HEYWARD RESERVE LIBRARY

at Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana, Legon

SEMINARS HELD AT CSPS, 1998

ABSTRACTS

 

  1. PRESENTER: David Korboe

    TOPIC: The Costs and Benefits of Family houses

    DATE: 30th January,1998

    Abstract:

    In many Ghanaian towns, the majority of houses are held in common by families rather than by individuals. Many of the occupants live rent-free and enjoy a number of other privileges of ownership. In Kumasi, one -quarter of all households occupy such accommodation ,and the proportion so housed continue to arise as a result of supply constraints. This presentation explores the dynamics of this tenural system, highlighting the contradictions inherent therein and predicting the future of this form of tenure. The author argues that more attention should be paid to this type of house and its valuable contribution to housing the poorest and most vulnerable members of Ghanaian society.

    2.  

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  2. PRESENTER: Mrs Estelle Matilda Appiah

    TOPIC: Child Law Reform Highlights,1998

    DATE 27th February,1998

    Abstract:

    Ghana was the first country to ratify the U N Convention on the Rights of the Child in February 1990. Prior to this, the Ghana nationals Commission on Children (GNCC) was established in 1979 The function of the commission include the duty to make proposals to government for the enactment or review of legislation in the areas of child rights. Harmonisation process. This presentation highlights the work of the committee which will culminate in the best interest of the Ghanaian child.

    3.  

  3. PRESENTER: Professor Margaret Grieco

    TOPIC: Living infrastructure :the transport burden of poor children.

    DATE: 27th March,1998

    Abstract:

    This session will explore the transport implication of inadequate infrastructure for children in low income households. It will outline various transport dimensions of childhood poverty; the use of children as household labor and portering resources to compensate for infrastructural deficiencies; children's lack of access to facilities necessary for their education and survival as a consequence of transport consideration gender differences in mobility and access to transport modes in childhood. The session will raise a set of policy questions on childhood, poverty and transport which rarely receives consideration. It will also make policy suggestions for the improvement of existing relationships between childhood poverty and transport.

  4. PRESENTER: Dr Kwaku A Twum -Baah

    TOPIC: Demographic and Social indicators of household Welfare

    DATE 24th April,1998

    Abstract:

    The traditional measure of standard of living looks at welfare in terms of consumption expenditure that could be quantified in money terms. Welfare can also be measured in terms of indicators of the quality of living. The non-money indicators change less rapidly than quantitative indicators and therefore are a powerful measure of welfare or poverty. This paper uses data from the Ghana living Standards Survey (GLSS), the Infant ,Child and Maternal Mortality Study (ICMMS) and Situation Analysis Study to examine demographic and social factors such as area of residence, family size and composition, economic activity of household members, and access and utilization of public services as alternative measures of welfare. The paper then attempts a discussion of the implications of these results for policy regarding accelerated and more equal distribution of human resource development.

  5. PRESENTER: Dr Clara Fayorsey

    TOPIC "Im" Suffering MuM",Poverty and the Denial of the Ghanaian Child's Basic Human Rights

    DATE: 29th May,1998

    Abstract

    This paper focuses on the plight of Ghanaian children. The author views such plight as the denial of the child's basic human rights.Rights to basic necessssities such as shelter,food ,clothing education, leisure security etc.are examined in the light of prevailing poverty, apathy and complacency. The discussion does not focus only on the present dilemma, but also postulates critical scenarios and Awakens the audience consciousness to future threats and impediments to basic human rights. With a combination of theory and practice in Sociological discourse, the author draws on empirical evidence to argue her points. A real search for policy guidelines to save present and future generations of Ghanaian children from an impending catastrophe

  6. PRESENTER: DR Ebenezer Q .Blavo

    TOPIC: Strengthening the African Refugee Family

    DATE 26th June 1998

    Abstract:

    Conflicts in Africa have disrupted the social and political life of some families and made countless number of them refugees. There is recorded evidence of their wonders, dispersion and calamities, and a life of anxiety and despair. These and the unexpected reversal of roles in the families have culminated in numerous adjustment problems. Strengthening the refuge family is an endeavor to promote unification of its members, enhance its social and economic status and guarantee its protection. For a stabilized refugee family faces the future with optimism and resumes its effective stance for nation-building where it chooses to settle permanently.

