Ghanaian Market Research Articles

Automated Liquid Filling System for Small Medium-Sized Enterprises in Ghana

Ghana has seen a significant rise in the production of beverages by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in recent times. However, the high cost associated with implementing automated systems in their production makes it difficult for SMEs to adopt such technology. To address this challenge a simple, scalable and economical automated liquid filling system that can be adopted by SMEs is built. The main components of the system are a microcontroller, servo motor, submersible water pump, relay, Liquid crystal display (LCD), and a keypad. The microprocessor in the design makes the system easier to customize to user preference and allows the system to be modified to accommodate different bottle sizes. The system’s use of a counter and timer are employed in the system to eliminate sensors making it economical, power efficient and limiting the number of interfaces for fault. The system is portable, user-friendly and easier to maintain. When tested with water and common beverages in the Ghanaian market the system demonstrated an ability to fill twelve 250-mL bottles with water, sobolo, and fruit juice within 21, 30, and 42 seconds, respectively. Thedeveloped system provides a practical solution to SMEs' challenge of implementing automated systems in their production process, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and potential for growth in Ghana.

Evaluation of the microbial quality of commercial liquid herbal preparations on the Ghanaian market

Conventionally, the microorganisms in liquid herbal mixtures are curtailed due to the fresh preparation before the administration to patients. Prolonged storage of liquid herbal preparations (due to commercialization) coupled with primeval routine production processes may increase the potential of microbial contamination in liquid herbal preparations. This study aims to analyze the microbial quality of 15 selected commercial liquid herbal preparations on the Ghanaian market. The samples were obtained from accredited pharmacies and herbal outlets in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, specifically Central Accra, between November 2019 and January 2020. The selected samples were coded HM1 to HM15. The effectiveness of the primary package of all samples was determined using the seal integrity test. The presence of microorganisms in the sampled brands was determined using nutrient agar. Isolated microorganisms from the sampled herbal mixtures were then identified using various selective media. All 15 samples (100%) passed the seal integrity test. Ten (67%) out of the 15 samples were contaminated with various microorganisms, whereas the remaining 5 samples (33%) were devoid of microorganisms. Eight (53%) out of the 15 samples were contaminated with fungi, with 3 (20%) being above the pharmacopeial limit. Six (40%) out of the 15 samples showed the presence of Escherichia coli. Out of the 15 sampled products, only HM11 contained Staphylococcus aureus. Similarly, only one sampled product (HM15) contained Salmonella typhi. None of the sampled products was contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ultimately, this study revealed that commercialized liquid herbal preparations in Ghana are likely to be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Good manufacturing practices must therefore be strictly adhered to bring out the best in local herbal manufacturing industries.

Cashew processing in Ghana – A case for infant industry support?

West Africa produces almost half of the world's cashew nuts. With the domestic cashew processing industry still in its infancy, however, most of it is exported as raw material and processed in India and Vietnam. In Ghana, this is provoking discussions about market interventions to support domestic processing. Since different price policies have diverging implications for farmers and processors, the choice of the policy instrument leads to conflicts of interest between the two groups. In this study, we analyse the short- and long-term economic impacts of enhancing cashew processing through (i.) a temporary export tax on raw cashew nuts, (ii.) a temporary subsidy to cashew processors, and (iii.)a temporary export tax on raw cashew nuts, with government revenues passed on to cashew growers. For this purpose, we develop a partial equilibrium model for the Ghanaian cashew market including the processing from raw cashew nuts to kernels. We find that in the short run, all price policies lead to a substantial increase in processing at the expense of net welfare. We argue, however, that the sector may experience productivity gains through learning by doing and thus, after price policies are phased out, stick to its increased level of output such that short-term welfare losses could be recouped. Therefore, temporarily introduced price policies could help the infant cashew processing industry to grow up, promote the development of the domestic cashew sector, and be welfare-enhancing in the long run. A subsidy to processors is the most appropriate option to achieve this.

