Government Of Ghana Research Articles

Stakeholder collaboration in tourism governance in Ghana

This paper analyses stakeholder collaboration in tourism governance in Ghana. It further examines the forms and rationale of stakeholder collaboration and the extent of stakeholder collaborations. The paper deployed the qualitative approach in research, descriptive research design and purposively selected 14 participants from public and private sector tourism organisations and local communities in Ghana’s tourism industry. These participants were selected based on their knowledge and experience in the tourism industry. The data was collected using in-depth interviews (IDI). The responses of participants were analysed inductively and deductively. Two key findings emerged from the study. First, it was found that there is a discernible line of authority where authority comes from the top management in the sector. Secondly, collaboration in the tourism sector is not well established.

Infection prevention and control: Qualitative study of the preparedness and response of Christian health Association of Ghana to Marburg virus disease in Ghana

ObjectiveRecent disease outbreaks underscore the importance of robust disease surveillance and infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes to bolster Africa's public health response system. Yet, available evidence shows extensive gaps in the emergency response capacity of faith-based healthcare providers on the continent. Accordingly, this study examines the IPC and surveillance strategies adopted by a faith-based healthcare provider and the challenges encountered during Marburg Virus Disease outbreak (MVD) in Ghana. MethodWe collected data from 15 clinical and nonclinical health workers from the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS). Data was collected through online interviews to examine two pillars of the WHO COVID-19 SPRP-AFR (2021) framework. We analyzed the data using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. FindingsThe facility performed creditably well with contact tracing and other quarantine protocols during MVD outbreak in Ghana. However, it also encountered several challenges in the enforcement of IPC protocols, including human resource constraints, the lack of decontamination equipment, and limited infrastructure, among others. Given these limitations, we assessed that the facility cannot handle major outbreaks. ConclusionDue to numerous infectious disease outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa in recent years, the government of Ghana and faith-based healthcare providers must resource their facilities with the relevant equipment and qualified human resources against future disease outbreaks.

Success of the tender stage of Ghanaian public labor-based construction projects

PurposeThe procurement reforms carried out by the Government of Ghana have led to the creation of the Public Procurement Authority and the passage of the Public Procurement (Amended) Act 2016. Nevertheless, many obstacles could prevent an open and fair competition during the procurement of works. This significantly affects the success of Ghanaian construction projects. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the factors to enhance the success of the contractor selection phase of the Ghanaian public labor-based construction project.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach was adopted by this study. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire to 377 respondents across Ghana. The data was then analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThis study revealed that external, project procedures and project management factors impact the Ghanaian labor-based contractor selection phase success.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to the contractor selection phase of Ghanaian public labor-based projects and developing nations with similar socioeconomic characteristics.Social implicationsStrict adherence to this study’s findings will enable the government to undertake more infrastructure projects to raise the standard of living for its populace.Originality/valueAlthough several studies have been conducted to improve the success of construction projects in developing nations, very little focus has been placed on the success factors of the contractor selection phase of public construction projects. These findings are vital in discovering for the first-time factors influencing the success of the tender stage of public labor-based projects in Ghana and developing nations with similar socioeconomic characteristics.

Building an Efficient Land Information System in Ghana: Insights from Land Governance

Land governance is a linchpin for sustainable socioeconomic development and the protection of property rights in Ghana. Efficient land resource management is essential for fostering equitable access to land and ensuring the well-being of citizens. This study aims to explore the multifaceted landscape of land governance in Ghana and inform the development of an efficient Land Information System (LIS). Drawing from international perspectives and the legal framework of Ghana, this research unveils the complexities, challenges, and opportunities inherent in the land governance system of the country. The study delves into thirteen (13) key areas requiring attention and improvement, spanning legal frameworks, land surveying, digital technology adoption, decentralization, transparency, capacity building, public awareness, data security, collaboration, customary land systems, conflict resolution, regular updates, and financial sustainability. By dissecting these components, the research highlights the intricate interplay between effective land governance and the role of an efficient LIS. The study provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, government agencies, and stakeholders, with the intent to enhance land governance practices and build effective LIS in Ghana. This study also contributes to the realization of a more transparent, accessible, and equitable land management system that aligns with the development aspirations of the nation. This study also serves as a roadmap for fostering sustainable growth, bolstering land tenure security, and driving positive institutional change in the land governance landscape of Ghana.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) experience during flooding: the Nsukwao community of Ghana

