http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1012 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:06:13 GMT 2026-04-09T12:06:13Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12226 Changing Beach Dynamics of Cape Coast-Elmina Coastline in Ghana Osei, Kingsley Nana This study investigates the changes in beach dynamics along the Cape Coast-Elmina coastline in Ghana from 1991 to 2020 and their impacts on local communities. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining remote sensing, fieldwork, community surveys, and policy analysis to understand beach erosion and its causes. Satellite imagery is used to track changes in shoreline position and beach extent, while sediment grain size measurements provide insight into alterations in beach characteristics. Community surveys, particularly among residents and fisherfolk, reveal the disruptive effects of these changes on livelihoods, including impacts on fishing operations, tourism infrastructure, and increased exposure to coastal hazards. The study attributes shoreline recession and beach erosion to a combination of natural factors such as sea level rise and wave action, as well as human activities including sand mining and coastal development. An evaluation of national coastal management policies reveals shortcomings in their implementation and enforcement, particularly in addressing these complex, interrelated issues. The research emphasizes the need for more inclusive, community-driven coastal management strategies that incorporate indigenous knowledge and local involvement. It advocates for more comprehensive, context-specific policies to promote coastal adaptation and resilience, thereby addressing the region's multifaceted challenges posed by beach dynamics. This study provides valuable evidence for improving coastal governance and safeguarding both the environment and local livelihoods xviii, 332p:, ill. Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12226 2024-08-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12224 Slum Dwellers’ Particpation in the Governance of Slum within the Ashaiman Municipality of Ghana Osae, Erika Mamley Slums are being created in many developing world cities as a result of rapid urbanisation, poor infrastructure, and inadequate facilities to accommodate the growing urban population. This study investigated the participation of slum dwellers in the governance of slums in two communities within the Ashaiman Municipality of Ghana. Using a systematic random sample technique, 390 slum inhabitants provided cross-sectional data. In the Ashaiman settlements of Tulaku and Manmomo, key informant interviews were also carried out with a selected core officials of the municipality, community leaders and civil society organisations. Atlas ti 9 was used to analyse the themes in the data, and STATA 14.0 was used to generate descriptive statistics. The investigation produced the following results: first, the majority of slum inhabitants in the study area were involved in the local governance system. Second, slum residents' involvement in the decentralised local governance structure was influenced by their educational attainment, length of residence, and intention to remain in the community. Third, important players in the local governance structure included assembly members, unit committee members, opinion leaders, and slumpreneurs. Fourth, most of the inhabitants largely participated in activities related to cleanliness and sanitation. The municipal assembly should implement programmes to enhance participation in local governance amongst the slum dwellers. The central government through the local government authority should also facilitate the provision of essential public infrastructural facilities such as drains, paved roads and educational facilities in the study areas. xvii, 253p:, ill. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12224 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12216 Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Regional Development: The Case of Garu District and Bolgatanga Municipality Kyeremeh, Rev. Bernard Globally, churches are well recognised for their charitable works to improve the living conditions in communities. This study assessed the role of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) in regional development within the Upper East Region, focusing specifically on the Garu District and Bolgatanga Municipality as case studies. Relying on pragmatist research philosophy and employing a mixed methods approach the study covered a survey of 802 respondents for quantitative data and purposive sampling of 19 key informants for qualitative data. The findings revealed that the spatial distribution of PCG projects is strategically aligned with both urban and rural needs, with higher community awareness and engagement observed in Garu District. Economic indicators demonstrated moderate to high impacts on income generation, particularly in Bolgatanga, while asset ownership and access to resources remain uneven. Social development indicators highlighted significant improvements in healthcare and education, yet pointed out ongoing challenges such as inadequate housing and water access. The study also uncovered distinct perceptions of the PCG’s role, with Garu District residents recognizing the Church as a crucial stakeholder in development, unlike their counterparts in Bolgatanga Municipality, where visibility and impact were less acknowledged. The findings emphasize the interdependence of social and economic development and advocates for tailored interventions that address regional disparities. xvii, 305p:, ill. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12216 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12196 Analysing Consumers’ Food Choices: A Study of Restaurants in Takoradi Boison, Grace Aba Individual food choices are complex and dynamic, varying depending on the context. To understand these complexities, a context-specific study was conducted to analyse food choices among restaurant consumers in Takoradi, Ghana. The study utilized a cross-sectional research design based on the positivist paradigm of social science research and a multi-stage sampling procedure. A total of 519 restaurant consumers were interviewed from October 27th to November 29th, 2021, to collect data on their food choices and the factors that affect them. The data was processed and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistic version 27. The analysis included descriptive statistics such as frequencies and pie charts, inferential statistics such as the Chi-square Test of Independence, Independent Samples T-Test, One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Binary Logistic Regression Analysis, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The results showed that the main reason for eating out was for family and friends’ gatherings and that cleanliness was the main criterion for choosing a restaurant, although this varied by restaurants and respondents. The results also showed that sensory and physiological factors were the main reasons for food choices and that chicken and rice were the most popular main dishes and accompaniments eaten, respectively. Moreover, the results indicated that respondents' knowledge, mood/emotion, and access were significant predictors of food choices. It is recommended that restaurant operators should target the family and friends’ market and provide nutritional information on their dishes. xv, 290p:, ill. Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12196 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z