  7. PRESENTER: Mrs Kate Adoo-Adeku

    TOPIC: Gender and Domestic Violence: Some Case Studies in Ghana

    DATE: 31st July 1998

    Abstract:

    The issue of domestic violence has become a global phenomena experienced by many countries. Cases of gender violence have also been common in the Ghanaian society. The objective of the study was to find out whether both men and women suffer and who the real culprits were. One hundred and fifty respondents from both rural and urban settings from the Greater Accra region were covered. Respondents were also backed with case studies from the various print media. Evidence portrayed in the study showed that women suffer more from domestic violence than men, although women also commit serious violent behaviors against men. Adult education is found to be a key ingredient that would help to reduce the high incidence of domestic violence among families in Ghana.

  8. PRESENTER: Dr Ken Agyeman Attafuah

    TOPIC: Family Welfare Enhancement Through human Rights protection

    DATE: 28th August,1998

    Abstract:

    In this paper, the author reviews the nature and extent of Constitutional and Statutory provisions aimed at enhancing the welfare of the family in contemporary Ghana. The author discusses specific human rights provisions of the constitution. The paper also reviews the pervasiveness of sex discrimination in forms in Ghanaian society including discrimination based on gender. pregnancy and sexual harassment. Finally, the Author posits an inclusive human rights approach to tackle the feminisation of poverty and the degrading and dehumanizing cultural practices that undermine the wellbeing of many women, children and elderly persons in Ghana.

  9. PRESENTER: Mr E. N. Appiah

    TOPIC : Female migration and Its Implications for Child health And Development: Case Study of Selected Communities in Amansie-East District

    DATE: 25th September, 1998.

    Abstract:

    It is generally believed that prolonged absence of a child biological mother could have negatively impact on a child's health and development. This view was examined using 264 children of female international migrants living with foster parents and 251 children who lived with their biological mothers. The findings suggest that in the context of a high dependency burden and limited resources faced by foster mothers, the absence of remittance from migrant mothers, and lack of support from fathers, foster children were less likely to fare well in the competition for attention f and resource allocation. Children left behind by migrant women were therefore deprived since they were unhealthy and malnourished.

  10. PRESENTER: Mr Emmanuel Kwame Agyapong

    TOPIC: Effects of Current mining Practices On The Welfare Of Women and children

    DATE: 30th October,1998

    Abstract:

    Ghana's economy depends on mining as the major source of foreign exchange . However it has several negative effects. The environmental impacts , which include soil degradation and loss of soil fertility contamination of surface water, and the introduction of toxic chemicals into streams have serious effects on the population in mining areas. This presentation discusses in details how women and children's welfare could be affected by the current mining practices.

  11. PRESENTER: Dr Kofi Ohene -Konadu

    TOPIC: The Menace Of Drug Abuse Among The youth: A search for Remedy

    DATE: 27th November,1998

    Abstract:

    The impact of drug abuse on the youth is tremendous. There is an increasing inclination to drugs among youth group Inspite of the various international convention on the illicit use, production and trafficking of narcotic drugs, many countries including Ghana face the drug problem. The paper seeks to raise some issues and questions which relate to drug use. For example. Why do some people take to drugs and stay with them?. What types of drugs are available to them? Why is society worried about the drug problem?. What is the relationship between the drug phenomenon and the socio-cultural and political structures of the society? The dimensions of the drug problem must be seen in their right perspectives in our bid to fight this social canker. The fight against the drug problem is a task that must be done . But the question is how should it be done?

