University of Cape Coast Journals
Not a member yet
449 research outputs found
Sort by
Leveraging Architecture Development Methodology to Enhance AfCFTA’s Success
Get PDFThis study analyses the application of the Architecture Development Method and the creation of bespoke ADM-based architecture for African Free Trade Continental Area (AfCFTA), using the existing architectural artefacts and TOGAF Architecture Continuum. Central to this objective is the establishment of an AfCFTA customised Architectural Management System (AMS). The AMS integrated application provides an architectural repository, workflow management, collaboration tools, documentation, reporting and analytics, integration capabilities, and robust security measures. The study’s research design is qualitative and characterised by the use of a descriptive and exploratory approach. Data analysis methods include content analysis of qualitative data, thematic analysis of TOGAF architecture repository principles, standards, and guidelines on AfCFTA, comparison of different trade agreements for AfCFTA and narrative synthesis on how ADM can enhance AfCFTA’s operational framework. The research findings report that the Architectural Development Methodology within TOGAF improves resource distribution, cross-border collaboration and regulatory coherence thereby increasing operational effectiveness. It makes theoretical contributions by embedding directions that can be adopted across AfCFTA for architecture development and regional trade. This paper demonstrated the value of leveraging existing architectural artefacts with practical contributions specifying the necessity of an Architecture Development Methodology supported by an Architecture Management System. The significance of strong business, information and technological architectures, the importance of standards, principles and guidelines which harmonise trading costs and the importance of the stakeholder role in making sure AfCFTA is successful are underlined by the study. Future studies should focus on the quantitative estimation of the impact that ADM has on trade operations optimisation with the introduction of new technologies and full-fledged implementation of AMS and ADM. Designed to suit the peculiar challenges and opportunities of AfCFTA, this research promotes regional trade integration, sustainability and economic growth in Africa that would benefit businesses through increased operational efficiency and competitiveness. 
A critical analysis of Rwanda’s Digital skills and entrepreneurship training toward solving youth unemployment
Get PDFThis study critically examines the role of digital skills and entrepreneurship training in addressing the persistent issue of youth unemployment in Rwanda. The paper primarily anchors on the Human Capital Theory and Entrepreneurship Theory to provide a solid theoretical framework, tying together education, skill development, and entrepreneurial activity as vital drivers of productivity, job creation, and economic development. By employing a qualitative methods approach that utilises qualitative stakeholder interviews, this research evaluates the effectiveness of the various policies and programs aimed at fostering digital and entrepreneurship skills to young people in Rwanda, to promote employment. The research unveils that these programs hold significant potential in equipping the Rwandan youth with relevant skills and nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial culture. However, it also highlights key areas requiring attention: the lack of robust follow-up mechanisms and the need for continued support post-training. It advocates for policymakers and program implementers to prioritize these aspects to maximize their initiatives\u27 impact. The implications of this study extend beyond Rwanda\u27s borders as countries worldwide grapple with similar challenges. Therefore, the insights gleaned from Rwanda\u27s approach could guide other nations in leveraging digital skills and entrepreneurship training to combat youth unemployment in the digital age. It concludes by recommending future research directions, including maintaining program relevance in the ever-evolving digital landscape and instituting more effective support mechanisms for venture sustainability
MICROFINANCE REGULATION IN GHANA: : LESSONS LEARNT
Get PDFA well-functioning and regulated financial system is vital for businesses, consumers and the economy. Therefore, regulating microfinance activities is crucial to ensure institutional sustainability and customer protection. We explore the consequences of microfinance regulation in Ghana using the desk review approach to document lessons that could be learnt. Our preliminary findings suggest that there are some learning opportunities. These are regulatory methodology mismatch, mission drift tension, and the collapse of potentially rescuable institutions. Additional lessons include a need for better governance, implementation of complementary laws and inadequate regulatory capacity. The paper offers policy recommendations for future regulatory architecture and design
TERMINATION OF CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT; REASON(S) REQUIRED OR NOT? A REVIEW OF GHANA’S LABOUR STATUTES AND CASE LAWS