Influences of parental occupation on children's occupational choices

PurposeThis study examines the relationships between parents' and children's occupations to determine the existence of intergenerational transmission of occupations.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the purpose of the study, four predominant occupational types based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO): agriculture and forestry; services and sales; managerial/administrative; and professional/technical are examined using data from the latest (7th) round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS). Two complementary methods involving the correlational analysis and regression-based techniques are used.FindingsThe findings indicate the presence of parental influences on children's occupational choices (same-sex and cross-sex) in the Ghanaian labour market, with maternals and same-sector effects having a more substantial influence on children's occupational choices, especially in agriculture and forestry, and services and sales sectors.Research limitations/implicationsThe lack of panel data in observing children's occupational choices over time makes it challenging to assume direct causation.Originality/valueThe study is the first to highlight the relative strengths of paternal influence (father's effect) and maternal impact (mother's effect) on sons' and daughters' occupational choices in Africa. The findings have several implications for intergenerational (im)mobility of occupations including how policymakers can make career guidance more effective.Peer reviewThe peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2022-0705

Standardization Issues in Africa: Bayesian analysis of physicogeometrical and mechanical characteristics of rebars in Ghana's construction industry

One of the best engineering and design practices is selecting rebars with suitable physicogeometrical and mechanical characteristics that meet existing standards locally and internationally. However, a suppliant question remains whether current rebars traded in the African and Ghanaian markets satisfy specifications. Therefore, this tri-objectives study (1) identifies specific types of reinforcing bars in the Ghanaian market, (2) examines physicogeometrical and mechanical characteristics, and (3) compares these measured rebar properties with recognized standards. This study sampled four local-based steel mills, construction projects, and one imported manufacturer. The samples included 675 reinforced bars of various sizes. Descriptive and Bayesian techniques were used to evaluate the geometrical, physical, and mechanical properties. Bayesian analysis showed significant differences between the diameters and lengths of rebars sold in the African markets and manufacturers' stated nominal diameters and lengths. However, the rib spacing and height of rebars traded in the Ghanaian and other African markets do not vary substantially from manufacturers' specifications. Finally, this analysis confirmed that irrespective of grade, differences between measured and standard rebar properties and distinctive tensile strengths remain the same whether products are indigenously manufactured or imported. By implication also, these anomalies associated with such construction products may severely affect the design, maintenance, and safety of structures across the African continent. This is a call to action for relevant state agencies to enforce existing standards and regulations on steel-reinforced bars milled locally and from imported sources to safeguard structures' integrity and protect lives and properties.

Exposure and health risk assessment of transition metals in rice found on the Ghanaian market

This study investigates the concentration of transition metals in imported and local rice brands on sale in some Ghanaian markets and the biochemical influences on the health of the Ghanaian population. A comparative analysis with previous studies in Ghana reveals that levels of Fe (3.64-4.44mg/kg), Cd (0.03mg/kg) and Cu (14.07-38.13mg/kg) in the current study are much lower than the 13.67-21.35, 1.67-3.01, and 14.07-38.13mg/kg recorded for Fe, Cd, and Cu, respectively. Rice sold in the Ghanaian markets contained different transition metals of which some are essential (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe). The levels of transition metals, such as Mn, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Fe are in moderate concentrations, which are well within the maximum acceptable limit of the World Health Organization. This study has revealed that R5 and R9 from the USA and India, respectively, recorded hazard indices above the safe limit of 1 and can therefore have the potential to pose detrimental health complications to consumers in the long term.

Strength and Deformational Characteristics of Concrete Beams Reinforced with Steel Bars Locally Produced from Recycled Metal Scrap in Ghana

This study was conducted to examine the structural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with local steel bars available in Ghana. The concrete was prepared from conventional materials of ordinary Portland-limestone cement, pit sand and granitic stones. Steel bars of sizes 12mm, 10mm, and 8mm from different millers used to reinforce the concrete beams were tested to study the stress-strain relationship of the bars. The main reinforcing steel bars in the concrete beams comprised 12mm high tensile and 12mm mild steel bars produced by four different companies. The four companies from which these steel bars were obtained are Ferro Fabric Limited (FFL), United Steel Company (USC), Sentuo Steel Limited (STS) and Fabrimetal (FAB). The specific objectives of this study were to determine the actual strength and sizes of steel bars used to reinforce concrete (steel bars of nominal sizes 12mm, 10mm and 8mm from different millers), to study the stress- strain relationship of the bars, to study the ultimate limit state characteristics of beams reinforced with different bars and to investigate the deformational behaviour of concrete beams reinforced with different bars (i.e., cracking, deflection).
 Data collected were analyzed using theoretical and experimental approaches. The experimental results confirmed theoretical analysis that indicated that governing failure loads of the beams were due to steel yielding first with the exception of one beam in which the governing failure load was by shear. On average the experimental cracking and failure loads in the beams reinforced with high-yield steel bars were slightly higher than the theoretical loads, while they were observed to be slightly lower in the beams reinforced with mild steel bars. With regard to cracking, the beam reinforced with FFL ribbed mild steel developed the highest number of cracks at failure which represent a very good bonding between steel and concrete as compared to the other companies. Beams reinforced with FAB high-yield steel had the highest failure load as compared to the other steels. It is important to ensure standardization of the rebars in the Ghanaian market such as the size of the bar, the rib spacing, and the rib height through the dissemination of information to stakeholders including structural and material engineering manufacturing companies and contractors.

