To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Public Ghana.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Public Ghana'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Public Ghana.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Akoto, O. A. "Public policy and agricultural development in Ghana." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1985. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.355243.
Full text
2
Akazili, James. "Equity in Health Care Financing in Ghana." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9390.
Full textAbstract:
Includes bibliographical references.Financial risk protection against the cost of unforeseen ill health has become a global concern as expressed in the 2005 World Health Assembly resolution (WHA58.33), which urges its member states to "plan the transition to universal coverage of their citizens". The study (the first of kind in Ghana) measured the relative progressivity of health care financing mechanisms, the catastrophic and impoverishment effect of direct health care payments, as well as evaluating the factors affecting enrolment in the national health insurance scheme (NHIS), which is the intended means for achieving equitable health financing and universal coverage in Ghana. To achieve the purpose of the study, secondary data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS) 2005/2006 were used. This was triangulated with data from the Ministry of Finance and other ministries and departments, and further complemented with primary household data collected in six districts. In addition 44 focus group discussions with different groups of people and communities were conducted. In-depth interviews were also conducted with six managers of District NHI schemes as well as the NHIS headquarters. The study found that generally Ghana's health care financing system is progressive. The progressivity of health financing is driven largely by the overall progressivity of taxes which account for over 50% of health care funding. The national health insurance levy is mildly progressive as indicated by a Kakwani index of 0.045. However, informal sector NHI contributions were found to be regressive. Out-of-pocket payments, which account for 45% of funding, are associated with significant catastrophic and impoverishment effects on households. The results also indicate that high premiums, ineffective exemptions, fragmented funding pools and perceived poor quality of care affect the expansion of the NHIS. For Ghana to attain adequate financial protection and ultimately achieve universal coverage, it needs to extend cover to the informal sector, possibly through funding their contributions entirely from tax, and address other issues affecting the expansion of the NHI. Furthermore, the funding pool for health care needs to grow and this can be achieved by improving the efficiency of tax collection and increasing the budgetary allocation to the health sector.
3
Agyeman-Yeboah, Joana. "A best-practice guideline for facilitating adherence to anti-retroviral therapy for persons attending public hospitals in Ghana." Thesis, Nelson Mandela University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13603.
Full textAbstract:
The retention of persons on an HIV programme has been a global challenge. The success of any strategy to optimize adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) depends on the intensive and effective adherence counselling and strategies. It is important to research whether persons receiving anti-retroviral therapy in public hospitals in Ghana are receiving the needed service that would optimize their adherence to the anti-retroviral therapy. Therefore, this study explored and described the experiences of healthcare professionals providing care, support and guidance to persons on ART at public hospitals in Ghana, as well as the best-practice guideline that could contribute to facilitating the ART adherence of patients. This study also explored and described the experiences of persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) on ART, regarding their adherence to the therapy. The study was organized into three phases. In Phase One: a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was employed. The research population included healthcare professionals, providing services at the HIV clinic at the public hospitals in Ghana, namely the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital; the 37 Military Hospital and the Ridge Hospital. The healthcare professionals comprised of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and trained counsellors employed in any of the three public hospitals. Persons receiving ART at any of the three public hospitals were also part of the research population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals and persons receiving ART. Data were collected from healthcare professionals in relation to their experiences regarding the provision of ART services, their understanding of evidence-based practice and best-practice guidelines, as well as data on the experiences of persons receiving ART in relation to their adherence to the therapy. The data were analysed using Creswell’s six steps of data analysis; and the coding of the data was done according to Tesch’s eight steps of coding. Trustworthiness was ensured by using Lincoln and Guba’s framework which comprised credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity. Ethical principles such as beneficence and non-maleficence, respect for human dignity, justice, veracity, privacy and confidentiality were considered in the study. In phase two, the literature was searched by using an integrative literature review approach and critically appraising the methodological quality of the guidelines in order to identify the best available evidence related to adherence to ART. In Phase Three, a best-practice guideline for facilitating adherence to ART was developed for public hospitals in Ghana based on the findings of the empirical research of Phase One and the integrative literature review in Phase Two. The guideline was submitted to an expert panel for review; and it was modified, according to the recommendations of the panel.
4
Benin, Jojo. "The Effects of Policy Gaps on Governance in Ghana." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3518.
Full textAbstract:
The need for governance institutions in Ghana to focus on policy results that impact directly on citizen's wellbeing rather than results that are achieved immediately after implementing program of activities has become more relevant than ever before due to widening policy gaps (the difference between policy intention and policy outcome) in Ghana. Defective policy implementation by the Ghanaian Civil Service is widening policy gaps in Ghana. With the aid of the institutional analysis and development framework, this quantitative study examined the relationship between policy gaps and governance in Ghana. Empirical data were collected from 539 Civil Servants in Ghana using a web-based survey. The 539 Civil Service participants in this study were chosen from a list of all Civil Servants obtained from the Office of the Head of Civil Service in Ghana. Multiple linear regression was employed to test the extent to which 6 governance indicators affected policy gaps. Findings showed a significant negative relationship between the regulatory quality governance indicator and policy gaps. The study also found no significant relationship between policy gaps and other governance indicators, namely voice and accountability, political stability, regulatory quality, rule of law, governance effectiveness, and control of corruption. These results suggest that implementing public policies relating to trade and investment, taxes, tariffs, and other regulatory issues that seek to enhance the development of the private sector significantly reduces policy gaps. This study leads to positive social change by helping the civil service improve policies and procedures to services for the citizens it serves.
5
Bannister, David. "Public health and its contexts in northern Ghana, 1900-2000." Thesis, SOAS, University of London, 2017. http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/26656/.
Full textAbstract:
This is a study of the long-term political economy of public health work in northern Ghana, and of the contingent application of medical knowledge under different political regimes. Covering the period from 1900 to 2000, the thesis asks how the north and its people's enduring peripherality - defined in various ways - shaped the evolution of public health institutions and conditioned the state's attention to particular diseases. It assesses key public health transitions across the century, including the creation of the north's Native Authority health system in the 1930s, the entrenchment of church authority for healthcare in the 1950s, and the government's gradual cession of medical oversight to international organisations from the late 1960s, a process which was partially reversed in the late 1990s. It examines specific disease control programmes against sleeping sickness, onchocerciasis, and guinea worm, for what they reveal about the social history of medical work on the margins of the state, and about the political contexts for population-level health interventions. Colonial-era tsetse control inadvertently contributed to the serious prevalence of onchocerciasis in the north at independence, and this high prevalence of onchocerciasis made northern Ghana a focus of international health fundraising ahead of the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Programme, which began in 1974. In the urban south, guinea worm disease was substantially reduced in the early twentieth century, but in the north the disease only received concerted attention from the 1980s. In the historical literature on health in Ghana, there are few studies which adequately disaggregate the north and its particular experiences of public health work. Using sources from northern regional archives, the archives of the World Health Organisation, and interview testimony from government health officials and village communities, the thesis aims to make a contribution to this area.
6
Burchett, Helen. "Perceptions of the usefulness of public health research in Ghana." Thesis, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (University of London), 2010. http://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/682424/.
Full textAbstract:
This study aimed to explore researchers' and policy stakeholders' perceptions of the usefulness of public health research for policy, using the example of maternal health in Ghana. Sixty-nine government decisionmakers, maternal health policy stakeholders and researchers were interviewed. Concepts of research were broad. Research was dichotomised into `big', formal research and 'small', applied research such as operations research. 'Small research' was highly valued, due to its speedy completion and its focus on topics pertinent to service delivery; big research was not always considered necessary. Effectiveness research, one type of `big research', was not highly valued. Interviewees tended to feel that 'effective' policies and programmes could be designed once there was a thorough understanding of the situation. There was an implicit assumption that as long as these interventions were implemented well, they would be effective. Six dimensionso f local applicability/transferabilitwye re identified.T he most influential factors were the ease with which the intervention could be implemented, the study's congruence with interviewees' previous experiences and the perceived need for the intervention. Little attention was paid to study findings. Judgements of an intervention's potential effectiveness tended to be based on the ease of implementation or knowledge of similar projects. Adaptation was considered to be crucial, although often conceptualised not as a factor within local applicability/transferability assessments, but rather a distinct, essential step in the research use process. This study suggests that the factors of local applicability/transferability frequently cited in the literature do not reflect those considered to be most important by stakeholders in Ghana.
7
Quaye, Daniel M., and mikewood@deakin edu au. "The impact of the extended family on microenterprise growth in Ghana: A case study of Accra." Deakin University, 1998. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20051123.122956.
Full textAbstract:
This study examines the extended family's impact on microenterprise growth at the individual level, where microenterprise operators have some control over constraints affecting their operations. Beyond the individual level, microenterprise operators have little control over constraints such as government policies and regulations, competition from import-substitution industries and exploitation by corrupt officials. Therefore, it is at the individual level that the extended family serves as a crucial parameter of microenterprise growth and the success with which MEs graduate from the informal sector into the mainstreams of small business. Within this domain, this author has examined the extended family and found that there is a need for policy makers and MED administrators to adopt a more culturally sensitive approach to microenterprise growth if the extended family is to be engaged as a partner in their efforts to support microenterprises as a source of income and employment generation,
A central question posed is why most writers on microenterprise activities in Ghana have neglected the extended family as a factor that should be considered in the design of microenterprise growth strategies and policies? The answer to this question was explored in the process of data gathering for this thesis and the results are presented here, especially in chapter 3 below. Suffice it to note here that this neglect has many roots, not least of which is the proclivity of mainstream economics, modern administration practice and the objectivity of double entry accounting based documentation procedures to focus on measurable growth in the formal sectors of the economy and structural constraints such as the lack of finance, lack of market demand, lack of access to technology and government regulations. Consequently, a noticeable trend among these writers is that they rightly advocate finance be made accessible to microenterprises, however, few question whether the finance is effectively used towards microenterprise growth. This issue is crucial in the face of evidence from this study which shows that finance accessed towards microenterprise growth is often put to other uses that negate growth thus keeping microenterprises within the bounds of the informal sector as against graduating out of the informal sector. As a result, these writers have neglected the intimate relations between the extended family and microenterprises, and most importantly, the constraint that the extended family inflicts on microenterprise growth at the individual level of activity. This study, by targeting the growth of the individual microenterprise in the socio-cultural context in which this growth must be achieved, has highlighted the constraint that the extended family does pose on MED. However, the study also shows that these constraints are important not because there is anything inherently wrong with the extended family, but because the socio-economic and policy environment is not consistent with the positive role that the extended family can and should play in the graduation of microenterprises from the informal to the formal sector of the economy in Ghana.
