You can't do anything but rather to wait , the waiting is frenzy though but I can testify you're not the only waiting . I know more than 5 people who are still waiting for decision after 8 months of applying study permit visa from Ghana ..
Same here,i applied in Ghana 17th October 2016 for study permit . I'm still waiting 7 month 3 weeks already . I emailed cic to find out why processing time has elapsed . This was my response :
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please be advised that your application is still in queue for review. No further...
Yes it will be better to tell them you have been refused a visa before , everything is database don't lie about that or you might find your self refused again.
I applied on paper , I personally sent cic email because I have exceeded the normal processing time. The response after my mail says my application is in que for review and once decision is made I'll be informed. That was February. I applied for January entry .