MSc (Statistics) / Department of Statistics / Over the years researchers have been modeling inflation rate in Ghana using linear models such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) and Moving Average (MA). Empirical research however, has shown that financial data, such as inflation rate, does not follow linear patterns. This study seeks to model and forecast inflation in Ghana using nonlinear models and to establish the existence of nonlinear patterns in the monthly rates of inflation between the period January 1981 to August 2016 as obtained from Ghana Statistical Service. Nonlinearity tests were conducted using Keenan and Tsay tests, and based on the results, we rejected the null hypothesis of linearity of monthly rates of inflation. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) was performed to test for the presence of stationarity. The test rejected the null Hypothesis of unit root at 5% significant level, and hence we can conclude that the rate of inflation was stationary over the period under consideration. The data were transformed by taking the logarithms to follow nornal distribution, which is a desirable characteristic feature in most time series. Monthly rates of inflation were modeled using threshold models and their fitness and forecasting performance were compared with Autoregressive (AR ) models. Two Threshold models: Self-Exciting Threshold Autoregressive (SETAR) and Logistic Smooth Threshold Autoregressive (LSTAR) models, and two linear models: AR(1) and AR(2), were employed and fitted to the data. The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were used to assess each of the fitted models such that the model with the minimum value of AIC and BIC, was judged the best model. Additionally, the fitted models were compared according to their forecasting performance using a criterion called mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The model with the minimum MAPE emerged as the best forecast model and then the model was used to forecast monthly inflation rates for the year 2017. The rationale for choosing this type of model is contingent on the behaviour of the time-series data. Also with the history of inflation modeling and forecasting, nonlinear models have proven to perform better than linear models. The study found that the SETAR and LSTAR models fit the data best. The simple AR models however, out-performed the nonlinear models in terms of forecasting. Lastly, looking at the upward trend of the out-sample forecasts, it can be predicted that Ghana would experience double digit inflation in 2017. This would have several impacts on many aspects of the economy and could erode the economic gains i made in the year 2016. Our study has important policy implications for the Central Bank of Ghana which can use the data to put in place coherent monetary and fiscal policies that would put the anticipated increase in inflation under control.

Ghana is identified among the developing countries with high maternal mortality ratio in Africa. This study unpacked the Demographic and Health Survey data by examining the maternal health indicators at the district level using GIS methods. Understanding the geographic patterns of antenatal care, place of delivery, and skilled birth attendants at the small scale will help to formulate and plan for location-specific health interventions that can improve maternal health care behavior among Ghanaian women. Districts with high rates and low rates were identified. Place of residence, Gini-Coefficient, wealth status, internet access, and religious affiliation were used to explore the underlying factors associated with the observed patterns. Economic inequality was positively associated with increased use of maternal health care services. The ongoing free maternal health policy serves as a cushion effect for the economic inequality among the districts in the Northern areas. Home delivery is common among the rural districts and is more prominent mostly in the western part of Northern Region and southwest of Upper West. Educating women about the free maternal health policy remains the most viable strategy for positive maternal health outcomes and in reducing MMR in Ghana.

Cross-dialectal acceptance of a written standard (CAWS) is essential for that standard to be used by speakers of divergent dialects of a language. Earlier works have focused on the influence of linguistic differences on comprehension of the standard, but little attention has been given the influence of socio-cultural and programmatic factors on acceptance of a standard. Case studies of the Lelemi and Likpakpaanl language development programmes provide information through which the socio-cultural and programmatic factors which influence CAWS can be identified. Due to the complex nature of the topic, various indicators are used to measure levels of acceptance of the written standard by speakers of each dialect. Socio-cultural factors which influence CAWS relate either to the language community's degree of interdialectal communication or to their perception of being a unified people. These factors include social structure, governance, cultural and religious activities, and patterns of marriage, commerce, transportation and migration. The existence of extensive social networks and the role of opinion leaders were also influential Activities of the two language development programmes which positively influenced CAWS included those which informed and involved speakers of all dialects of the language. These activities built on the existing levels of unity and inter-dialectal communication by using existing social networks. The Lelemi programme involved speakers of all dialects more uniformly than did the Likpakpaanl programme. However, both programmes informed and involved speakers of all dialects to some extent. The dialect communities of each language did not equally accept the written standards. Acceptance appeared to correlate more strongly with programmatic factors than with sociocultural or linguistic factors. This thesis provides a model for language teams to follow in 1) identifying socio-cultural factors which have the potential to influence CAWS; 2) applying knowledge about the socio-cultural situation to programme planning; and, 3) assessing levels of acceptance by speakers of each dialect. / Linguistics / D. Litt. et Phil. (Linguistics)

