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A 40–100 MHz phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer with built-in self-test
(2012) Yankey, Jephthah
The Phase locked loop (PLL) is one of the most important devices in modern electronic systems. PLLs are widely used for clock generation or frequency synthesis in communication systems, computers, radio and other electronic applications. However, due to the use of expensive external equipment and amount of time involved, traditional VLSI testing methods are inefficient for testing of PLLs. In this thesis, a fully functional PLL frequency synthesizer which operates from 40MHz to 100MHz is designed. The designed PLL exhibits phase noise of -71dBc/Hz at 1kHz, which is low enough for a wide array of applications. To solve the testing problem, Built-In Self-Test (BIST) is employed. A BIST scheme based on a defect-oriented method of testing is proposed. A prototype adds BIST circuitry, a good part of which is derived from existing components of the original design. The PLL BIST scheme is generic and hence portable to similar PLL designs. One significant addition unit is a simple response collector that combines shifting and counting functionalities. The entire system is designed in a typical CMOS process using a 3V power supply which is commonly found in today’s portable products. Spectre® simulations of the PLL show that it is capable of synthesizing any frequency between 40 and 100MHz within a reasonably short acquisition time. The output waveform of the generated signal is clean and shows no spikes whatsoever. Experimental simulations also reveal that the BIST circuitry is capable of generating the exact test pattern needed. It also performs efficiently all the unique checks which make up the PLL BIST. The final test output is very consistent and produces the same results for a number of different runs of the simulation.
A principal component analysis on marketing 2.0 on business performance in ghana
(KNUST, 2023) Mensah-Aboagye Aaron
. The study analysed the impact of marketing 2.0 on business performance in Ghana. Marketing 2.0 has become an integral part of most business' communication strategies, and for a long time, marketing had been mainly focused on the traditional aspect, but has since adapted to ii new contexts such as online platforms, with the emergence of user generated content. Again, marketing 2.0, which involves interactive communication between consumers and businesses. Many supermarkets perceive social media as unprofitable, as they are unaware of its benefits in terms of customer relations and ROI. The study focused on a Principal Component Analysis of marketing 2.0 and its effect on business performance in Ghana. Questionnaires (Likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection) would be employed. Secondary data would be retrieved from journals and scientific reports, articles, academic papers. Data gathered was presented in tables and bar charts using Business Management Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 for hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Data was collected from 240 workers of Nestle Ghana Limited - Accra Metropolis. Convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents. Data was analysed quantitatively. The results revealed that there is very strong positive correlation between marketing 2.0 and supermarket performance. The correlation values were 0.00 denoting statistically significant relationship as marketing 2.0 is the latest trend in marketing that focuses on leveraging digital and social media platforms to reach customers and drive sales. It involves using a customercentric approach to engage with customers, personalizing content and messaging, and leveraging data to create more effective campaigns. Therefore, it was recommended that researching on how digital technologies can be used to boost supermarket performance is essential as technology develops further and new digital solutions become accessible. Key The study analysed the impact of marketing 2.0 on business performance in Ghana. Marketing 2.0 has become an integral part of most business' communication strategies, and for a long time, marketing had been mainly focused on the traditional aspect, but has since adapted to ii new contexts such as online platforms, with the emergence of user generated content. Again, marketing 2.0, which involves interactive communication between consumers and businesses. Many supermarkets perceive social media as unprofitable, as they are unaware of its benefits in terms of customer relations and ROI. The study focused on a Principal Component Analysis of marketing 2.0 and its effect on business performance in Ghana. Questionnaires (Likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection) would be employed. Secondary data would be retrieved from journals and scientific reports, articles, academic papers. Data gathered was presented in tables and bar charts using Business Management Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 for hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Data was collected from 240 workers of Nestle Ghana Limited - Accra Metropolis. Convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents. Data was analysed quantitatively. The results revealed that there is very strong positive correlation between marketing 2.0 and supermarket performance. The correlation values were 0.00 denoting statistically significant relationship as marketing 2.0 is the latest trend in marketing that focuses on leveraging digital and social media platforms to reach customers and drive sales. It involves using a customercentric approach to engage with customers, personalizing content and messaging, and leveraging data to create more effective campaigns. Therefore, it was recommended that researching on how digital technologies can be used to boost supermarket performance is essential as technology develops further and new digital solutions become accessible.
