ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Ore reserve estimation for mine planning at Ghana Consolidated Diamonds Limited, Akwatia

At Ghana Consolidated Diamonds Limited (GCD), production figures for the past four years indicate that there is a significant difference between the estimated ore reserve and what is actually obtained at the end of a mining programme. While other unit operations like the mining method and the efficiency of the treatment plants may be contributing to this disparity, one of the major reasons could be that the current estimation method is not adequately reliable. The objective of this thesis is to assess the current method of ore reserve estimation on the mine and to investigate other estimation method that may be applicable. The standard arithmetic method, which is the current estimation method on the mine, has been used to estimate reserves in a selected area of the GCD concession. The triangular and geostatistical methods were used to estimate the reserves within the selected area. The justification for choosing the triangular method has been outlined. The applicability of geostatistical method has also been justified by the fact that the grade distribution of the different geological regions within the selected area could be fitted with the spherical semi-variogram models. It is suggested that the current estimation is good since the tonnages estimated using this method 1ie in between those of the other two methods However, the estimated grades and the variances were least in the case of geostatistical method. If the drilling programme could be intensified to produce adequate samples, geostatistics could serve as a tool to narrow the observed disparity between estimated and mined grades at Ghana Consolidated Diamonds Limited.

Source: KNUST
Ore petrology and geochemistry of the Ichiniso Bauxite Deposit, Awaso, Ghana

The petrological, geochemical and genetic relationship characterising the Ichiniso bauxite deposits have been examined. Seven litho-Units, segregating into iron-rich and iron – iron varieties, have been distinguished. It is concluded that the bauxite resulted from the removal of Na, K, Ca, silicon and iron by leaching when kaolinitic clays, developed from bedrock, were subjected to varying Eh - pH conditions. Resilication of the low-lying section of the deposit have recognised

Source: KNUST
Organ damage in sickle cell disease study (ORDISS): protocol for a longitudinal cohort study based in Ghana

Introduction Sickle cell disease is highly prevalent in Africa with a significant public health burden. Nonetheless, morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease that result from the progression of organ damage is not well understood. The Organ Damage in Sickle Cell Disease Study (ORDISS) is designed as a longitudinal cohort study to provide critical insight into cellular and molecular pathogenesis of chronic organ damage for the development of future innovative treatment. Methods and analysis ORDISS aims to recruit children aged 0–15 years who attend the Kumasi Centre for Sickle Cell Disease based at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Consent is obtained to collect blood and urine samples from the children during specified clinic visits and hospitalisations for acute events, to identify candidate and genetic markers of specific organ dysfunction and end-organ damage, over a 3 year period. In addition, data concerning clinical history and complications associated with sickle cell disease are collected. Samples are stored in biorepositories and analysed at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Ghana and the Centre for Translational and International Haematology, University of Pittsburgh, USA. Appropriate statistical analyses will be performed on the data acquired. Ethics and dissemination Research ethics approval was obtained at all participating sites. Results of the study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and the key findings presented at national and international conferences.

Source: KNUST
Organchlorine pesticides residue levels in cabbage, soil and irrigation water in some farming communities in Accra

Indiscriminate use of pesticides in controlling pests of agricultural crops has been of great concern. This study investigated the residue levels of Organochlorine (OC) in cabbage, soil, irrigation water and waterbed sediments of the Oyansia stream passing through Dzorwulu and Opeibea in Accra, Ghana using gas chromatography. A questionnaire was administered to farmers along the stream to gather information on the level of understanding of the causes and effects of OC pollution. Results showed that with the exception of P,P-DDT that occurred at 0.18 µg/I (0.03 µg/I less than the WHO guideline value) in upstream soil, levels of all other pesticide components were higher at downstream than upstream and were statistically significant (p < 0.001) for HCB, Lindane, P,P’-DDD, Chlorpyrifos-ethyl, γ - endosulfan, and Endosulfan sulphate but not for P-P’-DDE, P,P’-DDT, Chlorpyrifos-ethyl, HCH and β- endosulfan . The survey revealed that farmers relied heavily on synthetic insecticides for insect pest control. These insecticides were applied in various concoctions, at different application rates and at short intervals disregarding the prescribed pre-harvest intervals. Most farmers believed that the oral route of exposure was the most dangerous and needed to be avoided at all cost but not the contact and inhalation routes and therefore did not take adequate precautions against their occurrence. Intensified health education program that takes into account farmers’ beliefs and perceptions about insecticides and also aims at promoting greater understanding of the use of OC and the causes and effects of pollution associated with its abuse is very much needed.

