GENDERED TRAJECTORIES IN GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ANIMATION: REASSESSING THE ROLE AND REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY IN GHANA

Despite increasing female participation in creative disciplines globally, gender disparity remains entrenched within Ghana’s graphic design and animation industries. This study examines the socio-cultural, institutional, and professional barriers that limit women’s advancement in these fields, focusing on practitioners in Accra and Winneba. Drawing on qualitative interviews and ethnographic reflections, the research analyses how women navigate structural and cultural constraints and the strategies they employ to assert creative agency. Findings highlight systemic underrepresentation, workplace discrimination and a lack of mentorship as persistent obstacles to gender equity. The study argues for inclusive policies, gender-sensitive leadership development and mentorship initiatives as critical pathways toward a more equitable and representative design ecosystem in Ghana

Ghana’s Fertiliser Subsidy Programme: Assessing Farmer Participation and Perceptions of its Effectiveness

In 2008, the Government of Ghana introduced a national fertiliser subsidy programme to promote the production of cereals in the country. Documented evidence of the impact of the programme, factors affecting participation, and the perceptions of farmers about its effectiveness remains scanty and hard to find. This study therefore sought to investigate the factors affecting participation in the subsidy programme as well as farmers’ perceptions about its effectiveness using data from a cross-section of 300 farm households in northern Ghana. The study employed a probit model to assess the factors affecting participation in the subsidy programme while descriptive statistics were used to present the findings on farmers’ perceptions. The results indicated that participation in the subsidy programme is significantly influenced by educational status and farming experience of the household head, contact with agricultural extension agents, herd size, degree of specialisation in rice production, use of farm mechanisation and location of the farm. Furthermore, farmers perceived the subsidy programme to be ineffective in terms of timeliness, availability and distribution of subsidised fertiliser, access to coupons (vouchers), and distance to fertiliser depots. The findings underscore the need to ensure adequate and timely supply of subsidised fertiliser, improve communication on the availability of both fertiliser coupons and subsidised fertiliser, as well as increase in the number of extension workers to enhance the effectiveness of the subsidy programme

Adoption of Accounting Practices and Its Effects on SMEs: Financial Perspective of Sachet Water Producers in Northern Region of Ghana

The position of water and its accompanying business enterprises in an economy like Ghana cannot be exaggerated. It is in this light, that over the years, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and other organisations have been set up to enable both rural and urban people to access this scarce resource for productive, consumptive and social purposes. One of such small-scale enterprises is the sachet water producing enterprise. Albeit the sachet water enterprises play important role in the area, the development of their business is largely affected by poor accounting practices. Accounting has been seen as the best route to a successful business career as it is considered as the language and basic tool of business. It has always concerned itself with determining how a business is doing and what the bottom is. The growth of the small-scale enterprises can be determined through maintenance of proper records of accounts, which provides the basis for safeguarding, and controlling the business properties. As sachet water producing sector is increasingly taking center-stage in the private sector of the Northern Region of Ghana, it will be interesting to know their adoption of accounting practices, challenges they encounter, factors that influence their adoption and recommend some measures in that regard. This was the prime drive for this study. A qualitative research design was employed and for this study a non-probability sampling design in the form of a convenience sampling method was employed to gather the data. Data were drawn from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was drawn from 30 registered small-scale sachet water producers (5 each in North, South, East and Central constituencies of Tamale Metropolis) of the Northern Sachet Water Producing Association by administering semi-structured questionnaires through personal interviews. We found that there are many perceived factors affecting their adoption of accounting practices and their effects on their business operations in the area. Among such factors include; lack of adequate training, willful misconduct, and negligence. It was also revealed that that, illiteracy was the root cause making it often difficult if not impossible for them to separate personal expenditure from business expenditure. Non-documentation of cash sales, error of principle, and incomplete entry, etc. were found to be higher because almost all the operators have no accounting background. It was further identified that enterprises whose accounting records are beset with challenges, lack the credit worthiness of accessing loans and funding for further investments and growth. It was concluded that the lack of accounting knowledge and skills may in future threaten the financial steadiness of the water producing sector. In sustaining the sector, the findings recommends operators to undergo basic accounting training to acquire relevant knowledge and skills, employ qualified accounting personnel and providing them with good motivational packages to ensure that their efficiency and morale is enhanced and, maintain strong internal control to check the practice of misappropriating funds in the business. Keywords: Small-scale enterprises, Sachet Water Producers, Adoption, Accounting Practices, Challenges, Effects, Ghan

