University Of Ghana Research Articles

The Mediating Role of Revenge on Perceived Psychological Contract Breach and Counterproductive Work Behaviour among Academics in Ghana

The relationship between psychological contract breach (PCB) and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB) in the context of the higher education sector is missing in the available literature. Through structural equation Model (SEM), this study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the mediating role of revenge in the relationship between perceived PCB and CWBs among academics in higher learning institutions. A self-reported questionnaire and a survey sampling technique was used to collect data from 716 academics in selected Technical Universities in Ghana. The result established a positive significant relationship between PCB and revenge. PCB and revenge feeling positively affected both individual and organisational focus counterproductive work behaviours (CWB-IF and CWB-OF). Revenge partially mediates the relationship between PCB CWB-I and CWB-O. The effect of revenge feeling, and PCB on CWB-I is greater than on the CWB-O. Practical implications towards promoting a harmonious and productive work environment are discussed. Received: 28 April 2025 / Accepted: 28 June 2025 / Published: 08 July 2025

Modelling economics students’ use of ChatGPT and academic performance: insights from self-determination theory and epistemic curiosity

ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tool, has gained recognition as a valuable educational technology (EdTech) resource, yet its impact on students' academic outcomes in Ghana remains unclear. This study examined the impact of use of ChatGPT on academic achievement among higher education (HE) students using the “interactive-constructive-active–passive (ICAP)” framework and “self-determination theory (SDT)”. A purposive sample of 457 HE economics students from a public university in Ghana was selected. The study used adapted scales of ICAP (i.e. measuring the use of ChatGPT), “desire to learn (DFL), self-efficacy (SE), beliefs about the future (BAF), epistemic curiosity (EP) and perceived academic performance (AP)”. Data were analysed using “partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA)”. PLS-SEM results indicated that the use of ChatGPT (ICAP) positively influenced DFL, SE, BAF and AP. DFL and BAF were positively associated with AP, whereas SE showed a negative association with AP. Furthermore, DFL, SE and BAF mediated the relationship between the use of ChatGPT and AP. EP directly influenced DFL, SE and BAF and moderated the positive influence of ChatGPT usage on DFL and BAF. FsQCA results revealed four configurations for achieving high AP. This study highlights the positive role of ChatGPT in the academic performance of economics students and underlines the importance of considering multiple factors in policy and intervention strategies to optimise the use of AI in higher education.

Exploring undergraduate medical imaging students' perception of clinical stressors in Ghana.

Exploring undergraduate medical imaging students' perception of clinical stressors in Ghana.

Expanding a primary prevention program to address sexual and gender-based violence among health sciences students in Ghana: A pilot study.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a human rights and social justice issue that impacts individuals worldwide, particularly university students. The literature demonstrates that culturally and contextually tailored programs to reduce and ultimately prevent SGBV for university students have received little priority in sub-Saharan African countries. This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of the peer-delivered Relationship Tidbits intervention for use with health science students in Ghana. We conducted a pilot feasibility test to determine if this approach and content were feasible for this setting and these students. Health science students enrolled at a central university in Ghana were recruited in July 2019 for participation in a peer-delivered primary prevention intervention, Relationship Tidbits. All participants completed pre- and post-test surveys focused on acceptability, safety, gender equality, and rape myth acceptance. Health science student participants (n = 137) had a significant history of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Overall, this pilot study demonstrated that the Relationship Tidbits intervention is feasible, acceptable, and safe for use with health science students in Ghana during their university education. While this study was not powered to focus on outcomes, there were indications that this short, one-time intervention may result in at least short-term attitudinal changes related to gender equality and rape myth acceptance. The findings of this study highlight the importance of implementing comprehensive, culturally appropriate SGBV prevention efforts in Ghanaian university settings.

Medical students’ attitudes, perceptions and future career interests towards embryology as a course at a public university in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEmbryology as a course of study is a crucial component of medical education. Despite its importance, students often find it challenging due to the complex, three-dimensional changes that occur during early development, as such, do not have much interest in pursuing a career in this clinical field. This study, therefore, aimed to assess medical students’ attitudes, perceptions, and future career interests towards embryology as a course.MethodsAn institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among students pursuing medical education using the Problem-Based Learning pedagogy at northern Ghana’s only public medical school. Participants’ attitudes, perceptions and future career interests in embryology were assessed using a validated questionnaire. A Chi-square analysis was conducted afterwards to determine the relationship between the study variables.Results372 medical students in years one to six of their medical training participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 24.72 ± 5.26 years. Regarding attitude, 66.9% (249) of the respondents believed embryology has broad relevance across various medical fields, with 83.1% (309) of the opinion that the course is significant in contemporary medical education and that a medical doctor must have thorough knowledge of it to practice effectively. Also, 76.6% (285) perceived that virtual reality is more effective than images in teaching and learning embryology, with 15.1% (56) expressing their interest in pursuing a career in embryology. Participants in higher levels of study were more likely to pursue a future career in embryology (p = 0.033) and likely to guide their juniors to take up a career in embryology (p = 0.003). Most, 80.1% (298) of the respondents indicated a dissatisfaction with the current teaching methods of the embryology course at the study institution, highlighting the need for more interactive and practical sessions.ConclusionMedical students at the study facility appreciate the importance of embryology, however, the current teaching methodologies are inadequate in fostering deep engagement and understanding of the course. There is a clear need to revise the curriculum to include more interactive and practical teaching methods. This revision is crucial to improving students’ learning experiences and their interest in embryology-related careers.

