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ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELEGENCE (AI) IN RESHAPING THE BANKING SECTOR IN GHANA: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
Ghana\u27s banking industry is going through a significant transition as a result of advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This research sought to outlines the beneficial, negative, and potentially harmful effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on Ghana\u27s banking sector. Improved financial inclusion, simpler processes, and better customer experiences were identified as the "positive" elements of AI implementation in Ghanaian banking. Furthermore, banks now offer their services to marginalized communities thanks to AI-driven solutions, which promotes greater financial inclusion throughout Ghana. However, integrating AI into banking has "bad" effects in addition to these positive ones. Because AI systems require access to large amounts of sensitive customer data, concerns about data privacy and security breaches arise. In addition, the dependence on automated decision-making mechanisms might unintentionally reinforce prejudicial trends found in past data, aggravating problems with inequality and prejudice in the financial services industry. The "ugly" aspects of AI deployment in Ghanaian banking are also evident from the responses received. Since AI systems have a substantial impact on important financial decisions, ethical conundrums of responsibility and transparency arise. AI-driven automation is also posing issues to the workforce by replacing traditional banking professions, which could worsen socioeconomic inequality and unemployment. The results of the study showed that while AI holds immense potential to revolutionize the banking sector in Ghana, its adoption necessitates careful consideration of its broader implications. Mitigating the risks associated with AI implementation while maximizing its benefits requires proactive regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and investments in workforce reskilling. By navigating the complexities of AI integration judiciously, Ghana\u27s banking sector can harness its transformative power to drive sustainable growth and equitable development.
 
An Evaluation of the Impact of Disciple-Making on the Work Ethic of Ghanaian Christians: A Case Study of The Church of Pentecost – Ghana
This study aimed to assess the extent to which the disciple-making processes within Ghanaian churches have contributed to the development of a positive work ethic among their members, specifically focusing on The Church of Pentecost, Ghana. Through a comprehensive review of literature and empirical data, the research revealed that many Christians and churches experience a dichotomy between the sacred and the secular, a lack of intentional discipleship, and the negative influence of certain cultural traits in Ghana, among other factors. The findings indicate that a cohesive and holistic disciple-making strategy—which encompasses all aspects of life—is essential to address these challenges. Within The Church of Pentecost, the Workers’ Guilds serve as a valuable platform to equip members with a positive work ethic, ultimately aiming to transform the workplace
Intergenerational Missiology: An African Pentecostal-Charismatic Perspective, 2022. By Christian Tsekpoe. Oxford: Regnum. 232pp. $14.22
The IMPACT OF ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT (ERM) ON SMES FIRM PERFORMANCE IN GHANA
This study delves into the complex landscape of enterprise dynamics, examining the intricate relationships between Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), firm size, and their consequential impacts on financial and operational performance. Utilizing robust regression analyses, the study unveils a significant correlation between effective ERM implementation and heightened levels of both financial and operational success. Larger firms, with their expansive organizational footprint, exhibit a resolute commitment to the comprehensive embrace of ERM practices. The results emphasize that an extensive part of the variability in fiscal performance and operational performance can be attributed to ERM implementation. This underscores the pivotal role of ERM as a linchpin for success in both financial and operational domains. The study sheds light on the strategic value placed on navigating complex risk landscapes, particularly emphasizing how larger organizations demonstrate a more robust commitment to ERM practices. In essence, this research offers a panoramic view of the intricate relationships shaping contemporary enterprises. It establishes ERM as a critical element for organizational triumph and underscores the considerable effect of firm size on the adoption and efficacy of risk management practices. Beyond theoretical insights, our findings provide actionable implications for organizations seeking to fortify their foundations in an era defined by dynamic risks and opportunities
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER FROM RESEARCH TO INDUSTRY: THE PANACEA FOR GHANA’S SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The appropriate nexus between research and knowledge in commercializing research outputs and knowledge transfer to create science-based technologies have become a relevant part of the institutional mission statement of some universities, alongside education and research. Most academic institutions in Ghana tout their prestige for research. The extent to which these institutions are making efforts towards the achievement of these core values was the concern for this study. This study therefore endeavored to find out the extent to which the research institutions are making conscious efforts to transfer knowledge to industry. The main objective was to find out the extent to which research interacts with industry in Ghana. The literature review was based on knowledge transfer from research to industry. The quantitative research method was used for the study with close-ended questions with response recorded on the Likert scale. The target population for the study was faculty and other researchers of CARLIGH. Purposive sampling method was used to select 50 faculty and other researchers. The data collected was analysed with SPSS and the result was presented in tables, and diagrams with interpretations and discussions. Some of the findings were that lectures were tailored towards knowledge transfer to the industry, faculty was fully aware of the industrial and commercial research opportunities