A principal component analysis on marketing 2.0 on business performance in ghana
(KNUST, 2023) Mensah Aaron Aboagye
The study analyzed the impact of marketing 2.0 on business performance in Ghana. Marketing 2.0 has become an integral part of most business' communication strategies, and for a long time, marketing had been mainly focused on the traditional aspect, but has since adapted to ii new contexts such as online platforms, with the emergence of user generated content. Again, marketing 2.0, which involves interactive communication between consumers and businesses. Many supermarkets perceive social media as unprofitable, as they are unaware of its benefits in terms of customer relations and roi. The study focused on a principal component analysis of marketing 2.0 and its effect on business performance in Ghana. Questionnaires (likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection) would be employed. Secondary data would be retrieved from journals and scientific reports, articles, academic papers. Data gathered was presented in tables and bar charts using business management statistical package for social sciences version 26 for hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Data was collected from 240 workers of nestle Ghana limited - Accra metropolis. Convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents. Data was analyzed quantitatively. The results revealed that there is very strong positive correlation between marketing 2.0 and supermarket performance. The correlation values were 0.00 denoting statistically significant relationship as marketing 2.0 is the latest trend in marketing that focuses on leveraging digital and social media platforms to reach customers and drive sales. It involves using a customercentric approach to engage with customers, personalizing content and messaging, and leveraging data to create more effective campaigns. Therefore, it was recommended that researching on how digital technologies can be used to boost supermarket performance is essential as technology develops further and new digital solutions become accessible. Keywords: marketing 2.0, business performance, social media marketing
A Security Shield for Internet of Things (IoT) Devices
(KNUST, 2019-06) Justice Owusu, Agyemang
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new paradigm that enables the convergence of smart objects and the internet. It is an intelligent network that connects all things to the Internet for the purpose of exchanging information and communicating through the information sensing devices in accordance with agreed protocols. Aside the various benefits IoT provides, it also presents challenges related to security and privacy. The direct connection of IoT devices to the internet makes them susceptible to several security threats. Some ongoing projects for enhancing IoT security include methods for providing data confidentiality and authentication, access control within the IoT network, privacy and trust among users and things, and the enforcement of security and privacy policies. However, even with these mechanisms, IoT networks are vulnerable to multiple attacks aimed to disrupt the network. For this reason, another line of defense, designed for detecting attackers is needed. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) fulfill this purpose. Previous resarch works propose IDSs in relation to IPv6 over Low-power Wireless Personal Area Network (6LoWPAN). However, since IoT will be used in many application domains with different technologies (WiFi, BLE, NFC and Z-Wave), development of IDSs only for 6LoWPAN is insufficient to meet the security needs of every IoT system. This research work focuses on IDSs for IoT devices that use WiFi technology. No previous works address IDSs for IoT devices that use WiFi technology. The research proposes lightweight intrusion detection algorithms that addresses ManIn-The-Middle (MITM) and Rogue Access Points (RAP) attacks. It goes further to propose an orchestration framework for IoT devices which can be used to logically isolate these devices in instances where vulnerabilities are found on them.