8
Amediavor, Rita Laryea. "The Persisting Threats Of Cholera: A Cyclical Public Health Problem In Ghana." Wright State University / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1598992794308852.
Full text
9
David, LaKisha T. (LaKisha Tawanda). "A case for public sanitation with on-site treatment in Ghana." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/90199.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis: M.C.P., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, 2014.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 57-60).
According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), 14% of the population in Ghana use improved sanitation facilities and 59% use shared facilities. The objective of this thesis is to offer a situational analysis of public sanitation in Ghana by addressing both access to sanitation and bio-digestion on-site waste treatment for one non-profit organization, Pure Home Water, to improve access to sanitation in the Northern Sector of Ghana. Based on the neighborhood, customary, and political context of Ghana, I recommend the construction of new public sanitation facilities, the conversion of existing household toilets to the biodigester systems, and making bio-digester systems a standard technical model while creating local ownership of the technology. In addition, I recommend evaluating the status quo to address the needs of vulnerable groups, addressing hygiene needs as standard, and appealing to the local government's business sense.
by LaKisha T. David.
M.C.P.
10
Gyamera, Gifty Oforiwaa. "A critical study of internationalisation in the public universities in Ghana." Thesis, University of Roehampton, 2014. https://pure.roehampton.ac.uk/portal/en/studentthesis/a-critical-study-of-internationalisation-in-the-public-universities-in-ghana(035f62c1-7d3a-4638-b64e-d9027a0aba67).html.
Full textAbstract:
This research critically examines the perceptions, rationales, strategies and challenges of internationalisation at the public universities in Ghana. The study contributes to the available literature on Ghanaian higher education and internationalisation in the public universities. The research was a qualitative study and the conceptual framework was informed by postcolonial theory. The theory helped to address major questions in higher education including the infiltration of neoliberal ideas, inequalities and exclusions, and the perpetuation of colonial legacies in international discourse. Three public universities were purposely selected as case studies; respondents were administrators, deans, heads of departments, academics, and students from these selected universities. Personnel from the supervisory bodies of higher education in Ghana were also interviewed. Data gathering included interviews, documentary analyses and observations, and analysed using content and discourse analyses. The findings indicate that internationalisation is perceived as an important concept in the universities in the study. There are, however, dominant discourses and views of internationalisation that seem to be rooted in colonialism and the marginalisation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. I argue that the global influences of capitalism underlie many of the strategies of the universities. Though the meanings, rationales and strategies of internationalisation are similar in all the universities, there are different nuances in the various institutions’ thinking and approach. In spite of their efforts, the universities in the study are confronted with a lot of challenges which limit their ability to offer an alternative to the dominant internationalisation discourse. I argue, however, that internationalisation is a problematic concept which should be engaged with critically; there is a need for a critical orientation to iii internationalisation that appreciates and emphasises difference, and which enriches the educational experiences of students.
11
Joseph, Agyena Osei. "Public Officials' Defense of Bribery as a Culturally Acceptable Behavior in Ghana." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7672.
Full textAbstract:
The prevalence of bribery in Ghana has increased significantly since the mid-2000s and has received considerable attention in both local and international media, as well as among empirical researchers. Although researchers have examined factors that influence the giving and acceptance of bribes in Ghana, limited theoretical research exists concerning the ways public officials in Ghana defend their corrupt behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine ways bribees in Ghana defend their illegal actions, using Sykes and Matza’s neutralization theory. Data were collected from telephone interviews with 11 Ghanaian public officials who have served sentences for bribery; their statements of defense were analyzed through qualitative content analysis to establish whether they used techniques of neutralization. The findings of this study indicate that public officials accused of accepting bribes apply all 5 techniques in Sykes and Matza’s neutralization theory to neutralize the guilt associated with their actions. The findings also indicate that participants believe that bribery has become part of the Ghanaian culture. Legislators, organizational leaders, and criminal justice administrators could use the findings of this study to enact appropriate laws to manage the issue of bribery in Ghana and to design effective and comprehensive ethics policies and programs to prevent its occurrence. Implications for positive social change include reducing the negative economic implications of bribery and improving trust in public officials.
12
Towah, William Deiyan. "The Impact of Good Governance and Stability on Sustainable Development in Ghana." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6284.
Full textAbstract:
Previous studies have lauded Ghana's commitment to sustainable development, but corruption and violence may affect sustainable development policies and initiatives related to poverty reduction, agricultural practices, environmental protection, and human development. The purpose of this holistic, qualitative case study was to identify and describe good governance practices in Ghana and threats to sustainable development. A Marxist conceptual lens guided the thematic analysis of data collected from artifact documents, field notes, and interviews of 20 key informants from various professions and diverse perspectives who were directly involved in the governance of Ghana or implementation of policies. Three primary themes emerged: (a) the importance of active governance proactively anticipating and responding to citizen's needs through democratic processes, independent judiciary, social inclusion, and influence in Africa; (b) an effective governance formulating and implementing specific policies to advance citizens' standard of living in partnership with the private sector focused on human capital, education, health services, farms-to-market infrastructures, and revamping economic priorities; and (c) fair governance and rule of law accountable to the people. Ghana's good governance practices for sustainable development that were identified integrated some Western practices while maintaining and sustaining its own cultural norms and priorities. This may be a durable recipe for other African nations to use to effect positive social change for citizens, private institutions, and therefore, good governance, which is germane for sustainable development.
13
Mensah, Gwendolyn Patience. "Best practice guideline for the nursing management of women with gestational diabetes mellitus in military health institutions in Ghana." Thesis, Nelson Mandela University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14036.
Full textAbstract:
Pregnancy is a normal physiological process for the majority of women. These women, their families and significant others normally expect a successful period of pregnancy, labour, delivery and arrival of a normal and healthy baby. However, some of these pregnant women may develop Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during this period and if not managed properly, the mother and the foetus in utero are affected in a negative way: there is a likelihood of the mother and baby developing Type 2 Diabetes in the future and also, other risks such as preterm labour, and foetal macrosomia. In order to prevent such occurrences, I set out to develop a best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM in military health institutions in Ghana in order to help enhance nursing care. The design for this research was qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The research is organised in three phases: Phase one deals with the data analysis and discussion of the interviews with professional nurses and midwives and women with a history of GDM. The data collected from the interviews were transcribed, analysed and extracted with Tesch’s eight steps of coding used for the coding. The services of an independent coder were employed to assist with the coding process which led to the formulation of key themes. Semi-structured individual interviews provided a means of exploring the perceptions of professional nurses and midwives on the nursing management of GDM: in addition, women with a history of GDM were interviewed so as to elicit their views on the management they had experienced from professional nurses and midwives before and after being diagnosed with GDM. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured by conforming to Lincoln and Guba’s framework of credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity. An independent coder assisted with the coding process. Phase two deals with the Integrative literature review of available evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the nursing management of GDM. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines were searched and appraised with assistance from an independent appraiser and themes were then formulated. In Phase three, the themes from Phase one and Phase two were integrated for the development of a draft best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM in military health institutions in Ghana. The draft guideline was given to an expert panel of reviewers for their comments and recommendations. These were considered in the development of the final best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM.
14
Kwasi-Agyeman, Fredua. "Public funding of higher education and student access: A comparative study of two public universities in Africa." University of Western Cape, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/7824.
Full textAbstract:
Doctor EducationisThis study examines changes in public funding and student access, factors influencing the changes in public funding, and strategic responses towards influencing variations in student access under fluctuations in public funding at two African public universities, the University of the Western Cape in South Africa and the University of Ghana in Ghana. Underpinned by resource dependence theory, the study uses a qualitative methodology via in-depth interviewing of twenty-two respondents and documentary analysis to gather data to explore the study’s objective. The public funding of higher education and student access in South Africa and Ghana have been changing over time, where various issues of concern have been raised about the changes. This study explores the relationship between changes in public funding and student access at both universities. The study finds that the levels of change in public funding have a significant effect on the variations in student access at the University of the Western Cape. In other words, changes in public funding are a major factor in changing student access. The analysis shows that, statistically, approximately 94 percent of the variation in student enrolment between 2007 and 2016 is accounted for by public funding. However, the study finds an insignificant relationship between changes in public funding and student access at the University of Ghana. The findings reveal that the state of the economy; competing needs of the various sectors; low prioritization of higher education; sectoral planning and budgeting; a shift of focus from education; funding mechanism; and overspending in election years are factors that influence changes in public funding at both institutions. Strategic responses such as government subsidy; low-tuition fee structure; payment arrangement; recruitment strategy; containment strategy; special grants; financial support system; policy for the admission of athlete students; and policy for less-endowed schools have been employed by the two universities to influence variations in student access in the face of fluctuations in public funding. The study concludes by generating practical and conventional propositions on public funding of higher education and student access. A recommendation for further research into changes in public funding and student access is also suggested. A similar study could thus be undertaken to investigate the relationship between changes in tuition fees and student access.
