Department of Communication Studies

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Examining the Preparedness of an Emerging Economy Towards e-Government Implementations: SWOT Analysis
(Southwest Decision Sciences Institute Conference, 2011) Andoh-Baidoo, Francis Kofi; Agyepong, Lawrencia
The last decade has witnessed a number of governments around the world working to capture the vast potential of the Internet to improve government processes. Egovernment development very often aims to improve public service delivery capability, as well as public administration governance, transparency, and accountability through the development of e-government service delivery capability. E-government has established itself as the transforming element in the way government services are offered to citizens in developed countries. Although this phenomenon is beginning to show promising results in many developing countries, countries like Ghana are still grappling with the challenge to embrace the opportunities that e-governance presents in order to meet the public needs and expectations while being cost-effective. The purpose of this paper therefore is to present a SWOT analysis of e-government implementation in Ghana.
e-Government Readiness in Ghana: a SWOT and PEST Analyses
(Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. (Electronic Government, An International Journal), 2012-10) Andoh-Baidoo, Francis Kofi; Babb, Jeffry Stephen; Agyepong, Lawrencia
E-Government has transformed how governments provide effi cient and effective services to citizens, businesses and other government agencies in both developed and developing nations. For developing nations, a context-oriented approach should be considered for a successful implementation of e-government. The paper examines the e-government readiness of Ghana, a developing nation in Africa. We employ a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) analysis of Ghana’s readiness to successfully implement e-government. We provide implications for practice and research. The analysis framework used in this study can be applied for other South-Saharan Nations.
Local Revenue Mobilization Mechanisms: Evidence from the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District in Ghana
(Developing Country Studies, 2014) Opoku, Ernest; Kyeremeh, Christian; Odoom, Daniel
This paper examined the local revenue mobilization mechanisms in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District in Ghana. A total of 214 respondents made up of 20 officials of the Assembly and 194 tax payers were involved in the study. The study demonstrated that despite the availability of other sources of local revenue, the Assembly was yet to take advantage of them. The strength of the Assembly’s local revenue collection measures included revenue collectors’ inclusion in tax decisions, house-to-house collection, and database. However, the weaknesses included poor taxpayer participation in tax decisions, inadequate personnel for revenue mobilization and poor cash management systems and accountability mechanisms at the Assembly. Some of the challenges the Assembly faced in improving local revenue generation were unwillingness on the part of the taxpayers to meet tax obligation, low pace of development and political considerations. It is recommended that the Assembly should put in place strong monitoring and supervisory mechanisms to check the revenue collectors, sanctions defaulting collectors, and also create room for private participation in local revenue collection.
Human Resource Capacity Needs at the District Assemblies: A Study at Assin South District Assembly in Ghana
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2014-09) Odoom, Daniel; Kyeremeh, Christian; Opoku, Ernest
The study examined the human resource (HR) capacity needs at the Assin South District Assembly using the descriptive and non-interventional research design. Purposive and quota sampling techniques were used to select 53 respondents with interview schedule and interview guide as the research instruments. The study revealed that the existing institutional arrangements in Ghana’s decentralized government system did not allow the Assembly to properly address its HR capacity needs. Besides, poor staff attraction, low remuneration, poor accommodation facilities and inadequate training and development contributed to the Assembly’s HR capacity needs. The study recommended that the government should decentralize the HR arrangements at the DAs to grant autonomy to the Personnel Management Department at the Assembly to actively address its own HR capacity needs. The government must effectively collaborate with the Assembly to provide adequate logistics, attractive incentives and social amenities so as to attract well-qualified personnel for smooth decentralization.
