Department of Error:Mapping geographical inequalities in childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000–17: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (The Lancet (2020) 395(10239) (1779–1801), (S0140673620301148), (10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30114-8))

Reiner RC Jr, Hay SI. Mapping geographical inequalities in childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000–17: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet 2020; 395: 1779–801—In this Article, the author byline has been amended to Local Burden of Disease Diarrhoea Collaborators. This correction has been made to the online version as of June 4, 2020, and the printed version is correct.</p

Allocation of Classroom Space Using Linear Programming (A Case Study: Premier Nurses Training College, Kumasi)

The use of linear programming to solve the problem of over-allocation and under-allocation of the scarce classroom space was considered with particular reference to the Premier Nurse’s Training College, Kumasi. Data was collected from the College on the classroom facilities and the number of students per programme. A linear programming model was formulated based on the data collected to maximize the usage of the limited classroom space. POM-QM for Windows 4 (Software for Quantitative Methods, Production and Operation Management by Howard J. Weiss) was used based on the simplex algorithm to obtain optimal solution.Analysis of the results showed that six (50%) of the twelve classrooms could be used to create a maximum classroom space of six hundred and forty.  It was also observed that the management could use two hundred and eighty (280) surplus spaces to increase its student’s intake from three hundred and sixty (360) to six hundred and forty (640) students, an increase of about 77.78% with only 50% of the total number of classrooms. Again management could cut down the number of classrooms used from twelve to six and reduce the cost of maintaining the classrooms by 50% and still have as many as six extra classrooms for other equally important purposes, hence maximize its profit margin. Keywords: Linear programming, Allocation, Optimal solution, Simplex Algorithm, Premier Nurse’s Training College.

Significance of the Costume Used for the Dia War Dance by the Frafra people of the Upper East Region of Ghana.

There are several war dances which are performed to commemorate victories achieved during wars and major fights in history. These dances mimic historical moves and gestures which were used during such trial times. During the performance of such dances, many items of clothing are worn by these war heroes or dancers which are an embodiment of knowledge and the Dia war dance of the Frafra people in the Upper East region of Ghana is no exception. However, when these dances are recorded, little or nothing is said about the costumes and their relevance to the attainment of victory in these wars and hence their inclusion in the dance. The study therefore is aimed at identifying the various roles played by these items used as clothing in the Dia war dance of the Frafra people in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Participant observation was used in this study and the main instrument adopted was the interview in arriving at the responses.  Several key people were interviewed including Tindaanas (earth priests), retired dancers, adult and young dancers. The study saw that the clothing items used have great link with the craft and trade practices of the people. It also identified that some of the items were used to boost about ones bravery or victories over animals considered to be wild and dangerous. Also it was evident that though no formal schools are there to train people In the dance, there is the conscious effort by the people to train the young in the dance so that they can take up the mantle of leadership in the future. The study therefore recommends that the dance be celebrated at the regional level in order to raise the awareness and boost the tourism potentials of the region. Keywords: Dia War dance, costume, culture, festival, traditional apparel, horns, smock, Frafra

Spatial dependency of V. cholera prevalence on open space refuse dumps in Kumasi, Ghana: a spatial statistical modelling

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cholera has persisted in Ghana since its introduction in the early 70's. From 1999 to 2005, the Ghana Ministry of Health officially reported a total of 26,924 cases and 620 deaths to the WHO. Etiological studies suggest that the natural habitat of <it>V. cholera </it>is the aquatic environment. Its ability to survive within and outside the aquatic environment makes cholera a complex health problem to manage. Once the disease is introduced in a population, several environmental factors may lead to prolonged transmission and secondary cases. An important environmental factor that predisposes individuals to cholera infection is sanitation. In this study, we exploit the importance of two main spatial measures of sanitation in cholera transmission in an urban city, Kumasi. These are proximity and density of refuse dumps within a community.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A spatial statistical modelling carried out to determine the spatial dependency of cholera prevalence on refuse dumps show that, there is a direct spatial relationship between cholera prevalence and density of refuse dumps, and an inverse spatial relationship between cholera prevalence and distance to refuse dumps. A spatial scan statistics also identified four significant spatial clusters of cholera; a primary cluster with greater than expected cholera prevalence, and three secondary clusters with lower than expected cholera prevalence. A GIS based buffer analysis also showed that the minimum distance within which refuse dumps should not be sited within community centres is 500 m.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results suggest that proximity and density of open space refuse dumps play a contributory role in cholera infection in Kumasi.</p

