Dickson Adom

Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science and Technology | KNUST · Department of Educational Innovations in Science and Technology

The Rights of Nature (RoN) was first enacted in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States by a small community in the Tamaqua Borough in 2006. Two years after in 2008, Ecuador became the first country in the world to have the Rights of Nature (RoN) dubbed Pacha Mama in their national constitution. In Uganda, Panama, and Bolivia, RoN have been...

In the planning and creation of COVID-19 pandemic influenzae involvement of different people, from various social organizations and institutions, is necessary. A transparent decision making procedure is necessary primarily. In addition to governmental organizations, those who must be involved in this process are responsible for implementing pandemi...

With the advent of globalization and the complexities of the problems faced by contemporary societies that are multifaceted, there have been calls from governments, organizations, and various stakeholders in education to adopt a cross-disciplinary approach to graduate education and research. However, the disciplinary structures in many Higher Educa...

This explanatory sequential mixed methods study investigated the psychological effects of culturally-acceptable mourning clothes on the bereaved in the Ghanaian context. Different cultures have different funeral garbs that have strong psychological ramifications on the bereaved. These psychological effects have largely not been researched in Ghana....

Rapid biodiversity loss is a global concern with associated impacts on ecosystems and human welfare. But Ghana, a West African country, is not exempt. The country's biodiversity has been threatened by deforestation and illegal mining. Green informatics can be used to manage the challenges posed by climate change-related streams and conserve Ghana's...

Over the last few years, attacks on education have received increased attention and awareness with a wealth of reporting illustrating that students, educators, and educational institutions continue to be threatened or harassed in multiple ways. The assaults stretch to more than mere brutality; they distort the learning process and ensue into hostil...

There have been recent calls for the inclusion of culturally sensitive teaching methodologies that focus on African cultural values in African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). In African HEIs, the pursuit of inclusive and equitable learning environments is paramount, considering the continent's rich cultural diversity. Educators face the chall...

The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25) is a ten-year strategic plan to promote quality education in Africa. Its objective is to nurture a new and progressive generation of Africans who will drive Africa's quest for sustainable development. This call has been reiterated by the African Union (AU) and the Agenda 2063. As the end of...

This paper critically reflects on Niko Kazantzaki's famous quote, ‘True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.’ It exemplifies the quote's multifaceted ramifications in describing teachers' sign...

Child marriage has been an age-long problem in Ghana’s quest of protecting the rights and development of young girls. Though there are various international and domestic legal frameworks to assist the Ghana government in taking proactive steps in fighting against child marriages, there are some deep-rooted cultural practices commemorated in some Gh...

Scholarly writing and publishing are activities marked by intellectual honesty, integrity, and excellence. Together, they are an indispensable requirement for academics to maintain and sustain their careers in various academic institutions. However, in higher education institutions, the infamous aphorism 'publish or perish' has resulted in unethica...

Tattooing has been practiced for several years across the world. It is considered an art form that transmits cultural expressions and reflects the differences between groups of people globally. In Ghana, the popularity of contemporary tattooing has soared for various reasons. However, there is little scholarly research on tattoo culture in Ghana. T...

The chiefs and people of the Klikor Traditional Area in the Volta Region of Ghana celebrate the Fiasidi tradition, an annual religious and cultural festival. A yearly ritual performance known as Tagbayiyi (pilgrimage to the sacred grove) is a part of the Fiasidi tradition. Despite the abundance of research relative to the human and cultural rights...

Wood carving has been an integral part of many ethnic groups in Ghana and worldwide. Currently, Ghanaian wood carvers produce countless varieties of wooden sculptures for tourist trade or export. The wood carving business in Vakpo has provided employment for natives in the production of different wooden objects such as stools, umbrella tops, lingui...

Plastic waste has been a battling environmental menace in Ghana. Since the nineteenth century, precisely in the 1970s, industries in Ghana such as food and brewing, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and many others welcomed the use of plastic as a packaging material. Now, Ghana generates over 1 million tons of plastic waste annually. Unfortunately, the in...

Initiation rites play a pivotal role in shaping cultural identity, reinforcing societal norms, and facilitating the transmission of cultural values from one generation to the next. Using a qualitative approach which was supported by interpretive philosophy, the study explored the initiation rites of a Fiasidi which involves a series of rituals, ce...

