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Social class and vowel variation in Ghanaian English: A sociophonetic study of some ESL university students
Full text linkThe English language has spread far and wide and has resulted in various varieties, each with a distinct linguistic characteristic. In light of this linguistic evolution, the need for codifying Ghanaian English has become very important. This study explores vowel variation in Ghanaian English (GhaE) from a sociophonetic perspective, with a focus on three vowel sets: GOOSE, NURSE, and TRAP. While utilizing acoustic analysis, the study investigates how vowel quality and duration vary based on participant’s social class and gender among some selected Ghanaian university students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Data were collected from twenty (20) participants at the University of Ghana, evenly distributed by gender and social class. Findings reveal that social class significantly affects both vowel quality and duration, with working-class speakers showing longer vowel duration and more centralised vowel qualities. The study contributes to the codification of GhaE and highlights the role of social class and gender in shaping linguistic forms in English as a Second Language (ESL) varieties
Digital Trust and Equity in Transnational Education: Rethinking Online Assessment and Credentialing Practices in the Ghanaian Higher Educational New Landscape
Full text linkAs online assessments become increasingly prevalent, understanding barriers to equitable access and trust is crucial to ensure fair educational outcomes. Against this backdrop, employing a quantitative research design, the study utilized a cross-sectional survey to collect data from 800 undergraduate students enrolled in online or hybrid transnational education programmes across five leading public universities in Ghana. Results revealed moderate to high levels across key variables such as digital literacy (M=3.95), infrastructure access (M=3.78), and socio-economic status (M=3.45). Significant positive correlations were found among all variables (p < .001), with digital literacy and infrastructure access strongly linked to equitable participation and student confidence. Multiple regression analyses showed that household income (?=0.30), urban location (?=0.26), digital infrastructure access (?=0.28), and digital literacy (?=0.22) were the strongest predictors of equitable participation in online assessments, explaining 54% of the variance (R²=0.54). Confidence in the legitimacy of online assessments was significantly predicted by digital literacy (?=0.52), trust in online systems (?=0.33), and internet stability (?=0.21), accounting for 47% of the variance (R²=0.47). Mediation analyses indicated that perceived trust partially mediated the relationship between digital literacy and equitable participation. Moderation effects showed that internet stability enhanced the positive effects of digital literacy and infrastructure access on trust in online assessment. Overall, the findings highlight the critical roles of socio-economic factors, digital skills, infrastructure, and institutional support in promoting fair access and confidence in online assessments. It is recommended that educational institutions invest in improving digital infrastructure and provide targeted digital literacy training to reduce inequities in online assessment participation
Relationship between the Role of School Management Committees and Quality Education Delivery in Public Junior High Schools in Krachi Nchumuru District, Ghana
Full text linkThis study investigated the relationship between the roles of School Management Committees and quality education delivery in public Junior High Schools in Krachi Nchumuru District, Ghana. Anchored in Urie Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) Ecological Systems theory, the study employed a quantitative research approach using a correlational research design. A total of 191 School Management Committee members were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling technique for the study. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, and Pearson’s correlation. It emerged that the components of quality education delivery included teacher motivation, community involvement, regular school visits, and problem-solving efforts. The study further established that the committee members play crucial roles in supporting schools by facilitating communication with district education authorities, fostering collaboration with local communities, and monitoring school progress. However, their engagement was less prominent in areas such as organisation of school events and enhancement of student academic performance. Moreover, the study established a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between the committees’ involvement and quality education delivery, suggesting that increased committees’ participation positively influenced educational outcomes. It was, therefore, recommended that the Krachi Nchumuru District education directorate should formulate educational policies to institutionalise and intensify the role of School Management Committees and establish frameworks for collaboration among key stakeholders such as school heads, and community representatives for a more improvement in quality education provision
EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIES IN MITIGATING POSTNATAL DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION, MOOD ENHANCEMENT, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG WOMEN IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD
Full text linkThis qualitative study aimed to explore the impact of a ten-week creative arts intervention on women experiencing mild to moderate postnatal depression and anxiety. With traditional treatments for postnatal depression often focused on pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, this research sought to examine the potential benefits of creative arts therapies as a complementary approach. Participants engaged in weekly sessions incorporating various art forms, including painting, music, and movement, designed to foster emotional expression, improve mood, and facilitate social support. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted before and after the intervention and participant observations during the sessions. Thematic analysis identified three primary themes: (1) emotional expression and catharsis, (2) improvement in mood and emotional well-being, and (3) enhanced social support and connectedness. Findings indicate that creative arts interventions provided participants with a safe and supportive environment to express and process complex emotions, resulting in improved mood and a greater sense of emotional resilience. Furthermore, group-based activities facilitated social bonding, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting peer support. The study concludes that creative arts therapies offer a valuable adjunct to traditional treatments, providing a holistic and accessible option for supporting women with postnatal depression and anxiety. Further research is recommended to assess these 7interventions’ long-term impact and broader applicability in diverse cultural contexts
EXPLORATION OF EDUCATION FOR DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN GHANA’S SECONDARY SCHOOLS CURRICULA
