at Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
TOPIC: The Costs and Benefits of Family houses
DATE: 30th January,1998
Abstract:
In many Ghanaian towns, the majority of houses are held in common by families
rather than by individuals. Many of the occupants live rent-free and enjoy
a number of other privileges of ownership. In Kumasi, one -quarter of all
households occupy such accommodation ,and the proportion so housed continue
to arise as a result of supply constraints. This presentation explores the
dynamics of this tenural system, highlighting the contradictions inherent
therein and predicting the future of this form of tenure. The author argues
that more attention should be paid to this type of house and its valuable
contribution to housing the poorest and most vulnerable members of Ghanaian
society.
Full text
TOPIC: Child Law Reform Highlights,1998
DATE 27th February,1998
Abstract:
Ghana was the first country to ratify the U N Convention on the Rights
of the Child in February 1990. Prior to this, the Ghana nationals Commission
on Children (GNCC) was established in 1979 The function of the commission
include the duty to make proposals to government for the enactment or review
of legislation in the areas of child rights. Harmonisation process. This
presentation highlights the work of the committee which will culminate in
the best interest of the Ghanaian child.
TOPIC: Living infrastructure :the transport burden of poor children.
DATE: 27th March,1998
Abstract:
This session will explore the transport implication of inadequate infrastructure for children in low income households. It will outline various transport dimensions of childhood poverty; the use of children as household labor and portering resources to compensate for infrastructural deficiencies; children's lack of access to facilities necessary for their education and survival as a consequence of transport consideration gender differences in mobility and access to transport modes in childhood. The session will raise a set of policy questions on childhood, poverty and transport which rarely receives consideration. It will also make policy suggestions for the improvement of existing relationships between childhood poverty and transport.
TOPIC: Demographic and Social indicators of household Welfare
DATE 24th April,1998
Abstract:
The traditional measure of standard of living looks at welfare in terms of consumption expenditure that could be quantified in money terms. Welfare can also be measured in terms of indicators of the quality of living. The non-money indicators change less rapidly than quantitative indicators and therefore are a powerful measure of welfare or poverty. This paper uses data from the Ghana living Standards Survey (GLSS), the Infant ,Child and Maternal Mortality Study (ICMMS) and Situation Analysis Study to examine demographic and social factors such as area of residence, family size and composition, economic activity of household members, and access and utilization of public services as alternative measures of welfare. The paper then attempts a discussion of the implications of these results for policy regarding accelerated and more equal distribution of human resource development.
TOPIC "Im" Suffering MuM",Poverty and the Denial of the Ghanaian Child's Basic Human Rights
DATE: 29th May,1998
Abstract
This paper focuses on the plight of Ghanaian children. The author views such plight as the denial of the child's basic human rights.Rights to basic necessssities such as shelter,food ,clothing education, leisure security etc.are examined in the light of prevailing poverty, apathy and complacency. The discussion does not focus only on the present dilemma, but also postulates critical scenarios and Awakens the audience consciousness to future threats and impediments to basic human rights. With a combination of theory and practice in Sociological discourse, the author draws on empirical evidence to argue her points. A real search for policy guidelines to save present and future generations of Ghanaian children from an impending catastrophe
TOPIC: Strengthening the African Refugee Family
DATE 26th June 1998
Abstract:
Conflicts in Africa have disrupted the social and political life of some families and made countless number of them refugees. There is recorded evidence of their wonders, dispersion and calamities, and a life of anxiety and despair. These and the unexpected reversal of roles in the families have culminated in numerous adjustment problems. Strengthening the refuge family is an endeavor to promote unification of its members, enhance its social and economic status and guarantee its protection. For a stabilized refugee family faces the future with optimism and resumes its effective stance for nation-building where it chooses to settle permanently.
TOPIC: Gender and Domestic Violence: Some Case Studies in Ghana
DATE: 31st July 1998
Abstract:
The issue of domestic violence has become a global phenomena experienced by many countries. Cases of gender violence have also been common in the Ghanaian society. The objective of the study was to find out whether both men and women suffer and who the real culprits were. One hundred and fifty respondents from both rural and urban settings from the Greater Accra region were covered. Respondents were also backed with case studies from the various print media. Evidence portrayed in the study showed that women suffer more from domestic violence than men, although women also commit serious violent behaviors against men. Adult education is found to be a key ingredient that would help to reduce the high incidence of domestic violence among families in Ghana.
TOPIC: Family Welfare Enhancement Through human Rights protection
DATE: 28th August,1998
Abstract:
In this paper, the author reviews the nature and extent of Constitutional and Statutory provisions aimed at enhancing the welfare of the family in contemporary Ghana. The author discusses specific human rights provisions of the constitution. The paper also reviews the pervasiveness of sex discrimination in forms in Ghanaian society including discrimination based on gender. pregnancy and sexual harassment. Finally, the Author posits an inclusive human rights approach to tackle the feminisation of poverty and the degrading and dehumanizing cultural practices that undermine the wellbeing of many women, children and elderly persons in Ghana.
TOPIC : Female migration and Its Implications for Child health And Development: Case Study of Selected Communities in Amansie-East District
DATE: 25th September, 1998.
Abstract:
It is generally believed that prolonged absence of a child biological mother could have negatively impact on a child's health and development. This view was examined using 264 children of female international migrants living with foster parents and 251 children who lived with their biological mothers. The findings suggest that in the context of a high dependency burden and limited resources faced by foster mothers, the absence of remittance from migrant mothers, and lack of support from fathers, foster children were less likely to fare well in the competition for attention f and resource allocation. Children left behind by migrant women were therefore deprived since they were unhealthy and malnourished.
TOPIC: Effects of Current mining Practices On The Welfare Of Women and children
DATE: 30th October,1998
Abstract:
Ghana's economy depends on mining as the major source of foreign exchange . However it has several negative effects. The environmental impacts , which include soil degradation and loss of soil fertility contamination of surface water, and the introduction of toxic chemicals into streams have serious effects on the population in mining areas. This presentation discusses in details how women and children's welfare could be affected by the current mining practices.
TOPIC: The Menace Of Drug Abuse Among The youth: A search for Remedy
DATE: 27th November,1998
Abstract:
The impact of drug abuse on the youth is tremendous. There is an increasing inclination to drugs among youth group Inspite of the various international convention on the illicit use, production and trafficking of narcotic drugs, many countries including Ghana face the drug problem. The paper seeks to raise some issues and questions which relate to drug use. For example. Why do some people take to drugs and stay with them?. What types of drugs are available to them? Why is society worried about the drug problem?. What is the relationship between the drug phenomenon and the socio-cultural and political structures of the society? The dimensions of the drug problem must be seen in their right perspectives in our bid to fight this social canker. The fight against the drug problem is a task that must be done . But the question is how should it be done?
TOPIC: Issues of Family Welfare
DATE: 18th December,1998
Abstract:
The half-day monthly seminar series of the Centre for Social Policy Studies, Legon for 198, was rounded up with discussions on Issues of Family Welfare. The Focal points for discussions was on Family Health And Family Welfare. Issues of poverty Reduction and Issues of Child Survival and Child Development.