In many developing countries, women are significantly underrepresented in elementary school leadership positions, raising concerns about social justice, equity, and sustainability. The overall aim of the study was to explore the experiences of female heads in secondary schools in Sekyere East District, Ghana. Qualitative research methodologies were...

With the advent of globalization and the complexities of the problems faced by contemporary societies that are multifaceted, there have been calls from governments, organizations, and various stakeholders in education to adopt a cross-disciplinary approach to graduate education and research. However, the disciplinary structures in many Higher Educa...

Wildlife conservation is essential because it helps preserve biodiversity, preserve ecosystems, and ensure the survival of different species. It plays an important role in promoting sustainable development and protecting the natural balance of our planet. However, nature conservation faces significant challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, clim...

Innovative research is the medium required to drive the transformations we need for a better world. However, innovative research needs to be ‘humanitarian’ to birth products and services that are truly innovative. This perspective paper traces the conceptual definitions of innovative research, why it is important, and how researchers can conduct in...

The landscape of technology and management is undergoing rapid and transformative changes, necessitating innovative research approaches to address complex challenges and seize unprecedented opportunities. Multidisciplinary research, characterized by collaborative efforts across diverse disciplines, emerges as a pivotal strategy in navigating this d...

Culture shapes human interactions, promotes collaboration, and facilitates interdisciplinary courses. It enhances educational processes, fostering cultural diversity and harmonious living. Cultural competence involves understanding and integrating one's worldview into interactions and decision-making, promoting inclusivity, equity, and academic ach...

There have been several calls from diverse stakeholders in the museum sector in Ghana for creative programs that enliven the cultural objects in a museum’s holding. This study aimed at exploring the use of museum theatre as an intervention to enhance the museum experience of visitors at the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, a popular museum in the Ashanti...

This paper discusses the plastic works of art of three Ghanaian visual artists, Samuel Prophask Asamoah, Rufai Zakari, and Serge Attukwei Clottey. In an attempt to salvage the plastic pollution menace in Ghana, these artists have transformed plastic waste into innovative and creative artistic products through material transformation processes and e...

Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART) as a variant of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming popular among Africans as an alternative to infertility among married couples. With the prioritization of fertility as an indispensable ingredient for sustaining family lineages,ART stands as a potential alternative for couples to shun the negative soc...

This study examined how young people perceive the revitalization of indigenous languages in multicultural environments. The research team gathered data from a stratified random sample of 200 participants hailing from diverse rural and urban areas in Ghana and Sierra Leone. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the study employed que...

The objective-based curriculum previously in use was replaced by a standards-based curriculum for the 2019-2020 school year, bringing a fresh approach to the fundamental study of visual arts. However, the current curriculum places greater emphasis on art history and cultural practices, presenting challenges for generalist teachers in the Ga East Mu...

Tattooing has been practiced for at least 10,000 years, with the word ‘‘tattoo’’ originating from the Tahitian word ‘‘tau-tau,’’ meaning ‘‘to mark’’. It is now considered an art form that transmits cultural expressions and social dichotomies within spaces. In Ghana, the popularity of contemporary tattooing has soared due to its role as a form of se...

Documentation of artefacts is a great avenue for recording the relevance of the works in the lives of people. It helps in improving the care and maintenance of artefacts. This study aimed at unfolding the philosophical foundations of the traditions and culture of the people of Sefwi Bekwai located at the Sefwi Bekwai palace in the Western North Reg...

Ghana is the second leading producer of cocoa in the world after Cote d'Ivoire. Cocoa production has been the mainstay of the Ghanaian economy and today cocoa continuous to be Ghana's main agricultural export commodity and an important contributor to Ghana's foreign exchange earnings and GDP. Greater volumes of waste are however generated annually...

The aim of this paper was to provide a constructive and critical summary of Kathy Curnow's book 'The Bright Continent-African Art History' to assist students, researchers and educators of African Art History in their study of the History of African Art. As a good reading resource in the field, Curnow's book provides a nuanced understanding of the c...