Staff Development Needs at the Colleges of Education in Ghana: Evidence from the Agogo College
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2016-01) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Ntiakoh-Ayipah, Daniel
The new mandate given to the colleges of education in Ghana means that the institutions are now expected to pay much attention to issues of staff development as a strategy to achieve their set goals. Given the compelling relevance of academic staff in this shift, this paper investigated the issue of staff development in the Agogo College of Education, with a particular focus on its nature and the existing needs. The study was mainly descriptive. Using census, the 33 Tutors at the College were all involved in the study, with questionnaires and interview guide as the research instruments. Both qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques were employed for the study. The study found the existence of induction and orientation as part of College’s staff development program although it was difficult to authenticate its effectiveness. Although the existing staff development policy was beneficial to the staff, it was not comprehensive enough to address the varying needs of the academic staff. In spite of the difficulties associated with accessing some of them, there existed opportunities for short courses, workshops, sandwich, full-time and distance education programs for personnel at the College to develop their professional skills and status. The institution did not conduct proper needs assessment prior to staff development programs coupled with issues of fairness related to staff development opportunities at the College. Some of the staff development needs at the College were in the areas of teaching methodology, institutional skills, management skills and leadership skills. Others were needs in the contents of some courses, information communication technology, research and publication, and mentoring and supervision. It is recommended that staff development policy in the College should be comprehensive, well written and known to the staff in order to achieve its goals and to promote consistency, continuity and understanding within the institution. It is also recommended that the College should provide both financial and non-financial supports to the academic staff who are already in the system but with qualifications below master’s degrees to enable them upgrade their skills within the shortest possible time. The College should team up with the government and National Council of Tertiary Education (NCTE) to implement relevant policy and programs that must go with its tertiary institution status.
Teacher Motivation and Performance: The Case of Some Selected Early Childhood Care and Education Centres in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2016-01) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Ntiakoh-Ayipah, Daniel
This paper examined the level of motivation and performance among Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) teachers within the Cape Coast Metropolis. Using a descriptive research design, 60 respondents were selected for the study through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interview guide were used in obtaining the relevant inputs for the study. It was established that most ECCE teachers in the Cape Coast Metropolis decided to work at the centers in order to secure job and to get opportunities for career development. There was a positive correlation between ECCE teachers’ motivational factors and their level of performance. While promotion was perceived as the number one motivator mostly available at the centers, remuneration and incentives was seen as the least available motivator. The study found that wage/salary provided to teachers at the ECCE centers had the greatest relative influence on ECCE teachers’ performance, with good leadership style as the least determinant of teachers’ job performance. It is recommended that the ECCE centers in collaboration with the District Assembly should provide attractive incentives in order to motivate teachers to give off their best performance. The paper also recommends that effective ECCE programs should be gleaned from well-coordinated efforts of different partners including school managers, parents, communities, local and national governments as well as the civil society.
Conceptualizing Decentralization: Reflecting on some Existing Literature
(Applied Research Journal, 2016-04) Odoom, Daniel
Decentralization has been advocated by development partners and agencies as well as civil societies in both developed and developing nations as an essential mechanism for broadening citizen participation and improving local governance. Its aim is the enhancement of the socio- economic conditions of the citizens to facilitate poverty reduction. Indeed, the resurgence of decentralization has become a momentous dimension of political, fiscal and administrative reforms in many developing countries in recent times due to globalization and progressive improvement in technology. This appears to justify the unmatched attention given to decentralization as a form of government by scholars and organizations. The apparently unending debate over the concept is a demonstration of the fact that caution ought to be taken in terms of the appreciation of decentralization so as to avoid confusion. This paper sought to contribute to the debates on decentralization through an analysis of some the existing literature in order to help situate the concept into its proper perspective.
Reversal of Gender Disparity in Journalism Education- Study of Ghana Institute of Journalism
(Observatorio (OBS*) Journal, 2017) Boateng Anson, Jonas Kodwo
Journalism has practically become a feminine profession across the world. To understand the root of the flow of women into the Journalism profession it is pertinent to begin at the university education level. Gallagher’s 1992 worldwide survey of female students in 83 journalism institutions reveals a significant increase in number of female students. Djerf-Pierre (2007) and others argue along Bourdieu’s conception of education as a form of social capital which empowers, enable and enhances women’s competitiveness in a pre-dominantly androgynous social arena. Using 16 years of enrolment data retrieved from the Academic Affair Unit of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), a leading Journalism, and Communication University in Africa, the empirical study examines the growing feminization of journalism. This study uses the UNESCO gender parity index model (GPI) to ascertain the gender parity ratio of male to female students enrolled at the University. Findings indicate a significant shift in the gender parity ratio in favor of women in the journalism education.
