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
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
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
Crowdfunding is increasing rapidly as an alternative source of financing business and other projects. Some see in crowdfunding a lot of potential for Sub Saharan Africa. Crowdfunding in this...Show moreCrowdfunding is increasing rapidly as an alternative source of financing business and other projects. Some see in crowdfunding a lot of potential for Sub Saharan Africa. Crowdfunding in this context, however, has never been studied. This research is an explorative empirical study into crowdfunding in Ghana. The main finding is that crowdfunding is still very limited with only two crowdfunding platforms showing serious activity. By linking crowdfunding to entrepreneurship theory it is argued that contemporary crowdfunding in Ghana has no significant contribution to economic growth and innovation.Show less
