Africa: History and Culture

24-32

Authors: Michael Asiedu, Daniel Marboye Quaye, Emmanuel Kwame Yeboah

In recognition of the relevance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises [SMEs] and innovation in economic development, efforts are being made to find strategies to overcome the barriers to innovation among SMEs. However, it is not clear from extant literature, as to whether all SMEs, irrespective of their demographic features, face the same barriers to innovation. It is on this premise that this study seeks to investigate the differences in constrains to innovation faced by SMEs as a result of their varied demographic characteristics. The study adopted a quantitative approach and sampled one hundred SME firms in Ghana as respondents for the study. The demographic characteristics considered in the analysis include education of owner-managers; control of activities (family control or non-family control); sector of SME; firm size (number of employees) and years of operation. The barriers to innovation also comprise of human, management, technical, supply, demand, government and culture related barriers. The results reveal that, SMEs with different demographic characteristics face different barriers to innovation. However, in most cases, irrespective of the educational background of SME owners, they face the same barriers with respect to management, lack of technical expertise, supply related barriers, and government related barriers. This study recommends that, developing African economies should quickly learn to reform SMEs on the basis of their demographic characteristics to enhance their innovative capacities.

38-44

Authors: Isaac Acheampong Sarfo, Samuel Okae Adjei

An individual’s decision to seek help from a particular health system is influenced by many factors, which are both intrinsic and extrinsic. The aim of this study was to examine socioeconomic factors as predictors of help-seeking, using the people of the New Juaben Municipality as a case study. Using a cross-sectional survey, data was collected using standardised questionnaire: Socioeconomic Factors and Health Seeking Behaviour (SFHSB) Questionnaire from a cross section of the population of the municipality on the determinants of intentions of seeking help. Data was analyzed usingindependent t-test. Results indicated that for this population, the intention of seeking hinged on proximate determinants like affordability, accessibility and acceptability of the provision of healthcare. Results further revealed that availability of finances did not necessarily determine where to seek help. A belief in a particular health system played a significant role and that the use of churches and other spiritual centres was very prominent as was the use of orthodox health system. Testimonies of previous users also played a major role in the future patronage of health services.

4-8

Authors: Alisa Konovalova

The article aims to look at the many genres of African music in a political context. The significance of music in African political movements is illustrated by a number of examples from Kenya, Senegal, Mali and other countries over the decades. Furthermore, political themes brought up by modern artists of African ancestry in their songs are discussed.From the analysis, music perhaps does not create political change as a solitary force; rather, it stirs a community into action, expresses and calls attention to oppression, and bridges the divide between people of different cultures. In times of conflict and uncertainty, culture is radicalised. Artists develop new muscles, and events radiate a higher sense of purpose. Music and artists descending from Africa suggest many examples of such phenomenon and its power in a political context.

15-20

Authors: Jacob OwusuSarfo

‘Tro-Tro’ is a local term for any minibus in Ghana, that trip short to semi-long distances as ‘share taxis’. As share taxis, Ghanaian ‘Tro-Tro’ run in between specific destinations with passengers alighting at designated or assumed bus stops, while others get on board. This business is unique for its cheaper transport fares and possible interactions, at least with the conductor who is locally known as the ‘Mate’. This article explores some historic evolutions that the ‘Tro-Tro’ business had accomplished so far in Ghana. In addition, it examines the role ofthe ‘Tro-Tro’ business on the culture, socioeconomic and psychological factors in Ghana. This unique business nurtures a collective life force among thethree human elements; the‘Tro-Tro’ Driver, Mate and passengers. The ‘Tro-Tro’ transport industry and concept have come to stay and needs to be given the needed advocacy and consideration. This paper has implications for future studies, education, transport industry, policy, and traffic and transport psychology in Ghana.