SSD Research Abstracts

Amoah, A., Jumah, A., & Korle, K. (2022). Exploring willingness-to-pay for the restoration and maintenance of reserved forests in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Forest Ecosystems, 9, 100041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fecs.2022.100041

Abstract

In recent years, debates on the alarming rate of forest depletion emanating from growth in urban settlement and changed urban land-use patterns have gained prominence across the globe. The present study adopts a demand-side management approach to investigate household’s willingness-to-pay for the restoration and maintenance of protected forest reserves in three municipalities in Ghana. Using survey data of 733 households from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, we model the demand for forest restoration and maintenance, respectively, by means of the contingent valuation technique. As part of the findings, the study shows evidence that a household is willing to pay Gh¢50.99 ($8.67) and Gh¢31.12 ($5.29) per annum to restore and maintain the protected forests, respectively. These amounts constitute less than one percent of the average household income per month. Consequently, critical validity tests are conducted to validate the robustness of the results. This study provides willingness-to-pay estimates for forest and forest resources, and its associated determinants. These estimates seek to bridge the information gap and inform policy decisions toward the overarching aim of ensuring sustainable forest management in Ghana.

Amoah, A., Asiama, R. K., Korle, K., & Kwablah, E. (2022). Corruption: Is it a bane to renewable energy consumption in Africa?. Energy Policy, 163, 112854.- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.112854

Abstract

Increasingly, a significant part of the literature on corruption establishes a negative relationship between corruption and economic variables. However, empirical research showing the influence of corruption on renewable energy consumption is useful because of the global interest in achieving a low-carbon and clean environment. In this light, we model a relationship between corruption and renewable energy consumption (% of total final energy consumption) in Africa. Using a panel dataset for 32 African countries covering the period 1996–2019, we first show that perception about corruption is relatively high in Africa. In line with corruption theory, both Generalized Method of Moments and Instrumental Variable estimation techniques are used to establish that corruption is inimical to the share of renewable energy consumption in total final energy consumption in Africa. To investigate the robustness of the results, we disaggregate the sample into high and low environmental performance countries as well as upper and lower-middle-income countries and still find consistent results. Our results call for strategic policies and institutional structures that seek to prevent corruption from further permeating the continent’s administrative structures.

Kwablah, E., & Amoah, A. (2022). Foreign direct investment and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: the complementary role of economic freedom and financial market fragility. Transnational Corporations Review, 14(2), 127-139. https://doi.org/10.1080/19186444.2022.2041159

Abstract

In line with the neoclassical growth theory, this study examines the complementary role of economic freedom and financial fragility in the foreign direct investment (FDI) – growth nexus for 36 Sub-Saharan (SSA) Africa countries spanning the period 1998 to 2016. The study hypothesises that for FDI to translate into growth, financial market development that account for fragility and economic freedom should be present in the host country. The uniqueness of this study lies in the use of financial market data that accounts for financial market fragility and aggregate score of economic freedom. Using fully modified ordinary least squares technique, the study reveals that economic freedom and a well-developed financial market complement FDI in promoting economic growth in SSA. This study highlights the need to strengthen the financial system and promote economic freedom to enhance FDI’s effect on economic growth.

Amoah, A., Kwablah, E., Kofi Taayeli, A., & Amoah, B. (2022). Is an all-inclusive educational policy a determinant of voting behaviour in Ghana?. International Journal of Social Economics, 49(5), 653-668.. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-08-2021-0494

Abstract

In this study, the authors investigate Ghana’s Free Senior High School policy as an all-inclusive development policy that drives voting behaviour. Using the snowball sampling technique and a statistically representative sample size of 413 eligible voters from Ghana, the authors estimate a multinomial logistic regression with its marginal effects. The results show that as the number of Free Senior High School beneficiaries per household increases, the more the voters in that household are likely to vote for the policy implementor. Similarly, voters who believe that the Free Senior High School policy has had an impact on students’ performance are more likely to vote for the policy implementor. By implication, an all-inclusive development policy such as the Free Senior High School educational policy has the probability of influencing voting behaviour in favour of the policy implementor. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the nexus between an all-inclusive Free Senior High School educational policy and voting behaviour in Ghana.

Amoah Anthony, Kofi Korle, Edmund Kwablah,Rexford Asiamah. Sustaining Protected Forest and Forest Resources in Ghana: An Empirical Evidence. https://doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2022.2123824.