A study on stakeholder activities in the cocoa industry: evidence from the western north region
(KNUST, 2023) TANDOH ERIC THEOPHILUS
Cocoa is a crucial commodity that confers several socioeconomic benefits to nations. The cocoa growing industry has many players or stakeholders who play specific roles to ensure efficiency and enhanced productivity within the industry. The aim of the current study was to explore the activities of the stakeholders within the cocoa industry in the Suaman District of the Western North Region. To achieve this goal, the study employed an exploratory research design and collected primary data to test the relationships of interest through the administration of questionnaires. A total of 100 participants comprising 50 local cocoa farmers and 50 staff of various lbcs were recruited for the study using the convenient and purposive sampling technique. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis of the data gathered. Analysis of the results revealed that “planting shading trees or plants as protective cover for seedlings” was the most performed activity among cocoa farmers while “creating of fire belt around cocoa farms” was the least performed. In terms of activities of stakeholders, “in the event of accident your company shares risks with COCOBOD” recorded the lowest mean score while “your organization is affected by the overall outputs of cocoa farmers” had the highest mean score. The study recommends that future studies must use wider geographical area to explore the relations of interest. Future studies must also include other stakeholders within the cocoa industry to ascertain their roles in enhancing or disrupting the sustainability of the cocoa sector. Also, COCOBOD and lbcs must increase sensitization of local cocoa farmers to encourage them to use good farming practices. Finally, more agricultural institutions must be established to accommodate more extension officers who will facilitate the education and sensitization of stakeholders in the cocoa industry.
A Visual Documentation of Selected Akan Myths
(KNUST, 2018-11) Benedicta Efua Apprey
Social interactions have given proof to the many assertions and conclusions of both traditionalist, and academics of the receding nature of appreciation for the countless traditional precepts that define the Akan individual, in recent times. The study aims at giving greater insights and clarity to perceptions and attitudes surrounding the phenomenon, most importantly to provide a working document which can be used by cultural educators, researchers and other stakeholders in the field. Topics explored and reviewed includes, the field of mythology, its concept, and significance, also a comparative examination of some key Asante traditional symbols in relation to design thinking for illustrations. These topics were in line with the research objectives of; a) identification and description of myths, b) classification of diverse Akan myths c) creating visual illustrations of selected myths based on themes that emerge from findings. The phenomenological approach to research employed enhanced the depth of data retrieved from respondents as it dictates a flexibility and adaptive nature of the researcher in the exploration of the subject under study. The accessible population included community members and traditional leaders all within notable indigenous communities, made possible and effective through the purposive sampling methods used. The study revealed that Akans are highly spiritual people and this reflects in their mythical beliefs that influence their customs and practices; as it is relevant in some communities today. Five classifications of myths were identified: 1) myths about death and the afterlife, 2) myths about protection and social governance, 3) myths about births and children, 4) myths about gods and tutelary spirits, and 5) myths about creatures and beings. Further studies can be conducted into the individual categories of myths identified in addition to developing abstract visual documentation of the myths discussed in this study.
Abortion in Bosomtwe District, Ashanti, Ghana: a Case Control Study at St. Michael’s Hospital, Jachie – Pramso
(2009-07-12) Momo Lokko, Christiana Naa
Strategies for preventing unsafe abortion have been unyielding as a result of which many women die and develop complications from unsafe abortion including those resulting in induced abortion ending up as incomplete abortion. There is increase in incidence of death due to abortion at Bosomtwe district. This study was an un-matched case-control study with the objective of assessing the specific differences in the socio-demographic, economic and reproductive health characteristic of incomplete abortion clients (cases) and normal delivery clients (controls) attending St. Michael’s Hospital, Bosomtwe district. A comparative analysis of 61 cases and 129 controls revealed that, there is no significant difference in their age (p=0.61), marital status (p=0.11), educational level (p=0.63) and their religious background (p=0.61). There was also no difference in their occupation (p=0.52), income earned (p=0.96) and partners employment status (p=0.40). There was a statistical difference in the reproductive history between the groups in terms of the number of children (p=0.000), age of last child (p=0.000), and number pregnancies lost (p=0.000). Cases were 12.7 times more likely to have had abortion; 19.0 times more likely to have attempted to stop the index pregnancy; and 6 times more likely to have self induced the index pregnancy as a means of termination as compared to controls. It is recommended that stakeholders, especially the district health directorate should use specific predictors for incomplete abortion among women to educate and encourage them to live a healthy reproductive life.