Source: KNUST
Organic acids in the rhizosphere and root characteristics of soybean (Glycine max) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in relation to phosphorus uptake in poor savanna soils

Root characteristics associated with phosphorus (P) uptake under limiting soil-P conditions were examined in two sets of greenhouse experiments. Average diameter and length of soybean, cowpea, maize and sorghum roots were assessed after 7 weeks in three low-P soils amended with P fertilizer at 0, 3, 6, 11 and 23 mg P/kg. Organic acids in the rhizosphere of soybean, cowpea and pigeon pea were separately evaluated in one soil amended with or without rock phosphate, iron phosphate, aluminium phosphate, calcium phosphate, or triple super phosphate. Unplanted soil served as the control. The growth of soybean, cowpea, maize, and sorghum was significantly improved with P application in all the soils and the amount of P applied played an important role. The shoot dry matter yield and P accumulation correlated significantly with the root length of cowpea and the average diameter of sorghum roots. Citric acid was the only organic acid detected in measurable quantities in the rhizosphere of all plants tested; on average, it varied from 4 (pigeon pea) to 17 (soybean) µmol/g soil. For soybean, the secretion of citric acid appeared important for P acquisition in P-limiting environments whereas for cowpea, the size of the roots may be more important.

Source: KNUST
Organic and inorganic copper salts utlization in the fattening of goats

A 90 - day nutritional balance trial was conducted, with 12 West African Dwarf goats weighing between 12.3 and 12.8 kg between March and July, 2007. The animals were grouped into 4 dietary treatments of 3 goats per group, balanced for body weight, using copper salts - Cu proteinate, CuS04, CUNO3 as test ingredients, applied at 100 g/50 kg feed. The experiment assessed the effects of the different Cu salts when compared with control on Cu bioavailability, average daily gain (AD), feed intake, dry matter intake (DM1), water consumption, heart and liver weights, faecal Cu output, serum Cu, glucose and protein concentration, PCV, RBC, WBC, and Hb. Each of the 4 groups was randomly assigned to a Cu salt - based diet while the control (Tl) had no Cu salt inclusion. The trial lasted 90 days excluding 10 days adjustment to the test diet. Results indicate that all the salts - treated goats exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher performances than the control group in all parameters considered although at varying magnitudes. Copper proteinate significantly (P<0.05) induced the highest feed intake(0.306 kg/d), ADG (41g), DMI (0.046 kg/W 07s kg), highest Cu bioavailability in the serum (119.17 mg/l) and optimum FCR (1.12). Cu proteinate seems to induce better responses in the goats than other Cu salts. It appears that Cu salt inclusion in the diet of WAD goats has beneficial effects on those parameters considered. Cu proteinate can be suggested as a salt of choice in case of Cu deficiency, depletion or anaemic condition in goats for faster and longer replenishment from the deficiency. About lOOg Cu proteinate/'50 kg feed is therefore recommended in the diet of growing WAD goats.

Source: KNUST
Organic and Inorganic Microfertigation Effect on the Growth and Yield of Akposoe Maize Variety

A research study was conducted at the arable field of the Kwadaso Agricultural College to evaluate the effect of liquid organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield parameters of Akposoe maize. A total of three treatments (organic,inorganic and organic + inorganic fertilizers) were applied in a completely randomized block design CRBD with no fertilizer treatment as a control...

Source: KNUST
Organic Manure Improves Soybean Response to Rhizobia Inoculant and P-Fertilizer in Northern Ghana

Inherently low concentrations of soil nutrients and erratic rainfall pattern in sub-Sahara Africa limit soybean response to rhizobia inoculant and P-fertilizer. The study was conducted to: (i) improve soybean response to rhizobia inoculation and P-fertilizer through the addition of organic manure; (ii) enhance rain water use efficiency and (iii) determine the economic viability of combined application of the three factors in soybean cropping systems in the Northern region of Ghana. A factorial experiment with two levels of rhizobia inoculant, two levels of Phosphorus, two different kinds organic manure [fertisoil (a commercially prepared compost from urban waste, rice husks, of poultry manure and shea butter waste) and cattle manure] and a control arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications was established on farmers’ fields. The combined application of rhizobia inoculant, P-fertilizer, and organic manure markedly increased nodulation, shoot biomass, haulms, harvest index (HI), P agronomic efficiency (P-AE), and rain water use efficiency (RUE) compared to the control. The combined application of rhizobia inoculant, P-fertilizer, and fertisoil increased grain yield by four-folds whereas the combined application of rhizobia inoculant, P-fertilizer, and cattle manure increased grain yield by three- folds. Harvest index, P-AE, and RUE were relatively higher with the fertisoil treatment combinations than with the cattle manure combinations and the control treatment. The application of rhizobia inoculant, P-fertilizer in combination with fertisoil was profitable with VCR of 2 as compared to the combination of cattle manure which had a VCR of 0.40. The results showed that fertisoil offers a better option of improving soybean response to rhizobia inoculant and P-fertilizer; and has the potential to enhance rain water use efficiency. However, the long term benefit must be quantified.