Challenges Faced by Foreign Students in Public Universities in Ghana

As the number of foreign students enrolling in Ghanaian universities increases, they experience adaptation challenges that affect their academic, socio-cultural, and psychological well-being. The purpose of this research was to identify the challenges that foreign students in Ghanaian universities face during their studies. The study employed a cross-sectional design using the qualitative approach. The data was collected through focus group discussions involving 16 foreign students and a focus group discussion guide. The data was audio recorded and transcribed. The data collected was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The results showed that foreign students faced challenges such as financial (such as high prices of goods and services), accommodation (e.g., overcrowded hostels), medical (e.g., attentive medical personnel), academic (e.g., differences in curriculum), and emotional challenges (e.g., homesickness and identity confusion). Some implications for counselling were made, such as counsellors to help foreign students budget how to spend their money, regular interaction between the university authorities and landlords to ensure regular maintenance of facilities and good prices, and lastly, for early detection of emotional issues of students like ridicule, anxiety, loneliness, and homesickness, counsellors should advertise their services very well to the foreign students.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Human Longevity

This article studied the influence of artificial intelligence on alleviating cognitive load and promoting cognitive longevity in master's mathematics students at the Catholic University of Ghana. Stress in academic programs, time constraints, and burnout are rising issues, particularly in postgraduate programs in STEM. Therefore, this study examines the impact of AI apps such as ChatGPT, WolframAlpha, and Grammarly on providing cognitive support and emotional sustenance in academic environments. The study is guided by Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988), Allostatic Load Theory (McEwen, 1998), and Socio-Technical Systems Theory (Trist, 1981) and follows a mixed-method approach consisting of survey data from 100 master's students and in-depth interviews. The survey revealed that 78 percent were moderately to highly cognitively overloaded, while 65 percent utilized AI to work on their academic tasks. A notable negative relationship was found between AI use and perceived stress (r = -0.42, p < 0.01), with more confidence in academic work and improved time management. ANOVA revealed significant differences in stress levels among the different frequencies of AI use (F = 4.56, p < 0.05). Qualitative analyses generated the core themes of "AI as a cognitive assistant," "digital dependency," and "emotional assurance." Their reports indicated that they used AI to help them understand complex mathematical ideas, organize their academic writing, and calm their nerves about presentations. However, they voiced worries about becoming overdependent on it, issues of academic integrity, and ethics concerning AI's role in learning. The end product maintains that AI is a reasonable tool for easing cognitive load, encouraging mental well-being, and enhancing cognitive longevity. These findings have policy implications for the inclusion of AI literacy in both academic and national digital educational frameworks. AI implementation strategies could disappear into the topping of teaching success while serving the broader public health agenda of student mental health and human capital development.

Decision-making in the shadows? Challenges and prospects of committee systems in higher education institutions in Ghana

This study examined the dynamics of the Committee System in Management Decisions (CSMD) within a public university in Ghana, focusing on both its limitations and potential for reform. Grounded in systems theory, the research employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. The initial quantitative phase drew on 792 valid responses from a diverse group of stakeholders, including academic and administrative senior members, senior staff, and individuals serving on various statutory committees. Participants were selected through purposive and proportionate stratified random sampling to ensure broad institutional representation. Data on perceived challenges and possible improvements were gathered via structured questionnaires and analysed using independent samples t-tests. The subsequent qualitative phase involved 20 semi-structured interviews with committee chairpersons, active committee members, and staff not involved in committee work, with the responses subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed several systemic bottlenecks impeding the optimal functioning of CSMDs. These included insufficient logistical support, lack of adequate motivation for committee members, and undue influence from managerial levels. Nevertheless, the study also identified viable prospects for revitalizing committee effectiveness, notably through the integration of digital platforms, improved procedural coordination, and capacity building. It recommends strengthening digital infrastructure, streamlining logistical procedures, recognizing committee work through incentives, and ensuring regular feedback between committees and leadership. Emphasis is also placed on addressing workload imbalances and supporting staff well-being. While the CSMD continues to serve as a critical pillar of participatory governance within the university context, its success is contingent upon institutional commitment to transparency, structured engagement, and resource provision.

