Is this the end of the OPEC cartel?

In looking at various circumstances surrounding the OPEC and the present economic crisis, one can come to a conclusion that this is the end of OPEC. This hypothesis could be supported by such factors as, falling OPEC share in the oil market, President Barack Obama's new energy policy for the United States, depleting oil reserves and the increasing worries about environmental protection. Despite these factors, it seems that the most possible scenario would be the continued strong influence of OPEC on oil prices, albeit weakened. The above hypothesis is supported by fluctuation in oil prices, rising oil demands in emerging economies like China, the dominating influence of the automobile lobby, the negative effect of bio-fuel on agriculture and finally, the underdeveloped nature of many developing countries, which in turn mean dependent on oil for years to come

The Impact of Microfinance on the Development of Small Scale Enterprises in the Ledzorkuku-Krowor Municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

The fundamental objective of this study is to assess the impact of Microfinance on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, using a case study of the Ledzorkuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly. Simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting the 70 SMEs and 30 MFIs that constituted the sample size of the research. Structured questionnaire was designed to facilitate the acquisition of relevant data which was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics which involves simple percentage graphical charts and illustrations was tactically applied in data presentations and analysis. The findings of the study reveal that significant number of the SMEs has the knowledge of the existence of MFIs and some acknowledge positive contributions of MFIs loans towards promoting their growth. Other than financial support, it is recommended that microfinance institutions should at all-time give professional advices to SMEs since proper professional advice will inform the lending microfinance institutions whether the amount the SME requested for is too much for the project or less. Seminars and workshops should be organized by the microfinance institutions to educate SMEs on their policies and judicious use of funds for SMEs and what it takes to assess loans. Also, the microfinance institutions should initiate more developmental projects in order to win the confidence and trust of the SME’s. Keywords: Microfinance, Loans, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Ledzorkuku-Krowor Municipal Assembl

The Effects of Monetary Policy on Inflation in Ghana

This study looks at the effects of monetary policy on inflation in Ghana. Annual data from 1985-2009 were used to estimate the model. The study limited itself to these variables, interest rate, exchange rate and money supply on inflation. In Ghana the bank of Ghana is responsible for controlling money supply. The results showed a long-run positive relationship between money supply and inflation, negative relationship between interest rate and inflation however a positive relationship between exchange rate and inflation. The study recommends that monetary policy alone should not be used to control inflation but fiscal and other non monetary measures must be employed. Key words: Monetary Policy, Inflation, Money supply Interest rate, Exchange rat

The impact of district assembly common fund on the economic welfare of Ghanaians (A case study of GA South Municipal Assembly)

The District Asseemblies Common Fund  (DACF) was established in 1993 to give the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) financial autonomy to actually make decisions locally. The DACF has since then become an important tool for the achievement of fiscal decentralisation in particular and overall decentralisation in general.Our study seeks to find out the impact of the DACF on the economic welfare of the people in Ghana with Ga South as our focal point.Questionnaires, which were our main tool of gathering primary data were administered to a total of hundred members of selected communities in the Ga South Municipal Assembly. Descriptive statistics, SPSS, Microsoft Excel were used to analyse data collected from the field.The analysis of data collected revealed that a large percentage of the local population are unaware of the uses of the DACF and thus are unable to insist on its effective use. Also, it was gathered that the DACF meets the needs of the local population through the implementation of developmental projects particularly the provision of educational facilities, health centres, security and employment.There is therefore the need for community sensitisation about the DACF and its purposes. Also, more developmental projects should be undertaken in the communities to meet the basic needs of the growing population. Keywords District assembly common fund, Decentralisation, Welfare, Local communities, Ghana

The Marginalization of Women in Anambra State of Nigeria As A Risk Factor in HIV/AIDS Transmission

This paper examines how different types of cultural marginalization and subservient treatment of women have become major factors in transmission of HIV/AIDS to Nigerian women with core study being on Anambra state women of Nigeria. Research findings from this study conducted at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra State, indicated that as a result of the long standing maleness culture and patriarchal society in Anambra state, power, and authority are disproportionately held by men Subsequently, women are subjugated and relegated by men to secondary roles in the socio-cultural and economic matrix of Anambra state. The maleness syndrome, which is the epicenter of the culture, has driven women to the corners and margins of the society leading to marginalization and discrimination. This cultural inequality leads to multiple heterosexual marriage arrangements such as polygamy, surrogate husband/wife, widowhood practices, wife inheritance, and concubines. Marginalization continues to sustain women’s low status and lack of assertiveness while sustaining limited opportunities to viable economic threshold and other enabling resources. Thus women’s ability to make decisions about themselves, including their reproductive health and those of their children are inhibited by cultural taboos. In spite of the justifications of these cultural practices, this study show that they play a convergent role in aiding the transmission of HIV/AIDS among women. These components are mostly predicated by the strong traditional and cultural imperatives in procreation and patriarchal lineage. This research paper intends to highlight this problem and also provide recommendations and alternative solutions to this problem

Salvation and Morality: the Interconnections in African Thought

A careful study and analysis of the religio-cultural practices of most tribal groups in Africa reveal that there is usually interconnectedness between the notions of salvation, morality and the conceptualisation of evil. It is thus believed that the ethical values and moral practices of such societies are sustained mainly by this interconnectedness of the concepts of the afterlife, morality and evil. As such, salvation among Africans in general can be said to have been greatly influenced by the ethical value systems of indigenous African societies from the perspective of their conceptualisation of evil. An investigation into the worldviews of the Tongu Mafi people reveals that this interconnectedness is firmly grounded in the beliefs and practices of the people. I contend in this paper therefore that the core indigenous beliefs, worldviews and practices of Africans are resilient and capable of sustaining their soteriological and moral practices. This paper is based on a phenomenological study of the Tongu Mafi people of Ghana mainly through interviews and observation of their religio-cultural practices. It concludes that the intersections of notions of salvation, morality and evil are couched in two moral principles: living a good life and avoiding evil. These two moral principles must be observed simultaneously in life for they constitute the foundations of the soteriological concerns and moral praxis of the Tongu Mafi people

Operationalizing Intelligence Dominance

Newer, fragile states often lack the police, administrative, and economic resources needed to govern effectively, and many cannot provide basic goods and services to significant sectors of their population. The vacuum inside these states is being filled by armed groups and political movements that are growing in both numbers and capability. The global competition for power, influence, and legitimacy leads to struggles for control of populations, territory, and resources.https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/ciwag-case-studies/1005/thumbnail.jp

Marriage, Sexuality and Moral Responsibility among the Tongu Mafi People of Ghana

Marriage is considered a very important institution in traditional societies in Africa. It has moral and social responsibilities. Beyond the social function, this paper makes the claim that notions of marriage life, sexuality and moral responsibility have their foundations in indigenous soteriological beliefs and worldviews. A cultural and religious analysis of connubial practices of the Tongu Mafi people of Ghana reveals that marriage rites and responsibilities are not defined without reference tosoteriological beliefs and worldviews of the people. The paper concludes that sanctions and corrective rituals against breaches of moral responsibility relating to marriage and sexuality usually have soteriological implications