FACULTY OF HUMANITIES http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4 2026-04-07T12:45:05Z 2026-04-07T12:45:05Z Nicholas, Charles Osei, Charles Dwumfour Kwao-Sarbah, David http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30686 2025-07-15T17:37:42Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Toward Fiscal Decentralization: Assessing the Performance of Internally Generated Revenue Collection for Local Development in Ghana Authors: Nicholas, Charles; Osei, Charles Dwumfour; Kwao-Sarbah, David Abstract: The success of decentralization efforts in developing countries, such as Ghana, is closely tied to the capacity for robust infrastructure delivery at the local level, where local governments are mandated to drive development but often operate on shoestring budgets. This study critically examines the performance of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) collection in the Ahafo Ano-South West District in Ghana, with a specific focus on revenue trends from 2016 to 2022. Using time series data, the study applies the Corrected Revenue Collection Index (CRCI) to assess how well various revenue streams performed. The findings reveal a striking pattern where property rates emerged as the most consistent and high-performing source of IGF, while revenues from land royalties and administrative fees lagged significantly. Rental income from lands and buildings, and licenses, showed moderate but promising results. These disparities highlight the untapped potential within local revenue systems and point to key areas for reform and strategic investment. By offering new empirical insights, this study contributes meaningfully to the broader discourse on local government financing and sustainable development. It underscores the urgent need for improved revenue mobilization strategies and greater fiscal accountability to empower district assemblies in Ghana and similar contexts to deliver on their developmental mandates. Strengthening IGF collection is not just a financial necessity but a pathway to stronger and more self reliant local governance.

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z Boaheng, Isaac http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30685 2025-07-15T17:37:26Z 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z

Title: AN AFRICAN CHRISTIAN APPROPRIATION OF THE EUCHARIST Authors: Boaheng, Isaac Abstract: The Eucharist holds a significant place in the life of the Church in Africa. Beyond symbolizing salvation and reminding believers of God’s provision, it aligns with the traditional African worldview, which emphasizes the necessity and power of blood for salvation. However, despite its importance, many African Christians struggle to fully grasp the relevance of the Eucharist in addressing their daily challenges. While some scholarly works have explored the topic, a gap remains in connecting Eucharistic theology to the practical socio-economic and spiritual issues faced by African Christians. This paper seeks to bridge that gap by exploring way by which Eucharistic theology might be or has been interpreted to address socio-economic and spiritual challenges of everyday African life. Using a literature-based research approach, the paper examines data from existing publications (including journal articles, bible commentaries, books and dissertations/theses) through thematic analysis. The central argument of the paper is that Christ, through the shedding of his blood symbolized in the Eucharistic meal, provides solutions to both physical and spiritual human needs. Consequently, partakers of the Eucharist must approach it with proper understanding and faith, thereby accessing its full benefits. The paper contributes to knowledge by demonstrating how the Eucharist can serve as a transformative practice, offering theological and practical insights for the Church in Africa to engage with the daily realities of its members.

2025-03-01T00:00:00Z ADDAI, WILLIAM KWAKU BOAHENG, ISAAC http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30684 2025-07-15T17:37:16Z 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Theological and Economic Perspectives on Eliminating Poverty in Ghana Authors: ADDAI, WILLIAM KWAKU; BOAHENG, ISAAC Abstract: This research examined the convergence of economic and biblical viewpoints on poverty in Ghana, aiming to guide strategies for alleviating poverty. This research aimed to uncover the fundamental elements that contribute to poverty and to explore various approaches for addressing these issues from both economic and biblical perspectives. A literature-based method was utilised, collecting information from secondary sources including books, journal articles, and dissertations. The research indicated that although economic and biblical viewpoints vary in their methods, they align on core principles that highlight the significance of empowerment, self sufficiency, and community engagement in alleviating poverty. The conversations emphasise the importance of a comprehensive strategy for addressing poverty, integrating both economic and spiritual viewpoints. The study suggests that policymakers and development professionals should consider incorporating biblical principles into their economic development efforts to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts. The study also indicates that faith-based organisations can make a significant contribution to poverty reduction initiatives by offering economic empowerment programmes and promoting community development. This research contributes to the current body of work on incorporating biblical principles into economic growth.

2025-07-01T00:00:00Z BOAHENG, ISAAC http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30683 2025-07-15T17:37:09Z 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A Theological and Linguistic Study of the Bono-Twi Translation of the Expressions ἁγιασθήτω and εἰσενέγκῃς in the Matthean Lord’s Prayer Authors: BOAHENG, ISAAC Abstract: Bible translation endeavors in Ghana and other parts of the world have significantly contributed to the establishment and growth of Christianity. However, like any human endeavor, mother-tongue Bible translation comes with many challenges to both the translator and translation agencies. In this regard, the Lord’s Prayer is arguably one of the most difficult texts to translate. This paper examined two challenging expressions in the Matthean Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13), namely ἁγιασθήτω (v.9b) and εἰσενέγκῃς (v.13a), and how their rendition in the ongoing Bono-Twi Bible Translation Project could serve as a model for other Akan mother-tongue translations. The paper is a non empirical research that gathered data from publications on the subject matter, including books, Bible Commentaries, and journal articles. The methodology for the paper consists of three steps: First, exegetical, linguistic, and theological analyses of the selected expressions in the biblical context; second, a sociolinguistic and theological examination of the Bono-Twi rendering and third, a comparative study between the Bono-Twi version and three Akan versions (Asante-Twi, Akuapem-Twi and Fante). The study found the need to go beyond linguistic considerations to include exegetical and theological analysis to correctly render a text from one language to another. To enhance the effectiveness of mother-tongue Bible translation, the paper recommended that agencies, churches, pastors, and theological institutions collaborate by providing proper training, encouraging local language use, and supporting translation efforts through funding, literacy, and theological input. The paper contributes to the academic discourse on the development of mother-tongue translation, theologizing, and exegesis in Ghana and Africa.

2025-06-01T00:00:00Z