Child marriage is a fundamental violation of children’s human rights and is closely linked with child trafficking and child labour. PDA was contracted by Challenging Heights to conduct research aimed at deepening the understanding of the nature and extent of child forced early marriage (CFEM) in fishing communities that serve as either source or destination areas for child trafficking.
Commissioned by the girls’ education unit of the Ghana Education Service and Camfed, this study examined gender dynamics within Junior High School governance structures. The research focused on how gendered membership, participation, and decision-making processes affect the mainstreaming of gender issues, the creation of gender-friendly school environments, and pupil retention, particularly benefiting female students.
PDA was contracted to conduct a comprehensive community burns survey across 7 regions in Ghana (Northern, Upper East, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Volta, Central, and Greater Accra). The survey aimed to collect data on the incidence, knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding burns, with the goal of informing the development of targeted advocacy and educational materials by InterBurns
PDA was contracted by the UNHCR Ghana Office to undertake a comprehensive assessment in Krisan Camp. The study aimed to profile the socio-economic conditions of refugees, assess the protection risks they face, and evaluate livelihood options that minimize these risks. Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the research provided nuanced insights into how refugees acquire livelihood assets and the risks associated with pursuing normal livelihood options.
PDA led a team of 13 staff to conduct an impact evaluation of the RTIMP, executed by Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture from 2007 to 2014. Commissioned jointly by IFAD and the Ministry, the evaluation employed the Participatory Impact Assessment & Learning Approach (PIALA) using mixed methods across 300 communities in 30 districts. The project aimed to improve rural livelihoods by developing commodity chains for roots and tubers, focusing on products such as gari, high quality cassava flour, bonding cassava plywood, and fresh yam export.
PDA conducted a qualitative baseline study to investigate the trafficking of children into forced labour within Ghana’s fishing industry. The study sought to understand the mechanisms, key players, and community perceptions surrounding child trafficking and forced labour. Over 30 focus group discussions and 60 key informant interviews were carried out in 6 communities across four regions, with findings aimed at informing interventions to prevent trafficking and enhance child protection.
PDA facilitated a high-level roundtable discussion on 11th June 2015, centered on an 82-page HRW report that highlighted the use of hazardous child labor in Ghana’s unlicensed mining sector. The discussion brought together government representatives, private sector actors, NGOs, and other stakeholders to deliberate on the report’s findings and explore actionable solutions to eliminate child labor from the gold supply chain.
As part of the impact evaluation for the Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme (RTIMP), PDA co-facilitated a national sense making workshop. The workshop was designed to interpret and contextualize evidence gathered from two months of field research conducted across 25 districts in 8 regions, thereby engaging both local and national stakeholders in shaping the programme’s future direction.
PDA conducted the Ghana country study as part of ODI’s research into emerging global trends in job markets and their effects on skills development. The study examined the challenges faced by companies and the workforce in an increasingly competitive world, using a combined approach that included a literature review, interviews with multinational companies and key experts, and an in-depth analysis of trends in both Vietnam and Ghana.
PDA conducted a country study on modern day slavery (MDS) in Ghana, focusing on mapping the coverage, cost, impact, and effectiveness of existing responses and interventions. The study involved extensive literature review and a series of interviews with stakeholders from government, civil society, and Ghanaian industries, culminating in a consultative workshop with over 30 representatives.
