AAMUSTED Knowledge Manager
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Information access and evaluation skills of secondary school students in Ghana
(Library Philosophy and Practice, 2017-05) Yeboah, Patience; Dadzie, S. Perpetua; Owusu-Ansah, M. Christopher
Information Literacy (IL) is a necessary skill needed by students to survive in the dynamic information environment of the 21st century. This study explored the IL skills of secondary school students in Ghana with specific focus on students’ abilities in finding and evaluating information. The study was conducted in two “first-class” secondary schools in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region of Ghana; Opoku Ware Senior High School and Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School. A survey instrument was developed to assess the skills of the students in that regard. Questionnaires were distributed to an overall sample size of one hundred and seventy (170) students in the two schools. In addition, four teaching staff of the schools were also interviewed to corroborate the findings from the students. The findings revealed that students in the two schools lack the ability to effectively access information for their academic work. The study also discovered that students in the participating schools lack the basic skills to differentiate good information from bad ones. The study recommends, among others, the integration of IL into the secondary school curriculum in Ghana; and collaboration between librarians, teaching staff and the Ghana Education Service to promote IL among students to promote lifelong learning.
Rethinking the Attributes of Academic Certificates: Implications for Policy and Practice
(ANUJAT, 2021-05) Owusu-Ansah , M. Christopher; Brew, Augustus Kwaw; Poku , Adu Rosemary
Educational institutions and employers who depend on the authenticity of academic certificates for making admission and hiring decisions face a considerable challenge in identifying the features of genuine academic certificates including tedious verification processes and wrongful engagement of unqualified personnel. The purpose of this paper was to identify trends in academic certificate production with specific regards to their standard features, such as wording, security enhancements and features, and other unique features, and the extent to which these features contribute to the intrinsic and extrinsic values of certificates. Furthermore, the paper investigates the extent to which selected universities replace lost or damaged certificates. The study employed a qualitative design involving document and web content analysis. To address the central question of the study, the authors analysed the standard features of academic certificates issued by 20 universities across the globe. Furthermore, we performed a web content analysis to find policies or guidelines on the replacement of academic certificates. The results revealed that while academic certificates from the selected institutions bore a few unique characteristics, most of the certificates, however, bore many common features. Some of the common features included the location of the emblem/logo of the on the certificate, date of the award, degree name, signature specimen of top officials, and security features such as holograms. On the other hand, unique features included some certificates displaying a statement on the availability of electronic certificates, rendering of the university’s name in multiple languages, among others. The study also found that lost or mutilated certificates are replaced by European-based universities, whereas those in Africa did not. Among others, the paper recommended that awarding institutions in Africa should consider re-issuing lost or destroyed certificates.
The Use of Social Media among First-Year Student Groups: A Uses and Gratifications Perspective
(International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 2021-06-08) Owusu-Ansah, M. Christopher; Arthur, Beatrice; Yebowaah, Franklina Adjoa; Amoako, Kwabena
The purpose of the study was to explore the uses and gratification
of social media among first-year student groups at a satellite campus
of a public university in Ghana. The study employed a descriptive survey
design. The study involved all 1061 first-year university students in
six academic departments of the College. A total of 680 (64%) participants
returned validly completed copies of the questionnaire. Descriptive
statistics and thematic analysis were employed for data analysis. The
findings indicate that WhatsApp was the most popular application for
social media groups, while a need for information-sharing, peer-tutoring
and learning, and finding and keeping friends were the primary motivations
for joining social media groups. First-year students are involved mainly
in reactive activities, as most engage when solving an academic assignment
through group discussions. Though challenges persist, such as posting
of unwanted images, inadequate participation, and ineffective and
irrelevant communication, most are willing to continue their social media
groups' membership in the long term. This study provides valuable insight
into transitioning students' lived experiences on social media from the
group perspective. These insights are valuable conceptually and practically
to academic counsellors, librarians and student affairs officers who are
expected to provide on-going education on (social) media literacy to
first-year students to enhance the adjustment process. The study is the
first of its kind in Ghana that investigates social media group participants'
exit intentions.