The hospitality industry is one of the fastest-growing industries compared to the other sectors of the global economy and it has become a competitive environment and drives the search for new ways and elements of efficient performance. Interior decoration deals with decorating a commercial business accord or a residential home to a customer's perso...

The Asante society depended on oral traditions to go through their activities until formal education was introduced. Asante oral literature had almost completely been overlooked and almost forgotten with the influence of globalization and Western culture where people would be aliens in their motherlands. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to...

This qualitative study rooted in the phenomenology research method, investigated the use of indigenous songs with themes on some native tree species in Ghana to be used for environmental education at the elementary school level in Ghana. The native trees under consideration in this study were Pericopsis elata (Kokrodua), Newbouldia laevis (Sesemasa...

Music has played a fundamental role in the liturgical activities of the Methodist Church Ghana since its establishment. Thus, this study aimed to gain insight into the integration and significance of various musical genres including hymns, danceable songs, and praises and worship songs within the church’s liturgical practices. The primary objective...

Environmental education across countries is seen as the surest means of nurturing pro-environmental behaviours in children so that the conservation of biodiversity in the environment can be guaranteed. Unfortunately in Ghana, there is no indigenous-knowledge-inspired pedagogical model that would aid elementary school teachers in carrying out such e...

The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the endorsed hope for a better world. Sustainable learning is the educational agent of positive change that would drive this achievement. Yet, the conduit for sustainable learning is transformative pedagogy. This perspective paper describes the conceptual foundations of transformative p...

Assessing how could an educator catch up with the evolving world necessitates the need to assess the skills he or she possess for such a future. This study sought to assess the level of competence of graduate science teachers in the Pangasinan State University across 17 future skills. Also, it aimed at correlating the level of competence of science...

Purpose: This study aimed to demonstrate, using studio research approaches, how solid waste in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, can be innovatively recycled into aesthetically pleasing and functional furniture pieces as a waste management strategy to achieve environmental sustainability. Results: Environmental sustainability and the economic profitabilit...

Plain Language Summary The purpose of the study was to investigate the anthropological evidence that affirms that the Asante Kente is a home craft and a cultural symbol that reveals the history, identity and values of the Asante people of Ghana. The study was conducted using the descriptive phenomenology under the qualitative research approach. Per...

The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive and critical review of the book 'African Visual Art from an Art Historical Perspective' authored by Monni Adams published in 1989. The book is focused on the study of artworks from Sub-Saharan indigenous societies based on the perspectives of Art Historians in the United States. The book has...

Education on native tree species using indigenous knowledge systems is crucial in elementary school environmental education because it sensitizes learners on the significant roles played by the native trees and their interconnections with their culture and existence. Unfortunately in Ghana, there is no pedagogical model that would aid elementary sc...

Mobility and migration of various art genres in different cultures have impacted significantly the production of the Asante Kente in the late 20th and early 21st century in Ghana. Appropriation of the philosophy, materiality, and design elements of these migrant art genres, specifically embroidery and screen printing into the production of the Asan...

This quantitative cross-sectional study with follow-up qualitative interviews was undertaken to evaluate the effects of teachers' absenteeism on Junior High School students' academic performance in English Language and Mathematics. A purposive sampling method was used to select forty Mathematics and English teachers and 683 learners from ten public...

In response to the global environmental crisis, this study focuses on indigenous ecological knowledge in Ghana's Kwahu Traditional Area. The research redefines traditional environmental conservation by exploring the Kwahu people's practices, revealing their harmonious relationship with nature. The study highlights the Kwahu's reverence for totemic...

The Asante Kente is unquestionably the most popular and best-known of all African textiles. It has attracted the attention of many for centuries due to its uniqueness. The aesthetic appeal of Kente has been significantly improved over the years as a result of variations in design and production techniques. However, its design and production could b...

Innovative research is the medium required to drive the transformations we need for a better world. However, innovative research needs to be 'humanitarian' to birth products and services that are truly innovative. This perspective paper traces the conceptual definitions of innovative research, why it is important and how researchers can conduct inn...

s: Academic burnout lessens learners' insights into their ability to study and their academic achievement, as well as has a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health, which may be tied to an emotional stress reaction. The current study aimed to assess academic burnout, self-efficacy, and emotional stress reaction of sandwich learners t...