ABSTRACT This research examines the water, sanitation, and hygiene experiences during flooding. Floods are among the disasters that cause widespread destructions to human lives, properties and the environment. Flooding occurs every year at different places with varied scales across the globe. The focus of the study is the Nsukwao community, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The Nsukwao community is prone to seasonal flooding, and in the year 2017, the government of Ghana through the Nsukwao Basin Project tried to solve the seasonal flooding. However, the issues persisted. This research utilised a mixed method approach where semi-structured interviews were undertaken and a survey questionnaire was also randomly administered. The survey questionnaire yielded a response rate of 52%. After the data analysis, it was found that the Nsukwao community has acceptable water and sanitation facilities, however, during the rainy season, the community members are negatively impacted. Also, the community members do not take part in water, sanitation, and hygiene programmes because they are never consulted. To improve water, sanitation, and hygiene experiences, it is important for the government through the municipal and district councils to extensively engage the local community.

Relationship between corporate governance and firm performance in Ghana: does compliance to national governance frameworks matter?

Relationship between corporate governance and firm performance in Ghana: does compliance to national governance frameworks matter?

Examining the roles of traditional leaders in promoting quality education in Ghana

PurposeThe government of Ghana since independence has undertaken steps to develop educational infrastructure setup. This notwithstanding, the educational sector is beset with challenges such as low-quality education and low enrolment rates in Senior High Schools (SHS) of children from large households, among others. Given the myriad of challenges bedevilling the education sector, there have been calls for collaboration among public leaders to promote education. The paper, therefore, examines traditional leaders' roles in promoting quality education in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThrough a desk review approach, the study examines the role of traditional leaders in promoting quality education in Ghana. This approach was adopted due to its flexible nature.FindingsThe study found that traditional leaders have provided educational materials and resources to deprived schools. They have established scholarship schemes for needy but brilliant students, promoted gender parity in education, constructed educational facilities and promoted a healthy teaching environment.Practical implicationsThe paper provides stakeholders in Ghana’s educational sector with the opportunity to review educational policies and include traditional leaders to influence educational policies. The recommendations call for support from the GETFUND and Scholarship Secretariat of Ghana to assist community-initiated projects and scholarship schemes established by traditional leaders.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidence to support the importance of traditional leadership, which has come under criticism from a democratisation perspective in contemporary times.

Moderating Influence of Corruption on the Relationship between Aggregate Tax Revenue and Economic Development in Nigeria and Ghana

The study examines the moderating influence of corruption on the relationship between aggregate tax revenue and economic development in Nigeria and Ghana. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study where country specific data extracted from the annual publications of OECD database on tax revenue in Africa, Central Bank of Nigeria and Transparency International (TI) for the periods 1981 to 2022 were used. The dependent variable was economic development measured with Gross Domestic Product at 2015 Constant price while the independent variable was Aggregate tax revenue. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was moderated by the presence of corruption measured by Corruption perception index for Nigeria and Ghana. Different econometric techniques were applied in the study while the data was analyzed by means of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model using E views Version 10. The findings showed that in Nigeria and Ghana, aggregate tax revenue had a positive and significant influence on economic development both short and long run whereas corruption had a negative but significant influence on the relationship between tax revenue and gross domestic product of Nigeria and Ghana. The study therefore recommends among others that the respective governments of Nigeria and Ghana should put in place adequate fiscal measures to ensure that revenue generated from taxes are effectively utilized to develop their economies. They should also see the need to tackle corruption in the process of executing projects by ensuring that activities of bad and corrupt leaders are closely monitored through further strengthening the hands of the anti Graft Agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC to have the political will to persecute corrupt leaders and managers of public funds.