The potential for aquaculture development to make up for an annual 400,000mt shortfall in domestic fish supply was investigated. This involved an overview of the sector to determine its trends and operations and identifying strengths and constraints, a financial viability assessment of the sector, based on mode and levels of operation of existing farms, an assessment of the market and trade for cultured fish with a focus on Oreochromis niloticus, and finally, a GIS approach to update and reassess the potential for aquaculture development in Ghana. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources, the former, via fish farmer, dealers and consumer questionnaire surveys. Results of the study showed that interests in fish farming continue to grow with an overall annual average growth rate of 16% since 2000. The existing farms, 1300 in number were however very small with a mean farm size of 0.36ha and a median 0.06ha of which commercial farms accounted for less than 3%. Based on sizes, mode of operation and levels of input and output, five subsistence farm types were identified. Mean production from these pond-based farms ranged from 1436kg/ha/yr- to 4,423kg/ha/yr while that of a medium sized intensive commercial pond farm was 45,999kg/ha/yr. Commercial farming accounted for about 75% of 2006 aquaculture production. The main strength identified was the growing interest in both commercial and non-commercial fish farming and the main constraints were lack of quality seed, low levels of technical support and of knowledge in fish farming practices among non-commercial farmers. Net profits of commercial farms ranged from GH¢ 3,341 (US$3480)/ha/yr to GH¢ 51,444 (US$ 53,587)/ha/yr with payback from 1 to 4yrs, IRR at 35% to 105% and NPV from GH¢ 5,898 to GH¢ 236,412. By contrast, only two of the five non-commercial farm types made positive net returns ranging, from GH¢158 to GH¢1100/ha/yr, with minimum payback period of 14yrs, NPVs of less than 1 and the best IRR being just 4%, when initial capital requirements are full costed. Uncosted family labour inputs and negligible land opportunity costs improved viabilities for two farm types, where net returns/ha/yr increased by more than 50%, minimum payback dropped to 2 years, NPV from GH¢ 4839 to GH¢ 9330 and minimum IRR of 45%. Main constraints identified as affecting the profitability of subsistence farming were the relatively low prices of fish and the low levels of output which could be improved through better farming practices. From the market survey, a huge market potential for tilapia was identified with a current supply deficit of 41,000mt. The most preferred sizes by consumers and with potentially good market price for traders were those weighing at least 200g. For dealers, trading in cultured fish was found to be more profitable than trading wild capture tilapia because of lower wholesaler prices, gross profit margins were GH¢ 0.49/kg and GH¢ 0.25/kg respectively. Preference for tilapia was influenced by taste, availability, and its perceived health benefit. A key constraint to the sector was poor post-harvest handling and preservation of the fish resulting in shorter shelf life. From the GIS study, 2% (3,692 km2) of available land area was identified as very suitable for subsistence and about 0.2% (313.8km2) for commercial farming. A further 97.4% and 84.0% were identified as suitable for subsistence and commercial farming respectively. Areas with potential for cage culture were also identified, which were largely in the southern and mid-sections of the country. The overall conclusions are that based on natural resource requirements, market potential and financial viability, Ghana has the potential to totally make up the shortfall in domestic fish supply through aquaculture production. The current 400,000mt shortfall in domestic fish production can be achieved by 2020 by increasing overall aquaculture production by 60% per annum.

Cross-dialectal acceptance of a written standard (CAWS) is essential for that standard to be used by speakers of divergent dialects of a language. Earlier works have focused on the influence of linguistic differences on comprehension of the standard, but little attention has been given the influence of socio-cultural and programmatic factors on acceptance of a standard. Case studies of the Lelemi and Likpakpaanl language development programmes provide information through which the socio-cultural and programmatic factors which influence CAWS can be identified. Due to the complex nature of the topic, various indicators are used to measure levels of acceptance of the written standard by speakers of each dialect. Socio-cultural factors which influence CAWS relate either to the language community's degree of interdialectal communication or to their perception of being a unified people. These factors include social structure, governance, cultural and religious activities, and patterns of marriage, commerce, transportation and migration. The existence of extensive social networks and the role of opinion leaders were also influential Activities of the two language development programmes which positively influenced CAWS included those which informed and involved speakers of all dialects of the language. These activities built on the existing levels of unity and inter-dialectal communication by using existing social networks. The Lelemi programme involved speakers of all dialects more uniformly than did the Likpakpaanl programme. However, both programmes informed and involved speakers of all dialects to some extent. The dialect communities of each language did not equally accept the written standards. Acceptance appeared to correlate more strongly with programmatic factors than with sociocultural or linguistic factors. This thesis provides a model for language teams to follow in 1) identifying socio-cultural factors which have the potential to influence CAWS; 2) applying knowledge about the socio-cultural situation to programme planning; and, 3) assessing levels of acceptance by speakers of each dialect. / Linguistics and Modern Languages / D. Litt. et Phil. (Linguistics)