Absenteeism Among Rural Teachers: The Contribution of “Poor Remuneration”, “Qualification of Teachers” and “Furthering Studies on Distance Learning”
(2013-07-09) Basiru, Nsoah Kwesi
According to Julius Nyerere― Education will not give one the chance to escape poverty but it will fight poverty from ones community. Education is therefore an earn in itself as well as means to other earns. However, people in the Pru district are gradually losing these enormous benefits of education,this largely is due to absenteeism of teachers from class. The negative effect absenteeism poses to education calls for a study into it. Constas and Vichas (1980) however determined some common variables such as poor remuneration, teachers furthering education and Qualification of teachers as the main contributors of absenteeism.This research is to further check the contribution of these variables, formulate a model for absenteeism and use it to model and predict absenteeism.Poor remuneration is the number contribution to absenteeism and it will be very appropriate to redirect a larger chunk of budget on remuneration of teacher instead of recruiting substitute teachers among others. There is a 99.9% chance that a teacher whose remuneration is good will always be in school irrespective of their Qualification or them furthering education.A database should also be set on attendance of teachers then monitoring and evaluation should be enforced.
Abuse of Political Office in Africa: A Literary Perspective
(2011-6-19) Adjei-Yeboah, Kofi
The essay focuses on the arbitrary exercise of power by political office holders on the African continent. Right after independence, the African leaders in whose hands the mantle of political administration was vested disappointed their people...
Abuse of psychotropic substances -a survey of some first and second cycle institutions in the Bosomtwi and Atwima-Kwanwoma Districts in Ashanti Region of Ghana
(2010-06-02) Assabil, James Kwesi
A random survey using semi-structured questionnaires was conducted in 13 selected first and second cycle schools in the Bosomtwi and Atwima Kwanwoma Districts of Ashanti Region to ascertain the effects of increased abuse of psychotropic substances on the academic performances of 600 students interviewed at random. The psychotropic drugs identified to be abused by the students include: amphetamines; coffee; cigarette; cocaine; marijuana; alcohol and heroine. Majority (94%) of pupils abuse both coffee and alcohol and 31% of pupils abuse marijuana, amphetamine, cocaine and heroine. Although majority (about 56%) of them claim the use of these drugs had improved their academic performances, about 11% of them rather developed truant behavioral problems with abysmal academic performances in the long run. The majority (about 61%) of them also got introduced to the drugs by their families and friends. Ninety six percent of the pupils were exposed to the problem of psychotropic substances abuse at an average age of about 11.5 years. This problem is worst in pupils with single parents or divorcees and also when adolescents are in serious financial problems. Parent remittances were the main source of money for the purchase of drugs. Majority (51%) of the student drug abusers were males although females constitute 45% of the population in these schools. However, the likelihood ratio of abuse amongst male and female students were either asymptotically insignificant (P<0.07) or linearly insignificant (P<0.4). The study generally revealed little improvement in academic performances in schools with increased drug use and the District Education Oversight Committees (DEOCs) as well as Parent Teacher Associations in the two Districts need to seriously get involved in school management programs to assist the implementation of child care monitoring programmes at home and schools in order to find a lasting solution to the rampant drug abuse problem.