An Examination of Concord Errors in the Academic Writings of Students at a Technical University in Ghana

This study explored the teachers’ challenges in using local history projects to develop learners’ historical skills. Despite the importance of local history projects in developing learners’ historical skills and knowledge, there is evidence that teachers are struggling to teach and administer them effectively. The study used critical pedagogy as a critical framework, along with an interpretive paradigm, to guide the qualitative approach to achieve the aim and objective of the study. The study purposefully sampled five participants from five different schools in the Motheo Education District, Free State Province. Semi-structured interviews were used as a data collection strategy. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the data. The researchers’ findings show that social science teachers who participated in the study faced many challenges in teaching local history projects to develop learners’ historical skills. To mitigate these challenges, the Department of Education should develop strategies to organize workshops to empower teachers, specifically in teaching local history projects, using available resources. The paper also recommends a collaborative effort of relevant stakeholders to come together to assist the schools. State the contribution of this study to scholarship. The study is contributing to research on social sciences education by assisting teachersto be aware of challenges that impacts on the teaching of local history project. It is anticipated this with this knowledge Social Science teachers will be able to minimise or circumvent these challenges. Keywords: Local history project, Historical skills, Teaching History

Gender and the Use of Hedges in Doctoral Theses Writing: Evidence from a Ghanaian University

This academic writing-based study turns its attention to analysing the gender-based use of hedges in doctoral theses written in the Humanities at the University of Ghana. The study aimed to answer the research question: What are the gender-based uses of hedges in the doctoral theses at the University of Ghana? Using the simple case study design, the Literature Review (LR) chapters of forty (40) theses written by doctoral students over five academic years were purposively selected from the College of Humanities were analysed using Ken Hyland’s (2005) hedging device categorisations. The analyses reveal the utilisation of different types of hedges, namely: modal auxiliary verbs, adverbials, adjectives and approximators. Males used more modal auxiliary verbs than females. A similar trend was registered for approximators, adverbials, introductory verbs, adjectives and probability adjectives. It was concluded that there are gender differences in the number of hedging devices used by males, compared to their female counterparts. It is recommended that lecturers handling English language, Academic Literacy (Communication Skills) and Research Methodology should train students more on applying hedges to achieve more impactful writing. This study contributes to scholarship by highlighting the gendered use of hedges within the Ghanaian higher education space – a basis for enhanced andragogical approaches in language research and supervision. Keywords: Academic writing, Discourse analysis, Gender, Hedging, Humanities

’From Science Laboratory to Museum Curator’ – My Story

ABSTRACT This work recounts the writer’s experiences, rising from a technical assistant to a museum curator. Initially desiring to be a weather forecaster, the author’s perspective changed when circumstances led him to take up appointment as a technical assistant at the University of Ghana’s Department of Botany. Exposure to Museum Studies at the undergraduate level ignited a passion and curiosity about museums and museum work. This was further enhanced by the 2009 British Museum Africa workshop in which he participated. This opened new doors of opportunities for the author to pursue his newly found interest, culminating into the attainment of a Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies from the University College London in 2014. He is currently the Principal Technician and a curator at the University of Ghana’s Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies.

Africa's Unfinished Democratic Journey: My Modest Part

My life is roughly divided into three parts. The first part covers my formative years: birth a few years before Ghana's independence, elementary education in a tiny rural village, secondary school in a nearby town, and undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana, where my interest in politics and public affairs was nurtured. The second part concerns the expansion of my intellectual horizons. It begins with my doctoral studies in political science at the University of California, Davis. It continues with my return to Ghana in the mid-1980s, when it was under military rule, to teach, research, and write about African politics from inside the continent. It ends with my relocation to Washington, DC, where I was exposed to the world of think tanks. Part three deals with my return to Ghana in the late 1990s. I spent the time observing and documenting Africa's democratic transitions in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I also played a key role in the moment through two nonstate research and advocacy institutions—the Ghana Center for Democratic Development and Afrobarometer.