Compliance with Global Best Practices by Garment Producers in Ghana
(2025-07-23) Siaw Stella Daah; Howard Ebenezer Kofi; Appiah Ninette Afi; Chichi Cynthia Akua; Asinyo Benjamin Kwablah
Purpose :This study investigates the level of compliance with global best practices among garment producers in Ghana, with a specific focus on sourcing compliance, production compliance, and distribution compliance. It covers aspects such as labour ethics, environmental stewardship, product quality, and adherence to international trade standards. Methodology/Design: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 317 garment manufacturing firms across Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. Compliance was assessed across sourcing, production, and distribution domains using Likert-scale items adapted from international benchmarks such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, ISO certifications, and the Higgs Index. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse patterns and gaps in compliance practices, including mean scores and standard deviations. Findings :The study revealed moderate to low overall compliance, with mean scores. While firms exhibited higher compliance in ethical labour practices, employee training, and quality assurance, substantial deficiencies were identified in environmental sustainability, automation, data-driven quality control, and adherence to international trade regulations. Notably, blockchain use, recycling initiatives, and lean manufacturing practices were poorly rated, indicating limited digital and ecological transformation across the sector. Practical and Social Implications :These findings underscore the pressing need for policy reforms, capacity building, and infrastructure enhancements to facilitate Ghana’s integration into ethical and sustainable global garment value chains. For policymakers, the results underscore the importance of embedding compliance support within national industrial strategies. For garment producers, the study offers a roadmap for targeted investment in technology, sustainability, and workforce development. Originality: This study contributes original empirical evidence on compliance with global best practices in Ghana’s garment sector, a topic that remains underexplored in West Africa. It offers a model for examining compliance dynamics in other emerging economies. Beyond its academic value, the study is policy-relevant, providing insights to inform national industrial strategies, regulatory frameworks, and export support programs that aim to enhance sustainability and competitiveness
Improving Kaizen Implementation in the Ghanaian GarmentProduction Industry: Prioritising Critical Success Factors
(2025-04-29) Sefenu Frances Yayra; Appiah Ninette Afi; Siaw Stella Daah; Kuupole Evelyn
Purpose :To examine key performance indicators that motivate the adoption of the Kaizen concept, assess challenges encountered during the adoption and prioritise critical success factors for improved Kaizen implementation in garments producing MSEs in Ghana. Methodology/Design :The study adopted the positivism philosophy, which permitted a quantitative approach .An explanatory design was adopted for the study, and questionnaires were used in collecting data. The sample size was 204 respondents from 514 garment producers in MSEs in the Central region of Ghana. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences software (version 27). Findings :Key performance indicators (KPIs) that motivate garment producers in the Central region of Ghana to adopt the Kaizen concept are increasing productivity, reducing production costs and improving garment quality. However, challenges like an unstable electricity supply, worker resistance to change, and difficulties in sustaining Kaizen practices hinder progress toward achieving these KPIs. Leadership commitment, workers' training and development and physical work environment are critical success factors that need to be prioritised to improve the implementation and long-term success of Kaizen in the garment-producing industry. Practical and Social Implications: The findings of the study provide direction to MSEs on integrating Kaizen into their operations to achieve productivity and quality improvements while addressing systemic challenges like an unstable electricity supply and resistance to change. Improving workplace conditions through Kaizen practices can enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction, fostering a more engaged workforce. Additionally, providing training and development opportunities for garment producers helps in embracing the principles and practices of Kaizen. Originality: The study offers context-specific insights that address the key performance indicators that motivate Kaizen implementation in Ghanaian micro and small businesses (MSEs), in contrast to earlier research that has primarily concentrated on developed economies. Also, this study makes a unique contribution to the literature by identifying and prioritising critical success factors (CSFs) for Kaizen implementation within the context of Ghana’s garment industry. In addition, prior to this study, there was a paucity of literature regarding this topic in the study area