Abstract

The increasing concern for sustainable forest and protected forest resources motivates this study. In the wake of rising protected forest depletion, climate change and public health problems, this study through a bidding game format develops a sustainability index to show households’ sustainability behavior toward the protected forests in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Relying on a cross-section of household survey data and regression analysis, this study finds that overall, approximately 79% of respondents exhibited sustainable behavior toward protected forests in GAR. Also, this sustainable behavior is associated with expected revenue of GH¢ 80,837,594 (USD$ 15,368,398) per annum. We also find that socioeconomic, psychological, and environmental factors are the main drivers of protected forest sustainability in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. This study has important implications for institutions working toward sustaining protected forest and forest resources in Ghana.

Joseph Emmanuel Tetteh, Anthony Amoah, Kenneth Ofori Boateng, Goerge Huges. Stock market response to COVID-19 pandemic: A comparative evidence from two emerging markets. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01300.

Abstract

This paper presents the first comparative study of emerging stock markets’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with evidence from Ghana and Botswana. Using daily time-series data from March 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021, the study estimates parametric, semi-parametric and non-parametric models, and provides evidence to support the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., the total number of reported COVID-19 cases and deaths) on the stock market performances of Ghana and Botswana. Interestingly, the study shows that the impact of the pandemic on Ghana’s stock market is quantitatively greater than the stock market of Botswana. The study calls for fiscal and monetary policies to help firms on the stock market to survive the shock. Going forward, measures aimed at building a robust stock market to withstand such external shocks are critical.

Amoah, A., & Asamoah, M. K. (2022). Child survival: the role of a mother’s education. Heliyon, 8(11), e11403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11403

Abstract

In developing countries, children are considered as social and human capital needed for growth and development. However, the ability of uneducated parents to provide basic services to keep a child alive has always been in doubt. This has resulted in the avoidable deaths of children. This study seeks to examine the role of a mother’s education in keeping a child alive. This is achieved by using the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Dataset (1988-2014) with 33,896 observations. This study uses the negative binomial model and finds an inverse and statistically highly significant relationship between a mother’s education and the survival of her child in Ghana. Further robustness checks confirm that the result is consistent across gender of child and years of data collection. In line with the finding, this study recommends women’s education from the basic education level as it drives the probability of saving a life. Globally, we suggest that education, especially at the basic level, should include health education to address numerous health concerns.

Limantol, A. M., & Amoah, A. (2022). Access to handwashing with soap facility: a post-sensitisation investigation of drivers. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 12(12), 894-904. https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2022.149

 Abstract

As part of measures to promote good hygiene, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund adopted affordable handwashing with soap facility (Tippy-Tap), and implemented sensitisation training for residents in the Binduri District of Ghana. In the context of good hygiene technology adoption, this study examines how poor communities have adopted and used Tippy-Tap over a period of 1 year. The study further identifies the associated post-sensitisation drivers of the Tippy-Tap. In addition to descriptive analysis, this study relies on post-sensitisation cross-sectional data and a logit regression with its marginal effects for the analysis. The results show that after the sensitisation programme, the adoption and use rate now stand at 90%, up from the baseline of 4%. The study provides evidence that female household-heads are more likely to adopt and use the Tippy-Tap relative to male household-heads. The study further reveals that being educated increases the probability of accessing the Tippy-Tap facility by about 23%. Subsequently, this study finds that personal, household, and community-level characteristics are the key drivers of the high adoption and use rate. In conclusion, the study finds evidence of a high adoption and use rate of the Tippy-Tap initiative after its sensitisation. The study recommends extensive sensitisation of hand hygiene using community-level social norms and practices.

Kwablah, E., & Amoah, A. (2022). Geographical determinants of foreign direct investment: evidence from sub-Saharan Africa. Transnational Corporations Review, 1-1 https://doi.org/10.1080/19186444.2022.2127393

Abstract

This paper investigates time-invariant geographical determinants of FDI in Sub-Saharan African (SSA). To achieve this objective, a panel data model was estimated using the Hausman-Taylor estimation technique. The estimation results show that the coefficients of time-invariant geographical variables, such as geographical size, and area located within the tropics are positive and statistically significant while the coefficient of distance from the sea is negative and statistically significant. We further disaggregated the sample into sub-regions and found consistent evidence to buttress the claim. The study recommends that SSA countries should take advantage of their geographical factors to come out with common market opportunities to maximise the potential for growth in FDI.

