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Small and Medium Scale Enterprises play a significant role in the global Thus, the study sought to establish the effects of microfinance on SMEs. The study adopted a case study approach. It examined the effects of microfinance services and products provided by Multi Credit Savings and Loans Limited on the performance of SMEs in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana and also examined the problems encountered by both in dealing with each other. In all, questionnaires were administered to 152 customers of MCSL who were owners ofKeywords: Development, Ghana, Growth, Loans, Micro-credit, Micro-finance, Microfinance Institutions, Savings, SMEs. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYSmall and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the global economy. It is considered as the backbone of the private sector. Apart from economic development, SMEs play vital roles in social, political and cultural development (Dixit and Pandey, 2011). In this regard, SMEs play a pivotal role in promoting grassroot economic growth and equitable sustainable development. Kachembere (2011) argues that SMEs" development is acknowledged as a key factor in promoting equitable and sustainable economic development. The SME sector has the Asian Development Policy Review ISSN(e): 2313-8343/ISSN(p) potential to promote growth in employment as well as contribute to poverty reduction among urban and rural areas in most developing countries (Tombo et al., 2008). Similar studies buttress this point that SMEs contribute immensely to job opportunities in Africa (Ayyagari et al., 2007). SMEs contribute immensely to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), economic growth, employment creation and increase government revenue through the payment of indirect taxes such as Value Added Tax (Dalberg Global Development Advisors, 2011).Examining the contributions of SMEs to the economy, it becomes obvious that SMEs are tools for promoting equitable and sustainable economic development (Kachembere, 2011). However this can only be realised when Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) carry out their activities to meet the purpose for which they were established. Thus, the main purpose of MFIs is not just to offer credit to the productive poor but to provide non-financial services such as insurance, savings and money transfers which commercial banks are reluctant to provide because owners of SMEs are mostly unable to meet their collateral requirements. Studies indicate that microfinance services and products over time have positive effects on SMEs (Afrane, 2002;Roodman and Morduch, 2009;Idowu, 2010;Karikari, 2011).Conversely, other scholars have highlighted that microfinance has impacted negatively on SMEs especially women (Mayoux, 2005;Chowdhury, 2009;Duvendack et al., 2011).This shows why governments, particularly in Africa, have made tremendous efforts and instituted policies to enhance the growth of SMEs. For instance, the Nigerian government prohibits the importation of fully manufactured products from China and this policy has forced SMEs and other companies established i...

The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment which is negatively affecting its sustainability. A rapidly urbanising Africa is vigorously degrading the environmental resources especially those in urban areas. There is also a growing fear that African governments may become locked into 'a grow dirty now, clean up later' development path that may be irreparable, expensive, and wasteful as well as reduce the welfare of especially vulnerable groups. This trajectory has negative connotation on environmental rights and specially the human rights of vulnerable individuals and communities to health, food, water and housing. However, the protection of these environmental assets can upsurge the efficiency and livability of the rapidly urbanising communities, increase tourism opportunities as well as augment resilience to the impacts of global climatic variations. Adopting a doctrinal methodology and the human rights-based approach, this article explores the intersection between human rights and environmental protection in the context of rapid urbanisation on the African continent. This paper further examines whether and to what extent a regional human rights approach to environmental protection can protect environmental assets in the context of urbanization at the national level in Africa. It relies on primary sources and secondary information. The article discusses the nexus between human rights and environment protection in the African context and addresses key issue of human rights and environmental conservation in the context of urbanisation.

Waste management is competing with more pressing economic and social issues such as social protection programs, education, and health. The government of Ghana has therefore decentralized the waste management system in the country. With this development, local government authorities and private sector actors are now playing key roles in waste management in the country. This study sought to examine decentralized solid waste management in the Berekum and Dormaa Municipalities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Specifically, it analyzed the involvement of the private sector in solid waste management, and the quality of waste management services in the two selected municipalities. Through a survey of 312 households, the study analyzed the performance improvement, regulatory policy, and sustainable service delivery of solid waste management in the municipalities. The study found that there were no mechanisms for full cost recovery to include majority of the residents, who patronize communal collection service. The study therefore recommends the adherence to normative standards and agreed rules, adoption, and use of appropriate cost recovery strategies for low-income groups as well as the restructuring of institutional arrangements to ensure user involvement and enforcement of legislation to improve municipal solid waste management in Ghana.

Purpose This study aims to determine the impact of resource use behaviours of students of a public university in Ghana on ecological sustainability. It examines the land area required to provide the resources used and also to assimilate the wastes produced. It also suggests an effective way to initiate participative discussions on environmental sustainability and consequences of resource use in a university setting. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a mixed methods approach to gather and analyse data on students’ lifestyles concerning ecological footprint. The data was analysed using the Predictive Analytics Software and a modified version of the ecological footprint analysis (EFA). Findings The current ecological footprint of students in the university is not environmentally sustainable. The sample population had high average ecological footprint of 3.62 hectares, representing an ecological impact score of 135.85. The findings provide lessons on how universities and analogous institutions interested in sustainable practices could foster ecologically sustainable development. Research limitations/implications Additional data collection methods such as a longitudinal study would provide a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of resource use behaviour of students in a public university in Ghana on ecological sustainability. Social implications EFA and findings can support universities to effectively integrate sustainability practices into their policies and practices to help students contribute to making society more sustainable. Originality/value This is an original research and makes a contribution to EFA and sustainable practices of public universities in Ghana.