While the European Union’s Global Gateway project aspires to promote employment and the creation of “decent”, that is stable, safe, and sustainable jobs around the world, its prospects for success...Show moreWhile the European Union’s Global Gateway project aspires to promote employment and the creation of “decent”, that is stable, safe, and sustainable jobs around the world, its prospects for success are hardly assured, particularly as past experience shows similar initiatives' outcomes to be profoundly mixed and highly contingent on conditions across sectors and countries. The global cocoa industry is a particularly significant arena in this regard, as it has been seen as both an engine for growth and employment and as a site of widespread labor violations. Written against the backdrop of the Global Gateway project, this thesis examines the experience of the EU's involvement in similar initiatives in Africa in the period 2016-2021, through a case study of the EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Ghana.Show less
During the late twentieth century, international volunteering has become one of the fastest growing trends in traveling. The rise of the voluntourism sector has been accompanied by a rise of...Show moreDuring the late twentieth century, international volunteering has become one of the fastest growing trends in traveling. The rise of the voluntourism sector has been accompanied by a rise of research on this matter. Yet, compared to volunteers and volunteer tourism organizations (VTOs), host communities receive the least attention in studies on voluntourism. This research has been devoted to bring forward the local, Ghanaian perspective on Western volunteers in community development projects. Results from semi-structured interviews with community members of Tinkong, Ghana, indicate that support from outside, including from Western volunteers, is considered necessary for Ghanaian communities to further develop. At the same time, true contact between volunteers and hosts mostly lacks, which forms a profound barrier to the establishment of cross-cultural interaction. Besides, the way participants speak of Western engagements reveals that their judgement is not just based on the kind of work that Western NGOs or private organizations do, but that it also strongly relates to factors that go beyond the impact of volunteers themselves, such as Ghana’s political situation. More longitudinal research on voluntourism helps in working towards the holistic, multi-disciplinary understanding of the topic that is needed.Show less
The intention of this thesis is to research the successfulness of microfinance initiatives (MFIs) at alleviating poverty in Ghana. The correlation between poverty alleviation and microfinance has...Show moreThe intention of this thesis is to research the successfulness of microfinance initiatives (MFIs) at alleviating poverty in Ghana. The correlation between poverty alleviation and microfinance has been researched before, but all of these examinations had case-selection bias. Even though they tried to make suggestions for improvement, these suggestions did not seek for development of a fact-based risk scoring framework. Most scholars make a convincing argument that MFIs do help alleviate poverty. They are not able to provide absolute data on the level of improvement, which made it impossible to give a quantitative answer to how successful microfinance is at helping alleviate poverty. Therefore, this thesis objectively analyses the positive and negative aspects of MFIs and the possibilities to improve the functioning of MFIs by creating a framework to further alleviate poverty in Ghana.Show less
Fish-smoking is a popular post-harvest preservation method in Ghana, predominantly carried out by women in fishing communities. NGOs and researchers in Ghana in the 1950s identified a range of...Show moreFish-smoking is a popular post-harvest preservation method in Ghana, predominantly carried out by women in fishing communities. NGOs and researchers in Ghana in the 1950s identified a range of adverse health risks in local fish-smoking oven technologies that place fish-smokers at risk. The main approach that has been adopted to combat these risks has been through developing new fish-smoking oven technology, which is being distributed across Ghana by NGOs. This research paper aimed to contribute an alternative understanding of these NGO approaches in Ghana through investigating the level of participation within NGO interventions and by drawing attention to gender dynamics that frame fish-smoker’s agency. Through conducting research at fish-smoking sites in Jamestown, Greater Accra, this paper’s findings demonstrate how fish-smoker’s participation and inclusion in NGO interventions are limited, leaving fish smokers hesitant to adopt NGO distributed oven technologies. Drawing from key theory around participation and Gender and Development, this paper stresses the dynamic interplay between participation and gender within NGO fish-smoking oven interventions and the far-reaching implications for women’s collective success in the Ghanaian fish-smoking industry. This study’s conclusions suggest that alternative approaches, which consider the role of gender in the fisheries value chain more closely, could result in more transformative interventions for fish-smokers in Ghana.Show less
