ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Ghanaian herbal medicines for malaria: An evaluation of the clinical safety and effectiveness of “time herbal mixture” in uncomplicated malaria

Background: Herbal antimalarials have become a popular source of treatment for most Ghanaians. The significant increase in patronage is of public health concern due to the lack of quality, safety, and effcacy data. Aim: In this report, we evaluated the clinical safety and effectiveness of a Ghanaian commercial product named “Time HerbalMixture” (THM). The product is formulated from the leaves of Solanum torvum and Vernonia amygdalina and the stem bark of Spathodea campanulata and Bombax buonopozense. Methods: Participants of 40 patients diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria were recruited, treated, and followed up for a period of 28 days. This population comprised 25 (62.50%) females and 15 (37.50%) males, with a mean age of 42.29 (12.35) years. Outcome of primary interest was the ability of the product to clear blood parasites by day 7 of the study, resolution of cardinal symptoms of malaria, and an absence of adverse effects from the use of the product. Results and Discussion: A total of 33 (82.50%) participants achieved clearance of all parasites by day 7 (complete cure). Partial clearance was attained by 6 (15.0%) and treatment failure in 1 (2.50%). Resolution of the cardinal symptoms was also observed in most participants by day 7. The product also had a good safety profle as none of the participants reported any adverse effects. Liver, kidney, and hematological profiles were also normal after the study. Conclusion:“THM,” therefore, has the potential to be used in cases of uncomplicated malaria

Source: UCC
Ghanaian Junior High School Adolescents Dietary Practices and Food Preferences: Implications for Public Health Concern

Introduction: The dietary practices of adolescents have been described as not the best, mainly as a result of their busy schedules, peer pressure and the independent nature of their behaviour. It is therefore important that adolescents have reliable nutrition information that will guide them to make informed decisions regarding their dietary patterns and practices. But, what are the gaps in their knowledge and practices regarding dietary intakes? The aim of this study was to determine the eating patterns, meals skipping practices, snacking habits and the food preferences of adolescents in selected Junior High Schools in Ghana. Methods: A total number of 820 adolescents were enrolled in this cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire assessing the background characteristics of the respondents, frequency of meals consumption, frequency of snacking between meals, type of snacks usually consumed, and frequency of eating outside the home and food preferences of respondents was administered to all the participants. Results: Majority 515(62.8%) of the respondents indicated that they usually skipped breakfast before going to school. The common reason given by many 178(34.6%) of the breakfast skippers was that parents gave them money to buy food on their way to school, but they used the money to browse at the internet café after school. Nearly half 367(44.8%) of the respondents reported that they usually consumed an average of two cooked meals per day at home. About one-third (33.8%) of the respondents preferred a soft drink for snack during the day. Conclusions: The findings of this study have demonstrated that Junior High School students, who are adolescents, do not have healthy eating patterns and habits – they usually skip breakfast and prefer high sugar and fat content food products as snack among other dietary habits.

Source: UCC
Ghanaian Nursing Faculty’s Perception of Critical Thinking

The ability to critically evaluate information for the purpose of rendering healthcare is a prerequisite for modern nurses in this complex and changing healthcare environment. The nursing faculty’s perception influences the utilization of critical thinking strategies. The purpose of this study was to assess nursing faculty’s perception of critical thinking. A cross sectional descriptive study with cluster sampling technique was used to assess the perception of 106 nurse educators from diploma and degree nursing programs in Ghana. Self-reporting questionnaire was used as the tool for data collection. The results revealed that majority (95.3%) of nurse educators could not provide a complete definition of critical thinking. However, the majority of nurse educators had positive perceptions of critical thinking. Nurse educators in universities had more positive perception of critical thinking than those in the Nurses’ Training Colleges (p=0.007). Course structure and materials, lack of institutional framework, students’ characteristics, time limitations, faculty limitations, and desire for grades were identified as barriers to the promotion of critical thinking. The results suggested that the current nursing programs are not preparing nurses for necessary skills for the complex health care environment. Curriculum review with focus on course content and design as related to critical thinking is required.