15
Denton, Curtis James. "Estimating Buruli Ulcer Prevalence in Southwestern Ghana." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2007. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3981/.
Full textAbstract:
Mycobacterium ulcerans is sweeping across sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about the mode of transmission and its natural reservoirs. Since the only effective treatment is excision of the infection and surrounding tissue, early diagnosis and treatment is the only way to reduce the havoc associated with Buruli ulcer. Using data from a national case search survey conducted in Ghana during 2000 and suspected risk factors this study tests the hypothesized factors and probes the challenges of developing a spatial epidemiological regression model to explain Buruli ulcer prevalence in the southwestern region of Ghana representing 42 districts. Results suggest that prevalence is directly related to the degree of land cover classified as soil, elevation differential, and percent rural population of the area.
16
Acheampong, Edwin Asiamah. "Knowledge management in public sector organisations : developing a practice framework for Ghana." Thesis, University of Bolton, 2014. http://ubir.bolton.ac.uk/651/.
Full textAbstract:
"Accomplishing much is not determined by the possession of splendid talents, but the conscious performance of daily duties" (Adaptation from Prophets & Kings by E.G. White). Knowledge Management emerged in the mid-1990s as a solution to the challenge of managing intellectual assets in the post-industrial era widely known as knowledge economy; which is transforming every sector of the global economy – both private and public. However, the tendency of existing literature to convey Knowledge Management (KM) theories and concepts, and indeed its practices, in predominantly private sector context has created a ‘gap’ and marginalised the transformational impact of this important field. At the same time the slow rate, and, to a large extent, non-adoption of knowledge management practices within the public sector, particularly in developing countries, is a missed opportunity as long as the status quo is not improved. This PhD research traces the emergence of the knowledge economy phenomenon, explores knowledge management as an organisational strategy and focuses on how the public sector in developing economies, especially Ghana, can adopt KM strategies and techniques to enhance public administration and performance. More importantly, a KM practice framework is developed encourage its institutionalisation. Based on the interpretivist research paradigm and a multi-site case study design, seventeen public sector organisations in Ghana and seven in the United Kingdom were studied to collate and synthesize relevant organisational factors and conditions that influence KM. Fifteen factors and conditions were found to provide rationale for KM and to sustain its deployment as a strategic intervention in public sector organisations. These factors and conditions were abstracted into four core categories to define a KM practice framework for the sector. Theoretically, this study is a significant contribution to public sector KM as the developed framework provides context for the field in a new arena. For public administrators in Ghana, it opens up pragmatic strategic options to grow intellectual capabilities to improve efficiency in policy-making and service delivery. Practically, the study is a significant step towards institutionalising KM in Ghana as a direct response to development partners’ calls for efficient public administration and meeting a major component of the New Public Management agenda: public organisations becoming learning institutions.
17
Abiwu, Napoleon. "Private sector involvement in urban water supply management, Ghana." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2013. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/9882.
Full textAbstract:
The performance of public utilities in low-income countries with respect to service to all customers, and particularly lower-income urban consumers, is understood to be limited in many cases. The Government of Ghana chose to implement a private sector management contract in order to deliver significant change in service delivery and financial viability. The five year management contract with Aqua Vitens Rand Limited ran from 2006 to 2011 and was not renewed. This study investigates the public utility outcomes, both as a state owned corporation and a state owned limited liability Company, and compares those outcomes with the achievements of the private operator through a Management Contract. The latter two management models operated under the oversight of the newly formed economic regulator, the Public Utility Regulatory Commission in 1999 and any effect of that regulation is considered. The hypothesis of the study developed in 2008 was that “a management contract would not provide the necessary level of empowerment, incentives and commitment and access to resources for a private operator to adequately and efficiently perform even where there is an established economic regulator with a clear mandate”. The case study approach was employed for the study data was gathered on the operations, activities, regulation and management of the urban water utility through documentary review, key-informant interviews, household surveys, public hearing meetings and user observations. However, three major cities including Accra, Kumasi and Tamale were used for the household survey. These three cities were carefully picked out taking into account the political, economic, geographical, social and cultural significance that each of the them represents and commands in Ghana.
18
Akwaa-Mensah, Christopher Yartey. "Policy development and implementation in a Ghanaian public university." Thesis, University of Sussex, 2015. http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/59564/.
Full textAbstract:
This qualitative case study explores how policy is developed and implemented in public universities in Ghana, using the case of the University of Education, Winneba. It draws on a theoretical rationale in which inclusion and inclusiveness are seen as paramount (Lewin, 1951; Schein, 1995; Robins, 2003) to specifically question the influence of different stakeholder groups in the development and implementation of policies in the University. The study utilized data from two sources: the analysis of policy documents, and semi-structured one-on-one interviews with fifteen senior non-teaching and teaching staff in three of the four University of Education campuses. The findings discussed in the two analysis chapters – Chapter Four and Chapter Five - indicate that not all stakeholders of the university community are involved in policy reforms. The discussion in Chapter Four suggests that some policy reforms are handled by the Governing Council and/or the Academic Board without much consultation with stakeholders. Junior level staff are the most excluded from the policymaking process with the effect that in some cases University management decisions become policies. Chapter Five discusses stakeholder participation and finds that efforts are made to disseminate policies although there are gaps in the dissemination methods and implementation. The main policy implementation gaps are the lack of proper evaluation and follow-up mechanisms for investigating the magnitude of collegiate participation and the impacts of such participation. Given that all the stakeholders are required to support new policies irrespective of their gender and/or position, the study contends that collegial participation in the policy development and implementation processes is very important. Overall, it may be argued that stakeholder perspectives on policy development practices within UEW contradicts Muller's (2007) concerns that academic institutions are nurtured through the adoption of sound policies through wide faculty consultation. Due to the small number (fifteen) of participants and considering that this was a case study, it is recommended that future studies are scaled up to include a fuller range of views (junior and senior members) from both public and private universities.
19
Abdulai, Mohammed Sani. "Valuation, Pricing, and Performance of Initial Public Offerings on the Ghana Stock Exchange." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/389.
Full textAbstract:
In recent years, the initial public offerings (IPOs) on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) witnessed some level of undersubscriptions. The purpose of this research was to investigate the extent to which valuation, pricing, and performance of prior IPOs listed on the GSE contributed to this state of undersubscriptions. The research was informed by the valuation and pricing framework of Roosenboom. The research questions addressed whether IPOs on the GSE were under/overpriced and whether the projected and pre-issue financials were free from forecasting errors and earnings management. A cross-sectional, explanatory research design was employed to examine a dataset of 30 sampled IPOs. The dataset, obtained from IPO prospectuses, trading data, and financial statements, was analyzed using both logistic and multiple regressions. IPO valuation methods, first-day returns (R(1st day)), absolute forecast errors (AFE), and discretionary current accruals (DCA) served as dependent variables and firm characteristics of size, age, profitability, dividends, price-to-value (P/V) ratios, owner-manager, and auditors' reputation served as independent variables. Results revealed that firm characteristics were not significant predictors of the choice of IPO valuation methods, IPOs were underpriced and their R(1st day) were significantly predicted by P/V ratios, the financial projections were over forecasted and their AFE were not predicted by the independent variables, and the pre-IPO financials experienced earnings management and their DCA were significantly explained by the owner-manager variable. This research contributes to positive social change by assisting regulators, investment bankers, corporations, and institutional investors in improving their respective roles in the valuation and pricing of IPOs on the GSE, thus reducing the observed IPO undersubscriptions in the stock market.
20
Larbi, George Addo. "Implementing new public management reforms in Ghana: Institutional constraints and capacity issues: cases from Public health and water services." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.520505.
Full textAbstract:
New Public Management has become an accepted term in the public administration and management literature, and the reforms it describes are increasingly being advocated in developing countries. This thesis examines the institutional constraints and capacity issues in introducing and implementing downsizing, decentralised management, performance contracting and contracting-out as instances of new public management reforms in health and water services in Ghana. The central argument of the thesis is that reformers tend to overemphasise issues of what to implement and underemphasise issues of how to implement and, in the process, tend to overlook contextual and institutional factors that may affect implementation. It uses data from in-depth and semi-structured interviews, varieties of documentary sources and direct observations, and adopts a multi-theoretical framework which draws upon implementation and principal-agent theories. The study provides evidence to show that, except for downsizing, new public management reform is still embryonic and fragile, yet to be consolidated. Within the limited progress made in implementation, however, there is evidence that the structural components of the reforms have advanced more than the operational aspects. Health has made more progress in decentralisation than the water organisation, whilst the latter is ahead in downsizing and performance contracting. It further shows that systemic, governance-grounded constraints are more binding on capacity to implement and manage reforms. The introduction and implementation of new management reforms need to take account of the operational reality and context of the public services in Ghana. Implementation needs to be managed and cannot be taken for granted.
21
Nyaledzigbor, Gilbert. "Payroll Fraud: Effects of Ghost Names on the Government Wage Bill in Ghana." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1571.
Full textAbstract:
Policy makers believe that there are ghost workers, persons who do not work yet receive salaries, on Ghana's public sector payroll. However, little is known about the factors that create opportunities for ghost workers. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to extend Cressy's conceptualization of the fraud triangle theory to test the applicability of Reinikka and Svennson's graft estimation model by using nonprobability quota sampling to select 85 heads of public agencies for participation in a cross-sectional survey. The research questions focused on the relationship between size of government agency, the estimated number of opportunities for ghost workers, and the dependent variable of occurrence of ghost workers in the public sector in Ghana. Correlational and multiple regression analysis was used to discern the relationship between the independent variables of agency size and opportunities for ghost workers and the dependent variable of number of ghost workers. Results revealed a statistically significant, positive relationship between the number of opportunities for ghost workers and the number of ghost workers. However, there was a negative relationship between the size of government agencies and both the number of opportunities for ghost workers and the number of ghost workers. The implications for social change include recommendations to revise the Financial Administration Act of Ghana by introducing new controls in the payroll administration at the Controller and Accountant General's Department to eliminate ghost workers from the payroll so that public funds can be saved to provide more public services for Ghanaians.
