College of Humanities & Social Sciences

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Access to justice and inmates at Kumasi central prison
(2021-06-14) Akoto, Alexandria A.;
The study explores how inmates at the Kumasi Central Prison access justice. Purposely, the study seeks to outline the reasons for delay in access to justice for the inmates at the Kumasi prison. To examine the extent to which inmates access justice whiles at the Prison, and identify the various challenges they faced at the prisons. We collect data from a survey administered to 230 respondents from key technical persons and some selected inmates at the Kumasi Central Prisons. The study found out that factors such as few judges and magistrates available to adjudicate the massive backlogs of court cases, and lack of transparency of court document processing and publication of court decisions are the reasons for the delays. The study further found out that majority of the inmates were denied access to legal advice and service, and some of the inmates also expressed total ignorance so far as access to justice. We therefore, conclude that access to justice or legal representation is very difficult in the prison, and that many accused persons go through trial without being represented by a legal practitioner. The researcher therefore recommends a Legal Aid Policy that shall promote speedy access to justice, reformative programmes such as skills training for prisoners, a social protection and support programmes that could help for effective reintegration of remand prisoners into society, and the establishment of a remand home to avoid the mingling of remand prisoners with convicted prisoners.
Access to Microfinance and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Ghana: A Case of Selected SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis”
(SEPTEMBER 2016) Antwi, Bernard Owusu
The underlying focus of the study was to investigate the impact of services provided by the microfinance institutions on the profitability of small- and medium-scale enterprises that access those services. Employing cross sectional data gathered through the administration of structured questionnaire, the Ordinary Least Squares estimation technique was adopted. On the basis of MFIs services enjoyed by the SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis, a number of respondents indicated that they have the opportunity to save, invest, and access loan facilities from the MFIs. However, it was made known to the researcher that not much advisory support is received from the MFIs. The results from the OLS estimation revealed that percentage of loans granted outright to the SMEs, cash collateral security required by the MFIs, interest charged on loans and the period of time allowed for the repayment of loans secured are the loan terms that critically influence the profitability of SMEs in the metropolis. On the contrary, the length of time taken to access loans, the grace period permitted by the MFIs, and cost of labour do not have any power in determining the profitability of the SMEs at the various margins of error adopted by the study. The researcher therefore recommends regularly monitoring of loans advanced to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. The researcher also recommends that Microfinance institutions can partner enterprise development agencies to increase the advisory support rendered to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
Accessing the role and impact of the KNUST CECAST in the cultural development of Ghana
(December, 2009.) Aikins-Bekoe, Emmanuella
This thesis seeks to assess the role of the KNUST Centre for Cultural and African Studies in the preservation and development of Ghanaian culture, find out its impact on the KNUST community, identify the challenges faced by the Centre and offer some recommendations to solve these problems. This work has examined the various definitions of culture, its components and characteristics, the culture of Ghana, under which the researcher looked at the land, its people, their religion and artforms. It also studied the types of development and assessment, the changes that have occurred in Ghanaian culture and the role of culture in national development; in terms of creating jobs and promoting tourism attraction. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. A survey conducted with 200 people, to find out their views about the KNUST Centre for Cultural and African Studies and its impact on their lives, revealed that 17.5 percent of respondents had been on campus for two years but did not know about the Centre, 20 percent of those who knew, had no idea that courses in Sound Engineering, Keyboard skills, Acting techniques and Sight Singing could be accessed there, and 84 percent of the respondents believed that the Centre had broadened their knowledge about Ghanaian cultural practices. The report gives a brief history of the KNUST Centre for Cultural and African Studies, its staff and their roles, collaborations, learning and skill acquisition at the Centre, and the Centre’s most crucial needs. It was found out that the Centre has helped to preserve and develop Ghanaian culture, through the teaching of students about their cultural values and that of others. This report offers some recommendations in the last chapter which can help to improve upon the Centre’s services if they are adopted by the authorities of the University.