Amoah, A., Korle, K., Kwablah, E., & Asiama, R. K. (2022). Sustaining Protected Forests and Forest Resources in Ghana: An Empirical Evidence. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2022.2123824

Abstract

The increasing concern for sustainable forest and protected forest resources motivates this study. In the wake of rising protected forest depletion, climate change and public health problems, this study through a bidding game format develops a sustainability index to show households’ sustainability behavior toward the protected forests in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Relying on a cross-section of household survey data and regression analysis, this study finds that overall, approximately 79% of respondents exhibited sustainable behavior toward protected forests in GAR. Also, this sustainable behavior is associated with expected revenue of GH¢ 80,837,594 (USD$ 15,368,398) per annum. We also find that socioeconomic, psychological, and environmental factors are the main drivers of protected forest sustainability in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. This study has important implications for institutions working toward sustaining protected forest and forest resources in Ghana.

Amoah, A., Asiama, R. K., Korle, K., & Kwablah, E. (2022). Corruption: Is it a bane to renewable energy consumption in Africa?. Energy Policy, 163, 112854.- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.112854

 Abstract

Increasingly, a significant part of the literature on corruption establishes a negative relationship between corruption and economic variables. However, empirical research showing the influence of corruption on renewable energy consumption is useful because of the global interest in achieving a low-carbon and clean environment. In this light, we model a relationship between corruption and renewable energy consumption (% of total final energy consumption) in Africa. Using a panel dataset for 32 African countries covering the period 1996–2019, we first show that perception about corruption is relatively high in Africa. In line with corruption theory, both Generalized Method of Moments and Instrumental Variable estimation techniques are used to establish that corruption is inimical to the share of renewable energy consumption in total final energy consumption in Africa. To investigate the robustness of the results, we disaggregate the sample into high and low environmental performance countries as well as upper and lower-middle-income countries and still find consistent results. Our results call for strategic policies and institutional structures that seek to prevent corruption from further permeating the continent’s administrative structures.

Amoah, A., Korle, K., Kwablah, E., & Asiama, R. K. (2022). Sustaining Protected Forests and Forest Resources in Ghana: An Empirical Evidence. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2022.2123824

Abstract

The increasing concern for sustainable forest and protected forest resources motivates this study. In the wake of rising protected forest depletion, climate change and public health problems, this study through a bidding game format develops a sustainability index to show households’ sustainability behavior toward the protected forests in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Relying on a cross-section of household survey data and regression analysis, this study finds that overall, approximately 79% of respondents exhibited sustainable behavior toward protected forests in GAR. Also, this sustainable behavior is associated with expected revenue of GH¢ 80,837,594 (USD$ 15,368,398) per annum. We also find that socioeconomic, psychological, and environmental factors are the main drivers of protected forest sustainability in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. This study has important implications for institutions working toward sustaining protected forest and forest resources in Ghana.

Tuffour, M., & Asiama, R. K. (2022). Public transport preferences amongst Ghana’s urban dwellers. International Journal of Social Economics, (ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-05-2022-0360

Abstract

This study considered five means of transport, both old and emerging ones and analysed the preferences of city dwellers in a rapidly expanding African city such as Accra. A total of 891 respondents participated and were selected through a multistage sampling method. The Garrett and Kendall’s ranking methods, Pearson chi-square test and a choice model were employed to assess respondents’ preferences for various means of transport, the motivating factors for these preferences and socio-economic characteristics associated with these preferences. The results show that there are clear preferences with respect to transport choices, which are motivated by factors such as price, comfort, security and even availability. In addition, socio-economic characteristics of respondents such as age, income, car ownership status and employment status are associated with respondents’ preference for one means of transport over the other. The study analyses transport preferences for modes of transport commonly used in urban areas. The findings have implications for the transport policy adopted in an urban area such as Accra. The findings suggest that for maximum patronage, public authorities in Accra or Ghana may invest more in transport services which are readily available, have moderate prices and provide comfort to urban dwellers. This may improve standard of living of urban dwellers and enhance productivity. The paper presents new evidence of drivers that influence choice for traditional and emerging transport services in a developing economy such as Ghana. Not many studies do such comparative analysis.

