Informatics Publishing Limited

Abstract

The role of art is indispensable in the socio-economic development of Ghana; but over the years, no efforts have been made to salvage the dwindling interests of the arts. This lack of interest for art has degenerated into what is called misconceptions. Study has shown that these misconceptions if not addressed timely, have the tendency of totally relegating art and artists in Ghana to the background, hence the need to carry out this research. The study was handled with a practical approach of finding out the actual causes of the misconceptions, the effects and the possible solutions thereof. In all, (65%) of respondents who participated in the study were males while (35%) were females. The descriptive (qualitative) research method was adopted to describe variables.  A sample size of 300 was used for the study because that was considered to be a fair representation of the accessible population. The data gathering instrument employed was the survey technique where 300 questionnaires were administered to the sample population. A major finding of the study is that the misconceptions about art negatively affect the patronage of art works in Ghana and the respect given to artists in general. Another finding is that, lack of education is responsible for the misconceptions about art. The study therefore recommends massive education for the general public in Ghana about the benefits of art.

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Abstract

The study was carried out at Krobo in the Eastern Region of Ghana to investigate the Dipo initiation and create awareness of HIV and other STDs through a campaign for reduced sexual provocations in the Dipo Rite. The Descriptive (Qualitative) research approach was used describe variables and the various stages of the research.  Interviews and observation were the major data collection tools used; because most of the respondents could neither read nor write. Majority of respondents (435) who participated in the study were females while only (15) respondents were males. The Sample Population of the study in terms of numbers was pegged at (450) respondents.  Past, current and new initiates were interviewed. A major finding of the study is that Dipo Rite grants premature sex instead of preserving the virginity of the initiates. This explains why the HIV/AIDS prevalent rate in the Yilo- Krobo (Somanya) District is very high. The study recommends that Dipo Rite should be transposed in order to curtail the negative effects it has on the initiates. To achieve this, it is strongly recommended that the dressing of the initiates should be modified to cover the thighs, breasts and all vital parts of their bodies.  The study further recommends that Queen Mothers and Custodians of Krobo should be involved in the education of the youth against premature sex. Also, the education on HIV/AIDS and other STDs should be incorporated into the educational phase of the Dipo Rite and the age of the initiates reconsidered.

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