Stock market growth in Ghana: Do financial sector reforms matter?

Owing to the significant role of financial sector reforms in economic growth, several studies have examined its transmission channels. This paper focuses on the stock market channel by investigating the impact of financial sector reforms on stock market growth in Ghana from 1990 to 2019. A multidimensional index was constructed to measure the financial sector reforms. Employing fully modified least squares (FMOLS) and error-correction models, the findings reveal that financial sector reforms promote stock market growth in Ghana in the long run. By disaggregating the financial sector reforms, the findings reveal that competitive reform has the highest impact followed by behavioural and privatisation reforms respectively. Finally, the findings reveal a bi-causal relationship between financial sector reforms and stock market growth. The paper thus implores the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to reinforce its supervisory role, policy implementation, and investor protection laws to ensure greater compliance with the reforms. In addition, macroeconomic policies that are helpful to the growth of the capital market must be deepened to stimulate expected growth in the Ghanaian stock market.

The real estate market in Ghana: the nexus between price and income levels

PurposeThis study aimed to identify the link between the income levels of government workers and the prices of real estate houses in Ghana to identify the prevailing mortgage gaps and to stimulate both reactive and proactive government policies backed by continuous stakeholder engagements under the new normal.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative approach was used for this study. Two data collection methods were used to achieve the objectives of the study: the survey method, using a questionnaire to collect the primary data, and the use of documentary information as the source of secondary data. For the primary data, prices of two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses were collected. The secondary data collected were: (1) salary levels of government employees and (2) mortgage values prevailing. The three data sets were analysed and structured to identify the relationship between income levels and the prices of real estate houses within the prevailing mortgage system.FindingsIt will require a quadrupling of the salaries of only the highest income earners of government employees to afford the average price of a basic two-bedroom and three-bedroom housing in Ghana. Largely, government employees cannot afford these houses with the current price levels and the mortgage systems available. The real estate market in Ghana has not focused on lower-earning groups. The effects of the new normal resulting from the effects of Covid-19 require a paradigm change.Originality/valueThe paper established the relationship between salary levels of government employees and the process of basic accommodation types on offer in the Ghanaian market by the real estate industry: two- and three-bedroom houses. The findings will help real estate developers to consider their approach to housing designs and construction methods and the pricing to ensure that they meet the needs of the public sector workers who could form a large customer base.

DETERMINANTS OF CUSTOMER LOYALTY IN THE GHANAIAN E-COMMERCE: A PLS-SEM APPROACH

This study explores how customer service quality affects e-satisfaction and e-trust, impacting e-loyalty in Ghana's e-commerce, focusing on Jumia. It also examines how mobile application design and promotions influence e-satisfaction, e-trust, and potential e-loyalty in the Ghanaian market. This study assessed the hypotheses in the established research model using structural equation modeling based on data collected from 320 participants from Ghanaian online shoppers. The survey targeted individuals aged 18-60 of both genders who have completed multiple online transactions on the specified e-commerce platform. The study's results unequivocally affirm the pivotal role of customer satisfaction as a driving force behind customer loyalty. Various factors, including the quality of customer service, the effectiveness of marketing promotions, and the user-friendly design of mobile applications, mold customer satisfaction. These results offer valuable insights for e-commerce businesses in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of customer service quality and mobile app design to enhance customer satisfaction, trust, and loyalty. Further research could explore these relationships in greater depth and consider additional variables to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