THE INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM IN GHANA. AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN THE UPPER WEST REGION MMDA’S

The study examines the relationship between the external factors (government policy, external support and competitive pressure) and the implementation of the HRIS (acceptance and effectiveness). The study assessed the level of acceptability of each variable in the study. The study was a quantitative study which centers on question-based survey. The study used purposive sampling technique and a sample of 187 line managers of the eleven (11) MMDAs in the Upper West Region of Ghana were selected. The unit of analysis was at the individual level where opinions of the line managers were sought to assess the relationship between the individual characteristics and the implementation the HRIS. The unit of measurement was likert scale. SPSS was used to carry out the analysis of this study. Bivariate correlation was used to establish one-on-one relationship between variables operationalized in this study. The findings revealed that Competitive Pressure and External Support had a moderate level of acceptance whereas Government Policies have a low level of acceptance as factors that affect the implementation of the HRIS. The study revealed that, government policies, external support, competitive pressure had correlation with the acceptance of the HRIS. Lastly, it concluded that government colicies, competitive pressure had correlation with the effectiveness of the HRIS whereas external support had no correlation with the effectiveness of the HRIS. The study recommended Ghana's government to create sound regulations that will facilitate the HRIS adoption and implementation.
 Keywords: Human Resource Information System, Environmental Factors, Implementation, Government Policy, External Support, Competitive Advantage, Acceptance, Effectiveness.

A systematic review of the socio-cultural and economic value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition to humanity from socio-cultural and economic points of view. This study sought to answer questions such as “What is the interest of researchers regarding Ghanaian textile weaving art tradition?”, “To what extent has weaving art tradition projected the Ghanaian culture?” and “What is the socio-economic value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition?” Design/methodology/approach The systematic literature review approach was used to analyse data obtained from the Scopus online database. The PRISMA framework was adopted to select 22 relevant studies for analysis and conclusions. Also, the VOSviewer software was used to analyse and understand the co-occurrence of keywords. Findings It was revealed that Ghanaian weaving art tradition stands as a major craft that projects Ghana globally. Researchers around the world keep adding knowledge on Ghanaian traditional weaving and its value to humanity, resulting in a significant rise recently in the publication trend. Also, the rich cloth from the art is celebrated annually to invite people around the globe to learn the Ghanaian culture for social development. This study again found that traditional weaving serves as a major source of income for weavers and marketers of indigenous Ghanaian woven fabrics. Practical implications The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call to the Government of Ghana, institutional actors and national leaders to practically engage in the projection of the local art by playing individual roles such as financially supporting the craftsmen, initiating and implementing appropriate policies and displaying the local cloth on international occasions. This will make the local art more attractive for effective marketing and cultural preservation. Originality/value With reliable information extracted from the Scopus online database, this study presents original results and makes appropriate suggestions worth adopting for the improvement of the Ghanaian weaving art tradition.

Mapping of community perspectives on land acquisition for biofuel investment in northern Ghana

We apply Q methodology, a model with a qualitative background, albeit with rigorous quantitative analysis, to map community perspectives (concerns, attitudes, beliefs, opinions, and perceptions) towards the acquisition of communal land for a biofuel project in northern Ghana. We extracted four community perspectives, in the order of importance as follows: (1) pro-biofuel project, but pessimistic (2) against the biofuel project (pro-environmental) (3) strong against and (4) optimistic. Taken together, the perspectives suggest the local people believe the biofuel project has no potential to improve their livelihoods, meanwhile, there is a consensus that the project destroyed trees of economic importance and provided poor working conditions for the local employees. We recommend (1) the establishment of enforceable economic and social contracts between the employees, local land users and the biofuel investors (2) direct monetary compensation for the affected communal land users (3) investigation of allegations of late or partial-payment of salaries of the biofuel project’s employees (4) future considerations for acquiring communal land should include broad community consultations and incorporate the local land users’ interests, concerns, and viewpoints and (5) the local bioenergy policy of the government of Ghana must include checks on communal land sale decisions, which directly or indirectly impact the welfare of the people.