Agricultural Credit Accessibility and Rice Production in Savelugu-Nanton and Walewale Districts of Northern Ghana

As  Ghana  struggles  to  achieve  accelerated  growth  in  food  production,  increasing  the output of  rice  has  become  an  important  goal. The main aim of this study  is  to  find  out  the  determinants  of  agricultural  credit  accessibility  and  its effect on rice output. The study was conducted in  four communities  in  the  Savelugu-Nanton  District  and  two  communities  in  the Walewale District. It was aimed at ascertaining the determinants of agricultural credit accessibility and its impact on rice output. In all, a sample of 90 rice farmers was interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire as well as focus group discussions. Data was collected on the mode of operation of existing credit institutions in the districts, the socio-economic indicators of farmers believed to influence credit accessibility and the inputs and output of farmers in the 2008/2009 farming season. Out of the 90 rice farmers interviewed, only 37 received agricultural credit from Bangmarigu Community Rural Bank and MoFA.  In addition, most  of  the  farmers were  not  aware  of  the  existing  credit  institutions  while others  did  not  access  the  credit  due  to  high  interest  rate,  small  credit  size,  fear  of indebtedness and low educational status. From the survey, it became known that agricultural credit accessibility is positively influenced by group membership, farm size and gender. Specifically females had greater average of credit than males. The study revealed that, agricultural credit has a significant effect on rice output hence the need to seek for credit to increase production levels.  It is recommended that farmers are sensitized on the existence of credit institutions. Also credit institutions should institute measures to reduce interest  rate  and  also make  credit  acquisition  processes  and  repayment  plans  simple  and flexible. Key words: Credit accessibility, Determinants of credit, Cobb-douglas production function and Correlatio

The Rise of the Resilient Local Authority?

The term resilience is increasingly being utilised within the study of public policy to depict how individuals, communities and organisations can adapt, cope, and ‘bounce back’ when faced with external shocks such as climate change, economic recession and cuts in public expenditure. In focussing on the local dimensions of the resilience debate, this article argues that the term can provide useful insights into how the challenges facing local authorities in the UK can be reformulated and reinterpreted. The article also distinguishes between resilience as ‘recovery’ and resilience as ‘transformation’, with the latter's focus on ‘bouncing forward’ from external shocks seen as offering a more radical framework within which the opportunities for local innovation and creativity can be assessed and explained. While also acknowledging some of the weaknesses of the resilience debate, the dangers of conceptual ‘stretching’, and the extent of local vulnerabilities, the article highlights a range of examples where local authorities – and crucially, local communities – have enhanced their adaptive capacity, within existing powers and responsibilities. From this viewpoint, some of the barriers to the development of resilient local government are not insurmountable, and can be overcome by ‘digging deep’ to draw upon existing resources and capabilities, promoting a strategic approach to risk, exhibiting greater ambition and imagination, and creating space for local communities to develop their own resilience

“When I needed you to protect me, you gave him more power instead.” Covid-19 lockdown and domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is a deep-rooted problem that attracted greater recognition during the first national lockdown than perhaps ever before. Globally, one in three women have experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime, and more than a third of femicides are committed by an intimate partner. In the UK, over the last decade, a woman has been killed by a man approximately every three days. The global coronavirus pandemic, sweeping across the UK in March 2020, led the Government to issue orders for people to stay safe by staying at home. Sadly, for many women, those subjected to domestic abuse, home had never been safe. In response, Solace Women’s Aid (Solace), in partnership with Southall Black Sisters and other specialist services that support survivors of violence against women and girls (VAWG), set up emergency crisis refuge provision with funding provided by London Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust. To further understand the impact of the pandemic on those escaping domestic abuse, Justice Studio, and Solace decided to partner on a piece of pioneering research. The University of Greenwich provided additional support to the research. The research took place from April to November 2020 in London. In total, 23 in-depth qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted; 13 with female survivors in emergency refuge accommodation and 10 with Solace staff and management. An extensive literature review supplemented the primary data collection

Water and Wastewater Treatment in Nigeria: Advancements, Challenges, Climate Change and Socioeconomic Impacts