Fofana, M., Adounkpe, J., Larbi, I., Hounkpe, J., Koubodana, H. D. N., Toure, A., … & Limantol, A. M. (2022). Urban flash flood and extreme rainfall events trend analysis in Bamako, Mali. Environmental Challenges, 6, 100449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100449

Abstract

One of the consequences of climate change is the increasing rainfall intensity and frequency leading to flooding. Lately, some major cities in West Africa have been experiencing high frequency of flooding due to extreme rainfall. This study investigated the temporal trends in flash flood and extreme rainfall events in Bamako, Mali for the period 1982–2019. Rainfall observation data from both Mali Meteorological Agency and Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation, and flood ground information’ collected from the Mali Civil protection service were used for this study. Five rainfall extreme indices established by Expert Team for Climate Change Detection Monitoring and Indices (ETCCDI) were analyzed to characterize extreme rainfall intensity and frequency indices. The Gumbel extreme value distribution was used to estimate the return period of flood and extreme rainfall for the period of 5 to 100 years based on the annual maximum daily rainfall. All the five extreme rainfall indices displayed an upward trends except the consecutive wet days (CWD) that showed a decreasing trend. Both the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall were found to have increased over the study period. The analysis of the flood reports showed an increasing trend in Bamako from 1982 to 2019. The returned period revealed that about 58% of flood events in Bamako are caused by normal rainfall, with 33.3% being caused by extreme rainfall. It was also determined that most flood events were recorded in the years that had higher number of extremely wet days. The findings from this study have demonstrated that floods in Mali are prevalent and adaptation and mitigation strategies are needed.

Mwabumba, M., Yadav, B. K., Rwiza, M. J., Larbi, I., Dotse, S. Q., Limantol, A. M., … & Kwawuvi, D. (2022). Rainfall and temperature changes under different climate scenarios at the watersheds surrounding the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. Environmental Challenges, 7, 100446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100446

 Abstract

Considering the high vulnerability of Northern Tanzania to climate change, an in-depth assessment at the local scale is required urgently to formulate sustainable adaptations measures. Therefore, this study analyzed the future (2021-2050) changes in rainfall and temperature under the representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for the watersheds surrounding the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) at a spatio-temporal scale relative to the observed historical (1982-2011) period. The climate change analysis was performed at monthly and annual scale using outputs from a multi-model ensemble of Regional Climate Models (RCMs) and statistically downscaled Global Climate Models (GCMs). The performance of the RCMs were evaluated, and the downscaling of the GCMs were performed using Statistical Downscaling System Model (SDSM) and LARS-WG, with all the models indicating a higher accuracy at monthly scale when evaluated using statistical indicators such as correlation (r), Nash-Sutcliff Efficiency (NSE) and percentage bias (PBIAS). The results show an increase in the mean annual rainfall and temperature in both RCPs. The percentage change in rainfall indicated an increase relative to historical data for all seasons under both RCPs, except for the June, July, August and September (JJAS) season, which showed a decrease in rainfall. Spatially, rainfall would increase over the entire basin under both RCPs with higher increase under RCP4.5. Similar spatial increase results are also projected for temperature under both RCPs. The results of this study provide vital information for the planning and management of the studied watershed under changing climatic conditions.

Kwawuvi, D., Mama, D., Agodzo, S. K., Hartmann, A., Larbi, I., Bessah, E., … & Yangouliba, G. I. (2022). Spatiotemporal variability and change in rainfall in the Oti River Basin, West Africa. Journal of Water and Climate Change, 13(3), 1151-1169. https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2022.368

Abstract

Understanding rainwater dispersion in a spatiotemporal context is invaluable toward resourceful water management and a food-secure society. This study, therefore, assessed the variations in rainfall at a spatiotemporal scale in the Oti River Basin of West Africa for observed (1981–2010) and future periods (2021–2050) under the representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 emission scenarios. Rainfall data from meteorological stations and Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) were used. The percentage changes in rainfall for the peak month as well as for rainy and dry seasons under the two climate scenarios were determined. The coefficient of variation (CV) and the standardized anomaly index (SAI) were used to assess annual variations in rainfall. In general, under both emission scenarios, rainfall is projected to decrease over the study area. However, the amount of rainfall during the peak month (August) for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 could increase by 0.26 and 9.3%, respectively. The highest SAIs for the observed period were þ1.58 (2009) and 2.29 (1983) with the latter showing a relationship with historic drought in the basin. The projected SAI under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 indicated extremely wet (þ2.12) and very wet (þ1.91) periods for the years 2037 and 2028, respectively. The study provides relevant information and a chance to aid the design of innovative adaptation measures toward efficient water management and agricultural planning for the basin

Nyembo, L. O., Larbi, I., Mwabumba, M., Selemani, J. R., Dotse, S. Q., Limantol, A. M., & Bessah, E. (2022). Impact of climate change on groundwater recharge in the lake Manyara catchment, Tanzania. Scientific African, 15, e01072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e01072