Bioequivalence studies of cetirizine tablets using the urine excretion data of healthy Ghanaian male volunteers

BackgroundIn the wake of economic challenges, the role of generic medicines has become crucial in meeting the healthcare needs of people. Their use, however, can only be guaranteed if established to be bioequivalent to their corresponding innovator products. AimIn this study, we assess the suitability of a generic brand of cetirizine hydrochloride tablet to be used in place of the innovator brand on the Ghanaian market through bioequivalence assessment. MethodAn HPLC bioanalytical method was developed and validated for the detection and quantitation of cetirizine in a urine matrix. This was then used to quantify the amount of cetirizine excreted unchanged in urine samples of 12 healthy male volunteers collected over a 24-h period using a two-way crossover design approach. ResultsChromatographic separation was successfully achieved with an isocratic elution on a reverse-phase column. The mean retention time for cetirizine was 2.890 ± 0.243 min. The mean cumulative amounts of cetirizine in the reference and test drugs excreted were 5.69 ± 0.98 mg and 5.82 ± 1.96 mg respectively. Other pharmacokinetic parameters including mean relative Areas Under Curve (AUC0-24) of 13.32 and 13.05 μg/mL, and peak Concentration (Cmax) of 3.378 and 3.043 μg/mL at the times at which Cmax was observed (Tmax) being 7.25 and 7.42 min were established respectively for the reference and test drugs. The relative bioavailability was determined to be 102.28, making the locally manufactured brand bioequivalent to the innovator brand. ConclusionThe locally manufactured test Cetirizine drug was found to be bioequivalent with the innovator brand and could serve as a suitable alternative to the latter. Additionally, relevant pharmacokinetic parameters for cetirizine has been established using urinary excretion data.

Investigating the standard sizes of steel reinforcement used in the Ghanaian industry

The study aimed to explore and determine whether the steel reinforcement bars manufactured and used in Ghana meet the standard sizes. The research adopted a positivist philosophy and a market survey approach. The various organizations manufacturing and supplying steel reinforcement were purposively selected and visited, and the different steel reinforcement bars were measured against the standard sizes. When the measured sizes were compared to the standard sizes, the results revealed that all the mild steel reinforcement bars measured did not meet the required standard sizes. The results showed that all the high tensile steel reinforcement bars met the necessary standard sizes in the Ghanaian construction market. The research empirically demonstrated that non-standard steel reinforcement bar sizes impact most project outcomes. The regulatory authority (National Standard Authority) must ensure that both manufactured and imported steel reinforcement bars meet the standard sizes on the construction market in Ghana to keep the project under control and enable the structure to achieve its maximum strength.

Leveraging Chinese economic presence in the post-lockdown Ghanaian market space and the growth of China's public relations and diplomacy

Leveraging Chinese economic presence in the post-lockdown Ghanaian market space and the growth of China's public relations and diplomacy

Quality of Labels of Some Locally Manufactured Medicines in Ghana

Background: Labelling plays an important role in informing healthcare providers and patients on appropriate information on drugs and how to optimize their therapeutic effects whilst minimizing potential side-effects. For these reasons, drug regulatory bodies have specifications which drug manufacturers are required to conform to in the labelling of their products.
 Aim: The purpose of the study was to find out whether locally manufactured medicines on the Ghanaian market meet the specifications set out by the Ghana Standards Authority.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Kumasi, Ghana, between April 2018 and September 2018.
 Methodology: The labels of one hundred locally produced drugs were assessed based on the general labelling rules for drugs outlined in the Legislative Instrument, L.I. 1541. Some parameters used for the assessment were dates of manufacture and expiry, batch number, indications, active ingredients, handling precautions, etc.
 Results: Results obtained indicated that 17% of the products did not have date of manufacture; 10% did not bear expiry dates; 23% did not have batch numbers; 54% did not have indications; and 24% did not specify the active ingredients. It was also observed that 15% of the products did not have handling precautions.
 Conclusion: Such products may present a serious health threat to users, as for instance, drugs without expiry dates may be consumed even after it has expired; and for those without batch numbers, it may be difficult to recall when a problem arises. Additionally, products without indications may be wrongly used. Based on the results, it is recommended that the appropriate regulatory bodies take a critical look at the labels on drugs in the market.

Determining the return volatility of the Ghana stock exchange before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using the exponential GARCH model.

