Trends in teaching public administration: a view from the proceedings of the national conferences on teaching public administration

This article identifies trends in research on teaching public administration. Topics receiving substantial amounts of attention within years, within multiple years, and across time are identified. Cumulation of research on certain topics is identified. This study is based on data from the Proceedings of the National Conferences on Teaching Public Administration between 1978 and 1989.     

The Rule of Law in Today’s Africa∗

This article is based on the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in a case involving illness resulting from the consumption of a bottled drink which contained a dead cockroach. The main issues considered were manufacturers' duty of care; the liability of a retailer in negligence; burden of proof; and causation. Evidence showed that the drink manufactured by the second respondent was sold by the first respondent to the appellant in the same condition in which it left the second respondent. The Court held that in the circumstances of the case, only the second respondent was liable to the appellant.     

The doctrine of ultra vires and the protection of shareholders,creditors and third parties in Ghana: a balancing act

The doctrine of ultra vires was at common law invoked to frustrate expectations of innocent parties that entered into transactions with companies outside their object clause. The common law doctrine of ultra vires is applicable in Ghana but with necessary modification under the Companies Code and it is an effective tool for the protection of shareholders, creditors and third party's interest in the company. Whilst third parties acting in good faith and without notice are protected under the law, shareholders and creditors may restrain the company from dealing with the third party in the case of future transactions. This ensures balance and in any event when an action is instituted the court is obliged to look at the equities involved.