Various techniques are used by jewellers in Ghana in depositing a film of gold on surfaces of jewellery items. Although traditional goldplating has and continues to chalk a high level of excellence in jewellery making in Ghana, little documentation has been done on it. While traditional goldplating has been practiced for decades in Ghana, the intro...

Aesthetics as an art-historical concept has evolved through the hands of many scholars in diverse fields. It is important to shed light on the historical evolution of the concept from its inception and the relationships that exist between the concept and its other related terms and disciplines. This study adopted a theoretical perspective in discus...

Aesthetics as an art-historical concept has evolved through the hands of many scholars in diverse fields. It is important to shed light on the historical evolution of the concept from its inception and the relationships that exist between the concept and its other related terms and disciplines. This study adopted a theoretical perspective in discus...

Issues centering on humanity have been the focus of research conducted in the fields of humanities and social sciences. As a result, research methodological approaches that concern themselves with exploring issues on human consciousness and lived experiences are often endorsed. Phenomenology, as a philosophy, paradigm, and method is known for heavi...

This study discusses the potential use of disposed wooden beams at construction sites that have become waste materials for the creation of functional items such as wooden carved door for environmental conservation. The growing problem of waste management has led to the need for more economical, artistic and environmentally friendly alternatives. Th...

This convergent parallel mixed methods study was aimed at addressing the lack of empirical studies in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as an inclusive pedagogy in the Ghanaian higher education context. The overarching objective was to find out whether UDL has the potential in improving the learning processes and learning ou...

The global search for more eco-friendly, cost-effective and alternative sculpture materials to be used in the deployment of teaching and learning has been pursued by scholars in sculpture lately. This has been driven by the need to find alternative sculpture materials in the local environment of students, especially waste materials to replace the e...

The rich diversity of biological and cultural heritage of indigenous or local communities in Ghana such as their biological resources, domesticated agroecosystems, and ancestral territories/sacred groves, as well as indigenous knowledge, cultural and spiritual values, and customary laws (biocultural heritage) have significantly assisted them in tac...

The conduct of research must heed to the principles of academic integrity and excellence which are embedded in innovation and scholarliness-the indispensable double edged sword for the success of any research activity. This keynote presentation discusses the need for researchers to conduct innovative and scholarly research. It comprehensively discu...

Article History Abstract Scrap metals have been an environmental nuisance blocking the pathways of water and leading to various forms of environmental pollution at Anloga in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. This scrap metal art project was aimed at creatively reusing and re-purposing scrap metals from various construction, dump sites and households...

One of the identifiable resources that an industry can utilize as a driver for survival is managerial competence. Although literature is replete with evidence on this subject matter, no research work has been conducted on the relationship between managerial competence and performance of the traditional metal fabrication industries in Ghana. To addr...

Digital technologies are reshaping every aspect of our lives, and, by extension, the way indigenous craftsmen operate, promote their handicrafts, and engage with their customers. This research succinctly analysed the impact some digital technologies are having on the production and marketing of indigenous crafts in Ghana. Using a qualitative resea...

Plastic pollution has been a global environmental challenge for decades. Though the production of plastic is pegged at 300 million tonnes annually, over 8 million metric tonnes end up as waste in the streets, drains and oceans. This leads to the destruction of human life and the rich biodiversity in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This invited...

Plastic waste continues to be an environmental nuisance globally. In the case of Ghana, where only 5% of plastic waste is recycled, it is vital for organizations and individuals to develop innovative strategies to creatively reuse plastic waste materials and transform them into valuable products. This exploratory qualitative study that utilizes art...

Creativity is fundamental to the overall progress of humanity and hence identified as a key competence required for being successful in the XXI century. Teaching that nurtures creativity helps not only to unfold children's creative potential but also to enhance the effectiveness of teaching. The essential step in helping teachers to learn the princ...

Global communities are facing serious environmental and biodiversity crises. The prevailing condition is threatening the existence of life on Earth. There is a need to proffer solutions from diverse academic disciplines to salvage this environmental threat that keeps escalating every day. This editorial paper is aimed at introducing the Journal of...

