ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An assessment of public-private partnership and spatial distribution of solid waste collection services in the Tema Metropolis.

Solid waste management as a public good is expected to be distributed equally across space, though under the Public-Private Partnership policy strategy. The achievement of this objective may help improve environmental sustainability. Hence, the study investigated the spatial distribution of solid waste collection service within the context of Public-Private Partnership in the Tema Metropolis. A mixed method research approach was used while the descriptive survey design constituted the study design. The sample size was 363 respondents selected using a multi-stage sampling technique and 4 key informants via purposive sampling. Data was collected using an interview schedule and guide. Analysis of data was done through the application of descriptive statistics, chi-square test of independence, Geographic Information System-thematic mapping and thematic analysis. The study found that the spatial distribution of the solid waste collection service vary in terms of the quality of service distributed between the selected communities by the private waste companies. Lastly, it was established that the variation experienced is as a result of some external factors such as the regulatory capacity of the Metropolitan Assembly and the unavailability of infrastructural facilities. The effects of the variation on the sustainable development, however, showed the communities being clean with fewer health issues experienced by the people. Therefore, it was recommended that to solve the variation problem the Metropolitan Assembly should incorporate the informal waste collectors into the waste collection system so they may help bring equity in the collection of waste.

Source: UCC
An assessment of quality in education of private senior high schools in the East Akim Municipality of Ghana

The study assessed the quality in education of private senior high schools in the East Akim municipality of Ghana. The research design used for the study was descriptive survey. A total sample of 207 including 9 headmasters, 98 teaching staff and 100 prefects, was selected for the study. All the 9 school heads and 100 students were purposively selected. The simple random sampling technique was used to select the teachers. The instrument used for gathering data was questionnaire. The results of the reliability test were r = .799 for the questionnaire for school heads, r = .755 for questionnaire for teachers and r = .789 for the questionnaire for prefects. The descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used where applicable to analyze data. The main findings from the study were that headmastersdo not involve teachers and students in the school administration.The schools do not have Board of Governors and the Parent Teachers Association is not functional. Teachers are demotivated and most students in the schools failed their Basic Education Certificate Examination. The schools have not created the right learning environment for academic work and ICT is not fully integrated into the curriculum of the schools.The study recommends that the school owners should ensure that the right environment is created to promote effective teaching and learning in the various schools.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Random and Blocked Practice Schedules on Motor Skills' Acquisition, Retention and Transfer Among Selected Senior High School Students

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of blocked and random practice schedules on acquisition, retention and transfer after teaching basketball skills among novice Senior High School students. Using a quasi-experimental design, a combination of simple random and purposive sampling procedures were used to select 60 novice participants who were equally assigned to a Blocked Practice Group (BPG [N= 30]) and Random Practice Group (RPG [N= 30]) respectively. After 9 sessions of teaching and learning of chest pass, overhead pass and sidearm pass, results for skill acquisition indicated that the BPG scored higher means than the RPG in all the three motor skills. For retention, improved performance for the RPG than the BPG in all 3 skills was noted. Similar results were obtained for the transfer phase. ANOVA test for retention produced significant mean differences between the three motor skills. However, the RPG recorded more superior values for between group analyses than the BPG. Independent sample t-test also revealed significant difference between random and blocked practices in terms of overall learned skills. Based on these findings, Physical education tutors and perhaps coaches should consider adopting blocked practice approach during isolated skill learning. Additionally, random practice scheduling should be used when the main objective is based on retention and transfer of knowledge regarding motor skills, especially during competitive milieu or other analogous related activities.