 Abstract

Groundwater account for about 60 to 80% of water supply to the population of Tanzania’s semi-arid regions for domestic and agriculture uses. Despite the importance of groundwater resource in semi-arid areas, limited information exists on the recharge amount and potential recharge zones in Tanzania in the context of climate change which could result in unsustainable withdrawals. This study aimed to estimate the potential impact of climate change on groundwater recharge and identify potential recharge zones in the Lake Manyara catchment using Water and Energy Transfer between Soil, Plants and Atmosphere under the quasi-steady State (Wet Spass) model. The WetSpass model was setup and calibrated using hydro-meteorological data (rainfall, temperature, wind speed, potential evapotranspiration, and groundwater depth) and biophysical data (soil, land use, topography, and slope). Simulated rainfall, temperature and potential evapotranspiration from an ensemble of four CORDEX-Africa regional climate models for the period 2021–2050 under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP 8.5) scenario (hereafter referred as business-as-usual scenario) were used as input in the WetSpass model for the climate change impact assessment. WetSpass model calibration using the water balance equation showed a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.9 and Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) of 0.49 mm/yr between the simulated and calculated recharge. It was determined that the mean annual recharge of 53.9 mm/year (149 MCM/year) for the period 1989–2018 would increase by 7.9% in the future (2021–2050) under the business-as-usual climate scenario, due to the increase in rainfall. Seasonality and spatial differences in recharge amount were observed, with recharge projected to increase in the dry season and at areas that receive high amount of rainfall. Potential recharge zones in the catchment were found mostly around the northern part near Ngorongoro, the south-western part, and around Mbulu region. Findings from this study would help policymakers, and local stakeholders in planning and management of the groundwater resources for sustainable development.

Larbi, I., Nyamekye, C., Dotse, S. Q., Danso, D. K., Annor, T., Bessah, E., … & Yomo, M. (2022). Rainfall and temperature projections and the implications on streamflow and evapotranspiration in the near future at the Tano River Basin of Ghana. Scientific African, 15, e01071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e01071

Abstract

Climate change is projected to negatively affect water security which is already a challenge in many areas of Ghana including the Tano river basin (TRB). This study assessed the projections of rainfall and temperature and its impact on streamflow and actual evapotranspiration (ET) in the TRB of Ghana for 2021-2050 relative to the period 1986-2015. The impact assessment focused on how climate change under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP8.5) based on an ensemble mean of two regional climate models (RCMs) would affect streamflow and ET using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. Trend analysis and quantification for the streamflow and ET were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall’s and Sen’s slope estimators. The results show that the mean annual rainfall of 1401.9 mm would increase slightly by 0.5 % with a decreasing trend (1.22mm/yr) under the RCP4.5 scenario, but would decrease by 3.2% with a decreasing trend (0.3m mm/yr) under the RCP8.5 scenario. The mean annual temperature showed an increase (2.1 °C and 2.6 °C) with a statistically significant increasing trend of 0.07 and 0.09 °C/yr under RCP 4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively. An increase in ET with a non-significant increasing trend at a rate of 0.74 and 1.07 mm/year under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios respectively is also projected. The mean annual streamflow is projected to decrease, with the decrease been more pronounced under the RCP8.5 (37.5%) scenario compared to the RCP4.5 scenario (19.9%). In general, the outcome of this study presents a useful perspective on the vulnerability of water resources to climate change and the need for better planning and management of the water resources in the basin.

Limantol, A. M., Larbi, I., & Dotse, S. Q. (2022). Climate change impact on Meteorological hazards in the Volta River Basin, West Africa. http://publication.aercafricalibrary.org/handle/123456789/3501

Abstract

Climate change has increasingly become a serious threat to meteorological hazards such as drought and flood. The slightest changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could have asignificant implication on economic activities in many countries around the world.InWestAfrica,theVolta riverbasin(Fig 1)is an important transboundary basinin the regionsharedby six ripariancountries (i.e.Burkina Faso, Togo,Benin,Côted’Ivoire, Niger and Ghana). These countries over the last few decades have been affected by increased intense rainfall events and long dry spells which often resulted in floods and droughts, causing many losses and damages. This makes the basin with a population of over 24 million vulnerable to the impact of climate change and extreme events. In the basin, experiences in the past have shown that there are occasional erratic rainfall periods that characterize the three zones (Ndehedehe et al.2017).Previous studies in Ghana indicate that climate extremes such as floods have resulted in drastic reduction in the national out put of maize(6.3%)and rice(9.3%)(Stutley,2010).This is problematic as it has serious implications on household food security, as a result ofthe rising prices of food commodities (Wossenetal.,2018), thereby affecting the attainment of sustainable development.However,only handful of studies (e.g.Aziz,2015;Larbietal2018;Okafor et al. 2021) on changes in climate and extremes under different climate scenarios over the basin exists. In order to address this gap, this study aims to contribute to the basic. understanding of climate change, its impact on meteorological hazards and make policy recommendations that will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development in the Volta basin, West Africa. Specifically, to: (i) analyze the changes in rainfall and temperature under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) for the period 1985-2014 relative to 2021-2050 period over the Volta basin; and (ii) assess the spatio-temporal changes in meteorological extreme indices at the Basin between two periods (i.e. 1985-2014 and 2021-2050). Information derived from this research is useful for planning and designing climate change adaptation measures to achieve Sustainable Development at the Basin.