Get PDFThe laws which regulate employment relations have gone through various stages from the master-servant relationship in the medieval period to the current statutory implied provisions embedded in employment contracts. In the current era of insatiable search for the rights and dignity of all persons across the world, the need to ensure decent work conditions has been of great interest. The right of workers to enjoy employment security is entrenched in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on Termination of Employment (Convention 158) and Termination of Employment Recommendations in 1963. State parties to the ILO are required to incorporate such provisions in their national laws. The ILO Conventions and Recommendations on termination of employment contract require that employment contract should be terminated on a stated reason but not at the whim and caprices of the employer. Though Ghana has not yet ratified the ILO Convention 158, the passage of the Labour Act 2003, (Act 651) was guided by the provisions in the ILO Convention on Termination of Employment. Notwithstanding the safeguards provided in Ghana’s Labour Act to protect employees from arbitrary termination of employment, the judicial interpretations have maintained the view that an employer can terminate an employment contract without giving reasons. This interpretation placed the Ghanaian worker at the mercy of the employer. What is worse is that many negotiated collective agreements contain provisions for the termination of a contract of employment at will. A recent judicial interpretation has departed from the previous view that an employment contract can be terminated without reason, thereby giving a sigh of relief to the Ghanaian worker. This paper, through theoretical reviews, seeks to reinforce the judicial interpretation that there must necessarily be a reason for the termination of a contract of employment
Corporate Governance as a Tool for Effective School Management in Senior High Schools in Ghana: Corporate Governance as a Tool for Effective School Management in Senior High Schools in Ghana
No full textThis study enriched the discourse on improving governance practices in Ghana’s Senior High Schools (SHSs) by promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in school management. It examined the state of Corporate Governance (CG) within SHSs, identified key challenges, and proposed strategic interventions. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving a review of policy documents, academic literature, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from four senior SHSs across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Northern Regions. Participants included headmasters, assistant headmasters, and officials from the Ghana Education Service and the Public Services Commission. Purposeful sampling guided case selection. The findings revealed significant deficiencies such as outdated CG regulations, ambiguous board oversight roles, weak disclosure practices, and limited stakeholder engagement. Recommended interventions included strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting participatory governance, and implementing capacity-building initiatives. These measures aimed to enhance governance efficiency, financial transparency, and institutional accountability. The study contributed to the broader conversation on governance reform in Ghana’s education sector and underscored the importance of sound governance in achieving sustainable school management and institutional excellence.
 
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENT IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY OF NEW JUABEN MUNICIPALITY: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF JOB SATISFACTION
Get PDFThis study investigated the mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between HRM practices and organisational commitment in the hotel industry of Ghana. The study collected primary data from 21 hotels within the New Juaben North and South municipalities. The study population comprised 433 hotel employees within the municipalities. A total of 208 participants were selected using the simple random sampling method and structured questionnaires were administered to the chosen respondents. The study employed a quantitative approach and adopted the explanatory research design. The data gathered were analysed using Smart PLS-SEM 4. The findings indicated that, the relationship between recruitment and organisational commitment is statistically insignificant. Furthermore, job satisfaction does not have a mediating effect on the relationship between recruitment and organisational commitment and training and organisational commitment among hotel employees. However, it is worth noting that job satisfaction has mediation effect in the relationship between compensation and organisational commitment in the hotel industry of Ghana. The study concluded that merely attracting and selecting candidates through the recruitment process may not directly translate into higher levels of commitment within the hotel industry and recommends that management of hotels should utilize behavioural interviews that assess candidates not only for skills but also for their alignment with the hotel values and culture. This approach helps ensure that new hires are more likely to integrate well into the existing team and stay committed in the long term
Economic effects of conflict on inter-ethnic relations: Insights from Gonja-Nawuri conflict in Kpandai: Economic effects of conflict on inter-ethnic relations: Insights from Gonja-Nawuri conflict in Kpandai