In this paper, we utilise daily stock returns for the Ghanaian equity market (GSE) to examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on market volatility. We take return volatility from 2nd January, 2018, to 31st December, 2021, and split it into two periods-the pre-COVID-19 period and the COVID-19 period. Utilising the exponential GARCH (EGARCH) model, we discovered leverage effects in all observed periods. Additionally, the research indicates that the COVID-19 period experienced high volatility with a transient volatility persistence. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, positive shocks had a more significant impact on the volatility of the GSE's returns than negative news of comparable magnitude.

Gamma irradiation effect on the microbial load and physicochemical properties of honey from Ghana

Abstract. Larbi DA, Klutse CK, Adotey DK. 2022. Gamma irradiation effect on the microbial load and physicochemical properties of honey from Ghana. Cell Biol Dev 6: 94-107. The honey's high sugar concentration and low pH give it antimicrobial properties and make it difficult for microorganisms to grow. This study is to ascertain microorganisms' presence in Ghanaian honey, the sources of microbial contamination, the physico-chemical properties of honey, and the effect of gamma radiation on the microbial load. Furthermore, 90 honey samples were collected from Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, and Greater Accra, Ghana, with 30 from each region. Honey was sampled directly from the beehive with the comb before the farmer harvested, and honey was sampled from retailers who buy directly from the farmer. The effect of gamma radiation on the microbial load was studied using a 60Co source gamma irradiation facility at doses of 20 kGy, 30 kGy, and 40 kGy on the presence of microbes and the physicochemical properties (pH, reducing sugar, apparent sucrose, and ash content) of honey. The pH values obtained for the Honey Comb samples were in the range of 3.6-3.9, and the pH for the Retail samples was in the range of 4.9-5.6. Microorganisms were not detected in about 70% of the honey sampled directly from the honeycomb. The mean microbial count in the remaining 30% was within the range of 30-35%, whereas all the honey sampled from the retailers was contaminated with microbes. The mean microbial counts in the retailer samples were 148 CFU/g, 183 CFU/g, and 271 CFU/g for Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and Greater Accra Regions, respectively. These values were significantly higher than the required maximum relative to the MERCOSUR (Mercado Comun del SUR) standard (? 100 CFU/g). The low level of microbial detection in the Honey Comb samples (30-35 CFU/g) could be due to their relatively low pH levels (3.6-3.9) compared to the retailer samples with pH within 4.9-5.6. The ash content of all the honey sampled and analyzed was within the required standard, with an average of 0.16% in the honeycomb samples and an average of 0.62% for the retail samples. The apparent sucrose concentration (in percentage) in honey sampled from the retailers was within the range of 22-33%, which is beyond the required maximum as stipulated by the CODEX Alimentarius Commission (? 10%). The study showed that a 20 kGy gamma radiation dose was enough to denature the microbes and preserve the honey's essential qualities. Finally, to ensure good quality honey on the Ghanaian market, it is recommended that honey meant for human consumption should undergo gamma irradiation (cold pasteurization).

Language of Persuasion and Negotiation in Ghanaian Market

This paper examined the language of persuasion and negotiation in the Ghanaian market context using a local community market (Agartha Market) in Koforidua as a case study. It investigates how the language of persuasion and negotiation is couched in the context of the market by both traders and customers. The theoretical framework within which this study is hinged is the stylistic theory of Leech and Short [1]. Specifically, the grammatical and figure-of-speech prong of the theory have been used. While observation and audio recordings were used to collect the data, the content descriptive method was used in the description and analysis of the data. The findings revealed that, relative to sentence complexity, persuasion and negotiation made adequate use of compound sentences than simple sentence structures. While simple sentence structures are used by traders to attract customers’ attention and arouse their psychological interest and curiosity, customers used them in negotiations for mainly interrogative and position-shift purposes. Compound and complex structures were used by traders for elaborative purposes in order to espouse the good qualities that are inherent in their products in order to convince their customers to buy their wares. Figuratively, repetition, hyperbole, and suspense are the key tropes used. These tropes are dominant in persuasion than in negotiation. Again, while the language of persuasion is monologue that of negotiation is dialogue. Code-mixing is also common characteristic in the language of negotiation and persuasion. The dominant local language (Twi) and the official language (English) are usually used in the communication process. This research thus has implication for research and pedagogy as it extends the literature and can also influence the restructuring of educational polices especially those related to language since society and school (education) are intricately related.