Source: KNUST
Organisation and effects of farmers co-operatives on development in Keta district

Rural areas in most developing countries have a predominant agricultural economy. The agricultural sector provides food for both the urban and rural population and contributes to the market for industrial goods by creating demand for agricultural implements and production inputs while supplying raw materials for processing. Ghana like most developing countries has over the last decade concentrated great attention and resources to poverty alleviation of rural poor people, with the eventual aim of reducing the disparity which exist between rural and urban areas. It is clear that the rural sector is important to the survival of the national economy which depends so heavily on its rural population. Based on its importance, the need for the development of the rural economy was identified and attempts made to improve the working and living conditions of the rural population. Several interventions to rural development were used, some of which involved the use of Co-operatives. Keta District, like all other districts in the country, attempts to use co-operatives to improve the lot of its rural poor people. The study therefore identified all farmers cooperatives in the district, analysed their functions and their impact on small scale farmers in the district. The main data for analysis are primary data from the various co-operative societies and the individual co-operative farmers. Simple mathematical and descriptive tools are used for the analysis. From the study, it was clear that the district farmers cooperative are not functional but are a potential for district development. On the basis of these findings, recommendations were proposed aimed at better organisation of the cooperatives to afford farmers maximum benefit from its operations. The provision of a broad range of supporting services which include educating farmers on co-operative principles and on providing agricultural inputs at fair prices, providing credit and a favourable marketing system are recommended.

Source: KNUST
Organisational commitment and performance of employees of Methodist University College Ghana.

Organizational commitment has been the center of many academic works due to its importance to employing organizations. Today‟s movable and floating working population, has made it increasingly important for organizations to identify how they can keep employees and attract their commitment and also obtain their maximum performance. Because organizations continually search for new ways to intensify commitment of employees‟ to the organization, it is expected that the research would provide some general insights in to it. Armstrong (2006), describes Organizational commitment as, “The relative strength of an individual‟s identification with and involvement in a particular organization. Its willingness to remain in the organization due to feelings like attachment or loyalty.” This paper sought to find impact of organizational commitment on the performance of employees of Methodist University College Ghana, this was the main objective of this research. In order to attain this main objective of the study, the case study approach was employed whilst questionnaires were used to elicit data. In all a total of ninety (90) respondents provided information for the study. The study revealed that, for employees to be organizationally committed, certain factors must be taken into consideration. These factors were grouped into organizational factors which included Supervisor Support, Provision of Career Development, Work-Family life balance and job security and employees factors which were made up of age, gender and marital Status. It was revealed that Organizational Commitment brings a lot of benefits to the organization as well as the employee. It was also revealed that organizational commitment has a high impact on the performance of employees of MUCG and also there is a link between organizational commitment and performance. The study recommends that MUCG must put policies in place to help employees realize a good family-work life balance, when this is done effectively, it will increase commitment, work satisfaction and loyalty of employees to their employers and help employers to achieve career longevity.

Source: KNUST
Organisational Diagnosis – A Management Tool for Change in the Telecommunication Industry

A critical success factor for organisations today is the ability to conduct proper diagnosis, implementing or adapting to change management. Organisations however, often fail in their change and improvement efforts because of their inability to conduct proper organizational diagnosis. It is an influential factor affecting the successes and failures of change management in organizations. It is for this reason that the study was conducted to explore organizational diagnosis as a managerial tool for implementing an ampler change process aimed at improving the effectiveness and overall performance of the telecommunication industry in the country.What role does diagnosing play in their change management processes? Do they copy blindly from their competitors or they actually diagnose to identify a problem.To achieve the aim of the study, the specific objective used to answer the research questionswas: To diagnose these organisationsto know the areas of change, to assess the telecom environments within which theseorganisations operate, to assess the enacted environment of each of the organisations in the case study, The study used both qualitative and quantitative method to collect data from respondents. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. 124 respondents were used for the study.The study revealed that, leadership efforts were the direction of fulfilling company efforts.All the 3 telecommunication companies agreed to the fact that the introduction of new products and services was one major area that needed to be effectively diagnosed. It alsocame out that the organizations attached a lot of importance to diagnosis. From this, it was concluded that, diagnosis helps decision makers to develop workable proposals for organizational change and improvement.