Acacia tumida prunings as source of nutrients for soil fertility improvement in Niger: biochemical composition and decomposition pattern
(SEPTEMBER, 2015) Iliasso, Aboubacar Dan Kassoua Tawaye
Limited sources of organic amendments for increasing nutrient availability for crop growth is a major challenge in Niger. Reports on the role of organic material in soil fertility improvement in the Sahelian zone of Niger have been focused merely on limited range of organic amendments such as animal manure and crop residues. There is however little information on the use of agro-forestry leaves for soil fertility improvement in Niger. The current study was therefore designed to (i) evaluate the quality of Acacia tumida prunings, (ii) determine the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Acacia tumida prunings (iii) assess the factors that influence the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of organic materials under Sahelian conditions. Litterbag experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of a factorial combination of (a) three types of organic amendments (Acacia tumida pruning, millet straw and cattle manure), and (b) two levels of insecticide application (with and without insecticide). The litterbag experiment was conducted on sandy and crusted sandy soil types. The percentage composition of N, P and K in Acacia tumida prunings were 2.30, 0.14 and 1.50, respectively on a dry weight basis. The decomposition of Acacia tumida pruning was faster (k/day = 0.014) than that of cattle manure (k/day = 0.012). On the average, 45 and 34 % of organic materials decomposed in the litterbags free of insecticide and litterbags treated with insecticide respectively. The contribution of termites to organic amendment decomposition was estimated to be 36 % for millet straw and 30 % for manure. The highest N release constant (k/day = 0.025) was recorded for millet straw whereas the highest P release constant (k/day = 0.035) was documented for manure. The highest potassium release constant (k/day = 0.114) was recorded for Acacia tumida pruning. This study has contributed to knowledge regarding the decomposition of Acacia tumida prunings which has an important implication for diversifying the source of nutrients for soil fertility improvement in Niger. Moreover, the results of this study indicate that the presence of termites and the intrinsic quality of the organic material play crucial roles in the decomposition of organic materials in the Semi-arid environment of Niger.
The Acceptance of E-Procurement in Ghana: A Study of Key Stakeholders in the Construction Industry in Greater Accra
(2015-02-23) Akibate, Pascal Percy
The Public Procurement Act of 2003 was intended to harmonise public procurement processes, secure judicious, economic and efficient use of state resources and ensure that public procurement is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. The research seeks to find out the acceptance of e-procurement on the local construction industry in Ghana. By policy or practice, the increasing numbers of Government Department in Ghana are mandating the use of information technology (IT) to administer and deliver service to public. Many institutions achieve, or expect to achieve, enhanced procurement service and productivity by using advance technologies in e-Procurement. The research community relies increasingly on e-Procurement-enabler users that massively registered to equip with the system. The effectiveness of the public delivering service regarding procurement is a relevant topic of discussion among the clients. Taking into consideration the gap in the literature, a study has been carried out on the acceptance of e-Procurement in the construction industry in Ghana and the factors that leads to the adoption of e-procurement in the sector as well as the challenging factors that inhibit the acceptance of e-procurement. The factors that lead to the acceptance of e-Procurement system are the framework of this research. Therefore, this research will focus on these factors as the moderating effect towards satisfaction level among the users.
Acceptance of HIV Counselling & Testing Among Pregnant Women in the Kumasi Metropolis
(2008-07-13) Sakyi, Kwofie Gabriel
In 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.
Acceptance of HIV Counselling and Testing Among Pregnant Women in the Kumasi Metropolis
(2008) Kwofie, Gabriel Sakyi (Dr.)
In 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.