Studying Corrosion Resistance of Different Roofing Sheets in Ghana

Background: The request for housing in Ghana is great and as a result the selection of durable roofing sheets have become very significant as roofing plays a vital role in building construction. The goal of the investigation was to see how corrosive compounds affected the most predominant roofing sheets on the Ghanaian market. One-star galvanized Japan [G1*Jap], Galvanized Coated [GC], Aluzinc three star galvanized [AlZn3*], One Star Galvanized Indi [G1*Ind], and Aluminium [Al] were the most common on the market and were therefore used. The corrosion experiments were carried out by putting the various samples in five jars containing various chemicals for varying amounts of time. A computer interfaced Optical Microscope (Leica DM 2500M) was employed to study the surface microstructures of the corroded surfaces, with the corrosion rates per day being determined. Results: Average corrosion rates for One-star Galvanized Japan [G1*Jap] roofing sheets were observed to be the most corrosive resistant whiles [AlZn3*] roofing sheets were the least resistant to corrosion. Generally, G1*Jap roofing sheet stood out as the best roofing sheet in terms of resistance to corrosion. Conclusion: These numbers lead to the conclusion that when compared to the other roofing sheets, G1*Jap roofing sheets were shown to be the most corrosion resistant. The most corroded roofing sheets were found to be Aluzinc three star galvanized [AlZn3*] roofing sheets.

A Commentary on Consumers' Perspectives on IMBOOST Herbal Mixture in the Ghanaian Market

Objective: The herbal market in Ghana is flooded with many products approved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). Most of these products appeared during the COVID-19 Pandemic and have gained public confidence and acceptance, marketed as immune boosters. One notable and highly marketed herbal mixture approved as an immune booster by the FDA is the well-known IMBOOST Herbal Mixture.
 Aim: This paper examines anecdotal evidence of IMBOOST Herbal Mixture formulated as an immune booster in Ghana.
 Methods: In this paper, as researchers, promoters, and advocates of traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine in Africa, we chanced on much anecdotal evidence from the public on the effects of IMBOOST Herbal Mixture on their health.
 Hence, we employed a qualitative hearsay case study. Twenty hearsay videos, audio, and Facebook post were assessed; however, 11 were used for the narratives. We were purposive in our data collection process. Inclusion criteria were hearsay evidence that explained medical conditions treated. Exclusion criteria were hearsay evidence that had no relation to medical conditions but only praised the manufacturer. The source of evidence was one distributor of the product who had the videos, audio, and Facebook post of the clients from 2020 to date.
 Results: Our result is a shred of hearsay evidence. We believe that hearsay evidence, though, not a standard scientific method, cannot be overlooked in the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine.
 Conclusion: In this paper, we present a commentary on hearsay evidence of IMBOOST Herbal Mixture as an immune booster in Ghana.

An Appraisal of Key Soap on Tensile Strength in Three Washing Cycles of Selected Printex Fabrics in Ghana

The tensile strength is an imperative properties and essential indications consumers’ look out for in purchasing a quality fabric. The objective of this study was to examine key soap on tensile strength in three washing cycles of selected Printex fabrics in Ghana. Quantitatively, the study adopted both experimental and factorial research designs. Materials for the study consisted of three fabrics with black prints and white as base colour were purchased from the market. These three fabrics had the same designs but two had different fabric finishes and the third one had no finish (plain, embossed and plisse). Six yards each of the Printex black and white fabrics with embossed, plisse and a third one which did not have any special fabric finish were used for the study. Key soap purchased from the Ghanaian market, and standard soap from Ghana Standard Authority was used for the study. Purposive and simple random techniques were used to select materials for the study. The main research instrument for the testing tensile strength was Universal tensile testing machine. Data were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis formulated to guide the study. The study revealed that continuous washing had degrading effects on the tensile strength. The implication is that continuous washing weakens the internal strengths of fabrics which cause them to fail or weakens their resistance to stress test. The study also found that continuous washing had degrading effects on the tensile strength of the selected fabrics. It is recommended that the Ghana Standards Authority should encourage soap producers to get their chemical compositions as close to those of the standardised soap as possible.