  12. PRESENTERS: Dr Ken Agyeman Attafuah and Rev Dei-Awuku

    TOPIC: Issues of Family Welfare

    DATE: 18th December,1998

    Abstract:

    The half-day monthly seminar series of the Centre for Social Policy Studies, Legon for 198, was rounded up with discussions on Issues of Family Welfare. The Focal points for discussions was on Family Health And Family Welfare. Issues of poverty Reduction and Issues of Child Survival and Child Development.

 

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<IN-HOUSE SEMINAR SERIES 1999>
    ABSTRACT:1999
    1.PRESENTER: Prof Nana Araba Apt
    TOPIC: Ageing, Social policy and the African Family
    DATE: 29TH January,1999
    Abstract:
The family has been the cornerstone of social arrangements in Africa, contemporary policy making must recognize this legacy and seek to incorporate it in the development of national welfare programs which are increasingly becoming necessary as Africa experiences a social welfare crisis. In this paper we argue that affordable social welfare must make use of traditional social welfare institutions. The policy question is .how can we best support these institutions to accomplish in modern times what they accomplished so effectively under tradition? This and other critical family welfare issues will be highlighted with particular reference to Ghana.
    2. PRESENTER: Mr Theo Kwesi Anderson
      TOPIC: Ghana's Forest policy and the impact on Family Welfare; The case of Logging and Afforestation Program
      DATE: 26TH February,1999
      Abstract
    Ghana's forest resources, which once contributed significantly to the economy are now subject to many pressures leading to resources depletion and unsustainable livelihoods. This resource depletion has negative impacts on the nation, family values and welfare. Consequently, various policy options have been put in place or proposed to address forest loss in Ghana. Notable among them is the idea of afforestation, which has received both national and global Support. This presentation will asses the impact of the policy option on the rural family and make concrete proposals for effective planning and implementation of afforestation schemes in order to maintain benefits and enhance family welfare
      3. PRESENTER: Prof E Gyimah -Boadi
      TOPIC: "Why Can't We Get Along?" Civil Society and the Good Society in Africa.
      DATE: 26TH March,1999
      Abstract:
    From social democrats to communitarians and free market ideologies, civil society is being held to great promise to deliver the good society. But civil society occupies a large terrain populated by a bewildering variety of social organizations. This discussion is intended to throw light on the concept of civil society, provide an outline of its key organizational forms, and to analyze the senses in which it is virtuous or vicious. Particular emphasis is placed on why the presumed positive rules assigned to civil society in economics and political development projects of Africa are proving so elusive.
      4. PRESENTER: Prof Kwassi Kwafo Adarkwa and Dr John Diaw
      TOPIC : The Potentials of Community Participation in Ghana- An Illusion or Reality?
      DATE: 28th May,1999
      Abstract:
    To facilitate the process of empowering local communities to take a more active role development decisions, the "Strengthening Community Management and Participation" project was conceived, designed and implemented jointly by UNCHS (HABITAT) and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in 11 communities in southern Ghana. The study revealed that among other things, empowering the local communities has had significant improvement s in poverty reduction, improvement of human settlements as well as community organization and participation. Findings of this study could serve as a basis for future policy rationale aimed at facilitating the participation of beneficiaries in planning process.
      5 PRESENTER: Mr William Ahadzie
      TOPIC: Ghana's Education Reform: Equalising Opportunities or Marginalising the poor?
      DATE: 25TH June 1999
      Abstract:
    Over the past decade, Ghana's efforts to simultaneously expand schooling ,maintain educational quality and more equitably distribute the benefits of education have exerted considerable pressure on public fiscal resources. Government, since the mid -1980s introduced significant adjustments in policies and institutional structures in order to optimize the use of educational resources, to boost student achievements, equity and to realize economic and social benefits. An attempt is made in this paper to examine the impact of Ghana's education reform effort across gender, income and geographical lines.
      6. PRESENTER: Mr Ebenezer Adjetey -Sorsey
      TOPIC: "Contribution of older People to Development in Ghana"
      DATE: 30th July 1999
      Abstract
