ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the quality of packaged drinking water sold in Kumasi metropolis, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

The inhabitants of Kumasi have over the years mistrusted their pipe water hence relied on packaged water as a source of good drinking water. The high demand for the packaged drinking water has led to the situation where producers may have compromised the product quality for quantity. This study was conducted in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana to examine the suitability of packaged water for consumption by evaluating their bacteriological, physical and chemical characteristics. These were total coliform, faecal coliform, pH, turbidity, apparent colour, conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, sulphate, chloride, phosphate, total alkalinity, manganese, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness and their ions. Water samples were analysed according to Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The results have shown that the physical and chemical parameters investigated were all within the Ghana Standards Board (1998) and World Health Organization permissible limits. The bacteriological analysis showed that brands of bottled water were not contaminated with total coliforms, faecal coliforms or Escherichia coli. Unfortunately, 55.6% of the brands of sachet water were contaminated with total coliforms, faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli bacteria. All the bottled water and 44.4% of sachet water examined were suitable for consumption.

Source: KNUST
Assessment Of The Quality Of Water From Bore-Holes And Hand-Dug Wells In New Offinso, Ashanti Region

In most sub-urban and rural settlements in Ghana, access to clean and potable water is a great challenge, resulting in the use of water from alternative and sometimes unhygienic sources, giving rise to various water borne diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of some physical, chemical and microbial water quality parameters in eight hand–dug wells, of which three were covered and five were uncovered, and two boreholes (equipped with hand pump) in New town, Offinso. Parameters were determined using standard procedures. All the physicochemical parameters, except fluorine and copper were within the Ghana standard values in all samples. The mean fluoride ion values ranged from 1.36 1.45 mg/L in the CWs; 1.22 to 1.96 mg/L in the UWs and 1.45 to 1.5 mg/L in the BHs; against an EPA standard of 1.5 mg/L. Variations among all the sources were statistically significant, whereas variations between the covered and uncovered hand-wells were not statistically significant. Mean values for copper also ranged from 0.07 to 0.36 mg/L in the CWs; 0.04 to 0.80 mg/L in the UWs and 0.14 to 0.46 mg/L in the BHs; against an EPA standard of 0.1 mg/L. These variations were not statistically significant. Total coliforms were recorded in all the samples, contrary to the EPA standard of no coliforms in drinking water. The mean values ranged from 2.0 × 102 to 9.0 × 102 CFU/100 ml in the CWs; 8.0 × 102 to 6.2 × 103 CFU/100 ml in the UWs and 3.0 × 102 to 1.3 × 103 CFU/100 ml in the BHs. Also, Faecal coliforms were recorded in all the uncovered wells. Variations among all the sources for both total and faecal coliforms, were not statistically significant. The quality of water was found to be below the EPA standard and as such, not suitable for use as drinking water, without adequate microbial treatment. Regular monitoring of groundwater quality, sanitary inspection and hygiene education were recommended

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the Quality of Water Around the Mining Town, of Obuasi, Ghana

Samples of water consumed domestically from sources, such as well, boreholes, pipe borne, streams/ springs and rivers were collected from the mining town of Obuasi and its environs. Sites within the Obuasi township from where samples were collected included Dunkwa Nkwanta, Bogobiri, Abankrom, Jimi Pump Station, Tutuka (Kwabena Krah), Tutuka (Sampsonkrom), Anyinam, Tutuka (Asikafoambantam), AGC Farms, Pompo river (Delivery point), Akapoli, and Ghana Water Company pipe borne at delivery point. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) technique was used to determine levels of heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, Zn, and Fe. Other methods including colorimetry, turbidimetry were used to determine levels of parameters such as cyanide, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity and turbidity. Analysis of the samples obtained from the above - named sites indicated that the average levels of mercury ranged between 0.0000-0.0075 mg/L, that of lead ranged between 0.0137- 0.0363 mg/L, that for zinc ranged between 0.0403- 0.2589 mg/L. The average levels of iron ranged between 0.1097- 24.5900 mg/L. In all the samples, level of cyanide was not within detectable limit. The average levels of nitrate ranged between 0.146-1.489 mg/L and that of sulphate between 0.051-1.235 mg/L. Similarly, average levels of total dissolved solids ranged between 43.3-297 mg/L; that of total hardness was 19.87- 44.1 mg/L; and that of total alkalinity ranged between 6.1-154.4 mg/L. Turbidity values ranged between 0-71.7 NTU. The highest mean value obtained for levels of almost all the parameters monitored fell below the WHO recommended value, except mercury in the water sample at AGC Farms (0.0075 mg/L); iron in the sample at Tutuka Asikafoambantam (24.5900 mg/L) and turbidity in samples at AGC Farms (71.7 NTU). Beside these exceptions, and from the physico-chemical considerations, water from these sites is fit for drinking and other domestic uses.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the quality of some sachet water brands in the Sunyani Metropolis of Ghana

The study assessed the quality of the most patronised sachet water in the Sunyani Metropolis of Ghana. Six sachet water products were selected based on consumers‘ responses to a questionnaire survey. Samples of the products were purchased and stored for monthly phusico – chemical, nutrient and microbiological analyses for the period of two months. The analyses were done according to standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. The result indicated that physic-chemical and nutrient levels were all within the World Health Organization (2007) and the Ghana Standards Authority (1998) permissible limits. The bacteriological analysis also showed that all brands of sachet water studied were not contaminated except for total coliform which was recorded in one of the product at a level of 9.1MPN / 100ml. No significant differences were recorded during the month of storage among the same brands. However, for the physico-chemical parameters,differences in mean values were significant for the different brands. Thus, it can be concluded that the sachet water products studied in the metropolis is generally of good quality. Nonetheless, sachet water products in the metropolis should be monitored regularly for microbial quality in order not compromise the standards.