Fofana, M., Adounkpe, J., Larbi, I., Hounkpe, J., Koubodana, H. D. N., Toure, A., Dotse, S.Q., & Limantol, A. M. (2022). Urban Flash Flood and Extreme Rainfall Events Trend Analysis in Bamako, Mali. Environmental Challenges, 100449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100449

Abstract:

One of the consequences of climate change is the increasing rainfall intensity and frequency leading to flooding. Lately, some major cities in West Africa have been experiencing high frequency of flooding due to extreme rainfall. This study investigated the temporal trends in flash flood and extreme rainfall events in Bamako, Mali for the period 1982–2019. Rainfall observation data from both Mali Meteorological Agency and Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation, and flood ground information’ collected from the Mali Civil protection service were used for this study. Five rainfall extreme indices established by Expert Team for Climate Change Detection Monitoring and Indices (ETCCDI) were analyzed to characterize extreme rainfall intensity and frequency indices. The Gumbel extreme value distribution was used to estimate the return period of flood and extreme rainfall for the period of 5 to 100 years based on the annual maximum daily rainfall. All the five extreme rainfall indices displayed an upward trends except the consecutive wet days (CWD) that showed a decreasing trend. Both the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall were found to have increased over the study period. The analysis of the flood reports showed an increasing trend in Bamako from 1982 to 2019. The returned period revealed that about 58% of flood events in Bamako are caused by normal rainfall, with 33.3% being caused by extreme rainfall. It was also determined that most flood events were recorded in the years that had higher number of extremely wet days. The findings from this study have demonstrated that floods in Mali are prevalent and adaptation and mitigation strategies are needed.

Appiah, M. K., Anderson Akolaa, R., & Ayisi-Addo, A. K. (2022). Modeling the impact of macroenvironmental forces on investment in Renewable Energy Technologies in Ghana: The moderating role of Entrepreneurship orientation dimensions. Cogent Economics & Finance, 10(1), 2071387 https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2022.2071387

Abstract

Since 2011, successive Governments in Ghana have developed, and implemented Renewable Energy Master Plan to leverage macroenvironmental forces and encourage indigenous investment in Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs), but the actual impacts are yet to be felt by Ghanaians. The main objectives of the study are to: examine the impacts of Macroenvironment Forces (MF) on Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) investment intentions in RETs, and determine the moderating effects of Entrepreneurship Orientation (EO) dimensions (viz. proactiveness, competitive aggression, innovativeness, and risk-taken) on the relationship between MF and SMEs’ investment intentions. A total of 240 usable responses were received through self-administered survey questionnaires among Ghanaian SMEs. Variance-Based Partial Least Square Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used for the data analyses and hypotheses testing. The results revealed that MF had significant and positive relationship with SMEs’ intention to invest in RETs. Moreover, the results showed that proactiveness, competitive aggressive, and innovation had direct effects on intention to invest in RETs. Again, the results showed that EO dimensions significantly moderated the relationship between MF and investment intentions in RETs. The implications of these results include extending previous MF works by evaluating MF, EO, and investment intention relationships in a developing country context, which has been largely ignored in previous studies. Again, this paper provides insights into the value of macroenvironment scanning and assessment which could lead to better investment intentions in clean, affordable, and reliable energy service. Besides, the efficacy of EO in MF-investment intentions relationship has been well established in this paper.