GENDER, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP AS DRIVERS IN ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE REGISTRARS GENERAL DEPARTMENT IN GHANA
This study examines the influence of gender diversity and inclusive leadership on organizational performance within the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in Ghana. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 132 employees through structured questionnaires. The findings reveal that while gender diversity alone has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on performance, inclusive leadership demonstrates a strong, significant positive impact. Furthermore, inclusive leadership negatively moderates the relationship between gender diversity and performance, suggesting that in highly inclusive environments, the independent contribution of gender diversity diminishes. The results underscore the critical role of inclusive leadership characterized by openness, fairness, and participative decision-making in enhancing organizational outcomes. The study concludes that for public sector institutions like the RGD, leadership development focused on inclusivity is more impactful than diversity initiatives alone in driving performance, offering important implications for policy and practice in Ghana’s public sector
Conversion or Christianisation and Mission from the Margins: Interrogating the Foundations of Mission Thought and Practice
The face of Christianity in the world has changed dramatically since the 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh as the burgeoning number of Christians, churches, missionaries and mission agencies in Africa has upended many of the old assumptions about the place of Africa in world Christianity. Much of this growth is the fruit of the 19th century missionary movement, whose evangelical ethos continues to impel the church towards reaching the ‘unreached’. Not only was this movement rooted in particular social, political, cultural and economic realities that no longer exist, most mission thought, and practice is based on long-standing beliefs about the nature of Christianity, about the meaning of conversion, and about the differences between the ‘reached’ and ‘unreached’ that obscure the shared primal spirituality that unite them. These assumed differences often undermine the aim of mission and increase the marginalisation of those we hope to reach with the gospel. In this paper I explore some of the historical and cultural roots of this problem and discuss possible ways of re-framing our understanding of key concepts may lead to more effective mission engagement to those on the margins
Modelling Urban Mission among Unreached People Groups: The Case of the Home and Urban Missions Concept of The Church of Pentecost in Ghana
The Pentecostal missionary enterprise has attracted scholarly interest for some time, mainly due to its commitment to penetrating various sectors of society while upholding the Great Commission. The Church of Pentecost (CoP) plays a significant role in this endeavour. Its mission structure is transitioning from a disorganised fringe to a more systematic and intentional missional framework in Ghana, thereby facilitating the development of an urban mission concept. Urban mission is primarily focused on cities that have been identified as underserved by Christian mission efforts. This article presents a case study involving interviews and a thorough analysis of the Home and Urban Missions (HUM) target group document. It aims to reveal how the CoP perceives urban missions, particularly in relation to urban social features, with a special focus on four administrative areas of the CoP that target unreached people groups (UPGs) during the first year of this concept’s implementation. The HUM model defined by the CoP emphasises an urban mission that responds to urban social dynamics, aiming to engage diverse socio-demographic segments of Ghanaian society with the Gospel of Christ. This approach diverges from traditional notions of urban missions and aligns with emerging trends in urban life elsewhere. The paper recommends a flexible definition of the scope of urban missions to effectively reach out to UPGs
Rural Pastors, Family Welfare and Pastoral Care Equity Challenges: The Case of Three Classical Pentecostal Churches in Ghana
Equity in pastoral care has emerged as a vital aspect of pastoral work, and its importance cannot be overstated, as it ensures the holistic well-being of all pastors and their families. The call to Christian ministry often comes with various challenges, and effective pastoral care is expected from church leadership, particularly in rural mission contexts. There is a prevalent perception that pastors in rural missions receive less financial and social support compared to their counterparts in urban areas. As a result, many pastors in certain churches tend to decline rural assignments and prefer to remain in urban settings. Others, who are unable to refuse rural postings due to the administrative structures of their churches, fulfil their calling out of necessity. This situation has become a significant burden for both church leaders and their pastors. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the challenges faced by pastors and their families serving in rural areas within three classical Pentecostal Ghanaian churches: The Church of Pentecost, The Apostolic Church of Ghana, and Christ Apostolic Church International. The goal is to gain insight into their perspectives on this issue. It is noteworthy that many pastors were hesitant to discuss their experiences due to concerns about potential victimisation or being perceived as ‘carnally minded’ despite assurances of confidentiality. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of literature addressing this sensitive topic, which has motivated this research