22
Adu, Stephen. "The role of headteacher leadership and community participation in public school improvement in Ghana." Thesis, University of Sussex, 2016. http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/59614/.
Full textAbstract:
School improvement in public schools remains a challenge in many developing countries, including Ghana. Many researchers have highlighted the need for strong headteacher leadership and the active participation of the community, including parents, in the efforts to improve public schools. Research in developed countries‟ education systems have brought to the surface some of the factors underpinning successful public schools, however in developing countries there has been a lack of research surrounding how headteacher leadership and community engagement with schools affect schooling outcomes. This lack of research has resulted in the use of recommendations tendered by global research regarding school effectiveness and school improvement to inform developing country policies on how to improve public education. In many cases, private schools have been used as the model for failing public schools, yet from national basic education certificate examinations (WAEC, 2012) it is evident that some public schools, even in disadvantaged areas, are managing to provide quality education. The key questions that this thesis explores are: What conditions prevail in high performing public schools serving disadvantaged communities? What has been the role of headteacher leadership and community participation in securing improvement of these schools? Thus, this study has sought to investigate the conditions prevailing in high performing public schools and what role school headteachers leadership and community engagement played in creating the environment conducive to effective teaching and learning. Using a qualitative case study research design data was collected through interviews, observations and documentary reviews to explore the views and experiences of headteachers, teachers and parents regarding the improvements in the schools. Results show that conditions, such as the existence of safe and protective classroom infrastructures, critical engagement of parents and community members in all aspects of the school‟s development, adoption of diverse proactive teaching and learning approaches; and the strong visionary and transformational leadership exhibited by the headteachers appear to have been driving forces in these successful schools. The thesis concludes with key recommendations for policy makers in developing countries on strategies that might be taken to turn failing public schools into more functioning schools. These recommendations include: • Targeting the beneficiaries of capitation grant to needy students or increasing the grant • Providing school infrastructure to take the burden from schools • Encouraging community participation in school improvement strategies • Enhancing competencies of headteacher leadership to influence school improvement strategies.
23
Kutufam, Doreen Vivian. "Gendering of health communication campaigns in Ghana cultural relevancy and social identity /." Related electronic resource:, 2007. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1375538411&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=3739&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
Full text
24
Agyeman, Nana Kyeretwie. "Gay rights advocacies in Africa : the case of Ghana." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2017. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/43691/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis analyses international gay rights advocacies in Africa, using the country Ghana as a focal point. Gay rights by their mere sound, seem a concept that all should embrace without questions or qualms. Yet, there are not many concepts that have seen so much controversies, complexities and ironies than gay rights; especially in Africa. This thesis attempts to understand what gay rights are; how they have been received; and the reasons that underpin such receptions in an African country. It argues that, the intrinsic complexities embedded in gay rights advocacies require a cautious socio-legal unpacking beyond the easy and lazy racial stereotyping that currently characterises the debates. That systematic unpacking of the events of the (colonial) past and (postcolonial) present in order to make sense of the future is the central objective here. Using qualitative empirical evidence from primary and secondary sources, this thesis juxtaposes the philosophical realms of human rights theory, postcolonial theory and queer theory to the everyday and practical realities affecting gay people and stakeholders alike. It holds that, perhaps it is through engaging these theories holistically; and transposing them meaningfully to the contextual dispositions, could we make sense of the enormous issues (like the sources and effects of homophobia) that confront us.
25
Chebere, Margaret. "An evaluation of Human Resources managerial effectiveness of the public health sector of Ghana." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2011. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/an-evaluation-of-human-resources-managerial-effectiveness-of-the-public-health-sector-of-ghana(1b1e6d47-af08-4881-a79b-26946445d8e5).html.
Full textAbstract:
The objective of this research is to evaluate Human Resources managerial/development effectiveness (HRM/DE) of frontline managers from the perspectives of managers themselves and stakeholders in the public health sector (PHS) of Ghana. The study did this through the development of a conceptual framework which combined the use of integrated organisational and management theoretical perspectives and contextual variables. The study employed the mixed methods research methodology which combined both empiricism and post post-positivists' views with critical realism as the underpinning philosophy. A total of 18 district directors of health, from two regions were purposively sampled and interviewed utilising an in-depth open ended questionnaire through the discussion. Additionally, key policy makers were interviewed and focus group discussions held and a structured questionnaire completed by another group of employees, who assessed managers' capabilities. Discourse analysis was used for the analysis with the aid of Nvivo 7 for the qualitative material whilst quantitative data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Findings were triangulated using Marquart and Zercher's (2000) cross-over track analysis framework. Findings show research questions were answered. Majority of district directors lack managerial competencies; are less interested in HRM/D activities, less confident of their human resource skills and less sure of the political and representational skills required of managers. In particular, it is necessary to take account of the political structure of the PHS of Ghana; significant differences exist in power, individual or group interests, values, assumptions and expectations. However, most district directors have tried to indigenise HRM/D practices as a way of motivating and retaining staff. Core Human resources managerial competencies from the perspectives of the three sampled groups have been compiled. It is the first time such a study has been conducted in the PHS of Ghana and which has therefore made inroads in the existing literature and has contributed to HRM/D literature information in Africa particularly Ghana. It also paves the way for understanding management in the African context and perspective and specifically in health care settings. This study has gone beyond the two groups of respondents and proved that the use of multiple respondents generates rich findings and unveiled what would normally have not been possible if single respondents were used.
26
Simpson, Samuel Nana Yaw. "Public sector reform and disclosure practices of state-owned enterprises : the case of Ghana." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2014. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/4902/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examines the disclosure practices of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and the impact of reform programmes in the SOE sector on such practices. The study stems from evidence of poor performance of SOEs attributed to the dearth of information disclosure, hence, the introduction of reform programmes to address these problems. Based on multiple case design with data gathered from three large SOEs and key policy makers in the SOE sector of Ghana, the findings show that the disclosure relationships, objectives, and media are generally the same across all SOEs. There are however some notable variations from the both within-case and cross-case analyses, with respect to the generic sections, volume and disclosure types in their respective annual reports. There are also differences in relation to the processes of producing their disclosure media. With regards to the impact of reform programmes, the study found both sector-wide and industry specific reform programmes, driven and underpinned by institutional forces and tenets of agency theory. These programmes have among other things, increased the numbers of disclosure media, stakeholders or principals that SOEs must disclose to, expanded the nature of disclosure (managerial, program, procedures, and financial) and types of disclosure relationships (diagonal).
27
Kpodotsi, Aseye. "Socioeconomic inequalities in the use of skilled birth delivery during childbirth in Ghana: a decomposition model." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/29388.
Full textAbstract:
Equitable access to, and use of skilled birth attendance during delivery is vital for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in reducing global maternal deaths to 70 deaths per 100, 000. Although several initiatives have been implemented to reduce maternal mortality in Ghana, inequities in the use of skilled birth attendance during delivery still exist among women of different socioeconomic groups. This study assessed the socioeconomic inequalities and the underlying factors related to the inequalities in the use of skilled birth attendants during delivery in Ghana. This study analysed data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) using a decomposable health concentration index. Concentration index (CI) and concentration curves were employed to measure the magnitude of socioeconomic inequality in the use of skilled birth attendants during child delivery. The concentration index was decomposed to identify the underlying factors causing the inequalities. Out of a total of the 1,305 women who gave birth in the year prior to the interview, 28% of the deliveries had no skilled birth attendants of which 60% lives in rural compared to 40% in urban. A concentration index of 0.147 showed a pro-rich utilization of skilled birth attendance during delivery. The decomposition analysis revealed that, wealth, education and location of residence were the major contributors to socioeconomic inequalities in the use of skilled birth attendants during child delivery among Ghanaian women. This study suggests that factors such as wealth, area of residence and education are worthy of increased attention in programmatic efforts, and policy interventions, because they are amenable to the reduction of observed inequality.
28
Arku, Raphael E. "Poverty, Energy Use, Air Pollution and Health in Ghana: A Spatial Analysis." Thesis, Harvard University, 2015. http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:16121156.
Full textAbstract:
Some of the major themes that characterize the relationship between the environment and population health in the developing world today include poverty, household access to clean cooking fuel, air pollution, sanitation, and infant/child and maternal health. My dissertation research incorporates some of these themes at the interface of community and household energy in the context of economic development in Ghana. Specifically, my dissertation focuses on features of household energy and poverty in both rural and urban areas, as well as air pollution, and child and maternal health in growing urban areas in what is a data and resource-poor setting of Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).
Child mortality is declining in most countries. Very few studies have measured child mortality at fine spatial resolutions, which is relevant for assessing community determinants and interventions. The first paper evaluates subnational inequalities in child mortality and its social and environmental determinants in Ghana by applying Bayesian spatial model to Ghana’s 2000 and 2010 National Population and Housing Censuses in 2000 and 2010. The census data were also used to estimate the distributions of households or persons in each of Ghana’s 110 districts for fuel used for cooking, sanitation facility, drinking water source, and maternal and paternal educations. Median district 5q0 declined from 99 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 70 in 2010. The decline ranged between <5% in some northern districts, where under-five mortality had been higher in 2000, to >40% in southern districts, where it had been lower in 2000, leading to higher inequalities. Primary education increased in men and women and more households had access to improved water and sanitation and cleaner cooking fuels over the same period. Higher use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking was associated with lower 5q0 in multivariate analysis. Associations for the other social and environmental variables were not consistent or were weak in the different analyses although there were indications of beneficial effects from replacing wood with charcoal or kerosene, from improved sanitation (but not water), and from higher share of mothers and fathers with primary education.