Environmental sustainability and procurement law compliance in Ghana’s university goods procurement

Purpose This study aims to assess the compliance level of procurement officers (POs) with Ghana’s Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as amended (PPA2003/2016) as an environmental sustainability policy. Design/methodology/approach Using purposive sampling, 19 POs from 11 public universities in Ghana participated in this exploratory study. The interviewees were selected based on the fact that they spearheaded every procurement process in their respective institutions. The selected universities were both traditional Ghanaian universities and technical universities that have been operating during the different eras of the procurement regimes. Content analysis was used to derive patterns of responses from an interview guide. The compliance level was assessed by collecting POs’ opinions on their adherence to PPA2003/2016 and the environmental sustainability provisions, with responses verified against office documents. Interviewees and their institutions were assured of anonymity to create an environment of trust and openness to enhance data quality and credibility. Findings Most of the POs thought that they complied with the law, but the implementation was not adequate. They follow the PPA2003/2016 because it is mandatory, and they do not want to face sanctions for breaking the law. Breaking the law would not only damage their integrity but also harm the reputation of their respective institutions. Practical implications This study emphasizes the need to develop sustainable procurement regulation with clear environmental sustainability guidelines to ensure compliance and implementation. It highlights the shortcomings in the Public Procurement Amendment Act, 2016 (Act 914) and affirms the coerciveness of legislation to ensure compliance with laws. Findings on policy implementations give feedback to the policymakers for renewal and also ensure practitioners’ commitment to reinforce legislative protocols for enhancing best practices in public procurement as legislation ambiguity and inadequacy are a barrier to achieving environmental sustainability. The study also highlights the lack of qualitative studies on environmental sustainability in the procurement of goods in higher educational institutions in Sub-Saharan countries. Social implications The findings would nudge policymakers, supervisors and implementers to develop strategies that ensure implementation and compliance with the law to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12. Originality/value This study provides pristine knowledge on POs’ compliance with the Ghana Public Procurement Law in promoting environmental sustainability in goods procurement in Ghana’s public universities since 2003.

Parental Influence, Career Counselling, and Role Models in Girls’ STEM Career Choices: Evidence from Three Public Universities in Ghana

Girls’ participation in STEM careers remains low despite global efforts to close the gender gap. This study examines the factors influencing girls’ pursuit of STEM-related careers in three public universities in Ghana, focusing on parental educational attainment, parental involvement, career counselling, and exposure to role models. Using the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a framework, the study explores how personal, contextual, and social influences shape career decisions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting quantitative data from 424 female tertiary students and qualitative insights from 15 semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that parental involvement, career counselling, and role models significantly impact girls’ STEM career choices, explaining 38%, 41%, and 49.8% of the variance, respectively. However, parental educational attainment did not significantly influence STEM career selection. The study highlights the critical role of mentorship, career guidance, and family support in shaping STEM aspirations. It recommends policy measures to strengthen career counselling, increase access to STEM role models, and enhance parental engagement in career discussions.

Investigating the mediating effects of organisational ethics on the relationship between talent management, corporate governance, and employee engagement in selected public institutions in Ghana

In the context of Ghana's emerging economy, the interrelationships between talent management, corporate governance, and employee engagement are pivotal for organizational success. This study investigates the mediating effects of organizational ethics on these relationships in selected public institutions in Ghana. The Ethical Climate Theory provides a robust theoretical foundation for this study. Adopting a cross-sectional design, and a quantitative research approach, and a purposive sampling technique, data were collected from HR managers and senior executives across various sectors using structured questionnaire. 15 public Universities were purposively sampled out of 25 public Universities in Ghana. The results, analysed through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), reveal significant direct relationships between talent management, corporate governance, and employee engagement. Moreover, organizational ethics significantly mediate these relationships, enhancing the positive impacts of talent management and corporate governance on employee engagement. These findings underscore the critical role of ethical practices in fostering a positive organizational climate and enhancing employee outcomes. By integrating ethical principles into management practices, organizations can enhance employee engagement and achieve sustainable performance outcomes. The study provides valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers aiming to integrate ethical principles into management practices, thereby promoting sustainable development and economic growth in Ghana. Future research should consider longitudinal study to establish causal relationships and explore the role of organizational ethics in different cultural contexts.