No full textThis paper examined the economic effects of Gonja-Nawuri conflicts on inter-ethnic relations in Kpandai. The protracted inter-ethnic conflict in Kpandai not only caused the loss of lives and properties in the area but also contributed significantly to ethnic displacement and low economic productivity. The conflict has also underwritten the underdeveloped nature of the district and its catchment areas in northern Ghana. The theoretical framework of analysis is the greed and grievance theory. The paper also employed an exploratory case study design and relied on data from in-depth interviews. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews from purposively selected 30 study participants from the five major ethnic groups and some key informants in the study area. The analysis of both primary and secondary data revealed that the colonial policy of subordination and realignment of traditional authorities in some parts of Northern Ghana for local administration and convenience created local power dominance. The phenomenon created ethnic superiority and political and social dominance of Gonjas over Nawuris in the Kpandai traditional area. The overall effect of the conflict from the study results is that it aggravates the social and economic relations among, and between the ethnic groups in the area. The paper concludes that the Gonja-Nawuri ethnic conflict had a severe tone on the lives of ordinary people irrespective of their ethnic origin. The devastating nature of it left many of the people jobless as they couldn’t continue with their day-to-day activities. The paper recommends that for Nawuris and Gonjas to harmonise their debilitating social relations, there is a need for mutual respect and a sense of social bonding. Also, though much effort went into peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction in the area, there is still the need for the local authorities, well-meaning citizens and opinion leaders in the area to intervene through social durbars with a theme ‘One Gonja, One Nawuri, One Kpandai’ in unity reconciliatory project. 
INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
Get PDFInternational law functions principally in maintaining the fabric of international relations, which reflects the overriding desire by states to resort to a supra-national power of legal mechanisms to resolve disputes that may arise among them on territorial claims without force and in a peaceful manner. The United Nations (UN), its Security Council, and its judicial organ - the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - were established after the Second World War primarily to achieve international peace and security. Consequently, the Constitutive Charter of the UN placed an obligation on member-states to resolve all disputes in a peaceful manner which was ostensibly geared towards forestalling the occurrence of another world war. Under the auspices of the UN, the world has achieved a comprehensive body of international law and dispute resolution mechanisms, some of which have helped to resolve disputes that would have otherwise threatened international peace and security. Despite this, scholars have paid less attention to how international law and the implementing agencies of the UN have contributed to global dispute settlement. This paper examines the significance of international law and its implementing agencies in the peaceful settlement of disputes. We argue that international law and its implementation agencies provide an effective framework for peaceful dispute settlement among nations, promoting global security and cooperation
COVID-19 Risk Perception, Student Engagement, Peer Team Learning and Learning Satisfaction Among Hospitality and Tourism Students in Ghana
Get PDFThis study examined COVID-19 risk perception, student engagement, peer-led team learning, and learning satisfaction among students in the hospitality and tourism departments in Ghanaian universities. Valid responses for this study from 440 hospitality and tourism students across four (4) universities across the country were analysed to achieve this objective. COVID-19 risk perception proved to have a significant positive impact on students’ engagement and peer team learning, but an insignificant negative influence on learning satisfaction. The results also underscored the positive role of the learning environment in driving students’ engagement and learning satisfaction including the positive bearing of students’ engagement on learning satisfaction. The study contributes to theory and practice by extending the social cognitive and self-determination theories to understand the links between COVID-19 risk perception, student engagement, peer-led team learning, and learning satisfaction among students in the hospitality and tourism departments in Ghanaian universities. Thus, the integration of social cognitive and self-determination theories in this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing learning experiences during the pandemic
The impact of Mobile Money innovation in Ghana on bank profitability
Get PDFThe study investigated the bank specific, industry and macroeconomic factors that impact the profitability of banks from a developing country perspective. The differentiator for this paper is the inclusion of mobile money floats as a factor that influence bank profitability in a mobile money driven financial system. Using panel data techniques, the study found that bank-related factors that drive bank profitability are operating expense ratio, capitalisation, and bank size. All macroeconomic variables included in the study are also important in explaining bank profitability and so is market concentration and regulation. The study however, revealed that mobile money floats does not influence bank profitability significantly, however, bank size complements and moderates the relationship between mobile money and bank profitability positively. The study recommend that smaller banks should invest more in information technology to attract more mobile money floats to improve upon profitability and consequently financial inclusion and economic development