Source: UCC
Assessment Of Residual Chlorine And Its Decay In Stored Water From Communities In Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Residual chlorine in tap water has been of great concern worldwide especially in developed countries, as disinfected water at the water treatment plant may be polluted again when the water is being transported. The residual chlorine content in tap water samples distributed through pipeline by the Ghana water company limited Brimsu Headworks, to the populace of Cape Coast Metropolis was assessed for residual chlorine in eight weeks. This study ascertained the residual chlorine content of the tap water and its safety level for human use; the similarity in the residual chlorine contents. Samples were collected weekly from eleven suburbs and the residual chlorine analysed by spectrophotometric method using diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) regent. Two sets of distinct residual chlorine concentrations were observed; with means (mean ± CV) 0.199±1.833 ppm for samples from Abura, Pedu, Brafoyaw, Duakor, University of Cape Coast Lec Village; and 0.317±1.208 ppm for samples from Elmina, UCC Campus, Kotokoraba, Kwaprow, Amamoma and Akotokyir. The highest residual chlorine content was found at Amamoma, and the lowest at Pedu. Even though the tap water was from the same source, it had varying levels of residual chlorine. One-way ANOVA revealed that there was statistically significant difference in residual chlorine levels in tap water at each community (p = 0.00 < α = 0.05) and (Fcrit = 1.876 < Fstatistic = 1946.976). The pH ranged from 6.50-7.20, and showed no significant difference. The was no significant correlation between the pH and the residual chlorine content. A hierarchical cluster analysis showed 50 % similarity for Akotokyir and Kotokoraba, Abura and Elmina, 58%; Brafoyaw and UCC had similar levels of 65%. No sample had similarity level above 70 %. The residual chlorine decay in stored tap water kept in different storage conditions over the 8 days revealed that, for water stored in a room, the level of residual chlorine reduced by 65.38% for tap water stored in covered container and 64.23% for tap water kept in uncovered container. For tap water kept outdoor, residual chlorine reduced by 65.02% for tap water kept in uncovered container and 63.6% for tap water in a covered container. All the tap water sampled had residual chlorine within the 0.2- 0.5 ppm guideline set by World Health Organization (WHO). The free chlorine and bacterial should be assessed concurrently.

Source: UCC
An assessment of retirement planning and teachers well-being in the Tamale metropolitan public second cycle institutions

There is an unpopular belief among Ghanaian workers that proceeding on retirement, especially in the Ghana Education Service, connotes sentencing oneself to impecuniousness due to ill-preparation and poor condition of service. The problem is compounded by volatile capital markets, rising medical-care costs and low saving rates among the working populace, making retirement behaviour and policy a major concern. The main objective of the study was to assess the state of retirement planning among teachers in the Tamale metropolitan public second cycle institutions and how it guarantees their well-being after exiting from active employment. Both probability and non-probability techniques were employed to select a total of 178 respondents made up of retired teachers, teachers in active service and officials of GES, teacher associations and SSNIT in an exploratory, cross-sectional, descriptive and evaluative study. The study shows that although there were some kinds of activities aimed at planning for retirement among teachers in public second cycle institutions, the entire process was incomplete. Also, contributions of stakeholders to facilitate secured future for teachers were far less than desired. Other factors such as education on retirement planning and information on investment opportunities, fashioned the extent and nature of one.s preparation towards exit from work. Shelter and sustainable inflow of funds were the major concerns of all and one.s well-being in old age is virtually tied to the preparations made while in active service. Therefore, for a holistic human resource development to occur, measures such as periodic seminars on retirement planning for teachers and improvement of welfare packages were recommended for stakeholders so as to reassure teachers of belonging to a noble profession. Workers, especially teachers are also expected to employ the study model for retirement planning to guarantee their well-being.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Risk from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Filling Stations in the Accra Metropolis and Its Implications for Land Use Planning

Densely populated areas in Ghana, including the Accra Metropolis have over a 14-year period (2007-2020) experienced at least 9 fire disaster events involving Liquefied Petroleum Gas stations. These accidents resulted in 35 fatalities and over 517 injuries and thus, the extent of vulnerability and risk from LPG hazards within the Accra metro and the approaches by which they can be addressed remain pertinent questions. Utilizing a pragmatist approach, a three phased study was conducted using primary data from observations, questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews. The first phase utilized quantitative risk assessment approaches to determine the characteristics, levels of vulnerability and risk emanating from 10 LPG stations within the Accra Metro. The other two phase’s analysed stakeholders’ risk perceptions and risk management strategies. Hazard footprints varied per station and per hazard type. Maximum endpoint distance for the 2kW/m2 thermal threshold occurred at 770 meters. Land use patterns in the risk zone were dominated by mixed use, residential and community services. Vulnerability and risk levels were far in excess of local and international standards. A poverty-risk nexus was found to be at play in the hazard zone and this reflected in low perceptions of socio-economic risk. Health and environmental risks were however negatively correlated with income. Personal risk management strategies were cognitive and ineffective. Safe technology and safe management, Land use planning and emergency response, and Alternative risk management strategies like the planned Cylinder recirculation model were the three dimensions of non-personal risk management strategies. Management of LPG risk in Ghana can be strengthened through the application of safe technology and safe management as well as risk informed land use planning.

