This study aims to evaluate cashless systems as a means of payment and receipt in Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to identify the modes of cashless systems in use and evaluate the level of implementation. A quantitative approach was adopted and primary data was gathered from 345 respondents knowledgeable in cashless systems using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data on cashless systems transactions between 2013 and 2017 were obtained from the Bank of Ghana. Data were analysed quantitatively using SPSS and presented using tables and charts. The findings reveal that the value of transactions made through cashless systems is on the rise. The use of cheques continues to be the dominant system in place at the end of 2017. The study found that mobile money services are penetrating the market at a pace faster than all other cashless payment and receipt modes. Internet banking is another emerging area that is also fast gaining ground. Debit/credit cards, E-zwich and Electronic funds transfers are not fully used in day to day transactions. Point of Sale terminals are rarely available at local shops to promote the use of cards in making purchases. The study found convenience, time savings and security from physical attacks to be the key benefits of cashless systems. Low literacy serves as major challenge to cashless system implementation. Based on these findings, it is recommended that local shops and supermarkets be assisted to adopt cashless receipt systems. The ease of finding shops that accept e-payments for items will reduce the desire in carrying cash for transactions. Contribution/Originality:This study is one of few studies that have assessed the effectiveness of cashless system implementation in Ghana. The study adopted a mix of research approaches and strategies aimed at exploring the level of implementation, benefits, drivers and challenges of cashless systems as a means of transaction.

Reclaimed water from wastewater has become a prominent water source option to manage water scarcity. This study explores the potential of coconut husk biomass, a common waste material in Ghana, as a valuable low-cost resource for greywater treatment. Engineered column treatment was applied to investigate the influence of pyrolysis and biochar properties of coconut husk biomass waste on greywater treatment. Coconut husk biomass waste was pyrolyzed at 600°C and characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD. Three engineered columns with 1) raw coconut husk powder (RCHP), 2) charred coconut husk powder (CCHP), and 3) sand-gravel filters (control setup) were used. A hydrostatic head of greywater with a throughput of 8.0 ml/min and a hydraulic retention time of 45 min was maintained for engineered columns. The SEM image suggested an increased surface area and pores due to the pyrolysis of the husk biomass. RCHP and CCHP contributed to 63% and 95% turbidity removal, respectively. Experimental results showed high removal efficiencies of 71% COD for CCHP. The nitrate removal efficiency of 78.93%, 88.38%, and 28.65% was observed for RCHP, CCHP, and control respectively. The log removal of faecal coliform by CCHP was two orders of magnitude higher than RCHP. Faecal and total coliform removal was 2.87 log units for CCHP. Significant differences were observed between CCHP and RCHP, p < 0.05 for electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids of effluents. CCHP showed a promising potential for greywater treatment. Pyrolyzed coconut husk powder is a promising adsorbent applicable to greywater treatment.

Banks are faced with several types of risks. Prominent among these risks is credit risk. Profitability is key to the growth and survival of banks. This study therefore seeks to investigate the relationship that exists between credit risk and the profitability of banks in Ghana. To achieve this objective, eight banks were sampled out of a population of twenty nine (29) banks over a ten (10) year period from 2005 to 2014. A panel regression was run using Return on assets (dependent variable) as a proxy for profitability while non-performing loan ratio and net charge off to total loans and advances (independent variables) were used as proxies for credit risk. Other variables such as size, growth and debt ratio which influence profitability were controlled for in the model. Secondary data comprising annual reports of the selected banks was used for the study. The study established a positive and significant relationship between credit risk and the profitability of banks in Ghana. This implies that banks in Ghana enjoy profit in the midst of all the credit risk. The study also confirmed the findings of previous studies that, size and debt ratio are factors that influence profitability as there was a positive and significant relationship with profitability.

The study examined the socio-demographic features of farmers and credit accessibility in the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality Ghana. It also identifies the sources and factors influencing access to credit in the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality. Primary data were obtained from 1,200 households and farmers within the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal. The empirical analysis employed a logistic regression technique, the Tobit model and Endogenous Switching Regression Model (ESRM) to explore the accessibility of credit on productivity in the agriculture sector. The results revealed that age and gender are statistically significant in determining access to credit from both the logit and the endogenous regression models. The endogenous switching regression model further reveals that educational status, land ownership, access to knowledge on credit significantly influences the amount of credit received by a particular farmer within the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality. These findings have practical implications for the modernizations of the Agriculture sector in Ghana. It is therefore important for various stakeholders to increase financial literacy among farming communities and the financial institutions to increase the credit accessibility by the Agriculture sector. It is therefore recommended that extension services provision, diversification of agriculture production and easy access to credit from financial institutions in the Municipality be established to ensure increased agriculture production.

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