Modeling of <sup>137</sup>Cs Dispersion in the Atlantic Ocean at Ahanta West Coast: A Hypothetical Candidate Site for Ghana’s First Nuclear Power Plant

The government of Ghana has the intention of adding nuclear to its energy mix. Due to water availability for cooling, the coastal areas will be the right place for siting a nuclear power plant. This study was carried out to assess the distribution of 137Cs should liquid radioactive waste be released into coastal waters because of a non-routine event. The distribution was studied for the first month after the release. In the first week following the release, 137Cs was distributed within 16 km of the Ahanta West coastal waters with a concentration of about 9.1 Bq. L-1. On the seventh day, the distribution reached the entire coast of the Nzema East with a lower concentration with the bulk of the concentration still in the Ahanta waters. The 137Cs continued to spread into the eastern coast until the thirty-first day with a concentration of less than 1 Bq. L-1. This study provides useful data for future monitoring along the coast.

Assessing Pre-Service Teachers‘ Competencies in Teaching Basic School Science Curriculum: A Case Study

The purpose of the study was to assess pre-service teachers’ competencies in teaching basic school science curricula, and the challenges they encountered in teaching basic school science. A case study approach was used as the research design, which is qualitative in nature. Forty (40) research pre-service teachers were selected for the study to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. The researchers used interviews and observation schedules. An observation checklist was also used during the macro-teaching to collect data by ticking appropriately between 1 and 5 on a Likert ranking scale list of the competencies pre-service teachers exhibited in the teaching process. The semi-structured interview schedule called the preservice teachers’ interview schedule (PTIS) consisted of open-ended interview questions. The interview was audiotaped, coded, and edited to find similar themes that emerged. The interview for each research participant lasted for 15–20 minutes. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data from the interviews and classroom observations. The study findings revealed that preservice teachers demonstrated knowledge and understanding of lesson planning and delivery. Most of the schools visited for the study showed a paucity of curriculum materials for science teaching. It is therefore recommended that the government of Ghana provide adequate curriculum materials for basic school science teaching. Pre-service teachers should produce no-cost and low-cost improvised teaching and learning materials as project work. This will reduce the challenge of teaching and learning materials in basic schools.

Groundwater governance and a snapshot of associated issues in selected coastal communities in Ghana

Groundwater is an important freshwater resource worldwide, particularly in coastal communities where it is scarce and often ignored. In Ghana, there is increasing dependence on groundwater, yet assessment of groundwater governance is rare. This study assessed the status of groundwater governance and identified existing gaps in Ghana. Groundwater-associated issues in four coastal communities (Essiama, Winneba, Korle Lagoon catchment area of Accra, and Keta) were assessed. Review of policy documents and expert-based assessment were employed to assess groundwater governance status and gaps while field observations, focus group discussions with community leaders, risk-priority matrix, and Nemerow's pollution index were employed to obtain a snapshot of local conditions that impact groundwater at the community level. Review of policy documents and expert-based assessment of groundwater governance capacity revealed that technical capacity, cross-sector policy coordination, and operational capacity were incipient, while legal and institutional capacity was acceptable. Overall, groundwater governance capacity in Ghana was shown to be incipient. Major gaps identified were (i) inadequate enforcement of groundwater policies, (ii) poor monitoring, (iii) poor technical and operational capacity, (iv) low cooperation within the water sector and across other sectors, and (v) poor public participation in water governance. The study revealed groundwater as an important resource in the studied coastal communities, where accessing potable water comes with some difficulties. Knowledge of groundwater policies was low, while there was no groundwater monitoring network in the communities. Furthermore, poor microbiological and chemical status of groundwater was observed. These findings suggest a need to build capacity in groundwater governance and to ensure robust public education on groundwater governance in Ghana.