An Empirical Analysis of the Incidence of Corporate Income Tax in Ghana (1997-2006)

The corporate income tax is levied on earnings at the corporate level and shareholders pay taxes again on these earnings when they are paid out as dividends. This double taxation has been a concern of policy makers and its effects on economies have been analyzed and discussed by researchers in many disciplines. This study uses a financial statement data from ten (10) manufacturing companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange over a ten year period spanning from 1997 to 2006. The simple ordinary least squares regression is used for models representing each of the three players over time. The results showed a negative relationship between returns to shareholders and the tax, indicating that returns decrease when the tax increases. The results also showed a negative relationship between the cost of labour and the tax, indicating that an increase in the tax will lead to a decrease in the cost of labour (wages).  Finally, the results showed a significant positive relationship between the gross profit percentage and the tax; indicating that consumer prices may increase in relation to an increase in the tax rate. Key words: Corporate Income Tax, Incidence of tax, Regression analysis, Ghan

Spatial and demographic patterns of Cholera in Ashanti region - Ghana

Abstract Background Cholera has claimed many lives throughout history and it continues to be a global threat, especially in countries in Africa. The disease is listed as one of three internationally quarantinable diseases by the World Health organization, along with plague and yellow fever. Between 1999 and 2005, Africa alone accounted for about 90% of over 1 million reported cholera cases worldwide. In Ghana, there have been over 27000 reported cases since 1999. In one of the affected regions in Ghana, Ashanti region, massive outbreaks and high incidences of cholera have predominated in urban and overcrowded communities. Results A GIS based spatial analysis and statistical analysis, carried out to determine clustering of cholera, showed that high cholera rates are clustered around Kumasi Metropolis (the central part of the region), with Moran's Index = 0.271 and P Chi square for trend analysis reflected a direct spatial relationship between cholera and urbanization (χ2 = 2995.5, P χ2 = 1757.2, P χ2 = 831.38, P Conclusion The results suggest that high urbanization, high overcrowding, and neighborhood with Kumasi Metropolis are the most important predictors of cholera in Ashanti region.</p

Transportation Problem for a Beverage Firm in Kumasi, Ghana

This paper seeks to find the optimal transportation cost of a beverage firm in Kumasi-Ashanti Region, Ghana, using POM-QM for Windows 4 (Software for Quantitative Methods, Production and Operation Management by Howard J. Weiss) with Vogel’s Approximation Method (VAM) as the initial method. An administered questionnaire was used for data collection from the firm.  The results of the analysis revealed that, optimal transportation cost of the beverage firm is GH?3, 174635.00 if it transports 769785, 615410 and 1014805 numbers of cases of bottles with drinks from Plant 1 to Accra, Tamale and Kumasi respectively. Again, if they transport 667887, 698463, and 633650 numbers of cases of bottles with drinks to Accra, Techiman and Sunyani from Plant 2, and also from Plant 3, with 11273 and 988727 number of cases of bottles with drinks to Accra and Koforidua respectively. The company’s transportation cost will reduce from GH?3,209,897.86 to GH?3, 174635.00 if it transports beverage (in cases) from the sources to the various destinations as in the optimal tableau (, Appendix 1, Table 3). It is believed that if the beverage firm applies this mathematical model then, it can save as much as GH?35262.86 equivalent to US$ 11,020.00 which could be used in other areas of the firm to boost production. Keywords: Transportation, Beverage firm, Optimal Tableau, Production, Optimal transportation cost