Source: KNUST
The Assessment of the Rehabilitation of a Degraded Mine Site: A Case Study of Community Involvement in Amansie Resolute Limited Site

Mining generally destabilizes environments and the entire ecosystem. To ensure that mining activities co-exist harmoniously with the human and physical environment, guidelines have been developed which all mining companies are obliged to comply. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of communities’ involvement in pre-mining, mining and post mining activities towards the restoration of degraded mine site. The research was conducted in the Amansie Resolute Mining Site and three adjacent mining communities through socio economic, field botanical surveys, soil sampling and analysis. The socio economic survey was carried out through administration of semi structured questionnaires to chiefs and opinion leaders at Koninase, Kwankyiabo and Manso Nkran. The Mines Department – Kumasi, Environmental Protection Agency, Kumasi, Environmental Officer of Amansie West District Assembly were also interviewed. Botanical studies were carried out in the re-forested waste and tailing dump sites, non forested waste and tailing dump sites and on secondary forest. Trees were randomly selected from each hectare, plot, among the study sites, height, diameter and volume determined; mean species diversity dominance and evenness were also estimated. Litter in-situ and turn-over ratio were compared among the sites. Multiple soil samples were collected and mean nutrient parameters determined through recommended laboratory methods. The result from the socio-economic studies revealed that the mining company pursued the laid down procedures for land acquisition employed some people in the communities, provided some social amenities and restored the degraded mine site. The mean heights of trees were 17.0 m, 16.5 m, 2.5 m, 1.5 m and 48 m for reforested waste and tailing dumps, non forested waste and tailing and secondary forest respectively. The mean diameter measurements were 0.076 m2, 0.075 m2, 0.03 m2, 0.25 m2 and 0.30 m2 in similar order, whilst the mean volume measurement were 0.771 m3, 0.072 m3, 0.070 m3, 0.001 m3 and 3.390 m3. The mean litter ratios were 1:5, 1:2.3, 1:2.43 and 1:4.5 respectively. There were no significant differences in species diversity dominance and evenness among the sites. Soil nutrient levels did not show significant differences at 5% (P< 0.05) using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. A limited number of people were employed through the spectrum of the mining company’s activities. There were above average coverage of trees in restoration sites and soil fertility levels highly competitive among study sites.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the quality of water used for domestic activities in Achimota School

The study was conducted to assess the bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of potable water provided by Ghana Water Company Limited and borehole (underground) water used as domestic water supply in Achimota School. People in this area use the water for cooking, bathing, washing clothes and some even drink it. Thirteen (13) samples of tap water were collected from thirteen different areas while four (4) samples from boreholes from different locations within the Achimota School in the Accra Metro West District in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana were analysed. It was conducted between August 2010 and December 2010. Physico-chemical parameters such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, carbonate, sulphate, chloride, total iron, manganese, fluoride, pH, total alkalinity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate, nitrite, turbidity and phosphate were determined using conventional methods. Indicators for bacteria contamination due to presence of total coliforms and faecal coliforms were also carried out. All the pH recorded fell within WHO (2006) limits except tap water from Hospital Area that had a pH of 5.72. The remaining physio-chemical parameters for both waters fell within the desirable limits of WHO (2006) standards for drinking water. Bacteriologically, total coliforms ranging from 15 - 651 CFU 100 ml-1, were present in all the samples taken. Out of the tap water samples taken, about 50 % (McCarthy House, Anumle, Slessor House, Hospital Area and Achimota Preparatory School Area) and 25 % of borehole (thus Clark House) had faecal coliforms in them. But none of the waters sampled had E. coli. Therefore, both tap and borehole waters within the study area need some suitable treatments to make them safe bacteriologically for drinking. Regular monitoring and effective disinfestations are also needed to reduce the bacteria contamination.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the quality, safety and effectiveness of Nibima And Camber used in the management of Malaria and Hypertension respectively at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM)