The global AIDS pandemic with more than 30 million people being infected, with the greatest impact in sub-Saharan Africa, remains an enormous challenge to all societies including the churches. Especially young Africans, aged 15 to 24, face a high risk of getting infected with HIV. However, multifaceted and contextual preventive measures for this age group have good chances of curbing the epidemic. This dissertation in Practical Theology attempts to explore the potential contribution of Christian curriculum-based AIDS prevention in the Ghanaian context. It does this by relating practical-theological insights to the lifeworld of young people in Ghana. Thus the specific opportunities and limitations of Christian prevention programmes are identified. Their relevance for religious education in Ghana is finally examined in three exemplary curricula with Christian and secular approaches. The findings result in practical recommendations for the design of Christian AIDS prevention programmes within the Ghanaian context. / Practical theology / D. Th. (Practical Theology)

This cross-sectional exploratory and descriptive quantitative study explored the factors that impact on feeding practices of infants 0-12 months, encountered in the Child Welfare Clinic in Tema Manhean Health Centre and to determine the possible factors that lead to malnutrition. The population for this study comprised all infants who attended the Child Welfare Clinic at the Tema Manhean Health Centre. Three hundred and ninety infants participated in this study. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. Findings of the study revealed that a larger number of the mothers were still breastfeeding at the time of data collection. All infants aged six months or older were given complementary foods. Some of the factors found to be associated with infant malnutrition included education of mother, employment status of mother, marital status, cultural practices and parity. / Health Studies / M.A.(Public Health)

The purpose of this study was to identify the status and challenges of online distance education programs in post-secondary institutions in Ghana. This study was a replication of a similar study conducted in Kenya in 2009, at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University. This present study was conducted with an online survey using Google survey assessment. The survey requested responses from six post-secondary institutions in Ghana. Out of a total of 450 projected student responses, 309 responses were received with a 69% participation rate. A total of 14 responses were received for instructors out of a projected 30 resulting in 47% participation rate. And for administrators, 8 responses were received out of a projected 12 resulting in a 67% participation rate. Overall the study revealed that Ghana post-secondary institutions have established and incorporated online distance education into their programs, offering both online and blended courses. Some of these institutions established regional centers across the country and incorporated foreign instructors into their programs. The survey also revealed that students were satisfied with the overall online distance education program in their institutions which included the level of instruction, feedback and evaluation. However, there were still challenges revealed from the study that included the high cost of education, frequent power outages, school stoppages as a result of instructor strikes and the need to restructure courses to include projects.

Studies on knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers involved in HIV and AIDS care have often revealed the lack of knowledge about HIV and AIDS. Nurses‘ knowledge may compromise the quality of care and attitudes towards patients living with HIV/AIDS. Special nursing knowledge and skills have been suggested as a prerequisite for taking care of patients with HIV. The purpose of this study was to assess nurses‘ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards patients with HIV and AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 nurses at five selected health facilities in Kumasi. Data was collected by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Results were presented using charts and tables. Knowledge of HIV and AIDS was satisfactory but some of the nurses still hold erroneous beliefs and misconception about HIV transmission. A majority demonstrated favourable attitudes. Nurses had fears of contracting the virus, which resulted in the display of negative attitudes by some. Their practice of universal precautions was satisfactory; however, there was evidence of noncompliance among some of them. More studies should be conducted throughout the country to further assess nurses‘ knowledge, attitude and practices towards HIV and AIDS / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

There is great expectation that oil development in Ghana will catapult the nation towards prosperity and lead to drastic improvement in the wellbeing of Ghanaians. However, there is also concern that Ghana could fail to achieve these due to the resource curse notwithstanding the fact that scholars of the curse have yet to agree on the inevitability of the curse. Resource curse scholars adduce different reasons for its occurrence or absence. One thing common among the scholars, however, is that none discusses environmental justice in the context of the curse. In this dissertation, I examine Ghana's attempts at avoiding the resource curse through policymaking and implementation using the Guidelines on Environmental Assessment and Management of Ghana's offshore oil sector as a case study. I argue that a strong environmental justice frame is required to avert the curse in Ghana. Specifically, I assess the policy process in Ghana's oil sector, the institutional framework for managing the sector, and analyze the perception of environmental justice for policymaking. The outcome of these assessments show that although the policy process requires broadening for full and effective participation, Ghana has checks and balances policies to avert the resource curse and to deliver environmental justice in the oil sector. In addition, Ghana has an institutional framework that requires strengthening, in various way, in order for it to complement the checks and balances policies