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This paper presents a study on color preferences among a sample of Ghanaian adults. Two surveys were conducted, with a total of 143 participants (50 in Survey 1, and 93 in Survey 2). The participants completed both printed and digital questionnaires to gather data on their color preferences. The results showed that blue was the most preferred color by both males and females in general, but not for specific items. In survey 2, a chi-square test on categorical variables revealed a significant relationship between gender and preference for light, dark, or bright colors (p=0.025), as well as gender and number of preferred colors per personal item (p=0.02). However, no significant relationships were found between gender and change of colors from childhood (p=0.73), gender and number of preferred colors (p=0.204), gender and most preferred colors (p=0.216), age, and the number of preferred colors (p=0.19). Interestingly, 66.3% of the participants in Survey 2 indicated that their preferred colors were based on innate attraction, regardless of whether their color preferences had changed or remained the same since childhood. Overall, blue and red were the most preferred colors, with a score of 34.4%. These findings provide valuable insights for design practitioners and communicators and offer a basis for future research on color preferences among Ghanaians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to assess user perception of the quality of public library services in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana using the LibQUAL+ model. Based on a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 180 patrons of public libraries in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana using convenience sampling technique. Data was analyzed using interpretative techniques. The results showed that patrons were dissatisfied with the quality and depth of equipment and facilities (conducive environment for learning, internet connectivity and computers) and current library materials (print and electronic). A major concern was the absence of internet connectivity and digital collections. Among other things, the study recommends that public librarians would need to vigorously market their services to the general public and relevant stakeholders since the success of marketing the importance and role of public libraries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is likely to increase return on investments and also justify subsequent funding and support. Keywords: public libraries; user perception; libQUAL+; greater accra region; ghana., Introduction The world over, public sector organizations are responsible for providing essential goods and services for the benefit of the citizenry. The provision of such essential services is most often [...]

The study investigated the use of electronic resources/information by research scientists in Ghana. Specifically, to investigate the awareness and level of use of electronic resources; perceived reliance, benefits and impact of use of electronic resources on the research activities. The research design for the study was a survey. Questionnaire schedule was used to collect data from 103 scientists from selected institutes at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. The result revealed that majority of the scientists (92 %) used electronic resources. The most used type of resources were Electronic databases, electronic research reports and electronic journals. The purpose of use was mostly for research work (71 %). However only 34 per cent had had training in information literacy skills. Some of the impediments to accessing the electronic resources were poor ICT infrastructure (38 %) and lack of skills in accessing the resources (35 %). Generally, the use of electronic resources have improved research activities of research scientists It is recommended that continuous training (formal and informal) should be organised for research scientists to keep them abreast with new electronic applications and tools that will promote their level of competence and improvement in their research outputs. In Addition, ICT infrastructure should be improved in the various institutes for easy access to the electronic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study set out to assess whether best practices are adhered to in Ghanaian government ministries and to assess their readiness for Information Technology (IT) disaster recovery.The sequential exploratory design was used to focus on qualitative data first via preliminary interviews, this was followed by the collection and analysis of quantitative data. The reason for this approach was to use the initial findings to develop the survey instrument to administer to a larger sample. A summarized analysis of the data gathered indicates that a generally poor information security practice and poor IT disaster recovery readiness exist within the Ghanaian government ministries.The outcome of this research serves an original empirical evidence of the information security practices and IT disaster recovery readiness within the Ghanaian government ministries.Further research is recommended to assess the International Standards Organization's Information Security Management System maturity level of the respective ministries and the prevalent maturity level of the government ministries as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper makes the firm assumption that the effective use of ICT tools such as the mobile phone may hold the key to introducing the needed dynamism and efficiency in agricultural extension delivery in Ghana. It therefore seeks to examine the dynamics of the use of mobile phone among poultry farmers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One hundred and fifty poultry farmers selected from the Greater Accra Region were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The study showed a high penetration of mobile phones among the poultry farmers. A regression analysis showed that demographic variables such as age, sex, educational level, experience and size of holdings influenced the use of mobile phone. Network failure was cited as the major constraint to the use of mobile phones. There is the need for the required investment to build a more robust infrastructural base for the use of mobile phone as it remains a critical tool to supporting agricultural extension delivery among Ghanaian farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meaningful use of mobile telephony can enhance human development and capabilities thereby empowering people to lead lives they value. They are enabling technologies to deliver human-centred development. This article explores the effects of mobile phone use on livelihoods of users in eight districts in Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. A mixed method approach was employed and qualitative research was used as a dominant paradigm. Interview questionnaires, focus group discussions and observation were used. The study showed that mobile phone ownership was high and their uses were characterised by greater uniformity across socio-economic groups and gender. Mobile phones enhanced traditional structures, facilitated business links, and face-to-face interactions as well as strengthening community ties. Users acknowledged the impact of mobile phones in their ability to deal with family emergencies. Poor network connectivity and power outages were major obstacles to mobile phone usage. The study makes original contributions to the knowledge of practical relevance in the ICT4D field as well as with respect to these under-researched Ghanaian regions and provides evidence for policy formulation to improve quality of services in Ghana and elsewhere. The participatory Field Research also provided space for in-depth engagement with local people to understand the technology in social and development contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability and quantum of resources at the disposal of libraries greatly influence service delivery. This study seeks to assess the adequacy and effect of attenuating resources on the quality of public library services and the barriers to accessing sufficient resources for the provision of quality services. Based on a qualitative approach, the study interviewed 32 participants drawn from three regional libraries, using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data were analyzed using interpretative techniques. The results showed that all three regional libraries were highly under resourced in terms of qualified personnel, physical resources, and current library materials which ultimately resulted in low patronage of the library facilities. A major concern was the absence of a National Library and Public Library Policy guiding the establishment of public libraries in Ghana. We strongly suggest that the new public library service bill should include a statutory formula for resource allocation to public libraries. Though our research concentrated on Ghana, the implications of the study are of great value to similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]