“Apartheid-Induced” Corporate Social Responsibility in the Context of South Africa: A Review

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) continues to gain prominence in most parts of Africa. The aim of this study is to explore the nature and extent of recognition of CSR in South Africa (SA), a developing country. The need for CSR research focused in developing countries remains critical, particularly with the concerns that current CSR approaches and with their origins from developed countries, may not reflect and fully respond to developing countries context and circumstances encountered. The aim of this paper is to explore literature and to identify the nature and extent of CSR recognition in SA. This study therefore took a review research study approach. SA has a history of legal racial segregation, termed, ‘apartheid’. Within apartheid, humanity was defined on the basis of race. Thus, apartheid permeated the entire fabric of life. We find that CSR is largely ‘Apartheid-Induced’, and that the practice is two-fold: largely voluntary and less mandatory. The first model that emerged during apartheid followed a ‘moral and ethical perspective’. The second model after the fall of apartheid followed a “legislative perspective”. A third model of CSR practice among SA corporations is one of a ‘Strategic CSR’ towards sustainable development. This final model is in line with emerging global trends. Thus, CSR is seen as a means through which corporations contribute towards national reconstruction and development. The study adopts a multi-theoretical background to explore CSR in the context of SA. The study therefore seeks to add literature to scholarly work in CSR in Africa, and contributes to deepening our understanding of the extent of CSR recognition and practice in SA. Documenting this should help with our understanding of corporate responses in SA. Keywords: Corporate social responsibility, Apartheid, South Africa, Developing, Multi-theoretical vie

Budgeting and Its Effect on the Financial Performance of Listed Manufacturing Firms: Evidence from Manufacturing Firms Listed on Ghana Stock Exchange

Organizations in both developed and developing countries face high competitions in the business sector. It is essential that businesses that want to remain competitive develop the desire of identifying the role of budgeting and its effect on their financial performance. In this regard, this study explored the role of budgeting and its effect on financial performance of listed manufacturing firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange as a case study. Specifically, the study sought to examine the role of budgeting and to analyze the impact of budgeting on the financial performance of these firms. Both cross-sectional and convenient sampling techniques were used to select fifty-one (51) respondents as the sample size of the study. Questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents. The correlation matrix was used to establish a positive relationship between budgeting and financial performance. The study discovered that budgeting plays imperative roles in the financial performance of listed manufacturing firms. The study again unveiled that there is a strong positive correlation between budgeting and financial performance. The study also concludes that planning; monitoring and control; coordination and evaluation plays a vital role and has a positive effect on the financial performance of manufacturing firms. The study recommends that managers must produce comprehensive budgetary plans to enable the employment of long-term plans. Annual budgeting review must also be incorporated permanently to enable the manufacturing firms to identify key financial indicators for their business and how and when to monitor them and to plan for future operations, refine existing strategic plans and considers how they can respond to current competitions. Keywords: Budgeting, Financial Performance, Manufacturing Firms, Ghana Stock Exchang

Analysis of the art forms used as costume in the Gologo festival of the people of Tongo in the Upper East region of Ghana.

The Talensi people of Tenzug in the Upper east region celebrates on of the rarest festivals in the country of Ghana. It is probably the only festival where participants observe a strict compliance to the wearing of certain kind of costume. Due to the nature of this custom, the researchers sort to find out the art form which make up the costume and their religious or functional significance. The study used participant observation and interviews to document the festivities before, during and after the festival. The prominent features of the costume includes towels of different sizes and colours, knifes of different sizes and the wearing of triangularly shaped aprons. The study concludes that there is the need to advertise the festival in the entire country of Ghana as well as abroad in order to open up the Tengzug area to more tourists and investors. Keywords: Tindaana, Gologo, Tongo Hills, Golib, Tengzug