Faculty of Integrated Communication Sciences

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A Comparative Analysis of Students’ Technology Uses During Covid-19 Lockdown in Ghana
(Covenant Journal of Communication (CJOC), 2021-06) Aboagye Da-Costa, Caroline; Opoku, Mensah Eric; Agyepong, Lawrencia
The study tests an author-derived quantitative version of the Student Technology Use Framework by assessing the effectiveness of distance learning technologies deployed by universities in Ghana during the Covid-19 lockdown period. It focuses on the knowledge acquisition needs of students who were initially admitted into the traditional learning mode but had to adapt to distance learning following the lockdown. The population comprises undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Christian Service University College (CSUC), a private university in Kumasi, and the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), a public university in Accra. The sample size was 351 - 187 from CSUC and 164 from GIJ. Copies of a questionnaire were distributed to CSUC students by personal contact, and a Google Forms link to GIJ students via e-mail. Results show that students in public universities had lower technological learning capabilities than their compatriots in private universities, resulting in a better learning experience throughout the lockdown.
A Linguistic Description of the Language of Ghanaian Newspapers: Implications for the Readability, Comprehensibility and Information Function of the Ghanaian Press
(Ghana Journal of Linguistics, 2016-12) Fosu, Modestus
This paper investigates the readability and comprehensibility of English language newspapers in Ghana. It attempts a structural description of the language of the newspapers to explore implications thereof regarding the information function of the Ghanaian press. The study employed a research design that triangulated methods and findings from corpus linguistics and readability studies using front-page stories of four influential national newspapers of the country. The research established that the language used to communicate socio-political news to readers is complex and could be potentially difficult for many readers. The significant implication is that the newspapers may be largely ineffective in transmitting information directly to a wide spectrum of readers for socio-political benefits. This could mean, importantly, that the press may not be performing its information function well. Consequently, the paper makes a case for the press to use relatively readable and comprehensible language to broaden direct access to newspaper messages in the country.
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.
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.
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.
Attitude towards Women in Managerial Positions: A study among Undergraduate Students of the University of Ghana
(International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS), 2017-10) Addai, Prince; Nti Ofori, Isaac; Bioh, Rona; Avor, John
Men cannot solely manage all the activities of our institutions; women also play tremendous role in management. However, some people have negative attitude towards women in management positions. The present study examined how gender differences influence attitude towards women in managerial positions. The study also examined whether attitude towards women in managerial positions is determined by the perceived integrity of the women. A total of two hundred (200) undergraduate students of the University of Ghana were selected using convenience sampling to complete the Perception of Integrity Scale and Leadership Scale Inventory. Data was analysed using the independent t-test and the Pearson r. Results revealed that females had significantly positive attitude towards women in management than males. Christians had significantly positive attitude towards women in management than Muslims. There was a significantly positive relationship between perception of integrity of women in management and attitude towards women in management. The implication of the study is that perceived attitude towards women is influenced by the integrity of the women.
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.
Challenges Associated with the Delivery of Development Projects within the Decentralised Government System: Views of Selected Stakeholders in the Shama District, Ghana
(Journal of Development and Communication Studies, 2021-12) Odoom, Daniel; Agyepong, Lawrencia; Mensah, Francis Kojo; Opoku, Ernest; Owusu Amoabeng, Yaw
Decentralisation policy is important in ensuring effective delivery of development services at the local level. Governments across the globe utilize decentralised government system as a way of promoting people-centered development. Notwithstanding the value of decentralisation policy, governments struggle with the provision of development services at the local level. This suggests that more efforts need to be made to ensure the realisation of the dividends of decentralisation. However, this cannot be made without an awareness of the challenges local actors face in the delivery of development services. This paper examines the views of stakeholders on the challenges associated with the delivery of development projects within the Ghanaian decentralised government system using the Shama District as a case in order to proffer some measures to improve the situation in the country using the sequential-explanatory mixed method design. Data were collected using interview guide and interview schedule. The study revealed that stakeholder management, involvement of project managers, defining project goals, assigning roles and responsibilities to key officers, and monitoring and evaluation of projects were some of the measures the Assembly had put in place for the delivery of development projects in the district. However, communication was a serious challenge throughout the delivery of development projects in the district. The implications of the key findings for development communication have been highlighted in the study. As part of the recommendations of the study, the Assembly should put in place adequate measures to improve communication throughout the various stages of development service delivery in the district.
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.