Source: UCC
Ghanaian Perspectives on the Present Day Dynamics of Homosexuality

Homosexuality has been an issue of controversy since time immemorial, and it elicits various reactions and attitude which are influenced by the type of societies, cultural and moral development or political situation. In recent times there has been serious controversy over the incidence of homosexuality in Ghana, with human rights activists, pro-gay groups and religious and traditional leaders approaching the issue from different angles. This paper presents the various views expressed by stakeholders in the country and the authors’ opinion, based on available evidence and cultural consideration.

Source: UCC
Ghanaian Senior High School Science Students’ Conceptions about Change of State of Matter

The article was based on the assertion that students’ conceptions greatly influence the extent to which they grasp concepts. Based on this claim, this study sought to examine students’ concepts and the reasons associated with learners’ alternative conceptions relative to change of state of matter. This study employed the survey design hinged on retrospective and prospective paradigms. A sample of 240 final year (Form 3) science students were randomly selected from five senior high schools located within the Cape Coast Metropolitan area, Ghana to participate in this research. The findings revealed that about three-quarters of the students held varied alternative conceptions on change of state of matter. Additionally, the results indicated that a number of reasons underpin why learners hold alternative conceptions of change of state of matter. For instance, students hold the alternative conception that temperature changes during phase transition and are also unable to interpret the numerical representation of the change of state of matter. It was, therefore, recommended that teachers should develop activities aimed at leading students to the development of scientifically correct conceptions thereby helping them correct their alternative conceptions.

Source: UCC
Ghanaian teacher trainees’ perception of the official Social Studies curriculum and the resources available for its implementation

This paper examines teacher trainees' perception of the nature, usefulness and adequacy of the official Social Studies curriculum prescribed by the syllabus issued by the Teacher Education Division of the Ghana Education Service. Using simple random sampling and stratified sampling methods, a sample of 233 students was selected from six Teacher Training Colleges in the Ashanti Region. A questionnaire consisting of mostly Likert-type items was used; and trainees were made to indicate the extent to which they agreed with the statements about the official Social Studies curriculum and the resources available for its implementation. The results show that over 90% of the trainees agreed the objectives of he social studies curriculum are valid and very necessary for the programme; they were very much aware that the purpose of Social Studies education is to train them to teach at the basic level; and agreed that the subject equips them with skills to teach at the basic level. On the content of Social Studies, the trainees agreed tremendously about its relevance. They were however undecided about the limitless scope of the subject which makes it uncomfortable to learn. The trainees also showed a high level of agreement with the need for a Social Studies room with materials like globes, charts, bulletin boards; and demonstrated grave disagreement with the adequacy of Social Studies textbooks and other reference materials.

Source: UCC
Ghanaian teachers’ career orientations and their turnover intentions

The study empirically investigated what career anchors were dominant among Ghanaian teachers, and whether the teachers’ career orientations significantly influenced their turnover intentions. The study employed the quantitative survey design and sampled 297 teachers (141 males, 156 females) from basic schools (year 1-9) and senior high schools (year 10-12). The average age of the participants was 31.4 years. Two sets of standardized instruments – Schein’s 8-factor Career Orientations Inventory and the 3-item Turnover Intention Scale from the Michigan Organizational Assessment Questionnaire were adapted to collect data for the study. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that, of the eight measures of the Career Orientations Inventory, service and dedication to a cause, entrepreneurial creativity and functional competence were the most dominant among the teachers. Concerning the influence of the various career anchor measures on turnover intentions, the results indicate that, all the anchors, except security and stability and service and dedication to cause, significantly influenced turnover intentions of teachers. The implications of these results are discussed and recommendations made to help curb teacher attrition in Ghanaian schools.

Source: UCC
Ghanaian Teachers’ Career Orientations and Their Turnover Intentions

The study empirically investigated what career anchors were dominant among Ghanaian teachers, and whether the teachers’ career orientations significantly influenced their turnover intentions. The study employed the quantitative survey design and sampled 297 teachers (141 males, 156 females) from basic schools (year 1-9) and senior high schools (year 10-12). The average age of the participants was 31.4 years. Two sets of tandardized instruments – Schein’s 8-factor Career Orientations Inventory and the 3-item Turnover Intention Scale from the Michigan Organizational Assessment Questionnaire were adapted to collect data for the study. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that, of the eight measures of the Career Orientations Inventory, service and dedication to a cause, entrepreneurial creativity and functional competence were the most dominant among the teachers. Concerning the influence of the various career anchor measures on turnover intentions, the results indicate that, all the anchors, except security and stability and service and dedication to cause, significantly influenced turnover intentions of teachers. The implications of these results are discussed and recommendations made to help curb teacher attrition in Ghanaian schools.