Addressing gaps on energy access in rural and urban areas in Ghana: a case study on selected communities in the Ashanti Region
(JUNE, 2016 ) Gyamfi, Stephen Boadi
There are several contemporary surveys which are essential for the energy planning purposes in Ghana, there are still energy access gaps that ought to be addressed. Subsequently, the survey “Addressing Gaps on Energy Access in Rural and Urban Areas in Ghana” is designed to bridge the identified gaps and validate the available data with new set of data gathered from rural, small/medium towns and large towns of selected communities in the Ashanti region. The project is expected to provide data that can be used for the Global Energy Assessment (GEA) modelling exercise. The survey is being undertaken to provide data to address the following issues: the per capita quantities of different energy types used in Ghana by various income decile groups; the numbers of Households in each income decile group using the different energy types found in the country; the per capita expenditures on different types of energy used in Ghana by each of the income decile groups; the price per Mega Joule (MJ) of the different types of energy used in Ghana and the number of Households using different cooking stove types and their cooking location. However, based on the objectives of the study, the following conclusions were drawn. The survey results indicate that about 81% of the households had access to grid-connected electricity in their dwellings. A key finding from the survey was that households paid an average of GH¢121.22 for the consumption of an average of 196.052 KWh of electricity per month. The quantity of electricity households consumed increased with increasing income levels. In addition, the majority (20.41%) of the households within the 10th income decile (GH¢15,601+) consume the largest quantities of LPG of varying sizes. The least (4.08%) proportion of households that use LPG were within the 1st income deciles (0 – GH¢505). Again, the survey results revealed that households consumed an average of 235.15kg of charcoal per annum. Quantities of charcoal consumed by households varied from locality to locality and income deciles. The mean quantity of charcoal in the small-medium towns was 254.2kg per annum; which was 6.2% and 18.8% higher than the mean quantities consumed by households in the large towns (238.4kg) and rural town (206.38kg), respectively. The survey results also indicated all the households that used wood fuel converted with the traditional three-stoned stove. Households in the rural communities were mostly using the traditional coal pots and the traditional three-stoned stove simply because of its affordability, availability and accessibility to the energy source particularly charcoal and fuel wood. Based on the key findings from the survey, the study recommended that institutions such as the Ministry of Energy, The Energy Center and the private sector must be engaged to develop more efficient and affordable energy conversion equipment which increases productivity while minimising fuel consumption.
The adoption of E-Banking services by retail customers in Kumasi Metropolis
( 2015) Mashara, Saeed
The study sought to assess internet adoption among bank retail clients within the Kumasi metropolis. The specific objectives were to assess retail bank clients‘ knowledge and awareness on the various e-banking services, to examine the level of patronage of e-banking products among bank retail clients, to identify challenges affecting the adoption of e-banking services among retail clients, and to examine the effect of e-banking service adoption on banks‘ operations in the Kumasi Metropolis. The research design adopted for this study was descriptive. The population comprised of retail clients within Kumasi metropolis. Convenience sampling technique was used to select 400 bank retail clients. Questionnaires were used in collecting primary data from customers. At the end, the study found that the most popular e-banking products clients were aware of was the ATM/Master/VISA cards. This was followed by E-zwich, internet banking, and SMS banking. The less popular ones were telephone banking, credit cards, and use of company‘s website. The operational benefits received by clients from banks were affected positively by internet adoption. The study also found that generally, clients were satisfied with e-banking services of their respective banks, and this affected their loyalty level positively. Additionally, the study revealed that most clients used e-banking services mostly once a month; most clients have also used e-banking services for more than three years, with cash withdrawal as the major reason of using e-banking services. The frequent breakdown of the system e.g. ATMs, was the most significant challenge to e-banking. It is therefore recommended that, banks pay very critical attention to performance of their systems, especially ATMs.