Exploring the Staff Development Challenges and Strategies at Agogo College of Education, Ghana
(International Journal Of Innovative Research & Development, 2017-02) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Ntiakoh-Ayipah, Daniel
Ghana’s current educational reform mandates the country’s Colleges of Education to churn out teachers who have the requisite knowledge, skills, personality and other dispositions for the total development of pupils. However, in order to perform this duty effectively there is the need to put in place policy measures that support the implementation of this new paradigm. One such policy measure is in the area of staff development at the colleges. This paper therefore explored the challenges Agogo College of Education faces in respect of its staff development as well as the strategies that can be adopted to bring about improvement, with the use of exploratory and descriptive research design. Using the census data collection method, the 33 Tutors at the College were all involved in the study, with questionnaires and interview guide as the research instruments. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques. The study observed that academic staff members of the College were not involved in staff development decisions made in the institution. It was also found that favoritism influenced decisions on staff development at the College. The duration for staff development at the College was found to be too short. Other staff development challenges at the College included poor institutional sponsorship for staff development, financial constraints, inadequate support from government, as well as the non-existence of effective staff development policy. The strategies to deal with the existing staff development challenges include the establishment of autonomous unit in charge of staff development, and the College using part of its internally generated funds to sponsor its staff development, proper collaboration between the College and other institutions of higher learning. Others are attaching improved conditions of service to staff development, using well organized and regular on-the job training as an alternative to institutional education staff development, by involving personnel in staff development decisions, and by ensuring fairness in the award of scholarship for further studies. The study recommends that the College should put in place a comprehensive policy document on staff development program in order to ensure fairness, consistency and collaboration within the institution. The College should make staff development programs an integral component of its strategic agenda by first establishing an independent Staff Development Unit to fully take charge of staff development programs without fear or favor, and also devoid of favoritism and influence. It is also recommended that the government should pay equal attention to all the personnel at the Agogo College of Education when it comes to the award of scholarships for staff development.
Participation of Women in Local Level Elections in the Afigya-Kwabre District of Ghana: Can this be a Better Example?
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2017-02) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Ntiakoh-Ayipah, Daniel
Generally, participation of women in local government elections has been lower than other elective positions. For instance, few women in Ghana and other neighboring countries such as Togo and Cote d’Ivoire have the courage to contest elections at the local level and subsequently emerging as winners for positions of the assembly. This is indeed a challenge to democratic governance in particular and nation-building, in general. This study therefore sought to explore the issue of women participation in local level elections in the Afigya Kwabre District using a descriptive exploratory design. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 67 respondents for the study. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to solicit the views of respondents on the issue. The study revealed that women’s participation in local in the district was low. It was observed that factors such as inadequate funds, inferiority complex, fear and intimidation and cultural beliefs impinged on women’s participation in local governance. Some societal perceptions that may affect women who partake in elections include the fact that they become disrespectful after winning elections; they refused to perform domestic duties; not natural leaders and become proud when they are in positions. Some of the benefits of women’s participation in DAE are promotion of the welfare of women and children, gender balance in the District Assembly, facilitation of community development as well as serving as training ground for women. A number of measures such as the use of incentives, proper affirmative action, improved gender education and gender equality could be used to promote women’s participation in local level elections in the district. It is recommended that the District Assembly should properly collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government and Development, the Ministry of Gender Protection and Social Welfare as well as the Development partners to design policy programs and initiatives that will be tailored towards improving poverty levels among women in the country through capacity building programs for women. The government should effectively collaborate with civil society organizations to put in place effective measures including financial incentives, public education, affirmative action and gender education programs in order to improve participation among women during local level elections in the district. The National Commission for Civic Education should be adequately resourced to discharge its mandate of educating people on their civic rights and responsibilities.