The second paper examines personal particulate matter exposures and locations of 56 students from eight schools in four neighborhoods in of varying socioeconomic status in Accra, Ghana, using gravimetric and continuous PM2.5 data, with time-matched global positioning system coordinates. Personal PM2.5 exposures ranged from less than 10 μg/m3 to more than 150 μg/m3 (mean 56 μg/m3). Girls had higher exposure than boys (67 vs. 44 μg/m3; p-value = 0.001). Exposure was inversely associated with distance of home or school to main roads, but the associations were not statistically significant in the multivariate model. Use of biomass fuels in the area where the school was located was also associated with higher exposure, as was household’s own biomass use. Paved schoolyard surface was associated with lower exposure. School locations in relation to major roads, materials of school ground surfaces, and biomass use in the area around schools may be important determinants of air pollution exposure.
The third paper assesses the feasibility of using hospital administrative records for understanding air pollution health effects on pregnancy outcomes in Accra. This evaluation addresses whether: (i) the available health administrative data can be used to assess PM pollution-related adverse pregnancy outcomes, in particular birth weight; (ii) the health administrative structure and data can be used in the design of follow-up studies in such settings; (iii) the number of births that occur in the city would provide a large enough sample size; and (iv) birth weight distribution in such complex source-pollution environments varies substantially across neighhorhoods. There are six health districts in the Accra metropolis. In addition to other government and private facilities, each district is served by a Government polyclinic, where maternal and child health records in the district are collated. Neonatal and maternal health records, including anthropometric and demographic information are primarily kept by the individual women in cards provided by the Ghana Health Services. There are an estimated 10,000 births annually in each district. The average birth weight across selected facilities was 3,167±458 g, with individual birth weights ranging from 1,200 g to 6,000 g. Mean birth weight was similar across polyclinics. More than 95% of expectant mothers received at least 4 antenatal care visits at a health facility. Child immunization for the full range of vaccines covers over 80% of children born in the metropolis. A retrospective study of the association of air pollution exposure and birth weight in Accra through the use of hospital administrative records is feasible provided mothers are targeted through the public health units, which is responsible for child immunization.Environmental Health
29
Salifu, Abdul-Moomin Ansong. "Relocation Based on Slow-Onset Climate-Induced Environmental Change in Keta, Ghana." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3120.
Full textAbstract:
Coastal indigenous communities in Keta, Ghana, are experiencing resettlement as a result of slow-onset, climate-induced flooding and erosion. Previous researchers have documented the risk of relocation from rapid-onset events, but little is known about the effectiveness of policies developed in response to slow-onset changes. This phenomenological study investigated the ongoing lived experiences of adult household members in Keta who were relocated by the government. Jun's critical theory provided a constructionist interpretive framework to determine whether Ghana's national policy on climate change resettlement adequately meets Rawls's criteria for distributive social justice. Policy documents and transcriptions of interviews with a purposeful sample of 17 family members were thematically coded and categorized into essence descriptions. Results revealed aligned perceptions of an absence of justice or fairness in the allocation of resources to households relocated by the government. Negative experiences characterized all families' resettlement processes. The government's commitment to ensuring basic community welfare was perceived to be poor. Findings highlight the need for social justice to be the primary policy consideration for future allocation of benefits to resettled households. To avoid reaching a tipping point at which prompt governmental intervention will be either compelled or impossible, quantitative studies are needed to guide policymakers in considering the real costs of relocation and the cumulative effects on families and communities. This study provides evidence for public consideration of the severe consequences of injustice in relocation and the need to prevent human rights abuse in the formulation of social, economic, and cultural policies associated with climate-induced resettlement.
30
Sato, Azusa. "Rationales for traditional medicines utilisation and its equity implications : the case of Ghana." Thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London), 2012. http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/491/.
Full textAbstract:
Individuals all over the world continue to utilise traditional health care, but there is very little understanding of why this is the case, especially in light of increased availability and accessibility of effective pharmaceutical medicine and other modern technologies. The overarching objective of this thesis is to investigate rationales for utilisation of traditional medicines, using Ghana as a case study. This thesis argues that institutional constraints and cultural preferences inherited from the past shape pluralistic health systems and, consequently, individual health-seeking behaviour. The thesis fuses investigative approaches from different disciplines (e.g. anthropology, economics, psychology) and uses statistical methods to analyse four aspects of medicines utilisation: the role of culture, income, the possibility of a placebo effect in use and finally, the distributional consequences manifested in utilisation inequities. Findings indicate that cultural attitudes and income constraints are associated with use of traditional systems, and users report high rates of satisfaction that are attributable to procedural factors. Inequities are shown to differ according to whether traditional medicines are included in analysis. Generally, this thesis advocates a holistic approach with respect to health systems, as opposed to interpreting traditional systems as simply appendages to modern health care systems; the latter perspective is liable to yield observers only a partial story of medicines utilisation and its impact on equity.
31
Baah, Amos Kwame Egyir. "Subsistence Farmers' Perceptions of Pluralistic Agriculture Extension in Northern Ghana." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3335.
Full textAbstract:
In 2013, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Republic of Ghana implemented a reformed food and agriculture sector development policy (FASDEP II) to reduce poverty among the poorest subsistence farmers in the nation. These extension efforts have been unsuccessful. The purpose of this ethnographic case study was to understand the perceptions of subsistence farmers in the Savelugu-Nanton District (SND) who participated in FASDEP II on how the program had affected their ability to meet their subsistence needs. The theoretical framework of collaborative advantage was used to analyze farmers' opinions of how the decentralized, pluralistic extension policy did or did not result in effective collaborations to benefit both farmers and support organizations. Data from unstructured interviews with 12 male farmers, selected through purposeful sampling, were analyzed by inductive coding and thematic analysis. Farmers' perspectives were confirmed through observations at a public farmers' meeting and a review of operations documents of Busaka, a FASDEP II agribusiness partner. Key findings indicated that the current pluralistic extension lacked the characteristics of collaborative advantage and farmers continued to face challenges in access to farming inputs, credit, climate change effects, and cronyism. Farmers perceived the system was more beneficial to large-scale farmers. Positive social change implications of this study include identifying factors to improve effective pluralistic extension for subsistence farmers, the poorest persons in SND; improving the financial conditions of these subsistence farmers through more sustained and equitable partner collaboration; and contributing to the economic development of SND.
32
Baidoo, Rhodaline. "Toward a Comprehensive Healthcare System in Ghana." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1237304137.
Full text
33
Boahen, Philip Adu. "Evaluating the impact of new public management (NPM) reforms in Ghana : the privatisation of water." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2016. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/12949/.
Full textAbstract:
New public management (NPM) reforms have been promoted into the public administration domain during the past twenty to thirty years amidst growing concerns about performance problems in public sector organisations. NPM was based on the assumption that market principles could address performance problems in public instititions. Critics, though, cautioned against NPM reforms and pointed particularly toward their negative effects on employees and consumers. Although NPM was originally conceived in the OECD countries in the west to address specific socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and benefit crises, its principles have spread across countries in developed and emerging economies of the Sub-Saharan African region, including Ghana. In Ghana, NPM reforms have been carried out across a wide range of public sector organisations, and have included the privatisation (public-private partnership) of the Ghanaian WaterOrg in the form of a management contract. This study aims to draw on institutionalist and culturalist accounts to explain the impact of New Public Management (NPM) reforms on a range of stakeholders in the African context through case study research in the Ghanaian water sector. To achieve this overall aim, its key objectives are to: • Critically evaluate the intellectual origins and assumptions of NPM, and consider its applicability to the Sub-Saharan African context; • Identify the main reasons and counter arguments for using NPM reforms in the Ghanaian water sector, including those associated with post-colonialism, socio-economic and culturalist accounts; • Explore the extent of implementation of NPM reforms in the WaterOrg, including the use of privatisation and public-private partnerships and the forms of consultation used; • Identify and describe the critical success factors for a range of stakeholders (including employees and consumers) and then evaluate and explain the extent to which they have been achieved; • Assess the potential transferability of this study’s findings to other social contexts; and • Consider the potential implications of the study’s findings for effective public management in the case study organisation and other public sector organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa. This research takes a neo-empiricist approach and utilises methods associated with qualitative research such as semi structured interviews, observation and documentary materials to explore the rationale for privatising the Ghanaian WaterOrg. It also critically evaluates the process of implementation of the management contract, and its potential implications for employees of the WaterOrg and users of public services. This research reveals that privatisation did not achieve its prime objective of improving water accessibility for the vast majority of Ghanaian members of the public. This was primarily because of a complex range of inter-related institutional, socio-cultural and political factors that underpinned the management of the Ghanaian water sector. The PrivateCo’s management approach was also perceived to be divisive and favoured some employees (junior officers) over their senior counterparts on a range of issues. This was because the PrivateCo’s management team lacked proper understanding of the Ghanaian culture which was a reflection of the management structure of the WaterOrg. There were however, some improvements in ‘non-critical’ areas, including information technology through computerisation and customer services, particularly in terms of complaint reporting and payment of bills. This study thus reinforces the argument that understanding the socio-cultural context is fundamental for effective public management reforms, particularly in emerging economies, rather than adhering to principles that are based on theoretical assumptions and or universal claims of ‘what works well’. It thus calls for caution and a thorough review of how policies and programmes designed to address specific issues in the west are transferred to emerging and developing economies that have problems with capacity and weak institutional arrangements.
34
Hill, Emilie. "Master of Public Health Research Project: Unmarried Women in Ghana, Africa: Predictors of Condom Use- An Analysis of the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey/Questionnaire Database." VCU Scholars Compass, 2010. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/2069.