Adoption of E-Banking services: perspective of Ghanaian customers from selected commercial banks in Kumasi
(NOVEMBER, 2015.) Boamah, Gertrude Agyeman
Demand for financial services is changing rapidly and customers’ behaviour regarding these services is also adapting rapidly. These changes are evident with the revolution of the traditional banking sector to electronic banking, new strategies have become necessary in order to attract and retain existing customers. This study sought to examine the adoption of e-banking and the perspective of Ghanaian customers. The specific objectives include to: assess the adoption of e-banking products among Ghanaian customers; identify factors that contribute to the adoption of e-banking; examine challenges hindering the effective patronage of e-banking products in Ghana and finally analyze customers’ perception regarding the quality of e-banking services provided by banks in the country. The study adopted a descriptive research design involving a cross-sectional survey of customers of various commercial banks found within the Kumasi Metropolis. Out of an estimated population of over 150,000 retail customers, a sample of 520 was used. The sampling technique used was convenience sampling; whilst data was drawn from both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaire was the main research instrument. At the end, the study found a high correlation between five independent variables (Information, cost/charges, customers’ level of education, speed of service, and convenience) and e-banking adoption. The correlation value was 0.915 with R2 value of 0.838. The study further revealed that information about various e-banking products was likely to increase the adoption rate by approximately 4% whilst users’ level of education and speed of service recorded 9 percent and 41 percent respectively. It is therefore recommended that promotional campaigns are geared toward educating customers on how to use e-banking products especially internet banking. Banks must also endeavour to guarantee the safety and security of online transactions. This will go a long way to instill confidence in the adoption of e-banking products.
Adoption of electronic banking in the ghanaian the banking system: A Case Study of Ghana Commercial Bank.
(August, 2015) ADDY, DENNIS NII
The study investigated the adoption of electronic banking in the Ghanaian banking system in the customers perspective using GCB bank as a case study. One hundred customers were sampled using non – probability sampling techniques thus basically the purposive sampling technique. The study employed a case study approach and data was collected using closed ended questionnaire. The study found the kinds of electronic banking services that are available at Ghana Commercial Bank. This includes ATM services, SMS (Mobile) Banking, Internet Banking, E_Zwich Card. The benefits of these services to customers and the impact on the decision to adopt or use such services and products were investigated. The results specifically, showed a neutral correlation between electronic banking and customers adoption which implies that customers decision of whether to adopt such product and services doesn‟t have clear variables to influences such decisions. The findings further suggested that customer negative perception about service delivery of the bank has significantly changed given the introduction of electronic banking products. It‟s been recommended that management of Ghana Commercial Bank Ltd invest massively in IT in order to further promote efficient and smooth service delivery. There is also the need to extensively develop more E-banking products and to do extensive customer education to enable more customers patronize.
The Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) by Ghanaian companies the level of compliance with reference to the preparation of financial statement.
(November, 2015.) Acquaye, Sandra
Before the adoption of IFRS among firms every country had its own reporting accounting standards which gave room to conflict when it comes to comparing financial statements from different countries. The move of business into the global economy has brought a lot of challenges in comparability, reliability and objectivity, this has therefore increased the need to move accounting standards into globalization. This study was conducted to know whether companies listed on Ghana stock exchange were actually complying with IFRS by Ghana since 2007 when it was adopted. The study used both primary and secondary data for data collection, primary source was questionnaires administered and for the secondary source published financial statements. The finding of the study was that over the years since compliance of IFRS has been made compulsory for all listed companies on the stock exchange, the level of compliance is high and the study was also able to identify some factors that influence the adoption of IFRS. The study recommends that there must be more training and education for both preparers and users of financial information. Also develop these standards in curricula sectors such as the universities to create more awareness for accounting students
An analysis of industrial sector demand for electricity in Ghana
(2016-11-08) Zul-Haq, Aziz
Demand for Electricity in Ghana far exceeds the supply and is perhaps the greatest infrastructure problem confronting the industrial sector which contributes immensely to economic growth. A typical Ghanaian industry experiences power failure or voltage fluctuations about 5 times per week each lasting for about twelve hours without prior warning. The study used partial adjustment model approach to analyze industrial sector demand for electricity in Ghana and the definition for electricity intensity that is electricity consumed in the industrial sector divided by gross domestic product. The study used data from 1971 to 2013 to calculate the model. From the estimation, industrial value added is positive and significant at 1% significance level. In both the short run and long run there is a positive relationship between industrial value added and industrial electricity demand. The elasticity of petrol price in both the short run and long run is statistically significant in the partial adjustment model. Hence an increase in petrol price will make customers move to the use of electricity. Energy intensity is significant and is positive in both the short run and long run and can be used for policy purposes in the country in both the short run and long run. Policy should aim at increasing the efficiency level of the industries by using good machines and appliances at the work place. Policy can also be directed towards following the standards of Environmental Protection Agency especially using appliances with approved labels.