Exploring the Staff Development and Retention Challenges Faced by Tertiary Educational Institutions in Ghana: The Case of Takoradi Technical University
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2018) Amegatsey, Samuel K.; Odoom, Daniel; Arpoh-Baah, Bernard; Okyere, Isaac
Human resource is essential in the development of every nation. Nations including Ghana have and continue to make concerted efforts in terms of human capital formation required to drive their development agenda. To achieve effective human resource means that institutions such as the polytechnics and universities charged with the responsibility of churning out well-qualified personnel have the capacity to carry out their mandate. Efforts towards human resource capacity at the polytechnics and universities require that investments are made in staff development and retention at these institutions. Failing to develop and retain well-qualified personnel in these institutions will make the dream of sustainable human resource development a mirage. In essence, staff development within the tertiary institutions is vital in positioning them as centers of excellence within the discourse of strategic human capital formation measures. This paper therefore focuses on analyzing factors affecting staff development and retention within the tertiary educational institutions of Ghana using Takoradi Technical University as a case. The researchers adopted the convergent parallel mixed method research based on descriptive survey design. Stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 94 respondents made up of 92 teaching staff and two key officers of the University. Questionnaire and interview guide were the instruments used in gathering relevant data for the study. For the quantitative analysis, frequencies, percentages and an independent sample t-test were used whereas transcribed data were analyzed thematically in the case of the qualitative analysis. The study found that staff development challenges the University was faced with include inadequate funds, rigid institutional policies, high cost of replacing personnel, lack of transparency, and favoritism. Staff development challenges that male lecturers faced were not different from that of their female colleagues. A number of challenges such as poor conditions of service, low involvement of lecturers in decision making, delay in promotion, inadequate feedback, as well as poor recognition of and reward for hard work in the institution threatened staff retention. There was statistically significant difference in retention challenges based on the gender of lecturers. The Management of the University should team up with faculty to come out with measures to generate additional sources of revenue for the institution including writing innovative research proposals that can attract both local and international sponsorships.
Examining the Institutional Arrangements Regarding Public Private Partnership in Solid Waste Management in Ghana: From the Perspective of Sunyani Municipality
(International Journal in Management and Social Science, 2018-10) Yeboah, Richmond; Odoom, Daniel
Solid waste management is one of the major issues facing most countries globally. It represents a major economic and environmental issue in most nations including Ghana. The government of Ghana has adopted public private partnership (PPP) as a solution for solid waste management given the herculean nature of the waste management task in terms of finance and technical expertise. Through qualitative research approach, this study sought to interrogate the institutional arrangement put in place for PPP in the Sunyani Municipality using 32 respondents made up of key officers including staff of the Waste Management Department, and Assembly members. Semi-structured interview and non-participant observation were the instruments used whilst content and thematic analyses were used for the study. The study found that the institutional arrangement for PPP in the Sunyani Municipality was weak. However, it was established that solid waste management in the municipality was guided by national laws on environmental health and bye-laws of the Assembly. With respect to resources in the implementation of PPP, the study found that, even though the private partner had some resources, they were not enough for the proper management of solid waste in the Municipality under a PPP arrangement. The study recommends the strengthening of institutional arrangement such as monitoring, sanctioning of poor performance and the formulation of bye-laws by the Assembly to ensure successful PPP arrangement.
Appreciating the Challenge of Community Participation in NGO-Led Development Interventions: An Analysis of Some Existing Literature
(International Journals of Multi-Dimensional Research, 2018-10) Odoom, Daniel; Yeboah, Richmond; Opoku, Ernest; Osei-Wusu, Prince
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been a dominant participant in the development process throughout the world. Particularly in Africa, participation has assumed even greater relevance given the complementary, or occasionally supplementary role NGOs play to that of government in social development. It is widely conceived that for NGOs’ presence to be hugely felt by the beneficiaries, there is the need to pay serious attention to the issue of participation by community members. There is a growing fear that without the active participation of community members in the development programs and projects of NGOs in Africa, it will be very difficult for them to achieve meaningful and sustained progress in the lives of the beneficiaries. Needless to indicate that the lack of clear definition of involvement of community members in the development activities of NGOs in Africa has led to uncontrolled, uncoordinated and ineffective development projects. This paper seeks to contribute to the discussions on the issue of community participation in the development activities of NGOs in Africa and the associated challenges. It presents an introduction which seeks to locate the place of NGOs in the development discourse. It also conceptualizes community participation and its typologies, as well as the role of community participation in development. It, again, highlights some of the challenges associated with community participation in development projects and concludes on the issues discussed.