The Offices of the Registrar: The Milieu in Public Universities in Ghana

This study explored the administrative challenges of the Registrar’s Offices in Ghanaian public universities, focusing on staffing shortages, infrastructure deficits, procurement delays, and limited professional development. Using survey data from 200 administrative staff, the findings revealed that technological gaps and bureaucratic inefficiencies undermine service delivery. The study applied Institutional and Resource Dependency Theories to highlight how compliance pressures and resource constraints limit operational efficiency. Recommendations call for policy reforms, capacity-building, and ICT investment to strengthen administrative performance in higher education. This study extends the literature on university administration by offering contextual insights into the Ghanaian higher education system, an area underrepresented in global academic discourse. It highlights the nuanced challenges of administrative leadership in low-resource environments and proposes adaptable frameworks that other developing nations can emulate. Keywords: Registrar’s Office, Public Universities, Ghana, Administrative Challenges, Institutional Efficiency

The Future of Music Theory and Composition Education in Ghana: An Advocacy for Instructional Pedagogy Centred on African Musical Arts

This article discusses the need for an African-centred pedagogy in Ghanaian higher education, specifically critiquing the state of music theory and composition instruction. It provides a brief history of education in Ghana, highlighting past progress and future directions. A literature review indicates a lack of engagement in teaching practices, although alternative methods based on African musical arts are suggested. Focusing on three public universities in Ghana, the study explored the under-representation of African-centred pedagogy and sought to reimagine it through creativity and improvisation in music education. The findings show limited resources expended on Ghanaian musical arts and teaching materials compared with Western pedagogy. This gap affects the future of African musical arts in academic settings, underscoring the importance of reconnecting with cultural roots to foster teaching approaches that reflect African culture and identity.

Examining Factors that Influence Students’ Spectating Status at the GUSA Games in Ghana

University sporting spectating behaviour is shaped by complex psychological, socio-cultural, and infrastructural factors, yet still, this area remains underexplored in the context of African sports and recreation. Despite the vibrancy of Ghana’s inter-university sports culture, especially the Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) games, there is limited empirical research on students’ (non-athletes) attendance patterns and influencing factors. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, coupled with descriptive survey analysis and qualitative interviews, to examine 702 students, which comprised both athletes and non-athletes from five selected major universities in Ghana: KNUST, UCC, UEW, UDS, and UG. With the aid of SPSS, which was used for findings, mean, regression, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the gathered data was analysed. The findings showed that attendance at GUSA games is notably low, with 62% of the students never having attended any games in the past five years, despite 96.7% indicating interest in future participation. Key constraints included ineffective communication, scheduling conflicts, institutional and travel-related barriers, and perceived event quality. Regression analysis and PCA identified two dominant categories affecting attendance: constraints (transportation, finance, communication) and event organisation (scheduling, quality, student-driven activities). Travel-related challenges, in particular, showed a significant negative correlation with actual attendance (P<0.05). They concluded that the low attendance at GUSA games stems not only from a lack of interest but also from structural and logistical constraints. To improve students’ participation, GUSA and university stakeholders should prioritise better communication strategies, more accessible scheduling, and subsidised transportation. These insights contribute to not only local students' engagement strategies but also to the broader global discourse on university sports spectating behaviour.

Students’ Aches with Instructional Audios’ Integration in Teaching and Learning

The current study aimed to identify the challenges students go through when using instructional audios for learning purposes. The researchers surveyed 1350 university students in one of the public universities in Ghana. This follow-up study on the use of instructional audios among university students sought to capture the lived possible challenges that the students went through as they used the instructional audios prepared for their class. After administering and analyzing a nineteen-item Likert scale, four major findings emerged from the study. First, the university students did not experience any challenges in relation to the quality of the instructional audios used in the courseware. Second, poor internet connectivity was one of the main setbacks university students encountered in their attempt to access the instructional audios. Third, access to the instructional audios was not inclusive in nature since the university students needed to pay for downloading them. Finally, 3.5% of university students had neither smartphones nor personal computers to access the instructional audios. Implications for practice are discussed.

Exploring the interplay of management, quality and ethics in addressing gender and school-based disparities in students’ research self-efficacy and anxiety

The study sought to examine the gender, faculty and school-based disparity that exists in students’ research self-efficacy, perception of ethics in research and the level of stress they face in conducting research. A sample of 385 undergraduate students from the faculty of business and hospitality were selected from three public universities in Ghana, namely the University of Education, Winneba, Takoradi Technical University and Kumasi Technical University (UEW, TTU and KsTU). The Logit regression model, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square of association were employed for the analysis. The findings indicate that 68.4% of female students reported higher research self-efficacy compared to 57.2% of males, showing a significant gender disparity (p < 0.05). Regarding research ethics, 75.6% of students relied on past research works, with notable differences across faculties (p = 0.03). Perceptions of plagiarism detection software availability revealed that 62.8% of KsTU students believed the software was accessible compared to 48.2% and 50.6% for UEW and TTU, respectively (p < 0.01). Additionally, 58.3% of students cited limited access to supervisors as a major challenge, with hospitality students experiencing higher stress levels (72.1%) compared to business students (54.5%) (p < 0.001). However, all students experienced stress in undertaking research. The findings further indicated that there was a gender-based disparity in all of the assessment factors.