Full textAbstract:
Background: Many factors affect whether women will insist that their sexual partners use a condom. This research project will identify some of the predictors of condom use among unmarried women in Ghana, Africa. Methods: This research project evaluated data from the 2008 DHS of women in Ghana, Africa for predictors of condom use among unmarried women. A total of 4,916 women completed the surveys. Of these, 1,966 women were unmarried. The research project employed multiple logistic regression analysis to determine condom use predictors at the time of the last sexual encounter for these 1,966 unmarried women. Results: Women with a secondary education or beyond were 3.2 (95% CI=2-5.2) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom than women with a primary education or less. Women ages 15-24 were 5.3 (95% CI=2.5-11.3) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom than women ages 35-49. Women ages 25-34 were not significantly different than the women ages 35-49. Women living in an urban area were 1.8 (95% CI=1.3-2.5) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom than women living in a rural area. Women with a higher level of literacy (could read a full sentence) were 3.6 (95% CI=2.5-5.1) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom than women with a lower level of literacy (were unable to read a full sentence). And in concert, women who read a newspaper or a magazine once a week or more were 2.4 (95% CI=1.6-3.5) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom than women who read a news paper or a magazine less than once a week. Similarly, women who watched television once a week or more were 2.9 (95%CI= 1.9-4.3) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom than women who watched less than once a week. Women who were determined to have “excellent” knowledge about HIV were 5.8 (95% CI=1.5-22.3) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom than women who were determined to have “fair or poor” knowledge. The results for women with a “good” knowledge were not significantly different than for those with “fair or poor” knowledge. Women who were determined, through a series of questions about wife beating, to have a low tolerance for abuse towards women (“strong” attitude about domestic violence/women’s rights) were 1.8 (95% CI=1.2-2.7) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom than women who were determined to have a high tolerance for abuse towards women (“poor” attitude about domestic violence/women’s rights). Results for women with a “fair” attitude were not significantly different from those with a “poor” attitude. Total life time sexual partners, frequency of listening to the radio, and interestingly, access to condoms did not significantly affect condom use. After multivariate adjustment, the significant predictors of condom use at the time of last sexual encounter were age, literacy, and amount of television watched. The results were: women age 15-24 (compared to women ages 35-49), women who could read a full sentence, and women who watched television once a week or more were 3.7 (95% CI=1.7-8.1), 2.1 (95% CI=1.4-3.3), and 1.8 (95% CI=1.2-2.8) times more likely to have insisted on the use of a condom during their last sexual encounter, respectively. Conclusion: Education, age, locality, literacy, media exposure (through reading the news paper or a magazine and watching television), knowledge about HIV, and attitude about domestic were predictors of condom use by the sexual partner of unmarried Ghanaian women at the time of last sexual encounter. After multivariate adjustment, only age, literacy, and amount of television watched were significant predictors of condom use at the time of the last sexual encounter.
35
Yiboe, Kofi Tsivanyo. "Enseignement/apprentissage du français au Ghana : écarts entre la culture d'enseignement et la culture d'apprentissage." Strasbourg, 2010. https://publication-theses.unistra.fr/public/theses_doctorat/2010/YIBOE_Kofi_Tsivanyo_2010.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
L’enseignement/apprentissage d’une langue étrangère en situation scolaire suppose l’intégration de multiples facteurs sociaux. Cette recherche s’intéresse aux stratégies communicatives en classe de français langue étrangère dans quelques lycées au Ghana. Nous avons filmé neuf séances (6 heures) dans trois lycées de la municipalité de Cape Coast. L’analyse des données est basée sur les différents comportements verbaux et non verbaux retenus au cours de la transcription des séances filmées. Ainsi, nous puisons dans des concepts de l’ethnographie, en nous enrichissant des outils anthropologiques, sociologiques, psychologiques, didactiques, interactionnistes, linguistiques, etc. Les résultats montrent que l’inférence en tant que technique d’enseignement joue plusieurs rôles et peut contribuer au développement des stratégies communicatives en classe de FLE. Cependant, l’approche dans les lycées ghanéens se heurte à une incompréhension entre la culture européenne et la culture de socialisation des élèves. Par ailleurs, l’alternance des langues en classe de français langue étrangère prend diverses formes contrôlées par les enseignants. En outre, la communication non-verbale se reflète également dans les échanges à fonction communicative complexe que les enseignants et les élèves jouent en classe. Enfin, l’analyse révèle l’importance de l’affectivité dans l’acquisition des langues étrangères à l’école même à l’âge de la fin de scolaritéThe teaching/learning of a foreign language in the school set up require the integration of multiple social factors. This research attempts to describe patterns of communication in French as a foreign language class in some senior high schools in Ghana. Lesson sessions are videotaped in three schools in the Cape Coast municipality. The results show that inference as a teaching technique plays several roles and may contribute to the development of communication strategies in foreign language classroom. However, the approach is hampered in Ghanaian schools by a misunderstanding between the European culture and the culture of socialization of the students. Moreover, code switching in French as a foreign language classroom takes many forms controlled by teachers. Different linguistic codes within the class are therefore limited to only metalinguistic discourse. In addition, nonverbal communication is also reflected in various complex communicative functions that teachers and students play in class. Finally, the analysis reveals the importance of emotion in the acquisition of foreign languages in Ghanaian secondary schools
36
Ayi-Adzimah, Daniel Kwame. "La maîtrise sémantico-syntaxique de la pronominalisation des compléments d'objet indirects en contexte ghanéen." Strasbourg, 2010. https://publication-theses.unistra.fr/public/theses_doctorat/2010/AYI-ADZIMAH_Daniel_Kwame_2010.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Cette thèse s'intéresse aux erreurs morphosyntaxiques en production écrite que des étudiants ghanéens commettent en français langue étrangère ainsi qu'aux difficultés dues au contexte plurilingue du Ghana auxquelles ils font face. L'objectif primordial de cette recherche est d'examiner et d'analyser le sens instructionnel des verbes transitifs et le rôle du sens des verbes dans la substitution pronominale des COI en vue d'identifier et d'établir le rôle de l'interface de la sémantique et de la syntaxe lors de la pronominalisation. Dans un deuxième temps, l'étude vise à analyser le contexte plurilingue ghanéen en vue d'en dégager les faits sociolinguistiques concomitants et leurs implications possibles pour l'enseignement/apprentissage du FLE au Ghana. Pour atteindre ces objectifs, on passe en revue les notions linguistiques qui sous-tendent la reprise pronominale dans première partie. Puis, on présente et analyse la situation sociolinguistique du Ghana dans la deuxième partie. La troisième partie porte sur la présentation et l'analyse des données linguistiques et sociolinguistiques recueillis auprès des étudiants du Département de français à 'University of Education', Winneba, au Ghana. Cette analyse permet d'interpréter et de classer les erreurs des étudiants par ordre cognitif des faits linguistiques. Par ailleurs, on pu dégage les effets positifs et négatifs que le contexte ghanéen peut avoir sur l'apprentissage du FLE au Ghana. Cette étude peut aider, dans une grande mesure, à améliorer la description linguistique de l' apprentissage de la pronominalisation en français et l'enseignement/apprentissage du FLE au Ghana ainsi que dans les pays où le FLE est apprisThis thesis deals with morphosyntactic errors in written production committed by Ghanaian students studying French as a foreign language and their difficulties resulting from the plurilingual Ghanaian context. The primary objective of the research is to examine and analyse the instructional meaning of transitive verbs and the role that the meaning of verbs play in pronominalisation of indirect object complements so as to establish the role of the interface of semantics and syntax in the process of pronominalisation. Secondly, the study aims at analyzing the plurilingual context of Ghana and its concomitant sociolinguistic factors with their possible implications for the teaching and learning of French in Ghana. To attain these objectives, a review of the linguistic notions that underpin the process of pronominalisation was done in the first part of the work. The a presentation and an analysis of the sociolinguistic situation of Ghana are dealt with in the second part. The third part deals with the presentation and analysis of the linguistic and sociolinguistic data collected on students of the French Department at the University of Education, Winneba, in Ghana. The analysis led to the interpretation and classification the errors committed by the students in the cognitive perspective of transitional acquisition of the linguistic aspects of pronominalisation. Moreover, the positive and negative effects that some sociolinguistic factors of Ghana can have on the teaching and learning of French in Ghana were identified and explained. This study can therefore go a long way, not only to improve the linguistic description of pronominalisation in French, but also improve the teaching and learning of French in Ghana and wherever it is learnt as a foreign language
37
Robertson, Simon. "Accounting for the divergence between privatisation theory and practice in developing countries : the case of the water sector in Ghana." Thesis, University of Hertfordshire, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2299/6058.
Full textAbstract:
The performance and operation of privatisation in the water sector in developing countries typically diverges from that proposed within the rationalising theoretical framework. There is a broad literature that considers the various aspects of such performance and operation, from the nature of outcomes typically characterised by dispute and renegotiation, to the implications for consumers. It is the purpose of this thesis to analyse the underlying factors that contribute to this typical dispute and renegotiation process, utilising the theoretical rationale for the programme, and its associated weakness and assumptions, as an explanatory framework. Through this analysis it is possible to expose and identify the particular aspects of private sector participation (PSP), the contracts established and administration thereof, which contribute to such problematic implementation. The utilisation of such a framework further permits the identification of likely implications for the functioning of PSP where implemented prospectively. The examination of these connections is performed in a case study environment, with privatisation of water services in Ghana providing the context. The Ghanaian experience shows significant deficiencies in contract design that entail considerable delays and disputes between parties, with contractual deficiencies intensifying the already inevitable role of institutional intervention. Conceptions of water as a merit good and human right, problematic commercial viability, and an incoherent implementation with local contextual variation all further contribute to the contradictory environment of the water sector in Ghana. Theoretical weaknesses, inconsistencies and problematic assumptions are manifest in the sector and contribute to divergence in performance, and where ideological commitment to the programme is evident, this divergence is exaggerated. Theoretical validity for sector policy is therefore questionable, with consequences of increased distortion in risk transfer, significant concessions to the private sector, and the increased role of institutions. This process, it is proposed, threatens the functioning of the programme where implemented, with regulation undermined, inherent and acknowledged renegotiation and dispute, paralleled by a failure to provide sufficient capacity and structure to sector institutions.