Source: KNUST
The organisational structures of public service organisations in Ghana in light of public procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).

This research work seeks to address the organogram of the Public Service organisations in Ghana in the light of Public Procurement Act, 2003. Ten (10) years after the implementation of Act 663, it can be said that a lot of success has been achieved but not without some bottlenecks. One of them is the inability of Act 663 to specify the level of tier in the chain of command in the organogram structure of Public Service organisations. The aim of this research was to make effective recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the procurement unit through the organogram of Public Service organisations in Ghana. An in-depth study aimed at identifying the various organisational structures in the Public Service organisations in Ghana, identify the various levels of tiers of the procurement unit, have an in-depth understanding of the establishment of the procurement unit as prescribed by Act 663 and whether the organograms of Public Service organisations can coordinate all procurement functions. A questionnaire survey and an interview were carried out on a sample of 21 directors in the Public Service and the Public Service Commission of Ghana respectively. The organogram of Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service and Electricity Company of Ghana were used for the purposes of analysis. The survey and interview revealed that: Functional structure is commonly used by the Public Service organisations in Ghana; the procurement unit is found at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th tiers in the chain of command; Act 663 is not conclusive in terms of integrating the procurement unit into the Public Service organisations’ organograms; the existing organograms of the Public Service organisations support the procurement as a coordinating function. It was recommended that the procurement unit be placed in the 2nd and 3rd tier in the organograms of Agencies, Departments, State Enterprises etc. and the Ministries respectively. To achieve this, a structural reform of the organograms of the Public Service organisations is needed and this needs the concern at the highest level (Both political and administrative).

Source: KNUST
Organisational structural design of Ghanaian mines - a contemporary approach

No single workable organisational structure can stand the test of all times; that is, it cannot be mechanistic or static hut rather dynamic. Implicitly then, a review of such structures with particular reference to the Ghanaian mining environment is then necessary in the light of such things as modern technology, education, environmental concerns, expansions, etc. In order to design more suitable structures for our mines, information gathered through interviews and organisation charts has been carefully and systematically analysed in this work. The result of this has been a recommendation of new organisational structures with the view to clarifying roles, minimising costs, minirnising levels in the hierarchy and maximising the spans of control, introduction and removal of certain positions, etc. Because the proposed structures must function in real life situations, certain limitations have been stated so that modifications could be effected to suit individual mines. Contingency theories, systems approach and “optimising” spans of control were adopted. Some contemporary factors, which affect the mines’ organisationa1 structures and which have been given due consideration include technology, environment, geotechnical, training, health arid safety and marketing.

Source: KNUST
Organization and management of business in the church

Churches in Ghana over the years have been making efforts in embarking on income generating ventures not only to diversify their traditional methods of generating income to the Church but also to help solve the problem of poverty and unemployment in the society. But what is the right approach to the organisation and management of business in the Church? The historical and ethical approach to the involvement of the Church in business dates from the Old Testament through the New Testament to the modern era. The extensive literature from these sources have been ‘investigated and briefly summarised to form the basis of the church’s socio-economic development and commercial ventures in Ghana Examining the practices Methodist Church, Ghana, it is noteworthy that the Church in Ghana is awake to the task and significant achievements have been made. However, close examination of the objectives, organizational and managerial approaches of the investigated denomination reveal that ii the Methodist Church, the objective has been to diversify sources of generating income and offering employment to the rural population. But, for faulty management, less has been achieved. With the persisting problems of poverty and unemployment in the society, recommendations have been made to review the existing objectives and approaches. New viable economic ventures which need exploration and the Church/Community/Co-operative approach to the solution of the problems identified have been suggested.

Source: KNUST
Organization of Landed Properties of Tertiary Institutions Case Study: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University College of Education of Winneba, Kumasi Campus, Kumasi Polytechnic

Tertiary education is an important wheel for the development and progress of a nation. In Ghana it is heavily dependent on landed properties since distance education is quite a new concept. However there is very little attention given to the management of landed properties. The study therefore set out to ascertain how landed property is managed in the institutions. It reveals among others that top management does not have ample knowledge on the management of their properties some of which have been encroached upon, data on the properties is inadequate, staff and students accommodation is inadequate, staff bungalows have greater maintenance problems and estate departments are not duly represented on Councils, Boards and Committees which deal with properties in the institutions. The study recommends that the institutions should have functional and properly equipped estate management units (EMU), the Statutes, Laws and Acts governing the institutions should be reviewed, and income generation and cost saving strategies should be adopted so as to make landed property management in the institutions more effective and efficient.

Source: KNUST