Examining the Recruitment and Selection Challenges Faced by Higher Educational Institutions in Ghana: Evidence from Takoradi Technical University
(International Journal Of Innovative Research & Development, 2018-12) Odoom, Daniel; Amegatsey, Samuel K.; Arpoh-Baah, Bernard; Okyere, Isaac
This study examined the recruitment and selection challenges faced by higher educational institutions in Ghana with using Takoradi Technical University (TTU) as a case. The convergent parallel mixed method research approach was adopted in a descriptive survey design. A total of 94 respondents made up of 92 teaching staff and two key officers of the University were involved in the study using stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques, with questionnaire and interview guide as the instruments for data collection. Statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and independent sample t-test were used for analyzing the quantitative data, whilst in the case of the qualitative analysis, transcribed data were analyzed thematically. The study observed that low salary and inadequate incentive packages in the institution, insufficient autonomy, competition from other tertiary institutions, and favoritism and personal contact were challenges to recruitment and selection. Other challenges found include over-reliance on internal recruitment, delays in declaring vacant positions, and political influence. These challenges were problematic to the success of recruitment and selection process of the University. Also, the recruitment and selection challenges that male lecturers faced were not different from that of their female colleagues. It is recommended that government should facilitate the employment of persons to teach in the tertiary institutions by way of removing embargos and providing the necessary clearance to enable the institution address its human resource capacity gaps. The Management of Takoradi Technical University should team up with the HRM Division to come out with clear measures to enhance transparency in recruitment and selection process.
Exploring the Contributions of Microfinance Institutions to the Ghanaian Economy: A Study at Takoradi
(Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2019) Odoom, Daniel; Oppong Fosu; Kennedy; Ankomah, Kwadwo; Birago Amofa, Marian
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) play an important role in making services available to the financially excluded masses, especially the needy and the informal sector. MFIs do not only have a considerable influence in reducing poverty but are able to do so in a manner that is sustainable. These institutions predominantly are regarded to be critical tools for growth in battling poverty and over-reliance on central and local governments, in several developing nations including Ghana. In spite of the above, MFIs face a number of challenges in Ghana, with the news of collapse of some MFIs which has become a cause for concern to various stakeholders. This tends to create some doubts regarding the role MFIs play in the Ghanaian economy. Using Takoradi as a case, this study sought to examine the views of operators and employees of MFIs with regard to the contributions of the institutions to the economy of Ghana through descriptive survey design in a quantitative research approach. The researchers adopted the purposive and simple random sampling techniques in selecting 114 respondents for the study, with questionnaire as the research instrument. Analytical tools used for the study were frequencies, percentages and an independent sample t-test. The study revealed that in terms of their types based on client base, most microfinance institutions operating in the city targeted SME operators. Also, based on their services, MFIs in the city were grouped into individual lending, group lending, compulsory and voluntary savings, among others. Again, the study found that MFIs in Takoradi contribute variously to the local economy including provision of financial capital to the people; income generation; employment creation; engaging the non-formal economy and providing support for SMEs to grow. Other contributions are in the areas of women empowerment; savings culture, credit facilities, asset creation tools and financial literacy. It is recommended that MFIs collaborate with local authorities including the District Assemblies and Business Advisory Centres to come with measures to ensure penetration into the rural areas in order to improve the conditions of the rural folks.
An Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Human Resource Arrangements within the Ghanaian Decentralized Government System: Views of Staff of Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly
(International Journal of Applied Research, 2019-01) Odoom, Daniel
Adequate human resource (HR) is critical in ensuring goal attainment within the broader framework of local government systems. Like any other institutions, the District Assemblies (DAs) which are central to the success of local government systems in Ghana require adequate and well-qualified personnel in order to be able to perform the responsibilities entrusted to them. However, it is believed that many DAs in Ghana lack the requisite HR for the performance of their mandated functions. This poses a serious danger to the viability of Ghana’s decentralized government system. Against this backdrop, this study sought to examine the views of employees of DAs on the HR arrangements within the country’s decentralized government system using Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly as a case. The study was descriptive and exploratory, with the Coordinating Director, Deputy Directors, Sectional Heads, and other members of the Central Administration as the population. Purposive and stratified sampling methods were used to select 54 respondents for the study, with interview schedule and interview guide as the research instruments. Frequencies, percentages, Mann Whitney U test and content analyses were employed for the study. The study found that the existing institutional framework contributes to the problems the Assembly faces regarding its HR capacity. Also, the Assembly did not have adequate and well-qualified personnel to carry out its mandate. Again, factors such as low salaries, poor recruitment and selection policy, ineffective staff replacement and transfer policy, low motivation and inadequate training and development hampered the HR capacity at the Assembly. It was found that no differences exist in the opinions of males and females with respect to the factors affecting the Assembly’s HR capacity. It is recommended that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) should re-examine its HR policies in order to grant autonomy to the various Personnel Management Departments in the District Assemblies. This will improve the HR situation at the Assembly since it will reduce excessive delays and travelling costs involved in addressing the HR challenges in the DAs.
Investigating the Challenges Faced by Microfinance Institutions in Ghana: Evidence from Takoradi
(International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE), 2019-05) Odoom, Daniel; Oppong Fosu, Kennedy; Ankomah, Kwadwo; Birago Amofa, Marian
Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) contribute immensely to the economy of every nation. Particularly, within the informal sector, MFIs constitute the pivot around which many financially disadvantaged individuals rely on in terms of access to finance for their businesses. MFIs play a tremendous role in the poverty reduction and employment creation agenda of many nations including Ghana. Notwithstanding the immense role MFIs play in the economies of nations, there is a wide recognition of the fact that the institutions can perform better if they are able to overcome the challenges they face in their operations. However, in order for MFIs to effectively tackle the challenges they encounter, it is important for them to first identify and appreciate these challenges and the threats they pose to the effectiveness of their operations. Within this context, this study sought to explore the challenges MFIs in Ghana face, with particular emphasis on those operating in Takoradi. The study was quantitative, with descriptive survey as the design. Managers and employees of MFIs located in the city licensed by the Bank of Ghana were involved in the study. Simple random sampling method was used to select 114 respondents for the study and questionnaire was relied upon for data collection. The researchers used frequencies, percentages, an independent samples t-test and ANOVA as tools for data analysis. The study observed that increased competition in the industry, low repayment rates, higher cost of information technology, low level knowledge of operators, inadequate and expensive infrastructure base, high capital requirements, unfavourable regulation and supervision, inadequate employee incentives, and erosion of public confidence in MFIs were ranked as major challenges in the industry. A significant difference existed in the perception of male and female respondents on the challenges MFIs in the city faced. However, there was no statistically significant difference in educational qualifications of respondents and their views on the challenges MFIs in Takoradi faced. It is recommended that MFIs in the city should invest in staff development for all levels, from senior level to junior level. Also, Managements of MFIs should put in place adequate measures to educate their clients on the need to pay their loans and also institute appropriate sanctions to deal with loan defaulters. This will also require MFI to ensure credit worthiness of clients before granting them loans. Again, the Managements of MFIs should come out with appropriate measures to incentivize their employees so as to avoid possible cases of poaching.