Source: UCC
Assessment of risk management practice of small and medium scale enterprises in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana

After a decade of reforming policy, building and developing the multi-sector market economy, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana have developed strongly and contributed to creating employment, increasing GDP, and raising the nation’s volume of exports. However, SMEs have found difficulties on the way to development due to lack of risk management practices, and uncertainty within the business environment. As a result, SMEs often faced obstacles during their operations. This dissertation examines the relationship between risk management practices of SMEs in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to determine whether absence of risk management practices impact on SME survival. Objectives of the dissertation are; to investigate risk management practices of SMEs in Sekondi-Takoradi, and to contribute to knowledge of risk management practices of SME survival. The study was conducted using the simple random sampling method, a total sample of fifty (50) SMEs owner/mangers in the metropolis were selected for the study. The main source of data collection was a primary data, through the use of descriptive research design a well – structured questionnaire was designed and administered on the fifty (50) SMEs owner/managers selected. The result of the study revealed that most of the SMEs do not efficiently manage their business risk due to inadequate knowledge of basic accounting records keeping and insurance policies as a measure to militate against any eventualities which threatens their survival and growth. The study recommended that there is the need to organized workshops and training seminars and also formation of chambers for SMEs to adequately equip them on the need to keep proper accounting records and to cover their business with insurance policies as a measure of mitigating risk and ensuring stability in the SMEs business operations.

Source: UCC
Assessment of sand and stone mining along the coastline of Cape Coast, Ghana

Mining of sand and stone from the coasts rovides an inexpensive source of materials for the construction industry while providing income to contractors. However, these activities come at a cost to the coastal environment and Pose a threat to the tourism industry along the Ghanaian coast. This paper identified the various types of coastal sand and stone mining activities, the level at which they are undertaken and covers the trends in coastal erosion along the coast of Cape Coast, Ghana. ArcGIS (ESRI, Redlands, CA, USA) and Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS; ESRI) tools were used to determine short-term (2005–2012) coastline changes using 2005 and 2012 coastlines data. This study estimates that tipper truck-based each sand mining activities alone account for the loss of about 285,376 m3/year of sand from the littoral zone in the Cape Coast area. It was also established that the average erosion rate for the Cape Coast area within the seven year period is 0.85 m/year with two areas recording high erosion rates of 4.35 m/year and 4.25 m/year. The study concludes that sand mining is the main cause of erosion along the coastline of Cape Coast

Source: UCC
Assessment of Seasurface Temperature Affecting Coral Bleaching in the Eritrean Southern Red Sea

Coral reefs, a spectacular marine ecosystem, have species diversity that significantly exceeds any other marine environment. However, they are among the most heavily degraded and sensitive marine ecosystems. In the literature, there is little information about coral reef distribution and oceanographic factors influencing reef health. To generate preliminary data on the Eritrean southern Red Sea, to serve as a baseline for future coral reef management and monitoring initiatives, two sites from around Massawa, and one around Dahlak Island, Eritrea were selected to collect data on coral reef distribution and bleaching which was used as a benchmark for the data obtained from a satellite. A line intercept transect method was employed to survey the benthic communities. Three imagery classification methods (MLC, Random Forest, and SVM) were employed to assess the distribution of the different benthic habitats. The SVM model had the highest classification accuracy of 74%. The study showed that there was a remarkable decline in live coral cover between the years 2013 and 2020. Results from MANOVA and ANOVA tests illustrate a significant difference in live and dead coral coverage among the three sites. Furthermore, time series analysis on the sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) data indicated a significant increase in sea surface temperature around the southern red sea, and it is predicted that this trend will continue in the next 10 years. Results from this study indicate that the reefs around Massawa show a rapid decline in live coral cover, hence, the study calls for the instigation of management plans towards the conservation of coral reefs in the region.