Perceived political corruption and tax compliance intentions among private enterprises in emerging economies: The roles of tax morale and tax tolerance in Ghana

AbstractCorruption has been identified as a major debilitating factor in tax revenue generation, especially in developing countries. This study examines the effects of perceived political corruption on tax compliance intention and investigates the mediating roles of tax morale and tax tolerance among private businesses in Ghana. Data were collected with a questionnaire from 1133 private firms randomly sampled in the Greater Accra Region. Estimation was done using structural equation modelling with maximum likelihood estimation techniques. The study finds that perceived political corruption diminishes tax morale, tolerance and compliance intentions. Moreover, tax tolerance and tax morale enhance compliance intentions. Again, tax morale and tax tolerance partially mediate the relationship between perceived political corruption and tax compliance intention, reducing corruption's negative effects on intentions to comply with tax obligations. Finally, these tax compliance behaviours vary with education, age of business, sectors and firm size. The government of Ghana needs to focus on voluntary tax compliance by convincingly fighting corruption, especially by tightening fiscal loopholes.

Public-Private engagement and health systems resilience in times of health worker strikes: a Ghanaian case study.

In low and middle-income countries like Ghana, private providers, particularly the grouping of faith-based non-profit health providers networked by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), play a crucial role in maintaining service continuity during health worker strikes. Poor engagement with the private sector during such strikes could compromise care quality and impose financial hardships on populations, especially the impoverished. This study delves into the engagement between CHAG and the Government of Ghana (GoG) during health worker strikes from 2010 to 2016, employing a qualitative descriptive and exploratory case study approach. By analysing evidence from peer-reviewed literature, media archives, grey literature and interview transcripts from a related study using a qualitative thematic analysis approach, this study identifies health worker strikes as a persistent chronic stressor in Ghana. Findings highlight some system-level interactions between CHAG and GoG, fostering adaptive and absorptive resilience strategies, influenced by CHAG's non-striking ethos, unique secondment policy between the two actors and the presence of a National Health Insurance System. However, limited support from the government to CHAG member facilities during strikes and systemic challenges with the National Health Insurance System pose threats to CHAG's ability to provide quality, affordable care. This study underscores private providers' pivotal role in enhancing health system resilience during strikes in Ghana, advocating for proactive governmental partnerships with private providers and joint efforts to address human-resource-related challenges ahead of strikes. It also recommends further research to devise and evaluate effective strategies for nations to respond to strikes, ensuring preparedness and sustained quality healthcare delivery during such crises.

Do the People Matter in Policymaking in Ghana? A Reflection on the E-Levy and Debt Exchange Programs

The extent to which the masses have a say in matters concerning their lives is crucial in governance. It makes a significant amount of knowledge to say that people vote for elected policymakers to make policies that will make their lives better off and not the opposite. However, in the making of policies, the views of the people who either benefit or suffer the ramifications of policies are not taken into consideration. Therefore, the content analysis methodology has been employed in this study to systematically analyze secondary sources about the recent adoption of the E-Levy policy and Debt Exchange Program to ascertain whether the people mattered in adopting and implementing these policies. The adoption of these policies has raised a lot of controversies, with the public agitating and calling for its termination. The government of Ghana, being keen on continuing with the implementation of these policies as the only way out of the country's economic hardship, raises a lot of questions. After a systematic analysis of the literature, the paper argues that both policies were passed without the involvement of the people. The implication of the government’s failure to adopt a participatory policymaking approach accounts for the citizenry's loss of trust in the government.

