation) and engaging in off-farm jobs. The results reveal that age significantly but negatively affects the decision of farmers to make bonds on their rice fields as well as migrate to the urban area when faced with climate variability. Policy should therefore aim at encouraging and motivating the young people to go into the rice farming business. Farm size also had negative influence on a farmer ’s choice of vi making bonds his rice field. It is therefore recommended that the bonding method of irrigation on rice fields is improved and mechanized as farmers with very large rice fields are not able to invest in the method. Off-farm income negatively influence the likelihood of a rice farmer making bonds, migrating as well as diversifying his crop types. Rice farmers should properly manage their off-farm income-earning opportunities so that these jobs do not interfere with their farm activities. The size of a rice farmer's household, distance from house to farm, educational level, farming experience and land acquisition were all found to negatively influence a farmer's choice of an adaptation strategy. However, gender and fixed agreement between land owner and the rice farmer positively influence a farmer's choice of adaptation to climate change. It is recommended that land acquisition and property rights should be clearly defined to both land owners and rice farmers. Lack of financial resources, High cost of labor and inputs and transportation problems are the most pressing problems facing rice producers in the surveyed districts. The study therefore recommends that policies that would improve access to credit, extension service delivery, off-farm jobs, land acquisition and property rights should be pursued.
- ItemAnalysing the challenges associated with infrastructural project execution in the Awutu Senya District Assembly(2021-06-17) Odei Akrofi, Richard;Infrastructural assets in a community or country determines the quality of life of the people. In view of the above, it has been on the policy directives of the government of Ghana to increase infrastructure assets delivery in the country through the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The current study sought to assess the challenges faced by MMDAs in the delivery of infrastructure projects using the Awutu Senya District as a case study. Adopting a case study research design and qualitative research strategy, data was collected from key management personnel who play key role in developmental projects. The data collection was done using interviews. Data analysis was done using content and thematic analysis. From the results of the study, it was found that the Awutu Senya District Assembly embark on a number of developmental projects to meet the needs of their people. Despite the effort there still exist a huge infrastructure gaps that needs to be filled. This infrastructure gap was created as a results of inadequate funds. It was also found that the main challenges to infrastructure delivery by the assembly include political interference, Insufficient funds for project delivery, delay in release of funds by the Central government, abandonment of projects, lack of stakeholder involvement in project delivery, poor planning, delays in project delivery, project cost overruns, over awarding of contracts and delay in payment to contractors for work done. In view of the above it was recommended that the works done by the assembly should be devoid of political interference and conflict of interest. Moreover, adequate funds should be available before commencement of a project to avoid delays in project delivery and abandonment of projects. Stakeholders should also be involved in project planning and delivery.
- ItemAnalysis of barriers to children with mobility impairment in basic education in Accra Metropolis(2015-04-23) Addo, GiftyDespite the provisions made in the 1992 Constitution on the rights of disabled persons and the passage of the Persons with Disability Act 715 by the Parliament of Ghana in 2006, little has been done to enhance access to basic education for people with disabilities. The expectation was that, existing basic educational facilities would be retrofitted and made physically accessible to the disabled in order to create equal opportunities for pupils living with disabilities. This research uses descriptive-exploratory design to investigate the level of accessibility of the educational facilities at the basic schools in Accra. Surveys were conducted with relevant institutions with the use of interview guides. In all thirty -three pupils in twenty-two schools were surveyed and ten disabled drop-out children were surveyed as well. Fifty facilities within ten schools, one from each sub-metro were later audited using international standards, building codes, regulations and guidelines as benchmarks for assessments. The research revealed that despite the progress made with the help of philanthropist organisations and Parent Teacher‟s Association (PTA), most basic schools pupils with mobility impairment still encountered barriers such as discrimination, steps, narrow doorways and desk space, lack of seats for wheelchair users, lack of space for manoeuvring, open gutters and slippery floors. The audit showed that ramps constructed in many schools did not meet the minimum international standards. These findings point to the need for an extensive civic education for the general public on disability issues and funding to retrofit public buildings. Also, it is recommended that at least one entrance per facility should be accessible to PWDs by school authorities in Accra. The Ministry of Education should revise the teacher training materials to reflect inclusive education methods and adequate information on children with disabilities. The government should increase expenditure and budget allocation on inclusive education in Accra.
- ItemAnalysis of chronic diseases in Ghana using logistic regression(May 29, 2014) Karim, AzumahThe impact of chronic diseases on the development of a nation cannot be overemphasized. The in uences of socio-demographic/socio-economic factors on chronic disease conditions in Ghana are not well comprehended. The main objective of this study is to examine the e ect of socio-demographic/socio-economic factors of Ghanaians on their chronic disease conditions. A longitudinal study with nationally representative samples was undertaken. The data employed in this study were drawn from the World Health Organization Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), Wave 1, 2008-2009. The study suggested some level of chronic diseases in the Ghanaians populations. Asthma recorded the highest prevalence conditions with 3.4%, while Lung Disease recorded the least, 0.6 %. However, Depression, Oral health, and Injuries fairly recorded 1.4%, 2.5% and 1.8% respectively. In addition, the strength of the age category groups tends heavily towards adults, and particularly older adults respectively. Most of the respondents belong to the Christian faith. There is fairly even distribution among males and females respectively. More than half of respondents were engaged in self-employment. Majority of the respondent belongs to the Akan ethnic group. Also, widowed respondents contracted depression and oral health disease conditions. This paper revealed that, in Ghana, the occurrences of chronic disease conditions are associated with some socio-demographic/socio-economic factors: age, sex, religion, ethnicity, marital status, occupation, level of education, and income levels.
- ItemAnalysis of Maternal Mortality with Time; a Case Study of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital – Kumasi (2000-2010)(2012) Asomaning, Sarpong SmartThis study examined the occurrence and incidence of Maternal Deaths as well as maternal mortality ratios at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi from 2000 to 2010. The study explored the feasibility for application of Poisson models and time series autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) in the study of occurrence and incidence of Maternal Deaths and to predict Maternal Mortality ratios respectively. Analyses were based on data available at the Bio-Statistics Department of the Obstetrics & Gynaecology directorate of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for the period 2000-2010. The Statistical Analysis software (SAS) as well as the R-consol statistical analysis software was used in analysing the data. We found that, the mean number of occurrence of maternal death cases were high for all the years considered and established that the mean number of occurrence of maternal death cases has not significantly reduced over the period 2000 to 2010. The result also shows that there was a statistically significant in the incidence of maternal deaths difference between year 2010 (the referenced year) and years 2004, 2005 and 2008. Their chi-square values were 3.95, 5.12 and 5.83 with p-values of 0.0469, 0.0236 and 0.0158 respectively. Finally, the hospitals Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is relatively stable but has a very high average MMR of 967.7 per 100,000 live births which is about twice the National ratio of 451 per 100,000 live births. An ARIMA model fitted was used to predict maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) for the next eight quarters. We conclude that statistically the mean rate of maternal death cases is not significant over the period of time under study, mean number of occurrence of maternal death cases has not significantly reduced over the period 2000 to 2010 and that the ARIMA model is adequate for forecasting quarterly maternal mortality ratios at the hospital.