Analysis of loss severity on bank loans: A case study of Ghanaian banks
(April, 2016) Okae-Asante, John
In this thesis, we explore an actuarial approach to credit risk modeling. We use CREDITRISK+ to module loss severity on bank loans and use various tools such as the Poisson distribution to module default event. We also use various mathematical techniques in analyzing Credit Risk. We focus on modeling as well as quantitative analysis of bank loan portfolio. We start with a Credit Risk management problem. More specifically, we consider credit portfolio of multiple obligors subject to possible default. We propose a new structural module for the loss given default, which takes into account the severity of default. Then we study the behavior of the loss given default under the assumption that the losses of the obligors follow the well-known Poisson distribution. We then proceed to derive the distribution of default losses. Finally, we consider a credit portfolio of banks and analyze the data based on the CreditRisk+ framework to generate a loss distribution for the portfolio.
Analysis of non-performing loans: A case study of Dunkwa area Teachers Co-Operative Credit Union (DATCCU)
(JULY, 2015) Mensah, Evans
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) have been in Ghana for a long time but their effort in the growth of the economy has been greatly recognized recently. MFI’s provide financial services to the less privileged, especially in rural areas that find it difficult to access financial services from the universal banks. Loans granting is a major activity of MFI’s and it constitutes a major source of revenue to MFI’s if well managed but if not well managed, can even lead to the collapse of the said institution; the reason loans are termed double-edged sword. Unfortunately, not all loans granted to clients earn the expected returns, and when this happens, can have a negative effect on the institution in question. Given the role played by MFI’s in economic development, it is imperative to delve into the causes of NON-performing loans so as to put in place both proactive and direct measures to help reduce this menace. Moreover, since MFI’s cannot stop giving loans, the study sought to find out the effects of NPL’s on the performance of MFI’s; specifically on operating profits and interest income so as to make recommendations to avoid future occurrences. The research work focuses on the activities of DATTCU in the last four years, thus 2011-2014. Data wise, both primary and secondary data were used for the study. It was found out from the study that in the four year period, DATTCU had substantial amount of its loans going waste as a result of Non-Performing loans. This affected the performance of DATTCU by reducing operating profits and interest incomes. It was further revealed that a low rate of education has negative effect on the rate of NPL’s. Business failure was adjudged to be the major cause of non-performing loans, though other causes ineffective monitoring, poor loan appraisal, crop failure among others were also identified as causes of non-performing loans. It was further found out from the study that Business and agricultural sectors had chunk of the non-performing loans recorded by DATTCU. To help solve the problem of NPL’s some measures were recommended to the management of DATTCU. Amongst the recommendations are: Incorporation of entrepreneurial courses in the curriculum of schools, Training programmes, effective programs and improvement in credit appraisal.
An analysis of personal financial literacy among cocoa farmers in Ghana
(AUGUST, 2015) Akoto, George Osei
Many cocoa farmers do not have any idea as to how much time is required for any type of financial services and issues related to the use of money. This study is a quantitative study which analyses personal financial literacy among cocoa farmers in Ghana. The study looks at the evidence of personal finance literacy among cocoa farmers in the Central Region of Ghana, why some cocoa farmers are relatively more knowledgeable than others as well as how a cocoa farmer's financial knowledge influences his/her opinions and decisions on personal financial issues. The farmers were randomly selected from Assin Foso and Twifo Praso districts of the Central region. The total questionnaires sent out was 677 out of which 569 responded. From a survey of 569 cocoa farmers, the results show that the farmers have lower levels of financial knowledge. It is also evident that geographical location, age as well as the education levels of farmers significantly affects their level of financial knowledge. As a result, this study provides the following recommendations towards improving financial literacy among cocoa farmers as rural outreach, incorporating financial literacy into educational system and the establishment of financial literacy information sharing group.
An Analysis of Personal Financial Literacy Among Polytechnic Students- A Case of Kumasi Polytechnics
(JULY, 2015.) Tiboh, Thomas
The study assesses the level of financial literacy of Polytechnic students in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study surveyed 120 students to investigate their level of financial literacy through the administration of questionnaires. Findings from the study reveal that students need to improve their personal finance knowledge. The results show that the participants answered about 40.71% of the questions correctly. None of the mean scores for financial literacy categories were above 60%. The results also reveal that many of the students are familiar with issues relating to simple interest calculations and loan guarantee. In contrast, the students are less knowledgeable and inexperienced with issues concerning personal financial planning and budgeting,mutual funds and risk return associated with investment decisions. This led to the conclusion that the students are not well-informed about personal financial literacy issues. It is therefore recommended that stakeholders of Polytechnics should include financial literacy programmes in their academic curriculum.
Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Public Primary Schools in Ghana: A Case Study of Ashanti Region
(MAY, 2016 ) Aminarh, Emmanuel Sogah
Education is undoubtedly an effective and catalytic tool for economic development of a country. This is the reason why Ghana has invested substantial proportion of her limited resources in the basic education to provide a strong foundation to the education system in the country. However, this investment does not appear to translate into a clear improvement of pupil performance. Most people expect that after investing over 25% of the national budget in education, it will naturally translate into impressive results. The standardized test scores of the primary schools as reported by National Education Assessment (NEA) in 2014 have been disappointing with increasing number of failures. This study applies the stochastic frontier approach to measure the technical efficiency and its determinants for forty sampled public primary schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Findings revealed that pupil-teacher ratio and teacher’s experience are associated with standardized test score of pupils. Results from the maximum likelihood estimate of the stochastic frontier showed that on average, public primary schools were 0.869 technically efficient; suggesting that about 13.1% of learning outcome could not be realized due to inefficiency. The study also showed that poverty and geographical location of a school are significant determinants of technical efficiencies of the public primary schools. The return to scale that explains the productivity level of schools was less than one, implying a decreasing return to scale. To improve performance and technical efficiency in public primary schools, the study recommends stakeholders and policy makers to adopt measures to lower pupil-teacher ratio and improve teaching skills of teachers. Additionally, the government should take steps to reduce poverty levels in the rural areas and improve instructional materials in the rural primary schools.
Analysis of the demand for locally produced rice in Kumasi, Ghana
(May, 2016) Addo, Reynolds Akoto
In a country where rice has become the second most important cereal and staple food consumed by almost everyone, then issues pertaining to rice demand should become a matter of great concern especially when import, production and consumption statistics reveals the dominance of foreign rice demand over local rice. Surprisingly, this phenomenon has received less research attention in the Ghanaian context. The purpose of the study was to analyse the demand for locally produced rice in Ghana. Specifically, it sought to identify factors that affect the demand for local rice, determine the price and income elasticities of local rice and identify ways to improve on the demand for local rice. The design was a cross-sectional non-experimental study of 370 rice consumers (of which 120 were only local rice consumers, 100 local and foreign rice consumers and 150 non-local rice consumers) between the ages of 18 and 60 years who were sampled using the multistage cluster sampling technique according to sub metros and communities in the Kumasi Metropolis. A semi logarithm model was used to determine the factors (that is sex, age, household size, prices, income, taste, availability, foreign materials, cooking time, aroma and color) that influence the demand for local rice. The results of the study showed that household size, taste, presence of foreign materials, price and income significantly influenced the demand for local rice. The demand for local rice was fairly price inelastic as well as a normal good. Prominent among the factors cited by consumers and non-consumers to improve on the demand for locally produced rice included polishing, improved packaging, increased advertisement, availability and affordability. It is recommended that the findings of this study be utilized by governmental and non-governmental institutions such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to improve on the local rice industry in Ghana.
Analytical study of saving habits among informal sector employees in Ghana: A case study of Manhyia sub-metro
(AUGUST 2015) Karikari, Bright Mensah
This study is centered on the analytical study of saving habits of the informal sector employees in Ghana. The study is conducted purposely to assess the saving habits and unearth the factors that influence the saving habits of informal sector employees at Manhyia Sub-Metro, the capacity of the saving institutions are also evaluated. The population estimated to be all informal sector employees at the Manhyia Sub-Metro and 240 employees are sampled for the purpose of the study. Convenience and purposive type of non-probability sampling technique is adopted. Purposive involves the selection of key informants considered to be the most appropriate source of data in terms of objectives of the study. With the purposive only employees who are considered to be in the informal sector are selected and given questionnaire to answer. Convenience also involves in selecting those respondents who are easiest to obtain for one‟s sample. From the study conducted, it revealed that the informal sector employees do have saving habit. It was also came to light that; quality of life, to avoid over spending, unforeseen contingency, income satisfaction, and low level of dependency are the reasons for savings. Again, low income, low interest, number of dependent family, inflation and high cost of expenditure are also the factors that influence saving according to the study conducted. Moreover, it also reveals that the informal sector personnel use formal method of saving their money. Finally, the financial institutions do not have the absolute capacity to help improve the informal sector business and to enrich their standard of living in the country. It is also recommend that, their unions should also provide information on credit facilities, so that the workers can assess to support them in their business.
