Changes occurring in the educational system of Ghana since independence in 1957 have been many and varied. The recent inclusion of the Cultural Studies program as part of the compulsory core curriculum is an example of such a change. The Cultural Studies program was designed to nurture cultural awareness and appreciation in the Ghanaian school child through music, drama, religion and social systems. The focus of this study was Music in the Cultural Studies program. The approach of the music teacher to music teaching and learning determines the successful realization of the curriculum. Music teaching strategies employed in Ghanaian elementary schools are many and varied. The content of the curriculum the teacher has to work with also enhances the realization of the program objectives. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe music teaching strategies and their degree of use in Ghanaian elementary schools and also offer suggestions for improving music instruction drawing on Ghanaian indigenous methods of music education, the Orff-Schulwerk, and Kodály pedagogy. In a survey involving fifty-six music teachers from five of the ten regions of Ghana, the researcher drew the following conclusions: a) the most frequently used teaching strategies included singing games, vocables, solfege, speech and poetry, movement and dance. b) there was evidence to suggest that the music teaching strategies of teachers are not related to their regional location, district, gender, teaching experience, or academic qualifications. c) It is feasible to combine the approaches of the Kodály pedagogy, the Orff-Schulwerk, and Ghanaian indigenous forms of music education in the development of a curriculum framework aimed at improving music instructional methodology in Ghanaian elementary schools. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Overweight/obesity is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some cancers. Obesity in childhood is known to predict later obesity in adolescence and adulthood. Understanding the factors associated with overweight/obesity among children may present an opportunity for timely and appropriate interventions in the African setting.

The Labour Intensive Public Work (LIPW) programme under the Ghana Social Opportunity Project (GSOP), is a social protection programme initiated by the Government of Ghana, to offer jobs and income earning opportunities to some targeted rural residents, especially the youth, through the application of labour intensive technology in the construction of community infrastructure that has the potential of generating secondary employment. This is a mixed method study sought to provide an account on the Ghanian version of LIPW programmes. The study assessed and identified the challenges facing the programme implementation from beneficiary and implementers’ perspective in order to set the platform for an interactive feedback between project implementers and community members for the smooth implementation of future LIPW programmes. The study also assessed the impact of the programme on poverty and migration among the youth in Ghana. In identifying the challenges facing the programme from implementers’ perspective, 15 key project implementers were interviewed. An interview guide and a questionnaire were also developed to collect data from 500 beneficiaries of the programme to know their challenges. In assessing the impact of the programme on migration among the youth, questionnaires were administered to 239 households in beneficiary communities and 189 households from non-beneficiary communities of the LIPW programme. Finally, data was collected from 90 youth who benefited from the programme and 90 youth who did not benefit from the programme to compare and determine the extent to which the programme has contributed in reducing poverty among the youth. The study revealed that the key challenge facing the programme implementation from the implementers’ perspective is capacity problem involving, inadequacy of staff to implement the programme at the district level, frequent breakdown of vehicles for monitoring, and delays in the release of funds for commencement of project. Beneficiaries of the programme also indicated that they were not satisfied with the amount of money they were receiving as wage for their labour. They were also unhappy with the delays in payment of their wages and the period of engagement in the programme. The study found out that the LIPW programme under the GSOP has not contributed in reducing migration among the youth. However, the programme has contributed to reducing poverty among the youth. The study therefore recommends that capacity gap analysis conducted before project initiation should include adequacy of staff and logistics to cater for any deficiency. It is strongly recommended that beneficiaries of the programme should be consulted in setting the wage rate to avoid resentment provoking misunderstanding between beneficiaries and project implementers. The study further recommended that the government should scale up the programme to cover more communities in order to reduce poverty among the youth in Ghana. Finally, the study proposed a new model for LIPW for the youth known as ‘LIPW +3Cs’. This model incorporates three Cs, that is ‘C’ompetence’, ‘C’onnections’ and ‘C’haracter’ into LIPW programmes. ‘LIPW +3Cs’ will not only train youth to secure jobs after the programme (Competence) but will assist them to establish a network among themselves and other supporting institutions (Connections). Issues of character which encompases a sense of right and wrong will also be inculcated in the youth to assist them to function effectively in the society (Character). / Adult Basic Education (ABET) / D. Phil. (Adult Education and Youth Development)