Transportation Management Challenges in Ghana: A Study of Three Selected Companies in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis
(Daniel Odoom, Christian Kyeremeh, Kwame Owusu-Ansah Owusu Afram, Stephen Tawiah, Transportation Management Challenges in Ghana: A Study of Three Selected Companies in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, American Journal of Economics, Vol. 10 No. 3, 2020, pp. 138-148. doi: 10.5923/j.economics.20201003.04., 2020) Odoom, Daniel; Kyeremeh, Christian; Owusu-Ansah, Kwame Owusu Afram; Tawiah, Stephen
Effective transport systems are critical in the socio-economic development of nations. Globally, there is a wide recognition of the need to put in place adequate measures to achieve sustainable transport systems for the greater good of society. To do this, requires an awareness of the myriad of challenges faced by stakeholders in the transport sector. Against this background, the researchers sought to explore the transportation challenges companies in Ghana face using Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis (STM) as a case. The study adopted the mixed methods approach with descriptive survey as the design. A total of 85 employees of three companies in the Metropolis was involved in the study through census data collection method. The research instruments used were questionnaire and interview guide whilst percentages, means, standard deviation and thematic analytical tools were employed for the study. The study discovered that the greatest transport management challenge in the Metropolis is the general lack of transport management experts. Other challenges include high cost of transport operations, poor vehicle maintenance, ineffective transport policies in organizations and weak transport infrastructure in the Metropolis. It is recommended that companies in STM should put in place proper training and development programs to address the skill gaps in inherent in their transport management systems.
Ballot Paper Wastage in Elections in Ghana: Reflections of Electoral Commission Officers and Voters in the Jaman South District
(International Journal of Technology and Management Research, 2020-03) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Gyamfi, Edward
This paper investigated the reflections of Electoral Commission (EC) officers and voters in the Jaman South District with regard to ballot paper wastage in elections in Ghana using descriptive exploratory research design. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 172 respondents for the study with questionnaires, structured interview and interview guide as the research instruments. The study revealed that elections were conducted to help select leaders for the nation and to help ensure that leaders are accountable to the people. Policies and ideologies of candidates were found to have little influence on how persons vote. Factors such as protest voting, low public education on elections, and high level of illiteracy were responsible for rejected ballots in the district. Rejected ballot paper was a cost to the EC officers and the voters in terms of resources, time and energy especially during periods of run-offs. The study recommended that the government effectively collaborate with the EC officials in the district to implement policies that will increase voters’ appreciation of issues underpinning democracy. The EC officers in the district should properly collaborate with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to provide adequate public education to enable the electorates in the district to have a proper understanding of basic electoral issues.
Assessing the Impact of Tourism on the Hospitality Sector’s Share to Gross Domestic Product: From the Ghanaian Perspective
(Scientific and Academic Publishing, 2020-04) Ago Gyamfi, Moses; Odoom, Daniel; Oppong Fosu, Kennedy; Nammei Luki, Bayuasi
This study assessed the impact of tourism on the hospitality sector’s share to the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of Ghana. It employed the quantitative research approach and the explanatory research design. The study used time series data from 2007 to 2017 on tourism variables such as tourism receipts to GDP, tourism expenditure to GDP, number of international tourism arrivals to GDP; economic variables or transmission channels such as imports to GDP, exports to GDP, real exchange rate and hospitality sector’s share to GDP growth. Theoretically, this study was grounded on the tourism-led growth hypothesis which helped in explaining the link between tourism and economic growth. Regression analysis was employed as the analytical tool for this study. The study established that tourism drivers such as tourism receipts, tourism expenditure, and number of international tourism arrivals have statistically significant positive relationship with hospitality sector’s share to the country’s real GDP. Again, the study found a reverse positive relationship between hospitality sector’s share to real GDP and tourism expenditure. Also, it was observed that a positive relationship existed between tourism drivers (tourism receipts and international tourism arrivals) and tourism expenditure. In addition, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between imports to GDP and hospitality sector’s share to real GDP. There is the need for new policy direction to develop and promote tourism activities and the hospitality sector to make them more attractive to regular tourists and potential ones. The Ministry of Tourism, and Hotel and Hospitality Association of Ghana need to financially support the business activities of the local companies in the industry to enable them expand and develop economies of scale to improve their export activities to generate more foreign exchange.

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