Source: UCC
Assessment of seat belt use in University of Cape Coast campus, Ghana

The paper assesses seat belt use by vehicle occupants such as drivers front-right passengers and two rear seat passengers in University of Cape Coast campus (UCC), Ghana. An unobstructive observational study of the seat belt wearing status, gender and age-group of motor vehicle drivers, front-right and rear seat passengers disaggregated by vehicle type and usage was carried out from 7 to 9 am and 3 to 5 pm on weekdays at the three entrances into UCC. The results revealed that 3451 drivers, 1728 front-right seated passengers, 1264 first-rear and 1176 s-rear seated passengers were successfully observed. Seat belt use by drivers, front right passengers and rear seat passengers is 22.2, 2.4 and 1% respectively. Female drivers and female front-right passengers are more likely to wear their seat belts compared to their male counterparts (p < 0.001). There is an association between restrained drivers and restrained front-right seat passengers (p < 0.001). There is the need for concerted efforts to educate and create awareness on the safety benefits of seat belt usage and enforce the use of seat belt by the National Road Safety Commission and University Transport Committee authority so as toincrease the compliance level

Source: UCC
An assessment of sediment loading into an agricultural reservoir in a semi-arid region of Kenya

The 95.7 version of Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP 95.7) model was applied to an approximately 2.7 km2 agricultural catchment to estimate the amount ofsediment loading into the reservoir ofNdaragwiti Dam, Kenya. The reservoir had I .9 ha surface area, 1.2 m mean depth and atotal volume of 34000 m3, and was fed by the catchment in a semi-arid region ofLakipia District ofKenya. The catchment was divided into three subwatersheds based on existing three channels feeding the reservoir. The sub-watersheds were subdivided into 22 hillslopes (plots) according to the slope orientation. Annual sediment that entered the reservoir from each of the sub-watersheds, as well as the sediment that left the reservoir and that retained in the reservoir were generated by the WEPP (95.7) model based on the constructed data sets for the period of 1996. These estimated values were compared with the measured sediment to assess the performance of the WEPP (95.7) model. The estimated annual amount ofsediment from each sub-watershed into the reservoir, sediment out ofthe reservoir through the spillway and the sediment retained in the reservoir ranged between 71 % and 750/0 ofthe measured values. The WEPP (95.7) model estimated an annual total sediment yield ofabout 2206 t corresponding to an average sedimentation rate of 817 t km-2 yr-I . This estimate is about 71% of the measured rate. The study constitutes a fairly test ofWEPP (95.7)' s capabilities since no parameters were calibrated. The findings indicate that the WEPP (95.7) model can reasonably estimate sediment loading when executed without calibration on a catchment devoid of roads in semi-arid region

Source: UCC
Assessment of senior high school teachers and Students' demographic characteristics on their Knowledge on climate change in cape coast Metropolis

This study assessed senior high school teachers and students' demographic characteristics on their knowledge on climate change in Cape Coast Metropolis. In order to find answers to the research questions and the hypotheses that were formulated to guide the study, the descriptive crosssectional survey research design was employed. All the II public senior high schools participated in the study. The sample size for the students who answered the questionnaires was 371, whi Ie the teachers were 289. Both teachers' and students' questionnaires on knowledge on climate change were used to gather the relevant data for the study. The simple random sampling procedure was used to select students and teachers to serve as respondents. The data gathered from the students and teachers were analysed using statistical tools such as means, standard deviations and factorial analysis of variance. It was found out that impm1ation of climate change knowledge by the senior high school teachers depends on their age and subject taught, while the acquisition of climate change knowledge by the senior high school students depends on their age and programme of study. It was among other things recommended that Unit heads of the various senior high schools should assign experienced teachers to teach climate change knowledge to Business, Visual Arts and I-lome Economics students. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NACCA) should introduce more topics on climate change into the senior high school Social Studies curriculum.

Source: UCC
Assessment of senior high school teachers and Students' demographic characteristics on their Knowledge on climate change in cape coast Metropolis

This study assessed senior high school teachers and students' demographic characteristics on their knowledge on climate change in Cape Coast Metropolis. In order to find answers to the research questions and the hypotheses that were formulated to guide the study, the descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was employed. All the II public senior high schools participated in the study. The sample size for the students who answered the questionnaires was 371, whi Ie the teachers were 289. Both teachers' and students' questionnaires on knowledge on climate change were used to gather the relevant data for the study. The simple random sampling procedure was used to select students and teachers to serve as respondents. The data gathered from the students and teachers were analysed using statistical tools such as means, standard deviations and factorial analysis of variance. It was found out that impm1ation of climate change knowledge by the senior high school teachers depends on their age and subject taught, while the acquisition of climate change knowledge by the senior high school students depends on their age and programme of study. It was among other things recommended that Unit heads of the various senior high schools should assign experienced teachers to teach climate change knowledge to Business, Visual Arts and I-lome Economics students. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NACCA) should introduce more topics on climate change into the senior high school Social Studies curriculum.

Source: UCC