Access and coverage of healthcare among health staff in the Sunyani Municipality: Implications for the realization of universal health coverage
(NOVEMER, 2019) Abu, Juliet;
Universal Health Coverage seeks to ensure that everybody has access to quality healthcare without financial challenges. It is one of the global strategies towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Countries therefore need to track progress of universal health coverage not just across the national population but within different groups (e.g. by occupation, income level, sex, age, place of residence, migrant status and ethnic origin). The role of health workers in the realization of the universal health coverage cannot be overemphasized. Health workers are vulnerable to varying risks inherent in their profession, as they are exposed to infections, injuries, stress, violence, allergies, contact diseases and many others). There is a dearth of knowledge on access and coverage of healthcare among health staff who are the forefront of the effort at the realization of universal health coverage. It is this regard that access and coverage of health care among health Workers was investigated. The main objective of the study was to assess the access and coverage of healthcare among health Workers in the Sunyani Municipal. An analytic study type using a cross-sectional design was carried out in the Sunyani municipal. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, structured interview guide and subjected to univariate, bivariate and multivariate regression analysis. The study found that 52% of health staff had a degree,66% of health staff had worked for a period less than 5years, 57.1% monthly income was 1,500 Ghana cedis and above and 90% had a valid National Health Insurance Scheme card. Out of the four access and coverage areas the Occupational Health and Safety policy addresses, 71.5% of health staff were assisted during referral, 63.5% supported to access specialist care while 54.1% of health staff did not benefit from the health staffvi screening and 55.6% did not benefit from free Hepatitis B vaccination due to financial challenges as alluded to by Health Managers. Physical access and availability to healthcare by Health staff was highly encouraging as 95.9% of health staff had healthcare always available to them when needed and 83.2% of health staff usually visited the hospital, health centre or community Health Planning and Service Compound when ill. In terms of access to healthcare there was a significant association between income (p=0.017) and possession of valid National Health Insurance Scheme card (p=0.006). Coverage wise, 62% of health staff were moderately satisfied with their volume of healthcare needed and there was a significant association between income status (p=0.006) of health staff and quality of healthcare provided to them. A multivariate regression analysis indicated a highly significant association between volume of care health staff received (p=0.001), quality of Healthcare provided (p=0.001) and health staff healthcare needs satisfaction. The study concludes though health staffs of the Sunyani Municipal moderately accessed their needed health care and received moderate volume of their expected healthcare, one needed to be financially sound to access and obtained optimal healthcare needed. This study recommends effective implementation of the OHS policy and institution of special health package for health staff regardless of their income status to ensure health staffs are universally covered.
Access and use of e-books among students in Senior High Schools: a case study of schools in Kumasi Metropolis
(November, 2016) Boachie, Joyce
Electronic books or e-books have been in existence for a considerable number of years. E-books are now common and very popular with people who wish to read one or many books. Unearthing and the thus understanding of challenges hindering students’ access to and use of e-book is important for effective planning and implementation of policies for the successful integration of e-books in the education curriculum. The study seeks to explore access to and the use of e-books among Senior High School students in the Kumasi Metropolis and the associated challenges and problems they do encounter in this quest. A survey study comprising an admixture of quantitative and qualitative methodologies was designed to elicit participants (students) response on the use of e-books. A total sample of 283 students were selected from five senior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis to constitute the sample size for the study. Structured questionnaires were employed to elicit information relevant to the objectives of the study. Frequencies and percentages of the variables were computed and described to ascertain the responses of the participants. The study discovered that majority of the high school students surveyed, had varying knowledge of e-books but its usage and thus accessibility was the exclusive privilege of a relatively few due to a litany of factors the prime among which is lack of access. It was found out that students used e-books for the purposes of enhancing personal development, self-inspiration, education, information, as well as for academic development. Mitigating against the effective use of e-books were factors like lack of time, prohibition to use certain devices by school authorities, non-affordability of the reading device and preference for printed books as the prime reasons for not patronizing e-books. The study then concludes that Senior High School students in the Kumasi Metropolis read e-books albeit limited to non-academic related purposes like entertainment and general information seeking via the mobile phone which is the primary medium of access. The study therefore recommends to the Ghana Education Service to institute policies to encourage and improve access and use of e-books among Senior High School students by unleashing its untapped potentials for enhanced academic work by properly integrating it into the educational curriculum.