The research addresses the prevalent issue of inadequate water and wastewater treatment in Nigeria. Over the years, advanced countries have developed substantial and robust systems for the treatment of water and wastewater, which ensures the preservation and sustenance of societal health and mitigates against the negative impacts that untreated and unregulated wastewater could cause to the environment, including water pollution, transmission of illnesses, destruction of ecosystems etc. The study examines the historical and most recent water treatment methods, which entail boiling and more advanced techniques such as Membrane Filtration, Ultraviolet Disinfection and Reverse Osmosis. Also, an overview of the potential threats to water treatment, including poor power supply, poor infrastructure, poor waste management system, Poverty, Policy Issues, and corruption, was conducted. With the advent of technology, treatment methods such as biological and chemical treatments have been instituted. For example, Biological Treatment entails using bacteria to destroy contaminants in water, leveraging the natural ability of microorganisms to survive in unseemly harsh conditions. The paper explores the economic analysis of waste management strategies in Nigeria, stating the costs, benefits and challenges faced.While implementing these strategies can be costly due to a lack of infrastructural and institutional capacity, it benefits societal health protection and promotes environmental sustainability in the long run. Stakeholder engagement, such as supporting water and wastewater treatment technology implementation and setting up local committees. That can help educate and ensure proper disposal of waste and wastewater by homeowners, industries and local businesses, which is discussed as an essential factor in providing adequate water reforms. The research examines important organisations in Nigeria responsible for conducting research, developing policies, enforcing environmental laws, and developing national guidelines and standards. These organisations include the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the National Water Resources Institute, River Basin Development Authorities, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Rules and Regulations Enforcement Agency. We examined the relationship between climate change, water and wastewater treatment, discussing the effects of climate change on water resources, including irregular rainfall patterns, decreasing ice sheets, increasing sea levels, floods and droughts. The efforts of the Nigerian government to combat climate change, such as the introduction of the national climate change policy and the enactment of the Climate Change Act 2021, were highlighted. The study also highlights the need for comprehensive strategies and cooperation to achieve long-term climate goals and promote climate-resilient economic development. We looked into the socioeconomic impact of effluent discharge and socioeconomic factors related to climate change in Nigeria. It reveals how wastewater affects agricultural activities such as fishing and farming and negatively impacts aquatic life, farmers and consumers. Discussions revolved around societal rights and obligations stated in the Nigerian Constitution regarding the government's responsibility to provide access to Healthcare, shelter, food, employment, and education. Recommendations were made, emphasising the need for properly designed and operated water treatment systems, prioritising water management, the importance of considering local conditions and the use of appropriate technology in ensuring the success of projects. Financial support from international organisations is essential. However, local commitment is likewise crucial for long-term sustainability

Prenatal and postnatal lipid-based nutrient supplementation and cognitive, social-emotional, and motor function in preschool-aged children in Ghana: a follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Background: Adequate nutrition is necessary for brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Few randomized controlled trials of supplementation during these periods have measured later developmental outcomes. Objective: Our objective was to investigate the effects of provision of prenatal and postnatal lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) on child development at preschool age. Methods: We conducted a follow-up study of 966 children aged 4–6 y in 2016, born to women who participated in the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements-DYAD trial conducted in Ghana in 2009–2014, representing 79% of eligible children. Women ≤20 weeks of gestation were randomized to daily LNS or multiple micronutrient (MMN) capsules during pregnancy through 6 mo postpartum or iron and folic acid (IFA) capsules during pregnancy and calcium placebo capsules during 6 mo postpartum. Children in the LNS group received LNS from 6 to 18 mo. Primary outcomes of this follow-up study were (1) a cognitive factor score based on a test battery adapted from several standard tests, 2) fine motor score (9-hole pegboard test), and (3) social-emotional difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ). Eight secondary outcomes were calculated in specific domains (e.g., language, SDQ prosocial). Analysis was by a complete case intention to treat in a 2-group comparison: LNS compared with non-LNS (MMN + IFA). Results: Children in the LNS group had significantly lower social-emotional difficulties z-scores than children in the non-LNS group (adjusted for child age β = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.25, 0.02, P = 0.087; fully adjusted β = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.29, −0.03, P = 0.013). The effect of LNS on social-emotional difficulties score was larger among children living in households with lower home environment scores (P-interaction = 0.081). No other outcomes differed between the 2 intervention groups. Conclusions: Provision of LNS during the first 1000 d of development improved behavioral function, particularly for children from low nurturing and stimulation households, but did not affect cognition at preschool age in this setting. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT00970866