Full text linkThe need to ensure decent jobs and economic growth for people is crucial now than ever, leading to the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8). The importance of education to the accomplishment of some of these goals coupled with the introduction of new curricula in Ghana’s secondary schools has led to this study. This study explores the implicit and explicit coverage of the objectives of Education for Sustainable Development Goal 8 (ESD8) in each of the newly introduced curricula. The study employed a qualitative case study to aid the exploration of the phenomenon in detail. Data were gathered from curriculum document by searching each subject document with keywords from the Global Schools Piloting Programme and other related contextual words. Data were analysed through content analysis, where implicit and explicit findings were counted quantitatively and present in chart and grids. The results revealed that 10 subjects have coverage(s) of the goal’s objective on the behavioural domain, and implicit. This means that the objectives may not be implemented if teachers are not abreast with the goal objectives. Therefore, learners could miss relevant experiences about SDG 8 for a better future if the little coverage is not fully harnessed. Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations are made for teacher education, curricula review, and club establishment. Further studies are suggested for the excluded curricula when they are available and their implementations
ART, CULTURE AND NATION-BUILDING: THE ROLE OF ADAPTIVE CULTURAL POLICY FRAMEWORKS
Full text linkcultural policies hold a crucial place in nation-building on several levels; however, they
risk becoming obsolete over time, which can impede national cohesion and hinder
overall progress if they are not regularly updated. This paper examines the fundamental
role of art and cultural policy frameworks in nation-building, highlighting their impact
on social cohesion, economic development, and the construction of national identity. The
authors emphasise that the periodic revision of this framework is essential for addressing
the changing needs of society, ensuring cultural relevance, and fostering inclusive
growth. Through a detailed analysis of existing literature and relevant case studies from
both developing and developed nations, this research underscores the importance of
adaptive cultural policies in promoting cultural diversity, creativity, and innovation. The
study demonstrates successful examples from various contexts while also identifying
shortcomings in the current state of cultural policies. The findings offer strategic insights
for policymakers, cultural institutions, artists, scholars, community organisations, and
educational institutions
KOLA NUT DIVINATION IN BATA DRUMMING PERFORMANCES IN OYO, NIGERIA
Full text linkIn the cultural landscape of Oyo, Nigeria, Bata music ensembles are revered for their
vibrant performances and spiritual significance. While existing scholarship has
examined Bata music’s performative elements, the role of Kola nut divination in
mediating spiritual guidance remains understudied. Preliminary ethnographic data from
suggests that many consider Kola nut rituals indispensable for performance efficacy,
underscoring its cultural centrality. Drawing on ritual and performance theory, this
qualitative study—combining ethnographic interviews and participant observation—
investigates how Bata musicians employ Kola nut to seek divine direction. Findings
indicate that Kola nut is perceived as a conduit for spiritual communication, offering
musicians guidance, protection and artistic inspiration. This article is a contribution to
enrich understanding of Yoruba traditional arts and their enduring sacred dimensions
Ghanaian Art Music Composers: Sitsofe Kwame Ayi, A Church Music Composer in Perspective
Full text linkFrom historical roots in the castles, choral art music became entrenched within the fabric of various churches in Ghana, serving as a conduit for early Ghanaian composers to delve into music theory and composition. The significant contributions of these pioneers have inspired subsequent generations of church-based art music composers in Ghana, catalyzing the progressive evolution of the genre. Despite their profound contributions to Ghanaian musical heritage, church music composers like Sitsofe Kwame Ayi often remain overlooked within scholarly discourse and academic research. This underrepresentation diminishes the recognition of their artistic achievements and perpetuates a broader imbalance in the study of Ghanaian music history. In this study, the authors delve into the life and works of composer Sitsofe Kwame Ayi of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ghana. Through a biographical lens, the study examines four of Ayi's compositions: "Ka Hw?" (Taste and See), "Kyer? Wo D?" (Show Your Love), "Tie Bi" (Listen), and "Suban
Pa" (Good Character). Employing a purposive sampling technique, the research centres on interviews and document analysis as primary
instruments for data collection. Through analysis of Ayi's selected compositions, the study illuminates the composer's adept navigation of
domiciled intercultural influences within his music
Student-Teachers' Prior Knowledge as a Predictor of End-of-Semester Exam Performance in Visual Arts Specialism at Bagabaga College of Education
Full text linkThe study aimed at correlating the pre-knowledge of student-teachers
to their exam performance in Visual Arts Specialism at Bagabaga
College of Education. The main purpose of the study was to use its
f
indings to inform decisions that would guide subsequent admission
criteria in admitting students to study the Visual Arts specialism in the
College. Mixed Method approach in the form of survey, narrative and
descriptive analyses were employed. Data was collected using online
questionnaires and Documentary Analysis Guide. Findings of the study
revealed that students’ pre-knowledge of subjects did not match with
their College exam grades and that the student-teachers’ self-motivation
and mindset were the main determinants of their success in the end
of College semester exams. The study, therefore, recommended
stakeholders of the College to ensure that students who have the zeal to pursue the Visual Arts Specialism irrespective of their background knowledge should be offered admission into the programme
Investigation into Visual Identity Management of Selected Companies in Ghana
Full text linkThis study investigates the visual identity management knowledge and
practices of two small-scale companies, which have guaranteed their
progressive development. The investigation employed a case study
research design, following a qualitative research approach. The sample
consisted of two companies located in the Accra metropolis that are
owned by Ghanaians. A semi-structured interview was used as the
data collection instrument. Qualitative content analysis revealed that
the leaders of the companies studied knew a lot about visual identity
and had set up a key mechanism to ensure that the companies' visual
identities were managed well. It is recommended that the companies'
leadership continue to update their knowledge of visual identity and
support their visual identity management practices with regular research
and monitoring