38
Dawson-Amoah, Catherine Gyamfua. "Determinants of HIV Stigma Among Healthcare Workers in Ghana." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1531.
Full textAbstract:
HIV-related stigma and discrimination is a complex concept that affects HIV reduction interventions. HIV-related stigma occurs among healthcare providers resulting in reduction of quality of care of people living with HIV. Social psychological research into stigma reduction has led to the development of many stigma reduction interventions, but has not resolved the underlying problem. This study was designed to identify predictors of stigmatizing behavior among healthcare workers in Ghana using the social cognitive theory (SCT) for use in developing an evidence-based intervention. The study used a cross-sectional research design incorporating a preexisting survey, Measuring HIV Stigma and Discrimination Among Health Staff: Comprehensive Questionnaire. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive, multiple regression analysis and Pearson's coefficient to estimate the relationship between the dependent variable, HIV related stigmatizing behavior, and independent variables, personal attributes and environmental factors. The key findings from the analysis were that the personal attributes of healthcare workers predicted their stigmatizing behavior (R2= 0.674, p < 0.05). There was, however, no significant relationship between environmental factors and stigmatizing behavior and between personal attributes and environmental factors. The social change implications may be to reduce stigma among healthcare workers toward people living with HIV and in turn increase the willingness of healthcare workers to engage with people living with HIV and provide quality service to them.
39
Tanko, Iddrisu Mahamadu. "An ethnographic case study of a university community engagement programme of a public university in Ghana." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/37525.
Full textAbstract:
While universities provide quality education, they also offer a range of social, economic, and cultural activities to their host communities. In Ghana, University Community Engagements are part of the government’s initiatives aimed at the redistribution of prevelege nationality, educational inequalities and eradicating poverty. However, not many studies have been carried out on community engagement in this part of the world, as most studies have concentrated on faculty and students. This is a seven week ethnographic study of a village in Northern Ghana focussing on stakeholders understanding, participants concerns and power relations in an engagement programme. The study aims at understanding the shift in dispositions that enabled students to advocate eradication of poverty, network with colleagues and future leaders from different disciplines, to research and present prioritized proposals by the villagers. Seven weeks were spent following eleven students and four subsequent weeks in the community. Participant observations, interviews and documentary evidence were employed. Semi structured interviews were later conducted with nine university leaders and two District Assembly staff representimg the Assembly as a stakeholder located outside the village. Key arguments engaged regarding participation include providing empowering strategies to community to give voice, eradicate poverty and power relationships that challenged and support emancipation. The key findings of the study from a thematic analysis indicated varying degrees of understanding amongst stakeholders and asymmetric power relations that affects the entire programme. Based on these findings, and consistent with the wider literature, recommendations are that the engagement should be based on equal partnership among all stakeholders to encourage full cooperation and effective participation. It is hoped that the findings will contribute to increased participation and a greater stakeholder involvement. The research may also lead to programme restructuring and ultimately a review of the relationship between the university and other stakeholders. More importantly, it may influence policies to address the increasing disparities and poverty which affect community participation in the engagement process.
40
Quaye, Joseph O. "Parental Involvement of Ghanaian and Nigerian Immigrant Parents in Urban Public Schools." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3233.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract
Immigrant parents face unique challenges in getting involved in their children's education. Research is limited about how immigrant parents cope with these challenges in supporting their children's education. The purpose of this qualitative study, as reflected in the central research question, was to describe the lived experiences of Ghanaian and Nigerian immigrant parents in relation to their involvement in their children's education. The conceptual framework was based on Epstein's theory of parental involvement concerning how the school, family, and community relate to each other. A phenomenological design was used, and participants included 11 Ghanaian and Nigerian immigrant parents living in an urban city in the eastern region of the United States whose children were enrolled in public schools. Data were collected from participant responses to individual interviews that included 10 open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using the modified van Kaam method of analysis. Findings indicated that immigrant parents believed frequent communication with teachers was the most important component of Epstein's parental involvement model and that they should also support teachers in resolving disciplinary issues at school. This study contributes to positive social change by helping educators design and implement strategies that encourage immigrant parents to become actively involved in their children's education, which may lead to improved student achievement and socioeconomic mobility for students.
41
Narh, Natasha Afi. "Evaluating delays in execution of public sector construction projects : a study of roads and highways in Ghana." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/20539.
Full textAbstract:
This study investigates delays in execution of public sector construction projects in Ghana. A review of literature revealed that previous studies on construction projects focused on cost, time overruns, as well as the causes of delays. It is against this background that this study assesses the causes and effects of construction project delays and means of averting such delays. The research design used in obtaining empirical data from a sample of 290 respondents was a survey research design. Questionnaires were used as instruments for data collection, and a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) used for the data analysis. The statistical tools employed in the study include frequencies, percentages, Relative Importance Index (RII), Spearman correlation analysis and Chi-Square Test. The findings of the study revealed that some critical contributors to road construction project delay in Ghana during the project execution phase are clients' low cash flow to complete the project, contractors' financial constraints on the project, and improper planning of the project life cycle especially during the bidding phase. Site restriction, weather effects and changes in governmental regulations were found to be the least contributors to projects delays. These delays have a negative impact on project performance, project duration and force project participants to modify and adjust their finances. Investigating the way forward, the study explored strategies that are for averting the delays in executing construction projects. The study found that respondents were undecided in their rating on adequacy of training for project staff on specific requirements of construction projects. Other factors such as adequate of knowledge of contractors on project task, effective mobilization and release of resources, early engagement of project managers as well as adequate and effective supervision of construction activities were each identified as strategies that are applicable and feasible in averting the delays in executing road construction project activities.
42
Doku, Paul Narh. "The mental health of orphans and vulnerable children within the context of HIV/AIDS in Ghana." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2012. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/3629/.
Full textAbstract:
Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has contributed to a drastic increase in the number of orphans and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about the mental health of these children in low prevalence areas such as Ghana. The thesis investigated the relationship between orphanhood, parental HIV/AIDS status and mental health. It further examined the mediating effects of identified risk and protective factors on the relationship between orphanhood/parental HIV/AIDS status and psychological difficulties. Finally, the thesis identified pathways through which HIV/AIDS impacts children by exploring the interactive and cumulative effects of the various risk and protective factors on psychological difficulties. Method: The thesis employed cross-sectional, quantitative interviews that involved 291 children aged 10-18 years and their caregivers that compared children who have lost their parents to AIDS, those who have lost their parents to other causes, those who are living with HIV/AIDS-infected caregivers and children from intact families in the Manya Krobo district in Ghana. ANOVAs, T-tests, General Linear Models, Log-linear Analyses, Chi-Squares and Bivariate Correlations were used to analyze the data that were obtained from both the children and their caregivers. Results After controlling for relevant socio-demographic factors, both children and informants’ reports showed that children orphaned by AIDS and those living with infected parents showed higher delinquency (p <.01), peer problems (p <.001), hyperactivity (p <.01) and lower self esteem (p <.001) than other orphans and children from intact families. AIDS orphans, other orphans and those living with HIV/AIDS-infected parents all reported significantly more depression (p <.001) and relationship problems (p <.001) than those for intact families. Conduct problems as indicated by informants’ reports were generally, significantly higher for orphans and vulnerable children compared to children from intact families. Over 70% of both AIDS orphans and children living with infected parents showed internalising symptoms that were above clinical cut-offs for abnormality. AIDS orphans and children living with infected parents reported more stigma, abuse, child labour and lower levels of SES and lower perceived social support. These factors independently, strongly mediated the relationship between orphanhood, parental HIV/AIDS status and mental health. The interactive and cumulative effect of engagement in child labour and being physically abused heightened the risks for depressive symptoms from 38% to 66%. Neglect and psychological abuse increased the risks for symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder from 26.6% to 67.3%. The cumulative effect of stigma and either child labour or physical abuse substantially increased the likelihood of delinquency symptoms to approximately 67%. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that both AIDS orphans and children living with HIV/AIDS-infected parents showed heightened psychosocial symptoms. The present evidence also highlighted the interactive, cumulative, co-occurrence of contextual factors and HIV/AIDS unique exposures to create heightened vulnerabilities for psychological difficulties among children. The findings call for a comprehensive intervention programme that addresses factors specific to HIV/AIDS and contextual variables.
43
Danso, Collins Akuamoah. "Critical evaluation of the role of community based health insurance schemes in extending health care coverage to the informal sector in Ghana." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9343.
Full textAbstract:
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 83-92).One major challenge facing the international development community is how to finance and provide health care for the large informal sector in low and middle income countries. This is as a result of the inability of the traditional tax systems in most of these countries to generate the needed revenue to help meet the health needs of the citizens. In recent times, many countries in developing countries are increasingly depending on Community Based Insurance Schemes (CBHIS) as an alternative health care financing mechanism. In Ghana. the universal tax funded system of health care introduced in 1957 soon alter independence could not be sustained because of economic recession in the 1970's and 1980's forcing the government to introduce user fees in all public health institutions. User fees resulted in a decline in utilization of health services especially the poor and vulnerable group. This situation forced many communities to set up CBHIS meant to cover user fees charged at the health facilities. The success of some of these schemes and the fact that many Ghanaians do not have insurance cover led the government to introduce a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which is mandatory for all citizens. The law mandates all formal sector workers to contribute part of their social security contribution to the National Health Insurance Fund as premium, thus making it compulsory for them. Those in the informal sector are however required to voluntarily pay directly into their district schemes. Also, even though a proposal has been made to exempt the poor, no mechanism has been determined to identify poor households for subsidy. This study sought to undertake a critical evaluation of the role of CBHIS under the NHIS in extending health care coverage to the large informal sector (who are about 70% of the active labour force) in Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to determine factors that affect enrolment, to determine a practical mechanism to identify the poor and to gain an understanding of how other countries have increased health insurance coverage.