An Appraisal of Christian Missionary Activities in Gonjaland Since 1950
(October, 2016) Bediako, Daniel Kwesi (Rev.)
Religion is a phenomenon or concept that is associated with humanity. Ghanaians were highly religious, even before the arrival of Islam and Christianity. To explore a religion of a tribe or people, there in the need to understand what makes such tribe or people, what informed their present religious state before you plan a strategy to evangelise them. This then necessitates the appraisal of Christian Missionary activities among Gonjas from 1950 to date. This study seeks to examine who the Gonja people are, and assess whether Christianity has made a significant impact on the Gonja over sixty years of Christian Missionary activities in the area. The study also evaluates some missionary challenges that might have affected the spread of Christianity among the Gonja. The study also tried to do a comparative study of the impact of the three major religions in the area (Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religions). It explored some possible reasons why the Islamic religion has been integrated into the Gonja culture. What was the effect of the colonial directive, which declared the North an Islamic territory on evangelisation of the Gonja tribe? The researcher sought information from across religious boundaries for an objective analysis, of the future of the three main religions in the area. The researcher found that there is need to adopt strategies adopt for evangelical breakthrough in the Gonja area. This is because the Gonja area is a virgin area for evangelization, to which the church should turn her attention in fulfilment of the Great Commission which is the church’s mandate. The researcher recommended some positive steps which should be taken to address the issues raised in this work.
An Appraisal of Decision-Making Power in Reproductive Health among Women At Ejisu in the Ashanti Region
(MAY, 2011) Ulysses, Nkrumah
The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994, adopted a more holistic and integrated approach to reproductive health (Agyarkwa, 2003). The World Health Organization (WHO) definition adopted for reproductive health embraces wider components which include clients decision-making in reproductive health. In response to the (ICPD), Ghana has formulated reproductive health service policy and standards. Among eight countries surveyed, Ghana provided the most extensive ‘blue print’ for reproductive service delivery (Hardee, et al, 1999). This feat underpins Ghana’s commitment to reproductive health issues. Despite the international and national concerns for reproductive health, decision-making in reproductive health decision-making has been traditionally dominated by men (Brown 1994). The question that arises then are: what is the role of women in reproductive-decision-making? Do women assert their reproductive rights, power and control through decision making in reproductive health issues? To answer these questions, among others, the case study method was used to interview women, opinion leaders, health officials and community leaders at Ejisu, one of the Municipal capitals in Ashanti Region. Through the structured interview guide and self-administered questionnaire, the study found that reproductive health decision-making is a shared responsibility between the husband and the wife. In addition, the study revealed that women assert their rights, control and power in reproductive health through decision-making in birth spacing, family planning services, fertility regulation and antenatal care. The study also revealed that there are certain factors that influence women’s reproductive behaviour. The study makes recommendations.
The artistic aspects of indigenous marriage among the gbi of Ghana.