This study proposes that the root cause of violence against women, which includes marital rape, is gender discrimination. The primary objective of the author is to establish the role of the law in confronting marital rape in Ghana. It seeks to determine what the status of women is in Ghana and how this intersects with the legal framework on marital rape to either exacerbate their vulnerability to this crime or ameliorate it. This study also investigates how international, regional and domestic human rights laws can be used to address discrimination against women to solve the problem of marital rape. Finally, this study seeks to determine how the impact of the law can be maximised by highlighting some of the main challenges posed to its implementation and then proposing possible solutions to such challenges. / A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Law (LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa). Prepared under the supervision of EY Benneh, Faculty of Law, University of Ghana, Legon. / Thesis (LLM (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / http://www.chr.up.ac.za/ / Centre for Human Rights / LLM

"This study is a comparative analysis of how free and fair recent presidential elections in two African countries were. On a wider frame, the yardsticks used in this work are international norms and principles that govern the conduct of elections. Recourse is also made to regional instruments and norms where appropriate. The case study will focus on Zimbabwe, representing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Ghana, representing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The reasons for selecting these countries only are given below. Zimbabwe held a crucial presidential election between the 9th and 11th of March 2002. Ghana held its presidential runoff that took place on the 28th of December 2000 that will be the subject of this investigation. Both elections were momentous in that they were heralded by unprecedented and cataclysmic events in the two countries' post-colonial scenario. In the case of Zimbabwe, the presidential election attracted such singular international interest that the question of sovereignty that had hitherto never been raised regarding the conduct of elections became a topical issue in domestic, regional and international fora. Furthermore, human rights concerns that had characterized the 2000 parliamentary elections paled into insignificance by comparison. In Ghana, the election was 'arguably the most important since independence in 1957'. Indeed, the election was so important that it is characterised locally as 'Ghana's second independence'. The reason the election was crucial is that it marked the exit of the country's longest serving head of state. The election also marked a smooth transition in a democratic process that ushered in an opposition party into office. Because these elections were of profound interest not only in the countries they were held but also in Africa and internationally, examining the regulatory framework of the elections as well as their human rights context is not only of academic importance to scholars of political science and democratisaton but also of practical relevance to human rights defenders, political parties and the voting public." -- Chapter 1. / Under the supervision of Edward Kofi Quashigah at the Human Rights Study Centre, University of Ghana / Thesis (LLM (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa)) -- University of Pretoria, 2002. / http://www.chr.up.ac.za/academic_pro/llm1/dissertations.html / Centre for Human Rights / LLM

Ghana has ratified international instruments that promote respect for and enjoyment of rights of all persons including women. This includes the right of men and women of full age to marry and found a family and its subsequent entitlement to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.1 Article 23 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)2 goes further as to place a responsibility on states to take appropriate steps to ensure equality of rights and responsibilities of spouses as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. Article 16(c) and (h) of the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)3 also reiterates this and sets out in clear terms that states must ensure the same rights for both spouses in respect of the ownership, acquisition, management, administration, enjoyment and disposition of property, whether free of charge or for a valuable consideration. At the regional level, Article 7(d) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Women’s Protocol)4 also provides that in case of separation or divorce, women and men shall have the right to an equitable sharing of the joint property deriving from the marriage. Relating the above provisions to women, it is evident that in addition to the right to marry, women have a right to own property during marriage, and a right to access and ownership of such property on separation or divorce and state parties are bound to ensure the protection of this right. / Thesis (LLM (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Law (LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa). Prepared under the supervision of Mrs. Seojore Biltoo of the Faculty of Law & Management, University of Mautitius, Mautitius. 2010. / http://www.chr.up.ac.za/ / Centre for Human Rights / LLM

The issue of quality in the educational enterprise is of paramount interest to all stakeholders in education. Stakeholders in accounting education expend money, effort, time and other scarce resources that have alternative uses. However, once they have chosen accounting education over other competitive choices, there is need for them to get the satisfaction desired. This is the essence of assessing the quality in senior high school accounting education in Ghana to enable the stakeholders evaluate the investments they have made to guide future decisions and actions. The study was a descriptive survey that drew from both quantitative and qualitative methods of research. This involved the use of questionnaire, observation, vignette and documentary analysis. Only 159 accounting teachers and 2242 accounting students in public senior high schools offering accounting education in Ghana were involved in the study. These participants were drawn from Brong Ahafo, Northern, and Western Regions which were randomly selected from each of the three zones as in Southern (Central, Greater Accra, Volta and Western Regions), Middle (Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and Eastern Regions) and Northern (Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions). Descriptive and inferential statistics, content analysis, narratives and themes were used to analyse the resulting data. The study found among other things that the quality in senior high school accounting education was poor. It was accordingly recommended that accounting teachers inspire enthusiasm in the delivery of cost accounting lessons. On their part, accounting students should disabuse their minds and erase the erroneous mentality that cost accounting is not interesting. School authorities should acknowledge and make provisions for continuous professional development to capacitate accounting teachers to holistically implement the entire curriculum to avoid the selective implementation. They should as well strengthen instructional monitoring and supervisions should be encouraged and strengthened. Other research should focus attention on extensive studies on the teaching and learning resources for accounting lessons delivery. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