    Older people are too often invisible when development issues are discussed, desplite the demographic transition that is taking place. Populations are ageing rapidly and by the year 2000, it is estimated that two thirds of the world's population of over 60 years will be in the countries of the south. In sub-saharan Africa, the proportion of people over 65 years is expected to increase by 93% between 2000 and 2020. the proportion of women among older population will continue to grow , with important economic and social implications. The paper presents findings on a research commissioned by Help Age International and undertaken in Ghana, to contribute to the responsiveness of policies and services to the needs and capabilities of poor and disadvantaged older people in Africa and other countries.
      7. PRESENTER: Mr R. Kofi Nyantakyi
      TOPIC: "Poverty and Poverty Reduction in Ghana"
      DATE: 27th August,1999
      Abstract:
    Poverty is pervasive and has political economic and social cost implications which if not addressed effectively and with all earnestness will lead to the breakdown of order in society .It therefore poses a serious and formidable challenge to the development of Ghana. This paper examines among other things; The causes, types, forms of poverty, the social, economic, political costs and implication of poverty; poverty reduction and intervention schemes.
      8. PRESENTER: Mr J Y Amankrah
      TOPIC: "Preparing Ghana's Future Workforce to Respond to Labor Market Dynamics"
      DATE: 24th September,1999
      Abstract
    Ghana's Vision to become a middle income country by the year 2020 demands a more pragmatic approach to the development of its human capital to meet changing needs of the labor market through efficient use of labor market information systems.
      9. PRESENTER: Mrs Angela Dwamena -Aboagye
      TOPIC: "The new Child legislation in Ghana;Implication for child Enforcement"
      DATE: 29th October,1999
      Abstract
    The parliament of Ghana passed the Children's act and the Criminal Code (Amendment ) act late last year (19980. The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill is yet to be enacted. This package of legislation which deals with child rights enforcement inconformity with international standards under the Convention on the Right s of the Child (CRC) and guaranteed under the 1992 constitution of Ghana has to be enforced. What are the structures and constitutions mandated to enforce the law and who is supposed to do that? How can civil society be empowered to the best interest of the Ghanaian child?
      10. PRESENTER: Dr Ken Agyeman Attafuah
      TOPIC: "Enhancing Disability Rights in Africa: The Ghanaian Experience
      DATE: 26th November,1999
      Abstract
    Persons with physical and mental disabilities are the victims of widespread, institutionlised and systemic discrimination throughout Ghanaian society. The rights of the disabled are routinely trampled upon with impunity with the family, at the school, workplace and in various sectors of society. In this presentation Dr Ken Attafuah discusses the socio-legal meaning of disability and the plight of the disabled in Africa, with a special focus on disabled persons in Ghana. He also examines the efficacy if constitutional and statutory human rights protections, as well as ameliorative policies, in responding to the challenging life circumstances of the disabled in Ghana. Finally he outlines a range of legislative and policy measures required to advanced the disabled and render them more productive and more integrated members of society.
      11 PRESENTER: Dr O. Sakyi-Dawson
      TOPIC: "Linking Formal and Informal Intermediaries in Ghana :A Way to Increase Women's Access to Financial services"
      DATE: 17th December,1999
      Abstract
    Perception s of high risk, high cost and low returns, lead banks away from investment in small scale renewable natural resources (PNR) activities; while lack of information lack of literacy and numeracy skills, lack of collateral, rigid and time consuming bureaucratic procedures from powerful disincentives for particular barriers for poor women in accessing formal finance, posing both an equity and efficiency problem. Based on a study in Ghana funded by the British Department for international Development (DFID), this paper examines the piotentials for increasing women's access to financial services through linking formal and informal agents and concludes with an outline of the policy implications of the study.
<IN-HOUSE SEMINAR SERIES: 2000>
    ABSTRACT:2000
    1. PRESENTER: Prof Nana Araba Apt
    TOPIC: "When Needs Overrides HIV/AIDS Caution: Lessons for Health and Poverty Alleviation Initiatives"
    DATE: 28th January,2000
This presentation highlights findings of focus group discussions with female commercial sex workers and HIV/AIDS peer educators in a UNICEF funded AIDS prevention project in the gold mining town, Ghana in August 1999. Issues to be discussed include the push and pull factors in commercial sex Practice, sex workers awareness about preventive health matters especially with regard to STDs and HIV/AIDS as well as sex workers own perception about their trade . In this presentation, we argue that that to get best results in STDs and HIVS prevention program, it is necessary to first and foremost address female deprivation and proverty.For in order to survive, very often caution is thrown to the wind.