Examining the linkages between digitalisation, public service delivery and corruption in Ghana

Purpose This study aims to examine the linkages between digitalisation, public service delivery and corruption in Ghana using survey data from 121 respondents in Ghana. The authors also examine the mediating role public service delivery offers on corruption. Design/methodology/approach This study relied on the capability theory as its theoretical lens and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) as the data analysis technique. Findings Results from the PLS-SEM analysis show that public service delivery significantly reduces corruption, whilst digitalisation does not. However, public service delivery significantly mediated the relationship between digitalisation and corruption. Research limitations/implications This study’s limitation is that the data was collected from Ghana only. To enhance the generalisability of findings, future research could collect data from multiple countries. In addition, the study did not factor in the moderating effects of demographic variables such as information and communication technology (ICT) literacy. Future research could consider these variables, given the low ICT literacy level of individuals in developing countries. Finally, future researchers could triangulate results with interviews and focus groups to provide more value to the identified questionnaire-based data. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight the need for digitalisation to be included in Ghana’s national policy objectives and service delivery objectives. It is essential for the government to ensure broader public engagement with stakeholders, including citizens, to ensure that digitalisation goals are achieved. The study’s results indicate that digitalisation does not significantly influence corruption. This calls for the government of Ghana to consider raising the level of human capital for the successful planning and deployment of e-services. This includes raising citizen ICT literacy and adopting cutting-edge technology to fully realize the benefits of online services. Developing capabilities, e-government leadership, and public sector employees as enablers of online public services should go hand-in-hand. It is also important to build connected capacities in the country and enhance access to information and technology, along with increasing digital infrastructure. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine and offer a dual perspective on the role of digitalisation on public service delivery and corruption whilst considering the mediating role public service delivery offers on corruption.

International Conflict Resolution: The Role of the Government of Ghana and Togo on the Wenchiki-Chereponi Chieftaincy Conflict

The article examined the Chereponi-Wenchiki Conflict and the role of Togo and Ghana's governments in managing the conflict and its effects on the two countries. The social identity theory provided the theoretical lens into issues of ethnicity, culture and ancestral connection to the geographical area. A qualitative research design was used to gather data from interviews in some communities in Togo and Ghana. This was necessary to solicit the views, and opinions of the people in the two countries on three main themes namely the causes of the conflict, the role of governments and the effects of the conflict. The study found that chieftaincy and land constituted the main causes of the protracted conflict. It was found that the government of Ghana was mainly responsible for managing the conflict while the government of Togo only collaborated with in managing the conflict. Many lives and properties were lost, social disruptions and separation of families and clan members, disruption of the economic and social livelihood of the people, the new unfortunate norm of two chiefs in communities in the Chireponi-Wenchiki area because of overlapping roles and the influence of traditional councils and the influence of Dagbon Kingdom were found to the key effects of the conflict. The study concludes that the key influencers of the conflict are money and politics and relations among the factions has gone sour. It, therefore, recommends the need to depoliticize the conflict and strengthen the chieftaincy institution in the area for lasting peace.

Global China and the ‘commons’: rosewood governance in rural Ghana

The rise of Global China or the rapid expansion of Chinese influence abroad has had a commensurate impact on transnational trade and related commercial pressure in the governance of natural resources in Africa. Rosewood with its direct link to China's cultural renaissance has had a boost in extractivism in tropical regions. Taking inspiration from common property theory and based on empirical research conducted in Ghana in 2022, we analyze the effect of the Ghana-China rosewood trade on the governance of rosewood as a ‘common-pool’ resource in rural Ghana. Our research broadly responds to the question of how the Ghana-China rosewood trade changes formal and informal governance arrangements in rural Ghana. In a constructive light, the study demonstrates how one community created rules to access rosewood on community lands. The results also show that more challenging influences of rosewood trade on land boundary disputes resulting from violent protests of existing rules and norms, including customary rights, contestation of rural authorities, rural leadership manoeuvrings, and corruption are increasingly prevalent since the boom in the rosewood trade at the local level. This study contributes to the debate on common-pool resources, demonstrating that with the right information and communication network, rural people can self-govern common-pool resources to their advantage despite the alarming influences that external factors pose. From a China-Africa relations perspective, this work contributes to the politics of natural resources in the context of the increasing global influence of China in Africa.