Access and utilization of family planning services among males in the Ga-East municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
(2009-08-08) Ababio, Selina
Family planning is a voluntary prevention of pregnancy and it entails the interruption of a chain of events that leads to conception. Family planning has been an age long practice, mostly among women. Although men are also included in the utilization of family planning services, practically, most men do not utilize the service. It is important to note that, increase in the usage of the service by men will help guard against unwanted pregnancy, improve child spacing and prevent sexually transmitted infections including HIV by using the appropriate contraceptive. Men’s support and commitment to the utilization of family planning is of importance in Africa. This is because of its contribution to the achievement of the millennium development goals (MDG) 5 and 6, which is to improve maternal health, by preventing both maternal and child mortality and also to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. The study was done in all the four (4) sub-districts in the Ga East District. The topic for the study is access and utilization of family planning among males in the Ga East Municipality. The study design was descriptive cross-sectional. The Sample size was 120 males with ages between 19-59 years. In addition, views about utilization of family planning among men from twenty (20) service providers were obtained to support the study. Interview was the data collection method used and questionnaires, the main tool for data collection. From the study it was discovered that: • Educational background was a significant predictor of ones knowledge about family planning. In other words, the higher one moves along the educational ladder, the more his knowledge about family planning • Generally, across the age groups, more people have knowledge about family planning than those who do not have any idea. (80%). • The majority of the respondents were within the age 19-39years (76.7%). • The respondents with some level of education are in the majority (91.5%), compared to those without any form of education, among others.
Access to credit for women entrepreneurs: a case study of women in micro and small scale business at Tanoso, Kumasi
(2009-05) Koranteng-Dakwa, Winifred
Access to credit from Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Kumasi Metropolis
(July, 2015) Darko, Richard
Access to credit for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana, is one of the thorny issues as far as growth and development of SMEs is concerned. This study is meant to highlight on how SMEs could reasonably access credit from financial institutions. It also gives an expose on credit delivery processes of Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) to economically support SMEs. The study received responses from 329 owners of SMEs, three (3) NBFIs, National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and experts in credit delivery processes and SMEs activities. Questionnaire was used to gather primary data for the study through cross-sectional survey design. Secondary data from literature review of the study supported questionnaire administered to collect data from respondents. The study used tables, percentages and Microsoft Excel to produce bar graphs for data presentation, analysis and discussion. The study identified inadequate SMEs funding, non-formalization of SMEs credit from friends and family members, cash lien, collateral security, insider loan fraud, high interest rates, misclassification of borrowers of credit and credit repayment periods as challenges of SMEs access to credit and credit delivery processes of NBFIs. The study called for the establishment of SMEs Development Fund (SMEDEF), formalization of SMEs credit from friends and family members, proper administration of collateral security for loans, proper classification of borrowers in credit delivery, effective management of cash lien, competitive interest rates on loans, flexible credit repayment periods, restrictions on insider loan fraud and SMEs capacity building to streamline credit delivery in SMEs and NBFIs operations.
Access to justice and inmates at Kumasi central prison
(2021-06-14) Akoto, Alexandria A.;
The study explores how inmates at the Kumasi Central Prison access justice. Purposely, the study seeks to outline the reasons for delay in access to justice for the inmates at the Kumasi prison. To examine the extent to which inmates access justice whiles at the Prison, and identify the various challenges they faced at the prisons. We collect data from a survey administered to 230 respondents from key technical persons and some selected inmates at the Kumasi Central Prisons. The study found out that factors such as few judges and magistrates available to adjudicate the massive backlogs of court cases, and lack of transparency of court document processing and publication of court decisions are the reasons for the delays. The study further found out that majority of the inmates were denied access to legal advice and service, and some of the inmates also expressed total ignorance so far as access to justice. We therefore, conclude that access to justice or legal representation is very difficult in the prison, and that many accused persons go through trial without being represented by a legal practitioner. The researcher therefore recommends a Legal Aid Policy that shall promote speedy access to justice, reformative programmes such as skills training for prisoners, a social protection and support programmes that could help for effective reintegration of remand prisoners into society, and the establishment of a remand home to avoid the mingling of remand prisoners with convicted prisoners.

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