Appiah, M. K., Odei, S. A., Kumi-Amoah, G., & Yeboah, S. A. (2022). Modeling the impact of green supply chain practices on environmental performance: the mediating role of ecocentricity. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, (ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-03-2022-0095

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between green supply chain management (Green SCM) practices and environmental performance, and develop an integrated model to explain the mediating role of ecocentricity on the relationship between Green SCM practices and environmental performance in the context of the Ghanaian downstream petroleum industry. To address the objectives of the study, a survey had been conducted among companies in the Ghanaian downstream value chain. The paper used the structural equation modeling approach and smart partial least squares (Smart-PLS) analytical tool. The study revealed that Green SCM practices had a significant and positive relationship with supply chain ecocentricity and environmental performance. The study further revealed that supply chain ecocentricity significantly mediated the relationship between Green SCM practices and environmental performance. The study has developed a new integrated model to enhance oil and gas marketing and distribution company’s adaptation and implementation of Green SCM practices. The study had successfully applied the natural resource-based view and the stakeholder theory in the context of Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry. Specifically, these theories had been integrated to form a new model to explain the relationship between Green SCM practices, supply chain ecocentricity and environmental performance in the context of Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry. The newly developed integrated model has wider predictability as compared to the individual theories.

Karikari, A. M., Tettevi, P. K., Amaning, N., Opoku Ware, E., & Kwarteng, C. (2022). Modeling the implications of internal audit effectiveness on value for money and sustainable procurement performance: An application of structural equation modeling. Cogent Business & Management, 9(1), 2102127. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2022.2102127

Abstract

The Government of Ghana spends approximately seventy percent of its annual budget on the procurement of goods, services, and public works. The Public Procurement Acts (Act 663, and Act, 914) were established to regulate public procurement activities and ensure transparency, accountability, and Value for Money (VFM) in the procurement processes. Contrariwise, the extent of misappropriations of public funds in Ghana by public officials has reached an all-time high. To address this concern, our paper is aimed to develop a model to explain the extent to which Internal Audit Effectiveness (IAE) drives VFM, and Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). This paper is a cross-sectional survey-based study involving public agencies in Ghana. The population of the study comprised 72 District Assemblies across the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. Stratified sampling technique has been used to randomly select 200 participants comprising internal auditors, procurement officers, accountants, and finance officers for the study. Smart-PLS software and the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach have been used to analyze the survey data, and test the hypotheses of the study. The study has revealed that internal audit competency, internal audit independence, external auditors’ role, and top management support are the main determinants of IAE. Again, our mediation analysis has revealed that IAE drives both VFM and SPP. The results have further shown that an increase in VFM positively affects SPP. These results have implications for the reinforcement of internal audit agency regulations of 2003 (Act 658) and public procurement act 2003 (Act 663) and the amended Act 2016 (Act 914). Again, the results have extended exciting knowledge on the IAE by linking it up with SPP and VFM in a developing country context where such studies still remain fuzzy.

Odei, S. A., & Appiah, M. K. (2023). Unravelling the drivers of technological innovations in the Czech Republic: Do international technological linkages matter?. International Journal of Innovation Studies, 7(1), 32-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijis.2022.09.002

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the main factors driving technological innovation within firms in the manufacturing and service sectors of the Czech Republic. We apply a binary logistic regression model to cross-sectional data from 502 firms, obtained from the World Bank Enterprise Survey. The results of our empirical investigation show that certain elements of the business environment, such as the tax rate, serve as significant obstacles to firms’ product innovations. The results also confirm that international technological linkages—measured by international quality certificates and foreign technology licenses—affect technological innovations. Moreover, we found that internal R&D activities positively impact technological innovation across all sectors; contrarily, we found that process innovation in the manufacturing sector is positively influenced by foreign technology licenses and business association membership. Process innovations in the service sector are positively correlated with external R&D and financing from banking institutions. Finally, business association membership does not positively influence technological innovation in the service sector. Our findings have salient implications for firm managers, policymakers, and scholars aiming to explore and improve innovation outcomes in transitional economies.

Appiah, M. K. (2022). A simplified model to enhance SMEs’ investment in renewable energy sources in Ghana. International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management, 35, 83-96. https://doi.org/10.54337/ijsepm.7223

Abstract

Although the Renewable Energy Act 2011 (Act, 832) was enacted to facilitate development and investment in the Renewable Energy sources in Ghana as part of the efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7, the actual impacts of the policy are yet to be felt as manifested in the amendment Act 2020 (Act, 1045). There is a need to develop an alternative model to enhance investment in the renewable energy sector. Drawing from the Resources Based View (RBV) and Porter’s Five Forces this paper is aimed to develop a simplified model to explain Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)investment determinants in the renewable energy sources in Ghana. We argued that the simplified integrated model provides robust predictability and wider generalization. Our paper is anchored on the positivists’ epistemology and quantitative methodology. Our hypotheses have been tested using cross-sectional data from the Ghanaian SMEs. Variance Based Partial Least Squares (PLS) method has been used to analyze the survey data. Our results indicate that entrepreneurial competency, financial resource, marketing capability, and technological usage significantly relate to investment in renewable energy. Moreover, the results have shown that competitive rivalry, the threat of entry, and bargaining power of customers significantly relate to investment in renewable energy. These results substantiate the well-known argument that industry forces and resource competitive strategies are significant determinants of a firm’s competitiveness and behavioral intentions. Overall, these results have theoretical and practical implications to facilitate the capacity of SMEs and create enabling renewable energy local content policy to enhance SMEs ’ participation in the sector.