    2 PRESENTER: Mr Theophilus Tetteh
    TOPIC: "Enhancing The Educational Opportunities of the Rural child"
    DATE: 25th February,2000
    Abstract:
Basic education in the rural areas has not been very encouraging for a long time now. The performance of children in these areas has been affected by a number of factors some of which are : Poor stating ,dilapidated school structures, inability of parents to pay fees, child absenteeism etc. Based on a survey in three villages in the Eastern region , this paper highlights the peculiar problems confronting the educational achievements of children in these villages and offers some recommendations for policy planning.
    3. PRESENTER: Mrs Kate Adoo-Adeku
    TOPIC: Gender, Environment Resource Management: The Role of Adult Education
    DATE: 28th April, 2000
    Abstract
Environmental resource management has become an issue of global concern. Serious efforts are being made by governments all over the world including Ghana, to make sustainable development a reality. What are the gender perceptions about Environmental management? What are the socio-economic problems facing urban dwellers? To what extent are the resources being used judiciously and what role can adult education play to bring about an effective environmental resources? The paper examines the issues raised and suggests some measures that could be taken to promote a healthy environment.
    4. PRESENTER: Mr Stephen Owusu Kwankye
        TOPIC: HIV/AIDS IN Ghana : Keeping the Window of hope Open
        DATE: 26TH MAY,2000
        Abstract:
      HIV/AIDS is gradually becoming one of the major killer diseases in Ghana Sexual contact (heterosexual and homosexual) so far happens to be the main causes of the incidence and spread of the disease in Ghana. The age and sex distribution of HIV/AIDS in Ghana like any sub-Saharan African country shows that the sexually and economically active age groups of between 15 and 39 years are the most affected .On the other hand, the population aged 5-14 years present a positive picture of hope for the control and gradual eradication of the disease in Ghana. In the light of the foregoing, th paper provides a brief overview of the HIV/AIDS situation in Ghana,its implications for the socio-economics development of Ghana vis-à-vis its population growth. It concludes by emphasising the urgent need for the country to concentrate more attention on keeping the "window of hope2 i.e age 5-14 years widely open through intensified activities as the surest way of confronting the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Ghana.
        5 PRESENTER: Mr Theophilus Edward Richardson
        TOPIC : "Economic Reform, Labor Markets and Social Policy In Ghana"
        DATE : 30TH June,2000
        Abstract:
      The central purpose of economic reforms are two-fold: To raise the standard of living through induced labor market shifts from non-tradable to tradable sector as a result of enhanced allocative efficiency; and to empower individual citizens. Because the obstacles to labor market development in Africa are not merely policy induced but have structural and institutional origins ,macro-economics policy alone has limited utility and capacity in addressing employment generations, enhanced equity and improved standards of living. This study explores the dynamics of change in employment and social policy and welfare in Ghana, focusing on trends in the labor market, income distribution and policy response in employment generation ,as well as in education and health. Besides investment in infrastructure and human capital, active labor policy and employment creation are necessary for improved standard of living.
        6. PRESENTER : Mr William Ahadzie
        TOPIC: " Creating An Enabling Environment for the Development of the Child:An Examination of the Incidence of Some fiscal ,social and economic Policies on Child Welfare In Ghana"
        DATE: 28TH July,2000
        Abstract:
      Over the last century the world witnessed an overall increase in average life expectancy, attributed largely to improvements in the survival and health of children. The survival and development of children was itself enhanced by the adoption of the goals and implementation of actions flowing out of the world summit of children in 1990. The government of Ghana like many other African government, demonstrated the willingness to assure progress in the effort to improve child welfare by underwriting the Declaration of the plan of action from the Summit. It sought to institutionalize its commitment by setting up child welfare agencies, formulating policies and making budgetary provisions that were primarily targeted at the development of the child. However, the physical social and economic circumstances under which children are growing do not appear likely to promote effective child development. The paper examines the strengths, weaknesses and the impact of the major policies that have been introduced over the last decade on the survival of the child. It explores in particular government allocation of resources for the promotion of child welfare programs.