Teenage pregnancy is a major issue in Ghana and could be reduced by increasing the use of contraceptives. Contraceptive uptake in Ghana has doubled since 1989, but is still relatively low (GSS,...Show moreTeenage pregnancy is a major issue in Ghana and could be reduced by increasing the use of contraceptives. Contraceptive uptake in Ghana has doubled since 1989, but is still relatively low (GSS, 2013). One of the reasons is the fear of side effects of which infertility brings the biggest fear (Krugu, 2016; Bratton, 2010). This study looked at those fears in the Bolgatanga municipality and analysed the origin of these fears, attitude towards Family Planning (FP) and intention to use contraceptives. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIS) and a questionnaire for Senior Highschool students were used to get insight in the influence of education, the healthcare system and religion on the usage of contraceptives and beliefs related to FP. An abstinence-only method is still dominant in the educational system. Information provision is often scarce, incomplete or incorrect which leads to mixed messages which results in an increasing lack of trust in modern FP methods. The healthcare system has to deal with this distrust and also faces challenges concerning the supply and distribution of contraceptives. Religion, although not significantly associated with intention to use contraceptives, still plays an important role in decision-making in sex-related issues. Knowledge, attitude, fears and cultural or religious norms are all contributing factors to contraceptive uptake and should thereby all be incorporated in policies and programs to increase this uptake. A comprehensive approach is acquired, which includes the home, the school, the healthcare sector, the community and religious groups to discard existing beliefs which obstruct the use of contraceptives.Show less
China’s role in renewable energy technology projects in Ghana only implements green growth to a certain extent. This thesis draws the notion of green growth from the definition by the OECD. It is...Show moreChina’s role in renewable energy technology projects in Ghana only implements green growth to a certain extent. This thesis draws the notion of green growth from the definition by the OECD. It is sustained economic growth, while the environment is not harmed and provides services that benefit people’s livelihood. A good mean to foster green growth is investing in renewable energy. Lower developed countries like Ghana do not have the resources to invest in renewable energy as much in comparison to China, who is currently the biggest investor in renewable energy, However, the market for renewable energy in Ghana is highly present and welcoming, which makes it a great opportunity for outside actors to invest in renewables in Ghana. This thesis highlights six renewable energy projects in Ghana where China has been actively involved in, and analysed China’s challenges on its green growth strategy in these projects. Using the theoretical framework, it became apparent that all projects, except the Bui Dam, foster or potentially foster Ghana’s economic development. As the Bui Dam case demonstrate, it does occur that the locals were not adequately taken into account. 1,216 people were forced to resettle, and even though the authority had a resettlement program, it was not adequately implemented. This left some people jobless, homeless and generally, socio-economic speaking better off before the dam was constructed. The issues that the framework make apparent, indicate that it remains challenging for the Chinese government to maintain influence on overseas practices to stress its said green growth policies. This could be due to the numerous actors involved, that makes it hard to establish accountability for bad practices. Consequently, this results in a limited focus on local livelihoods and no regard to the environment. By actively engaging with the community, and implementing social and environmental policies could cultivate the social and environmental pillar of green growthShow less
This research is based on the ‘new’ or ‘modern’ form of slavery, looking specifically at child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery. The topic of ‘modern’ slavery is of immense importance, as it...Show moreThis research is based on the ‘new’ or ‘modern’ form of slavery, looking specifically at child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery. The topic of ‘modern’ slavery is of immense importance, as it persists in economies worldwide as a tool to maximize profit while keeping labour costs low. The thesis attempts to disclose the relationship between child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery in the context of neoliberalism and reciprocity. Neoliberalism, which describes the liberal market system, was brought to Ghana through Structural Adjustment Programs, which, instead of creating opportunities of entrepreneurships, worsened the situation for many workers and gave incentives to exploit labourer and children for profit maximization. While the latter reflects the global level of impacts on child labour, reciprocity is a custom that helps understanding the local (national) perspective of it. Also, the traditional custom of reciprocity that is a crucial part of Ghana’s society, has negative impact on the increase of child labour, as it can be stated that some parents abuse their children to fulfil duties that hinder them in their educational and personal development. The thesis is based on secondary sources and analyses the question: how do neoliberalism and reciprocity encourage child labour in the cocoa farming in the case of Ghana?Show less
Research master thesis | African Studies (research) (MA)