Accra Metropolis is the major recipient of agricultural produce in Ghana, with almost the entire population depending on rural agricultural activities for subsistence. To increase agricultural produce, various forms of pesticides are normally used in fruits and vegetable farming. The consequence is that several cases of pesticide poisoning have been observed. In this preliminary study, a field survey was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and peoples' perception concerning the use of pesticides by farmers in fruit production. The residual concentrations of selected pesticides in pawpaw, imported apples and tomato samples and the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides were also assessed. The field survey data indicated that more than 70% of the participants reported one or more poisoning upon fruits consumption resulting in pesticide-related illnesses. Pesticide residues in the various environmental samples were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results showed that, the levels of pesticide residues varied from <0.01 μg/g to as high as 0.11 μg/g depending on the pesticide monitored. The analysis of health risk estimates revealed heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endrin aldehyde, and endrin ketone levels exceeded the reference dose, suggesting a great potential for systemic toxicity in children considered the most vulnerable population subgroup. Lastly, the public is in the know of pesticide residues in fruits and calls for the curtailing of pesticide use on fruits and vegetable production via educational programmes for farmers on control and safer use of pesticides.

The purpose of this thesis was to identify possible weaknesses of the current strategic management system applied within the selected bank in Ghana. Globalization of companies has strategically changed the face of management practices across the world, especially in the banking industry. The purpose of this thesis was achieved by providing answers to four major research questions which relates to the importance of strategic management practices in the Ghanaian banking industry. This thesis, therefore, sampled Barclays bank Ghana out of the entire population of the Ghanaian banking industry and both structured and an unstructured questionnaire were used to gain the primary data for the thesis. The thesis analyzed various aspects of Barclays bank strategic management and its implementation including environmental analysis. It was found that the bank is doing well by maintaining the business strategy throughout the organizational settings. Also, the bank has a well-documented strategy which is made available to top managers who review their plans when new strategies are being formulated. It was also found that even though the bank is doing well in the area of strategic management, there are a few lapses that need to be addressed during implementation of strategies. Administratively the bank inability to marshal resources, bureaucracy system within the bank affects implementation of the strategy. This thesis, therefore, recommends that the bank needs to carefully access the creditworthiness of whoever they give loans to both individuals and organizations in other to reduce their non-performing loans. Again, the bank must ensure that the core values which the bank was built on are maintained. Finally, Barclays Bank Ghana staff needs to be encouraged and trained in their business strategy and the bank’s strategic management process to help the bank grow organically

Working capital has been touted as the lifeblood of every firm as it strongly facilitates the daily transactional activities of the firm and extensively, determined further capital investments and firm valuation. However, it is known to be an important cog in the wheel of a company.The aim of the thesis is, therefore, to examine the relationship and the impact of working capital management and organizational performance of 26 nonfinancial firms listed in the Ghana Stock Exchange in the period 2014 and 2015. The independent variables were the working capital variables which include Average collection period, Average payment period, Cash Conversion Cycle, Inventory turnover in days and control variables such as financial leverage, size of the firm and economic growth. Net operating profit was used as the dependent variable in the model. The descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression models were applied to interpret the results of data. Results of correlation analysis show that Average collection period, size,inventory turnover in days, Cash conversion cycle and financial leverage showed a positive relationship on Net operating profit for 2015 apart from average payment and GDP growth which were negative in the same year. However, inventory turnover in days, average payment period and average collection period were the only variables with the negative relationship on the performance proxy in 2014. Results of regression analysis further revealed that the independent variables might significantly explain the variations in the dependent variable at 1% level of significance with variables like size, average payment period, financial leverage and GDP all showing a significant impact on the dependent variable, since the study revealed that working capital management could either have a negative or positive relationship with firm’s performance. Thus, it is suggested that managers can create value for their investor by slashing the number of days of average collection period and inventories to a reasonable minimum and also firms should conduct a thorough evaluation of their trends of performances by employing different components of working capital variables in the analysis.More organizations and years should be considered to analyze the general overview of the effects of working capital on profitability