        7.PRESENTER: Dr Rudith King
        TOPIC: "Influencing policy: The Role of Urban market Women in Ghan.A Case Study Of Kumasi Central Market"
        DATE: 25th August,2001
        Abstract
      As a major institutional reform in Ghana, the decentralization process that was introduced in 1988 aims at giving local people the opportunity to participate in the development of their localities through their participation in decision making and policy. One group of people who have in the past been left out in such decision making process is the marginalised/vulnerable groups and yet an important source of revenue for the local government is market traders. This paper shares experiences gained from attempts to bridge the communication gap between the local government and market traders of the kumasi Central market. Among the objectives of the paper is to facilitate a process of analysis by market women of their participation in the decision making process of the local government and to explore potentials for enhancing the process.
        8. PRESENTERS: Ms Akosuah Darkwah
        TOPIC: "Confronting the Phantom in our Midst: An Analysis of the Manner in which Market Women Negotiate The Ghanaian Trade Policy Framework"
        DATE: 29th September,2000
        Abstract:
      Since its adoption of structural adjustment policies in the mid 1980s, ghana has increasingly engaged the global economy in a variety of ways. One of the key groups of people who make Ghana's incorporation into the global economy possible is the women traders at Mokala who go back and forth between Ghana and the West/Asia to purchase consumer items that they bring back to Ghana to sell. This paper is part of a larger project that seeks to understand the micro processes that make it possible for these women to run their business .It explores both the contradictions between the broad liberalization policies of the government and the specific formal/informal policies of regulatory agencies such as CEPS on one hand, and the female traders' attempts to work with and against these policies on the other.
        9. PRESENTER: Dr Thomas Fokuo Agyapong
        TOPIC: Housing and Related Family Issues
        DATE: 27th October,2000
        Abstract:
      This paper focuses on housing in relation to family issues and welfare. The paper discusses housing as a social service as expressed in various studies and adopted in policy documents. It examines the relevance and concept of housing as it applies to government provided houses. The paper observes that the quality and quantity of housing affects the welfare of the family thereby affecting their productivity, health and income.
        10 PRESENTER: Mr Cletus Apirebila Azangweo
        TOPIC: Enhancing Policy Research Through records Management And Information Delivery.
        DATE: 24th November,2000
        Abstract:
      It is sad to note that very often, the relevance of records management in all sphere of our human endeavors and ventures is ignored, leading to disastrous consequences. The problems of Africa today are not coup d'etat as most people think, but rather of bad records keeping. Weak public administration is recognized as a major factor inhibiting sustainable growth, and for a strong public administration, governments need access to information about their programs and personnel. Policy makers, managers, auditors, lawyers and researchers need accurate up t0 date data at a reasonable cost. Information can only be provided if it is well organized and systematically managed.
        11. PRESENTER: Yaw Boadu -Ayeboafoh
        Topic: Enhancing Media Capabilities For Informal Reporting
        DATE: 15th December,2000
        Abstract
      The mass Media are great information multipliers, which are indispensable to democracy and national development. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana recognises this fact and make the mass media a critical part of the institutional arrangement for good governance. The Constitution provides rights and imposes obligations on the media. Those in the media would need to act responsibly to give meaning to the constitutional guarantees of freedom. The enormousness of the obligations require that the media are adequately resourced and equipped to meet the needs of all interest groups and the people. For this to happen, all Ghanaians including government and the business sector, must assist the media to build the necessary capacity. It is only when the mass media are resourced that they would meaningfully and productively operate freely and responsibly as the Constitution demands.