Odei, S. A., & Appiah, M. K. (2022). Evaluating the determinative factors driving patents and foreign technologies acquisitions in Visegrád countries. International Journal of Innovation Science, (ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-06-2022-0107

Abstract

This paper aims to empirically examine the factors driving the acquisition of patents and foreign technologies in 2,198 firms spanning multiple industries in Visegrád countries. To fulfil the research objectives, the authors used the binary logistic regression models for the empirical specifications to analyse the various hypotheses to ascertain the factors contributing to patents, foreign technologies and international quality certificate acquisitions in Visegrád countries. The results show that technological innovations, in-house and external research and development, intense competition from the informal sector and external knowledge search positively influence firms to acquire patents, foreign technologies and international quality certificates. The study further showed that certain firm characteristics, such as size, having a board of directors, female top managers and top managers’ experience, positively influenced firms’ ability to obtain patents, foreign technologies and international quality certificates. The authors provide new insights into understanding the factors contributing to international technological linkages in the context of transitional countries such as the Visegrád four group. The authors have shown that international technology linkages through foreign technology licences and international quality certifications are vital for innovations in transition economies.

Appiah, M. K., Sedegah, D. D., Ayisi-Addo, A. K., & Kwaku Gyening, E. (2022). Modeling the influence of industry forces on intention to invest in renewable energy resources with the moderating effect of sustainable competitive strategy. Cogent Engineering, 9(1), 2138101. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2022.2138101

Abstract

In response to Agenda 2030 and the Paris Climate Accord, the Ghana Energy Transition has been inaugurated to ensure a speedy shift from fossil fuel sources to clean energy (Solar, Wind, Thermal, Ocean Energy, Hydro Energy etc.) to avoid the worst of climate change. To facilitate the transition, we have developed an integrated model to explain the relationship between industry forces and investment intentions in renewable energy resources, and the moderating role of sustainable competitive strategy on the relationship between industry forces and investment intention. Cross-sectional survey data from Ghanaian private firms have been collected between January and February, 2022, and used for the study. To test our hypotheses, structural equation modelling approach and SMART-PLS 3.3.1 have been used. The results have shown that industry forces have significant effects on investment intention. The results have further shown that sustainable competitive strategy has significant relationships with investment intention. Moreover, the sustainable competitive strategy dimension of entrepreneurial competency has moderated the relationship between industry forces and investment intention. These results offer theoretical, policy and practical implications and guidance on strategies needed to attract private investment in renewable energy resources in Ghana and beyond.

Karikari Appiah, M., Boateng, F., Abugri, A., & Barnes, S. (2022). Modeling the implications of sustainable supply chain practices on sustainable performance in Ghana’s petroleum industry: the role of stakeholders’ pressure. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 15(1), 312-322. https://doi.org/10.1080/19397038.2022.2149875

Abstract

The influx of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the COP 21 has necessitated the need for a paradigm shift in traditional consumption and production to reflect a balance between environmental safety, social justice and profitability. The Ghanaian Petroleum Industry is predominately fossil fuel–based with higher level of carbon and methane emissions. Ensuing from the Stakeholders’ and the Resource Based View theories, this paper aims to develop a model to explain the relationship between sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and sustainable performance (SP) by examining the extent to which pressure from stakeholders could strengthen the proposed model in the context of downstream petroleum supply chain. Variance-Based Partial Least Square method has been used to analyse a crosssectional data from Oil Marketing companies in Ghana. Our results have revealed that SSCM practices such as environmental, economic, and social are positively related to SP. Moreover stakeholder’s pressure positively and significantly relates to SP. Again, stakeholders’ pressure significantly moderate the relationships between environmental and social dimensions of SSCM practices and SP. By implications, there is an emergency of an SP model with enhanced predictability. Again, policymakers and advocates can achieve greater sustainability by maximising stakeholders’ pressure.

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