Corporate social responsibility and financial performance: Fact or fiction? A look at Ghanaian banks

This article examined the impact of corporate social responsibility on financial performance using empirical evidence from the Ghanaian banking sector. Although corporate social responsibility is a hot topic in Ghana and banks do practise it, no detailed study has been conducted to ascertain whether banks derive any benefits therefrom. A sample size of 22 banks was involved. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data whilst archival records were used to gather the secondary data. Main findings: The findings revealed that banks in Ghana view corporate social responsibility practices to be a strategic tool; banks are motivated to practise corporate social responsibility by legitimate reasons as much as they are motivated by profitability and sustainability reasons. Also, although there is a positive relationship between corporate social responsibility practices and financial performance, the financial performance of banks in Ghana does not depend significantly on their corporate social responsibility practices but rather on other control variables, such as growth, origin, debt ratio, and size

CONVERGENCE IN CRISIS; SECURITISATION OF MIGRATION AND THE ROLE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN SECURITISING MIGRATION

The COVID-19 global pandemic made countries, humanitarian and health organizations to evoke the concept of global crisis embedded in existential threats as control measures to it (COVID-19). The application of securitisation through crisification as control measure to the COVID-19 pandemic made the entire global system to perceive an imminent danger of a global health catastrophe. The perceived imminent global health catastrophe led to the convergence of migration restrictions amongst the comity of nations to close their borders to migrants, detain migrants, isolate and quarantine migrants as well as instituting mandatory COVID-19 test and vaccinations for the global populace as well as migrants. The convergence in global migration restrictions and controls stemmed from the fact that, the COVID-19 virus spread across the globe through migrants and migration related activities from the epicentre (Wuhan-China). The convergence in migration restrictions made global south countries to also accept some of the control measures imposed on migrants and migration related activities by countries of the global north. The convergence in the securitisation of migration during the COVID-19 pandemic set a bad precedence for global south countries, which are the main sources of documented and undocumented migrants to the global north. The global convergence in the securitisation of migration as control measures to the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to make global south countries which have porous borders to toe the line of the global north countries in restricting migration and migrants. The lessons from the global border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic must be an eye opener to global south countries which are the major receivers of global remittances. These lessons must force governments in the global south to create avenues of employment for the teeming youth not to rely on international migration as a means of survival and last resort in terms of livelihood strategies.  Article visualizations

COVID 19; A GLOBAL PANDEMIC WITH EMBEDDED POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES FOR A NEW WORLD ORDER

The COVID-19 pandemic presents itself as one major challenge to globalization as an important product of Liberal ideology (Political and Economic liberalism). After the discovery of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China, in less than three months the virus found itself in many countries of the global north, especially in Europe and followed by other regions of the world. The mode of infection and transmission of the virus from China to other geographies was through transportation and migration, especially air transport and trade. In the face of this global pandemic, many countries embarked on control measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, isolation and quarantines as well as detention of infected persons. The early control measures adopted globally to curb the rate of spread of COVID-19 were significant tenets of socialism, communism and totalitarianism, which are anti-integration, less cooperation and the control of individual liberties and freedoms. In spite of the anti-democratic nature of the early control measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, western countries, which are the champions of democratic values and the promotion of human rights and liberal principles, accepted the anti-democratic measures to contain and control the mode of spread and the global infections of the COVID pandemic. The use of socialist, communist and totalitarian tenets or ideas to control the COVID pandemic, which are products of anti-liberalism and globalization, are signs that some aspects of totalitarianism, socialism and communism can be adopted by Liberal states in times of global emergencies and stresses, but not to return to socialism, communism or totalitarianism which may erode the gains made in promoting human freedoms and the many avenues created by globalization through neo-liberal ideas.  Article visualizations

Mobile Number Portability in Ghana: Its Effect on Subscribers

Telecommunication services have been recognized the world-over as an important tool for socio-economic development for a nation (Sutherland, 2007). It is one of the prime support services needed for rapid growth and modernization of various sectors of the world economy. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of the introduction of MNP in Ghana on subscribers. It highlights the concept of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and its application in Ghana. However, from a consumer viewpoint, we summarize the benefits of the Mobile Number Portability system with five major themes. Firstly, the subscribers benefit from the advantages of all possible choices that resulted from the more competitive environment in the sector, it provides benefits like lower prices, higher quality and the wider range of services (Shin, 2005). Again, customers who change the operator following MNP benefit by crossing to the operator which provides the appropriate service for the expectations of them. Further, the calling subscribers don’t have to suffer to find the new numbers of her/his friends, when it is needed to communicate with them. The reality of retransferring of property rights is important, especially for special numbers (Buehler et al., 2005).To achieve the objective of this study logistic linear regression model was used to estimate the impact of Customer service, service problems, usage costs and income on switching preference of network subscribers. The regression results indicate that income of the respondents, high service problems, average service problems, the high usage cost and average usage cost are very important in determining customer intention to switch. Network operators have consequently reduced their tariff rate. Keywords: Mobile Subscribers, Experience, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), Ghan