Source: UCC
Ghanaian University Libraries’ Preparedness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

of information to library clients. In a doctoral study which investigated performance management in Ghanaian university libraries, one of the objectives explored was how the fourth industrial revolution has affected the performance of Ghanaian university libraries. Using a mixed methods research approach, the views of 218 university librarians were elicited from selected universities in Ghana. The study found that a significant proportion of Ghanaian university libraries did not apply any 4IR technologies although they were aware of their benefits. Furthermore, the few libraries which did, only applied the aspects of Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity and cloud computing. Moreover, most of the libraries were not adequately prepared for implementing 4IR technologies. The study recommends that in order for Ghanaian libraries to remain relevant, address clients’ changing needs in terms of information provision and yield high performance, library management should strive to adopt and use most of the 4IR technologies

Source: UCC
Ghanaian University Students’ Attitudes towards English

As language of education, English is taught and is the medium of instruction at all levels of education – basic to tertiary – in Ghana. A pass in English is a necessary requirement for a student’s progression from one educational level to another. Even though there seems to be a general likeness on the part of Ghanaian students for the study of English, may be because it is the language of modernity and utility, little is known about the attitudes of Ghanaian students towards English. Using representative samples from two universities in Ghana, the University of Ghana, Legon, and the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, this paper makes an attempt to gain insights into the needs and feelings of Ghanaian university students towards English. The paper also attempts to find out the range of factors that motivate the students to study English. This is considered necessary because learner attitudes towards a target language and its speakers as well as the use to which that language will be put play a central role in determining levels of success for the learning and acquisition of that language (McKenzie, 2008; Spolsky, 1989). The study finds that the motivations for studying English are more instrumental/utilitarian than integrative; however, students expect to see English becoming integrative in future. The paper has some implications for language policy, curriculum planning and the teaching of English in Ghana

Source: UCC
Ghanaian University Students’ Perception of their Readiness to Teach Cutting Out of Garments Upon Graduation

The Universities of Cape Coast (UCC) and Education Winneba (UEW) are public universities in Ghana where students are trained to become teachers mainly at the secondary level. This paper was aimed at finding out the readiness of graduates from these two universities to teach cutting out of garments, through making pattern or cutting freehand, upon graduation. All final year students who had offered clothing as part of their programme during the 2013/2014 academic year were used for the study. A total number of 28 and 60 participants from UCC and UEW, respectively were employed for the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis of the data collected. The data obtained were mainly described with the help of frequencies and percentages. The results of the study indicated that most of the respondents entered the universities directly from the SHS and did not have any freehand cutting skills prior to entering the university. Their skills in pattern making were also limited. On confidence in cutting out, patternmaking was higher than freehand cutting so was their confidence in teaching the two skills upon graduation. The differences between clothing and textiles major and food and nutrition major in terms of confidence in teaching both skills were about the same. It is recommended that a full 3-credit course in freehand cutting be introduced at the university level. More attention should also be paid to methods of cutting out at the SHS level.

Source: UCC
Ghanaians might be at risk of excess dietary intake of potassium based on food supply data

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the beneficial role of adequate intake of potassium (K) in combating the global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mainly hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Diets are the main source of K supply to humans and can contribute to both K deficiency (hypokalemia) and excess (hyperkalemia). While global attention is currently devoted to K deficiency, K excess can be even more dangerous and deserves equal attention. The objectives of this paper were to (i) estimate the K intake of Ghanaian population using food supply and food composition data and (ii) compare this estimate with the WHO-recommended requirement for K in order to assess if there is a risk of inadequate or excess K intake. Food supply data (1961–2011) were obtained from the Food Balance Sheet (FBS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to derive trends in food and K supply. The average food supply in the FBS for 2010 and 2011 was used in assessing the risk of inadequate or excess dietary intake of K. The K content of the food items was obtained from food composition databases. Based on 2010-2011 average data, the K supply per capita per day was approximately 9,086 mg, about 2.6-fold larger than the WHO-recommended level (3,510 mg). The assessment suggests a potentially large risk of excess dietary K supply at both individual and population levels. The results suggest the need for assessing options for managing K excess as part of food security and public health strategies. The results further underscore a need for assessment of the K status of staple food crops and mixed diets, as well as K management in food crop production systems in Ghana