44
Kyei, Kofi Adesi. "Assessment of Anxiety and Depression Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment in Ghana." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4526.
Full textAbstract:
Breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy often experience severe levels of anxiety and depression. There is a gap in the research literature from Africa, particularly from Ghana, with few studies focusing on the assessment of anxiety and depression among breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. A better understanding was essential to promote efforts to help breast cancer patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment and increase their overall quality of life. This mixed method study examined breast cancer patients in Ghana undergoing radiotherapy and their responses related to anxiety and depression through a concurrent triangulation involving an interview with selected professional participants and a detailed patient survey. Patients completed 2 modified scales, the Patient Health Questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. The sample consisted of 100 patients between the ages of 20-89. Individual interviews were held with 6 professionals with a minimum of 5 years of work experience. Themes were generated through open coding of the interview data, while multiple regression was performed to determine the relationship between depression and anxiety with the independent variables . Findings of this study indicated the need intervene through counseling and education on behalf of patients in Ghana as they undergo breast cancer treatment. Age and monthly income of patients were statistically significant in predicting the anxiety and depression among the patients. The study's implications will lead to positive change when all stakeholders take on the responsibility of implementing measures to promote coping strategies for breast cancer patients in Ghana.
45
Acheampong, Michael Ekow. "Public finance management reform and expenditure control in Ghana: the role of the ministry of finance in implementing the MTEF." Master's thesis, Faculty of Humanities, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32178.
Full textAbstract:
Public expenditure control is vital in countries because it is a key instrument for ensuring effective government strategic planning and policy priorities. In many countries, public expenditure control has been inadequately implemented because of weak accounting systems, a weak cash management system and a weak flow of information, among others, despite public finance management reforms implemented in developing countries. Public expenditure management has been a concern in Ghana's public service because of weak budget formulation, weak monitoring and evaluation, and an ineffective flow of information between the ministry of finance (MOF) and the key public institutions. The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) has been introduced in Ghana's public service but it has been faced with challenges after the initial stage of implementation of the reforms. This study sought to examine why public finance management reforms appears to have failed to control public expenditure in Ghana, by investigating the ministry of finance's (MOF) role in implementing the MTEF. The study employs a qualitative method using interviews with officials from the MOF to examine the role of the MOF in implementing the MTEF. The key themes that the researcher sought to test through the research as potential factors behind poor expenditure control included the coordination amongst other government institutions, weak planning and forecasting, monitoring and evaluation capacity, information management systems and cash management systems, the political environment and the commitment control. The findings revealed that, despite the importance of political environment and the commitment control, planning and forecasting, the monitoring and evaluation capacity, information management system and the cash management and the coordination management government institutions in implementing the MTEF by the MOF, the new public management framework is not well implemented as it should be. The findings also revealed that in implementing the MTEF by the MOF, coordination among other government institutions such as the MOF and the NDPC has been improved and overcoming the shortcoming of implementing the public finance management reform in Ghana.
46
Bailey, Claire Elizabeth. "Three papers on side effects and modern contraceptive use among women in Ghana." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2009. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/166579/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis investigates the issue of side effects and how they may act as a barrier to the use of modern contraceptive methods among women in Ghana. Three papers are presented each addressing the issue using different sources of data and different methodologies. The disparate nature of the data sources and techniques used provides each paper with its own perspective on the research question and each paper gives a unique insight into the topic. The aim of the first paper is to use a qualitative focus group methodology to explore in-depth the way individuals perceive information about family planning. The study seeks to better define what is meant by the term fear of side effect in this particular social context and to determine on what information and from what sources is this fear constructed. Overall the findings of this study show that fear of side effects does act as a significant barrier to the use of temporary methods and these fears result mainly from a large amount of negative information regarding side effects being passed through the social network. However the events being recounted cannot be dismissed as myth or rumour as they are most often based in real experiences. The second paper uses monthly data on contraceptive use and the experience of side effects from the calendar section of a longitudinal survey of women in Southern Ghana. Using life tables and a multi-level logistic discrete-time hazards model this study analyses contraceptive discontinuation and how it relates to the concurrent self-reported experience of side effects. The results show that experiencing side effects is associated with a higher probability of discontinuation of the method and that counselling from health workers is extremely important in minimizing discontinuation rates. The third paper uses a sub-sample of women who are not current contraceptive users from the 2003 GDHS. The study uses multiple logistic regression to determine the association between exposure to family planning information, through mass media and interpersonal channels, and the probability that a respondent will cite fear of side effects as their main reason for not intending to use a contraceptive method in the future. The results show that the only family planning communication variable which does have a significant effect is receiving a message from a health worker which increases the odds of fear of side effects being the main reason for not intending to use a method in the future. Overall the socio-economic characteristics of those not intending to use a method in the future due to a fear of side effects is more similar to current users than to those who are not intending to use in the future for other reasons.
47
Gletsu, Grace. "Women’s representation in Parliament: The role of party women’s wings in Ghana." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/4097.
Full textAbstract:
Magister Artium - MAThe political participation of women in parliaments is not only important for sustainable development of every country, but it is also crucial for their voices to be heard, as they form at least half of the world’s population. Furthermore, women’s presence in significant decision-making positions represents an indicator of gender transformation and mainstreaming. However, women remain largely underrepresented in parliament and state institutions in Ghana with a current representation of 8.3% in parliament.Against this background, this study evaluates the role of women wings in enhancing women’s representation in parliament, by exploring the gendered social, political and ideological contexts in which they operate and assesses the constraints and challenges to their effective involvement in parliament. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the research analyses the activities of three main political parties’ women’s wings in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana by addressing the following key questions: (i) What are the demographic features of members of the women’s wings in Ghana? (ii) What structures and relationships influence women’s participation and advancement in Ghanaian politics? (iii) Do women’s wings attached to political parties have the capacity to advance the agendas of women and gender equality in Ghana or are they constrained by loyalties to male-dominated parties? (iv) To what extent do women’s wings address gendered political structures and ideology within Ghanaian society generally, and Ghanaian politics specifically? (v) Do women’s wings of different parties perform different roles, and reflect different strategies for enhancing women’s public participation? The findings indicated that women’s wings affiliated to political parties are constrained by their loyalty to their political parties resulting in a lack of a clear feminist consciousness.There was also lack of cooperation among the women’s wings which also affected their ability to enhance gender equality in the country. In addition cultural norms and discriminatory practices together with a lack of financial resources were found to be major obstacles to the effectiveness of the women’s wings in Ghana in achieving gender equality and social justice. The study therefore recommends a need for a stronger feminist consciousness and the building of women’s solidarity among and between women’s wings to enable them to address the strategic gender needs of the country and achieve gender equality in Ghana.
48
Owusu, Kwame A. "The Development of Islamic Education in Ghana: Perspectives of Reformers on the Transformation of Integrated Public Islamic Schools." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493120256728132.
Full text
49
Lanthorn, Heather Elisabeth. "Achieving Access to Antimalarials: Views From Ghana on the Political-Economy of Adopting and Implementing the Affordable Medicines Facility-Malaria (AMFm)." Thesis, Harvard University, 2016. http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:25757887.
Full textAbstract:
My research examines the adoption and implementation processes involved in transferring a global health policy into national-level practice. More specifically, I consider how high-level stakeholders adopted and street-level, private-sector retailers implemented the Phase I pilot of the Affordable Medicines Facility- malaria (AMFm) between mid-2009 and end-2011. The AMFm — a large-scale program housed at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria — sought to improve access to high-quality malaria treatment through financing and delivery strategies using the public and private sectors. To date, the median implementation outcomes have been considered in the Independent Evaluation commissioned by the Global Fund but country-level processes and nuanced considerations of outcomes have gone unexplored. To better understand the AMFm pilot in Ghana, I collected both quantitative and qualitative data between August and December 2011.
To consider adoption, I first use a grounded, qualitative approach to address: What explains the stands taken by national stakeholders towards and against participating in the AMFm’s Phase I? I generate explanatory categories about the different views — stands — key stakeholders in Ghana took about joining Phase I. Public health goals; indirect policy goals; and concerns about personal, organization, and national reputation help to explain the views of different high-level stakeholders. Second, I consider the actions taken by different stakeholders: To what extent can a multiple-streams approach to policy adoption help clarify Ghana’s decision to join in the AMFm’s pilot? I find the Multiple-Streams Approach cannot be used to explain adoption of the AMFm pilot in Ghana. However, a modified version accounting for the global and national levels simultaneously can explain this case.
To consider implementation, I ask: Do retailers in Northern Region comply with Ghana’s the advertised AMFm Recommended Retail Price among for-profit, private-sector retailers? And, does non-compliance vary systematically with features of retailer structure or conduct? I find high compliance based on reported retail prices. I also find that neither measures of spatial competition nor having seen regulation enforced in the past explain the pattern of non-compliance. Rather, variation in the terminal supply price is highly associated with a retailer’s decision to charge at or above the RRP.
50
Tagoe, Ishmael. "The Ghana National School Feeding Program: Peoples' Perceptions about the Program's Impact on School Enrolment, Attendance and Completion." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1521682869298246.
Full text