Biologische Bekämpfung des Maiskäfers Sitophilus zeamais (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Mais mit der Lagererzwespe Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) sowie der Reismotte Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Reis mit der Mehlmottenschlupfwespe Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Maize and rice constitute some of the most important cereals cultivated in the world, being used as staple food for people especially in Africa. The rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica, and the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, are major pests of stored grains in the tropics. The use of parasitoids in biological pest control is already common in different agricultural and horticultural fields. At present, grain managers tend to look at alternatives to chemicals to control insects in stored grain. Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) is a synovigenic, solitary larval and pupal ectoparasitoid of several beetle species that infest stored goods. The ability for long-range host finding of this parasitoid mediated by volatiles has been shown (Steidle & Schöller 1997). Habrobracon hebetor (Say) is a gregarious ectoparasitoid of many lepidopterous pests. This wasp occurs naturally in the stored grain ecosystem (Keever & al. 1985) where it attacks several pyralid moths, including the rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica. The present study was conducted to assess the host finding of the two parasitoids H. hebetor and L. distinguendus.Wenn Vorratsschädlinge gefüllte Säcke befallen ist eine Bekämpfung mit Hilfe durchgreifender Methoden wie z.B. Begasung oder der Einsatz von Kälte möglich. Die Anwendung dieser Verfahren ist aber technisch nicht immer realisierbar. Verschiedene parasitoide Hymenopteren werden zur biologischen Bekämpfung von Vorratsschädlingen eingesetzt. Diese Wespen dringen in der Regel nicht in Verpackungen ein. Säcke aus Jute besitzen jedoch eine Maschenweite, die das Eindringen von Nützlingen erlauben könnte. Um die Möglichkeit des Nützlingseinsatzes in Sacklägern zu prüfen, wurden folgende Untersuchungen durchgeführt: (1) Wirtsfindung von Habrobracon hebetor in gesacktem Langkornreis (5 kg-Säcke, Raupen von Corcyra cephalonica 4 cm tief im Reis) (2) Wirtsfindung von Lariophagus distinguendus in gesacktem Mais (5 kg-Säcke, Befall durch Sitophilus zeamais). Es wurde täglich auf eindringende L. distinguendus bzw. H. hebetor hin kontrolliert. Der tägliche Schlupf der Nachkommen der Wespen wurde dokumentiert. H. hebetor war nur zu einem sehr geringen Anteil in der Lage, in die Säcke einzudringen. 50% der eingesetzten L. distinguendus drangen in die Jutesäcke ein und verringerten den Populationsaufbau der Maiskäfer. Begleitende Untersuchungen in unverpacktem, geschüttetem Reis ergaben, dass H. hebetor mindestens 14 cm tief eindringt und Reismottenraupen parasitiert

Diversity and genetic structure of teak (Tectona grandis L.f) in its natural range using DNA microsatellite markers

International audienceTeak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is considered to be an extraordinarily durable building timber with a worldwide reputation. Its widespread use has entailed the over- exploitation of natural forests and a large reduction in natural diversity. Fifteen micro- satellite markers were used to study the genetic variability and structure of 166 teak trees distributed over the whole natural area of teak. Analysis showed that in the teak natural area there were four main centers of genetic variability. Two clusters were in India and could be considered as main centers of genetic diversity in teak. The third cluster mainly consisting of populations in Thailand and Laos was genetically very distinct from the Indian populations but presented only half as much allelic variability. A fourth cluster from Central Laos showed even less genetic variability. The use of SSR markers for conser- vation of teak forest diversity is discusse

What is the genetic origin of teak (Tectona grandis L.) introduced in Africa and in Indonesia?