Convergence, Citizens Engagement and Democratic Sustainability in Emerging Democracies: The Case of Ghana and Nigeria
(Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism, 2012-12) Fosu, Modestus; Ufuoma, Akpojivi
In this era of globalisation, information accessibility is becoming more and more crucial to empower citizens in their political, economic and socio-cultural engagements. However, in emerging democracies there are certain factors, that is, economic, cultural and political, which are still hindering the vast majority of the population from being included in the media and democratic discourse. Nevertheless, a new phenomenon of communication convergence is evolving in emerging democracies like Ghana and Nigeria, which is providing platforms for wide citizen engagements in the political and social discourse in societies. Communication convergence here involves the interaction of radio, television, newspapers, mobile phones and audiences as participants at the same forum in the media sphere. This phenomenon has radically enhanced citizens’ participation in the democratic processes in Ghana and Nigeria respectively. Proceeding from a phenomenological perspective, this paper shall discuss the media convergence practices in Ghana and Nigeria in relation to political engagements as well as citizens engagements using case studies of a regular radio programme (Kokrokoo, on Peace FM) in Ghana and a regular TV programme (Sunrise Daily, on Channel TV) in Nigeria. The paper will argue that citizens’ engagements as a result of the convergence of the mass media are central to the survival of democracy in both countries if properly harnessed.
Does Organizational Support Influence the Nexus Between Role Conflict and the Intentions to Stay on The Job? A Study among Public Sectors Employees
(SEISENSE Business Review, 2022-08) Addai, Prince; Nti Ofori, Isaac; Obeng Acquah, Daniel; Nyarko Boakye, Afia; Asidu, Esther
Even though copious studies have shown that a relationship exists between role conflict and the intention to stay on the job, the mechanisms that curb the relationship between role conflict and intention to stay have not often been explored. This study examined the moderating role of organizational support on the nexus between the components of role conflict and the intention to stay in the organization. Two hundred and eighty-seven (n=287) public sector employees were selected using the cross-sectional survey design for the study. Data was gathered using the Role Conflict Scale, Perceived Organizational Support Scale, and the Intentions to Stay Inventory. Multiple regression was used in analyzing the data. Findings indicated that a significantly negative relationship exists between the two components of role conflict (inter-role and intra-role) and the intentions to stay in the organization. There was a positive nexus between perceived organizational support and the intentions to stay in the organization. The nexus between the two components of role conflict and the intentions to stay in the organization was moderated by perceived organizational support. The results provide some crucial insights for employers on how to inspire employees to stay in the public service. The limitations, recommendations, and implications for future studies have been emphasized.
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.
Ethical Leadership and Productive Work Attitudes among Micro Financial Institutions in Ghana
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2019-02) Addai, Prince; Avor, John; Nti Ofori, Isaac; Ntiamoah Tweneboah, Daniel
Purpose – Ethical leadership wields a significant influence on productive work attitudes of employees. The relationship may partly be because of existing conditions in the organization. However, there is dearth of research on the impact that conditions in the organization affect work attitudes and other employee behaviours. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine organizational climate as an explanatory mechanism for the relationship between ethical leadership and employees’ productive work attitudes (employee commitment, organizational citizenship behaviour). Design/methodology/approach – The researchers obtained responses from 150 employees working in micro financial institutions in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The cross-sectional survey design was used. The hypotheses of the study were analysed using regression analyses. Findings – Findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between ethical leadership and productive work attitudes (employee commitment, organizational citizenship behaviour). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that organizational climate moderated the relationships between both ethical leadership – employee commitment and ethical leadership – organizational citizenship behaviours. Explicitly, ethical leadership produced the highest productive work attitudes when organizational climate was favourable for productive work attitudes. Originality/value – Generally, this study highlights the prominence of organizational climate in understanding the influence of ethical leadership on employees’ work attitudes.
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.
Examining the Level of Public Awareness on the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: An Empirical Evidence from Ghana
(Springer Link (Environment, Development and Sustainability), 2023-01-27) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Mensah Eric; Dick‑Sagoe, Christopher; Lee, Ka Yiu; Opoku, Ernest; Obeng‑Baah, Joseph
Nations which are part of the United Nations are required to institute appropriate measures to fulfil the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, for this to be possible, all stakeholders including the general public need to be fully aware of the SDGs. This research examined the level of public awareness about the SDGs among Ghanaians based on the views of 431 respondents. Means, standard deviation, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis and Pearson Product-Moment Correlations were used for data analysis. The study found that awareness level on SDG 1 (ending poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger, food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture), SDG 3 (health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), and SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) was high among Ghanaians. However, awareness level on SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 14 (conservation of life below water), and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) was very low among Ghanaians. No significant difference manifested in the level of awareness among male and female Ghanaians. There were statistically significant differences in educational levels of respondents and their overall level of awareness of the SDGs. Also, there was a low, negative correlation between overall level of awareness and the effectiveness of the communication strategies used in creating awareness about the SDGs. Government should re-examine its communication strategies on the SDGs and put in place a more effective communication policy framework which involves grassroots populations and local communities.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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