Ensuring inclusivity in a highly diverse higher education classroom has been a challenge in many higher education institutions globally. In a highly diverse classroom, there is a need to ensure and sustain inclusivity where all learners feel respected and regarded as an important part of the teaching and learning activities. The universal design fo...

The purpose of this design-based study in the qualitative research approach was to produce content and context-specific TLMs for Upper primary learners living with blindness and visual impairment at the Akropong School for the Blind in Ghana. This was followed up by post-project personal interviews with four teachers and six learners living with bl...

Asante public sculptures epitomize the remarkable contributions of past and present Asantes who have impacted greatly on the sustainable development of urban spaces in the geographical regions occupied by the Asantes of Ghana. The public sculptures honor the heroes and heroines who have immensely contributed to the sustainable development of Asante...

The purpose of the study was to undertake an innovative project of producing a mobile sink basin from fibreglass as an intervention for hand washing in Ghana. The qualitative research approach with the arts-based descriptive research design guided the study. Fifty-five (55) study participants in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technolog...

The study set out to investigate the environmental aesthetics present in habitual areas, specifically in Ayigya Township, Ashanti Region, focusing on picture-making tendencies for optimal skill development. A total of 346 respondents from various structures were specifically chosen to participate in the study using the Narrative Case Study Design u...

The indigenous arts and the Ghanaian culture are extremely interwoven, inseparable, and culture-specific. The study investigated the socio-cultural significance of selected indigenous visual artefacts of Lambussie Traditional Area with specific focus on woodcarving, blacksmithing, and pottery. The exploratory research method under the qualitative r...

"Social application of technology in the digital age" with the aim to bring together professional experts, scholars, and students around the globe to share innovative ideas and knowledge on emerging technologies in the society and research disciplines. The proceedings consist of research findings from experts, with the purpose of knowledge improvem...

This reflective paper discusses my personal experiences in teaching and how I have unconsciously applied the principles of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at the basic school and Senior High school levels in Ghana. I offer a window into my professional practice and justify why I support the overarching purpose of the UDL framework that advo...

This book, A-Z of Social Media Research Methods, gives crucial insight into the effectiveness of various social media in enhancing academic research. We believe that social media can provide a positive impact in the application of 21st-century skills and offers flexibility in the academic research space when used well. The book points out social m...

Social media research has been one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the 21st century due to the great interest in social media outlets as an avenue for information, education, and entertainment. However, few published articles offer a clear pathway to the writing, dissemination, and publishing of social media research. This chapter offers simp...

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has not only led to a major global health crisis, but it has severe psycho-social and economic implications for the countries in the World. The activities of the world drastically changed, with many coming to a complete halt due to the advent of the COVID-19 global pandemic in the latter part of 2019. Little did...

Purpose- The study rooted in the eco-innovation theory aimed at investigating the effects of plastic waste in the Kokrobite and Bortianor communities in Accra while finding proactive ways of using recycled art from plastic waste, with post-use packages in focus to sensitize community members on the negative effects of plastic waste. Design/Methodo...

The Methodist Church Ghana has been using different kinds of musical styles in its liturgy since its inception and notable amongst them is Ebibindwom (Akan musical artform). The objective of this ethnographic study was to ascertain the historical development, aesthetic and cultural significance of Ebibindwom in the liturgy of the church. Direct obs...

The materials for sculpture in Ghana have always been clay, wood, cement, resin, and silicon. These materials have their limitations. Also, some students do not have the financial strength to purchase them because they are expensive. This situation slows down the pace in the teaching and learning of practical activities in the Sculpture discipline...

Biodiversity pivots life and it's crucial for global sustainable development. Global communities have rich indigenous knowledge systems for biodiversity conservation which are often identified with the older members of the society. Involving children in biodiversity projects is very helpful in 'catching them young' in engaging and campaigning for f...

Plants are a rich source of biologically active compounds such as essential fatty acids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, vitamins, essential oils, proteins, and minerals. These compounds show, among others nourishing, soothing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Of all vitamins, Vitamin D and...

The study investigates the rate of reading poverty after the COVID-19 pandemic school shutdown and specific intervention strategies for lower primary school pupils in the southern province and western area of Sierra Leone. Randomised experiments of mixed-methods reading interventions for 100 struggling readers in class 5 and 20 English teachers sel...