Following a theory of strategic positioning perspective, this paper aims to explore the operating context in which dimensions of the macro-environment factors are likely to enhance Small and Medium Enterprise's (SMEs) intentions to invest in the Ghana's’ downstream oil and gas sector. Specifically, macro environment model has been developed wherein an important exogenous context (supply chain resilience) variable has been considered and studied its moderating effect on the relationship between macro environment dimensions and intentions to invest. The study also, examined the conditional effect of micro environment dimensions on intention to invest at different levels of supply chain resilience. Using Partial Least Square method we analyze cross sectional data across Ghana's SMEs spectrum between the periods 2017–2018. Our indicative evidence suggests that political factors, economic factors, environmental factors and technological factors are related to SMEs intentions to invest in the down stream oil and gas. Moreover, the research findings revealed that supply chain resilience moderated the relationship between macroenvironment dimensions and intention to invest. The link between macro environment dimensions and intention to invest was strengthened via the interaction effect of supply chain resilience. These robust results are consistent with the theory of strategic positioning. Overall, our results are akin to policy makers agenda to create enabling macro environment to improve local businesses participation in the Ghanaian oil and gas value chain. Besides, the findings will assist SMEs owners and managers in their decisi ons to invest in the downstream oil and gas sector by strengthening investment capability at different levels of Supply chain resilience.

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Hermetic grain storage (HGS) bags are simple and appropriate to effectively protect stored grains against pests and aflatoxins in areas where effective facilities are lacking. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and perceptions associated with current practices, awareness-facilitating agents, and HGS bags in interior southern Ghana. The main objective was to provide information that can be included in sensitization and awareness creation programs to increase adoption of HGS bags for sustainable production of grain crops, food security, income-generation, and livelihood improvement across farming communities in selected areas in southern Ghana. Therefore, 925 smallholder farmers were randomly selected and interviewed across three districts (or municipals), which included West Akim Municipal, Ayensuano District, and Suhum Municipal in southern Ghana, using a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection and analysis. The results showed that 95.24% of farmers were still using ineffective grain storage approaches to store grains. Average awareness level about HGS bags among farmers was ≤30%, whereas adoption of HGS bags was very low (4.76%). However, awareness and adoption were mostly observed in West Akim Municipal. Although awareness was significantly dependent on numerous demographic and farming factors, it had significant positive correlations with ‘female farmers’ and respondents’ age-range (36–50 years) only; it suggests that if these two factors are considered in sensitization programs, they will increase awareness about HGS bags. The most performing awareness-facilitating agent was the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, followed by famers’ neighbors. Nonetheless, farmers (who were aware of or adopted HGS bags) were facing challenges or limitations. Hence, the need for training smallholder farmers has been discussed.

The study assessed gender‐based violence (GBV) in Northern Ghana with a focus on intimate partner violence (IPV), other forms of violence against women, and the general perception held on gendered‐based violence in the regions. The causal factors militating against the general development of women are also closely examined. It draws on the ecological model to unpack the dynamics of GBV in Northern Ghana with the general objective of promoting gender equality in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study analyzed qualitative and quantitative data from 450 males and females sampled in three districts in Northern Ghana. The study finds that where there is a misunderstanding in conjugal relationships, men are likely to resort to the use of violence to resolve it. The sociocultural acceptance of GBV could mean that both genders do not perceive male violence as deviant behavior. Imperatively, governmental and nongovernmental agencies should prioritize challenging cultural norms that normalize deviant behaviors.