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The UN Sustainable Development Goals acknowledge ‘that all cultures (…) are crucial enablers of sustainable development’. In academic literature on Africa, however, cultural diversity is analysed...Show moreThe UN Sustainable Development Goals acknowledge ‘that all cultures (…) are crucial enablers of sustainable development’. In academic literature on Africa, however, cultural diversity is analysed as a problem, rather than as an enabler. Africa is either seen as one culturally homogeneous whole or as incredibly diverse and fragmented – there seems to be nothing in-between. Therefore, the picture is incomplete at best. Yet information on culture is used as the basis for assertions on Africa and its problems in economic and other areas. This thesis questions both visions of African cultures, using Vansina’s theory on the autonomy of cultural traditions as its starting point. Methodically, it uses an approach developed in cross-cultural psychology. Cultures are described here as value systems that serve as common points of reference to peoples. Using the cultural dimensions approach of Hofstede and Minkov a new exploratory analysis has been made of current self-perceptions of Africans, using data from the World Values and Afrobarometer surveys. This leads to information on differences and similarities in cultural values between more than 200 ethnolinguistic groups from over 30 African countries. The information has been partly triangulated through Focus Group Discussions in Ghana and in Southern Africa and by comparing information from those countries with ethnographic and other literature. The thesis sheds new light on cultural differences and similarities in Africa. It shows that there are considerable cultural differences within Africa; not all cultures in Africa are equally ‘collectivist’, for example. The essentially Eurocentric shorthand method of equating language with culture cannot be used in Africa: in many cases, cultural areas share different languages; in other cases, one language may be shared by people with different cultures. The thesis shows that such situations may be relatively common in Africa. The thesis calls for a new perspective on African identities and draws attention to the need for rebuilding cultural autonomy, based in African languages.Show less
This thesis is in accordance with the requirements for the completion of the International Relations Master Program. First, the aim of this thesis was to test the existing theory that a failed or...Show moreThis thesis is in accordance with the requirements for the completion of the International Relations Master Program. First, the aim of this thesis was to test the existing theory that a failed or collapsed regime is a necessary component for the presence of a change in witchcraft victimology from elderly women to urban children. This was done by analyzing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Angola, and Ghana. The second chapter illustrates the state of the art of literature regarding the theories underlying this research, alternative explanations for a shift in victimology, and type of regimes present in African states. The third chapter explains the between-case multi-criterial analysis conducted to ascertain each case’s regime type and the presence (or lack thereof) of a shift in witchcraft victimology. The fourth chapter relays the results of the analysis where it was determined that out of the four cases, two were in accordance with the existing theory, and two refuted it. The fifth and final chapter concludes this thesis by critically examining the results and methodology and a conclusory statement claiming that a collapsed and failed regime is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for the shift in victimology of witchcraft accusations from elderly women to urban children.Show less
An analysis of the potential of Solar energy to realise sustainable energy supply for Ghana's inhabitants, the capacity of the Ghanaian government to reach the ambitious universal access to...Show moreAn analysis of the potential of Solar energy to realise sustainable energy supply for Ghana's inhabitants, the capacity of the Ghanaian government to reach the ambitious universal access to electricity goals for 2020; and the feasibility of the 10% renewable electricity market penetration aim. The thesis will focus on Ghana's critical energy infrastructure, its energy policy framework and its rural electrification challenges. After analysing the projections for the solar-energy technology, the potential of solar energy to solve Ghana's energy crisis and contribute to the climate change challenge is formulated.Show less
In this paper, the political world of the Akan around 1500 A.D. is explored. By examining and comparing Portuguese & Arabic sources, this paper attempts to gain new insights on this shady...Show moreIn this paper, the political world of the Akan around 1500 A.D. is explored. By examining and comparing Portuguese & Arabic sources, this paper attempts to gain new insights on this shady period of Akan history. In particular, this paper explores the connections between the Akan and the wider West African world, with a specific focus on the possible influence of Mande traders & warriors in Ghana.Show less
The thesis offers an analysis of the link between primary education and democratization, particularly in the Sub-Saharan African context. It tests the hypothesis prevalent in development,...Show moreThe thesis offers an analysis of the link between primary education and democratization, particularly in the Sub-Saharan African context. It tests the hypothesis prevalent in development, democratization and education policy that citizens that are better educated are more actively involved in the political life of their country. The analysis is built on three key concepts- education, democracy and political culture. Using the republican theory of citizenship as an analytical model, this thesis studies the results of the Afrobarometer surveys conducted in Malawi and in Ghana from 1999 until 2011. By tracing the transformation of citizens' political attitudes and practices after the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) this paper suggests that there is a positive correlation between one's level of primary education and their political engagement.Show less