Source: UCC
Ghana’s energy access journey so far: a review of key strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the programmes being implemented with a view to ascertaining if they adequately address the energy needs of the poor more holistically and sustainably. Design/methodology/approach – The content of this desktop review is based on information collected through a review of available energy policy documents from the Ghana Government and related governmental agencies, such as the Energy Commission and Ghana Statistical Services, international energy-related agencies, such as the International Energy Agency (World Vision, 2013), as well as other related web searches. Additionally, global and Sub-Saharan African energy access documents were reviewed by analysing secondary data from the World Bank and UN policy reports, statistical data, strategies, regulations, protocols and other related documents (World Vision, 2013). Furthermore, some policy documents on energy access and usage were explored mainly from Senegal and Ghana to ascertain governments’ policies, regulations and strategies in the implementation of energy access policies. Findings – The paper offers all the various strategies being implemented in an attempt to establish a foothold on the problem of affording the poor with clean and affordable energies. The paper also presents the rich experiences of Senegal in its bid to see expanded access in liquefied petroleum gas usage by residential consumers. Originality/value – The paper provides some policy and theoretical implications for improving Ghana’s energy access

Source: UCC
Ghana’s fertilizer subsidy policy: early field lessons from farmers in the Central Region

This paper presents early field lessons on Ghana’s Fertilizer Subsidy Program from two farming communities in the Central Region. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approach was used to assess the availability, access, and use of subsidized fertilizer by small-holder farmers in the two communities. The findings show that there is considerable scope for improvement in the distribution of coupons and fertilizers to ensure higher effectiveness of fertilizer and to render farmers’ participation in the program more sustainable. Price and nonprice factors combine to constrain access to subsidized fertilizer. Finally, few farmers have actually benefited from the subsidy program. The respondents, though were generally dissatisfied, conceded that the program is essential and needs to be continued. The paper signals the need for adjustments, which could have macro-scale implications for the sustainable management of the subsidy program

Source: UCC
Ghana’s neo-prophetic Pentecostal/charismatic Christianity: Future prospects

Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity irrespective of its steadily growth and development in the religious field of Ghana. In Ghana today, prophets who belong to this Christian tradition are seen to engage in commercialising religious items and services, perform strange religious practices in their churches, demonise and verbally abuse each other using different media platforms. These disgusting situations raise the question of the possible future prospects of this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity given the way its leaders approach and express Christianity today. It is in the light of this that this paper sets out to examine this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity and outline some prospects it is likely to experience in the future

Source: UCC
Ghana’s Oil and Gas Exploration and Production: Implications for Peace and Security in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area.

Ghana’s oil and gas exploration and production in the Western region which started in 2007 was welcomed with great enthusiasm and great expectations. In view of that, it has also created a new and formidable potential hornet’s nest comprising political, economic, social and even governance challenges (Panford, 2017). In recent times, STMA has witnessed series of public protests, gas explosions and influx of migrants into the metropolis. This study therefore set off to examine the security implications of the oil and gas on STMA, to assess people’s expectations from the oil and gas sector in STMA and to explore people’s perception of the oil and gas operations on the peace in STMA. The qualitative research approach was adopted in this study. The study found out that oil and gas exploration and production in STMA has not necessarily led to insecurity in the metropolis. The study also discovered that the expectations of most of the inhabitants in STMA concerning oil and gas exploration and production have not been met so far. The study also revealed that STMA is enjoying a relatively peaceful atmosphere since the oil and gas exploration and production has not drastically altered the perception of peace in the metropolis. The study therefore came to a conclusion that oil and gas exploration and production in STMA has not been a major threat to the peace and security of the metropolis. In view of all these findings, the study recommends that the government of Ghana should properly engage local stakeholders whose lives are affected by the oil and gas exploration and production such as farmers and fishermen and also ensure that Ghanaians participate fully in the oil and gas value chain.

Source: UCC