(JULY, 2009) Lodonu, John
Marriage is considered a basic institution in every human society. It is recognized as a social institution, not only for establishing and maintaining the family, but also for creating and sustaining the ties of kinship. Without the institution of marriage, there would be no family, nuclear or extended and therefore no kinship ties. According to the culture of the Ewes of Ghana, marriage is one of the most important aspects of life and it is observed among the many transitional rites of the people of Gbi. I am fully aware that the field of study of this topic: “Artistic aspects of indigenous marriage among the Ewes of Ghana” is very wide and for that matter, the researchers attempt here is limited to a section of the Ewes that is the Gbi. The findings of this thesis however, indicated that the traditional society of Gbi has a pattern of conduct about the use of art in marriage which is worth studying and developing. For, this is the reason why the researcher has taken up to: (a) Study the marriage customs of the people of Gbi of Ghana, with the view of finding out the use and importance of art in them. (b) Identify the importance of art in the marriage customs of Gbi and document them. The research covers a brief history of the Gbi people from Notsie in Dahomey now (Benin) to their present destination Peki and Hohoe in the Northern Volta of Ghana. Also the institution of marriage in Gbi and the place of art in it. And the various indigenous customary marriages that are allowed in Gbi. The research design used is the qualitative method. It involves the descriptive, recording and analysis. This involves some type of comparison or contrast and attempts to discover relationships between existing non-manipulative variables From the finding, the researcher has noted that the indigenous visual art forms cannot be ignored at all in the day to day activity of man especially in the life cycle of people in Gbi and Ghana as a whole. Every aspect of life namely conception, birth, naming, puberty, marriage, death, and funeral depend very much on the use of indigenous art forms for the reasons of protection guidance, and life enhancing support activities. It has been noted also that this study will serve as (a) Body of knowledge which will enhance the understanding of marriage among the people of Gbi. (b) It will also serve as a model or example of the importance of indigenous visual art among other ethnic groups in Ghana. (c) The materials will serve as reference to other researchers and those who want to contract indigenous marriage in Gbi. (d) It will also be very useful to artists, art teachers, art historians, anthropologists and researchers in Gbi culture. After carefully weighing both the positive and the negative sides of indigenous marriage rites in Gbi, from what was obtained from the following respondents e.g. Traditional rulers (chiefs and queen mothers), priest and priestesses, literate Gbis and married initiates, the following recommendations are made. (a) Cultural secretariat should be opened in Gbi to see to the proper administration and co-ordination of all cultural activities. (b) For the ideals of indigenous marriage to make any profound impact on the lives of the women in Gbi, it is recommended that all the young girls be advised to marry customarily in order for them to go through the informal initiation rites at puberty before proceeding to marry. During puberty rites in Gbi, ideals of life such as vocations e.g. weaving, pottery, beads making, tie and dye etc., cooking and proper home management and family life are taught. As the teaching of these skills would require funding, it is also recommended that District Assemblies in Gbi should assist in this area. (a) It is recommended also that, the elders and Queen mothers of Gbi traditional area should form an association in order to create dialogue with traditionalists and churches to explore systematic ways of using puberty rites to help educate, train and control premarital sex promiscuity and also prevent HIV. In the Gbi society the indigenous visual art forms are used alongside with the contemporary art forms among the Ewes of Gbi in indigenous marriage rites and because of this, the indigenous visual arts are losing their value and roles gradually, so there is the urgent need for Volta Regional Centre for National Culture to preserve the indigenous visual art forms from the contemporary arts and make useful changes for the indigenous arts wherever it is necessary to fit into contemporary arts.
Asessing the impact of credit risk management on the performance of selected commercial banks in Ashanti Region- (Kumasi Metropolis)
(2015) Djan, Mavis Ntow
Banks play a crucial role in the economy by connecting lenders to borrowers. The banks as well as other firms are exposed to several kinds of risk but seek ways to manage their risks while striving to maximize performance for this value to be created. This performance is as a result of the banks issuing credits to customers from money deposited by shareholders or savings from customers thus engaging them at risk in case of default. This project is geared towards assessing how selected commercial banks in Kumasi undertake their credit risk management activities with regards to non-performing loans ratio of the banking system, the requirements the Banks consider about companies and individuals before granting them credits, and how the results of credit granted affects the banks performance positively or negatively. This study was carried out using a quantitative research method, and a survey instrument of Questionnaires, were administered on a sample size of 60, out of a sample frame of 103 comprising branch managers, loan managers, loan officers and loan recovery officers, from a target population of about 720 which comprises all the workers of the four selected commercial banks in Ashanti region. The total population of the study is about10,000 representing the population of entire workers of all commercial banks in Kumasi. Stepwise multiple regression and SPSS were used in analyzing the data. The analysis of the empirical data showed that a credit risk exposure occupies an indispensable source of risk that can have adverse impact on the banks performance. It also goes ahead to show that the relationship between credit risk management policy and performance of the commercial banks was very strong. In order for greater results of credit risk management to be attained, banks must critically assess all information about the customer perfectly before granting them loans, and channel resources to application of credit monitoring tools to ensure that credit risk management technology are being fully utilized, to positively influence Banks’ performance.

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