International audienceThe first introduction of Tectona grandis in Indonesia took place between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries and in Africa in the nineteenth century. A total of 1.1 and 0.3 million ha, respectively were planted in the two areas. The extension of teak plantations often started from these first introductions. Unfortunately, the documentation concerning dates, planting stocks and the sources of origin of the teak imported into the different countries was very inaccurate. In this study, the use of 15 microsatellite molecular markers enabled us to compare 22 exotic teak provenances with 17 provenances of the natural range. Results of the analysis showed that the provenances from South India were not related to the provenances that were first introduced in either Africa or Indonesia. Nearly 95% of teak landraces in Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanza- nia, Togo and Senegal came from North India, and 96% of Indonesian and Ghanaian teak appeared to be very closely linked to Central Laos. The genetic origin of introduced teak was confirmed by the main traits of interest of provenances observed in international trials. Thus, trees from North India had very bad stem forms compared to Laotian and Thai provenances, which generally had good stem forms but low vigour. This genetic knowledge is essential for programmes to develop varieties and to improve the quality of plantations, particularly in Afric

Corruption, Foreign Direct Investment and Growth in Ghana: An Empirical Analysis

The aim of the study therefore, was to examine the effects of corruption in the economic development of Ghana. The study investigated the effects of corruption on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow in Ghana by using annual time series data for the period from 2004 to 2014, through the application of (ADF) unit root, Johansen’s co-integration test and Granger causality test. The results of the analysis affirmed the existence of autocorrelation and unit root with Granger causality showing that, FDI inflow is bi-directional with corruption. The study recommended strengthening and strictly enforcing anti-corruption laws and policies to help minimize or prevent the incidence of corruption in Ghana. Moreover, there is the need for more strategic and concerted efforts by both public and private opinion leaders in fighting corruption as a social and economic problem that serves as impediment to growth. Keywords: Foreign direct investment (FDI), corruption, economic growth, Ghana

Herpetofauna community diversity and composition of a changing coastal wetland in Ghana

Despite concern about the negative effects of tropical wetland loss and degradation on biodiversity, data on impacts on amphibians and reptiles, remain scarce. Here, we assessed the herpetofauna at the Muni-Pomadze ramsar site for the first time in 14 years and report on the changes in diversity and composition at the coastal wetland. The methodology involved pitfall trapping, refuge examination and acoustic searches in the forest and grassland/thickets habitats, as well as interviews of a cross-section of local inhabitants. Overall, 39 herpetofauna species were recorded at the study area. These comprised 19 amphibian species belonging to six families (Bufonidae, Ranidae, Hemisotidae, Hyperoliidae, Arthroleptidae and Petropedetidae), and 20 reptile species of nine families. The reptiles consisted of four lizard families (Agamidae, Scincidae, Gekkonidae and Varanidae), four snake families (Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae and Viperidae) and one chelonian family (Pelome dusidae). Three families, Hemisotidae, Arthroleptidae and Viperidae are first records for the study area. Survey at the site in 1998 recorded 28 species, comprising 15 species of reptiles and 13 species of amphibians. Two families (Microhylidae and Testudinidae) recorded in 1998 were not recorded in the present survey. Although we recorded higher species richness in the present study, there was no significant change in the proportion of savanna and generalist species in the forest because of compensatory dynamics. Given that habitat loss at the patch and landscape levels is the main threat to herpetofauna at the ramsar site, conservation managers should focus on preventing further deforestation, particularly at Yenku Block A Forest Reserve to preserve the herpetofana at the Muni-Pomadze ramsar site

Research on Strategies to Attract and Retain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Oil and Gas Industry in Ghana

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) occurs when a firm invests directly in facilities to produce or market a product in a foreign country which is not its country of origin. This study was limited to Strategies to Attract and Retain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Oil and Gas Industry in Ghana. To achieve the objectives of the study, investigations were conducted regarding the following factors as important measures of motivation for foreign investors to invest in Ghana, the factors that will ensure their continue stay and operations as well as factors that can attract more investors to the oil and gas industry. Data was also collected from local firms operating in the industry in order to have their opinion on the subject matter since they also have a role to play in attracting and retaining foreign investors. This was done through primary data collection by way of questionnaires. The result of the data analysis indicated that, the main motivating factor for the foreign investors to invest in Ghana is the raw material which in this case is the oil and gas. The local firms also rated this factor as the main reason in addition to political stability. For continued operational factors, the foreign investors rated political stability as what will determine their decision in that direction. In the case of attractive factors, majority of the foreign investors rated Flexibility of Investment Policies index or factor as very important to attract more investors. However, in the case of local firms’ respondents, they strongly agree that, Taxes holiday is the main attracting factor for the foreign investors but company’s documentation processes been so burdensome can hinder foreign firms from investing in the oil and gas industry in Ghana. Key Words: Foreign Direct Investment, Strategies, Attraction, Firms and Institutio