Medicinal plants have been used all over the world since time immemorial, and the use of plant medicines is being seriously recommended to be incorporated into the healthcare delivery systems especially that of developing countries like Ghana. However the questions related to quality, safety and effectiveness of these herbal medicines have been the bone of contention between the orthodox and the traditional medical practitioners. Malaria and Hypertension continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality in most tropical and subtropical countries. A rapid spread of malarial disease globally and high rate of hypertension among young adults have led to an urgent need for antimalarials and antihypertensives from medicinal plants. The objectives of this thesis are to ascertain the quality, safety and effectiveness of Nibima and Camber, two herbal preparations used in the management of malaria and hypertension respectively, at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM), Mampong-Akuapem. Out of the thirty-two patients treated for malaria, using Nibima in dose of 1 OOmls thrice daily for six days, 64.9% had total cure; 29.7% had partial cure and 5.4% showed no response. Parasitaemia clearance was 62.5% within the first three days. Out of the thirty-seven patients studied for hypertension, using Camber in a dose of 6Omls thrice daily for six weeks, 56.3% had their blood pressure well controlled; 25% partially controlled and 18.7% poorly controlled. Secondary metabolites of alkaloids and tannins present in Nibima and Camber could account for the therapeutic effects seen. Both drugs are safe to use in their present dosages. However, safety profile for Camber needs to be further investigated because this study showed that there is propensity for renal damage after prolonged usage.

Source: KNUST
Assessment Of The Relationship Between Leptin Levels, Physical Activity And Dietary Intake In Obese Basic School Children

Childhood obesity has increased alarmingly in both developed and developing countries and has been associated with morbidity and mortality in adulthood independent of adult weight and other risk factors. In Africa, the increasing rate of obesity has been attributed to many factors such as sedentary lifestyles and consumption of energy dense foods. Other underlying factors included hormones such as leptin. The complex link of serum leptin with physical activity; obesity development, and diet intake has been the recommendations of many studies. This study was therefore to find the relationship between leptin level, physical activity and dietary intake among obese basic school children. This crosssectional study was conducted between January, 2017 and May 2017 in Kumasi Metropolis. The participants were obese basic school children aged 7 to 15 years. Semistructured questionnaires were used to capture the data on demography, family obesity history, physical activity and dietary behaviour of participants. A 24-hour dietary recall was used to estimate the dietary intake of the participants. Serum leptin levels were obtain from participants’ blood samples using the Human leptin ELISA Kit. The 90 study participants with 34(37.8%) of them being males and 57(62.2%) females had an average age of 12.18±1.99 years. The overall mean leptin levels of the respondents was 5.44±1.97 ng/ml with the male recording lower mean leptin levels (5.43±2.33 ng/ml) than the females (5.45±1.73 ng/ml). Only 40(44.4%) said they intentionally partake in any physical activity. Caloric dense food such as starches, oils, meats and fishes were consumed on the more regular basis than the less caloric dense food such as fruits, vegetables and legumes. Only 2% of the participants were found to have low caloric consumption, 40% moderate and 48% high. Majority of the participant, 50(55.6%), did not take part in any physical activity. Those categorised as sedentary were 50(55.6%), 33(36.7%) as low active and 7 (7.8%) as active with the males being more active than the females. Only the amount of carbohydrate intake was positively linked to participants’ serum levels independent of the other variables.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of the returns on employee pension fund investments and their impact on future benefit payments: A Case Study of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) was established to administer the National Social Security Scheme in 1972 under the NRCD 127. The trust started the scheme as a provident fund until 1991 when it was converted into a pension scheme under the Social Security Law (PNDC Law 247). SSNIT has a primary responsibility to collect contributions to pay pensions and other benefits as they fall due. In fulfilling this responsibility, the funds collected are invested to generate additional income to augment the contributions of members. The payments provide income for members who are unable to continue working due to invalidity, old age, and in the event of sickness or death of the breadwinner. In recent times some doubts have been expressed on the ability of the scheme to pay pensions in the future because its investments have yielded low returns. This research sought to analyze the various investments returns made by SSNIT over a specified period and assessed their impact on the capacity of the fund to make future benefit payments. The case study approach was used in this research and the results showed that the returns on SSNIT investment were generally below the returns achieved by other investment funds over the study period. The effect of inflation on the returns of the fund was significant with the fund recording negative real return in some years. It was also found that inadequate investment expertise at SSNIT may have contributed to the low returns recorded by the organization. Though the benefits paid grew steadily, the contributions received also increased on yearly basis and were always higher than the benefits paid. High returns on the excess funds that are invested would enable the pension fund meet its future obligation to workers.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the Roles of Rural Banks to Promote Operational Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana: A Case of Juaben Rural Bank Ltd.

Access to affordable and timely finance has been identified as a major challenge facing the Ghanaian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The primary objectives for establishing Rural Community Banks are to promote rural development through provision of banking and financial services; enhance rural productive activities, including Agriculture; and to improve economic status of Small and Medium Enterprises. However, it is not very clear as to whether the Rural Banks actually perform the primary functions for which they were established. This stems from the fact that there is an anecdotal evidence to support that a high proportion of Rural Bank‘s loan portfolio are channeled to salaried workers instead of the intended beneficiaries. The purpose of this study is to assess the roles of Rural Banks to promote the operational performance of SMEs. Data were gathered from 75 respondents through a questionnaire survey and interview. Data received from the respondents were entered into SPSS Data Application and Microsoft Excel to facilitate analysis. Descriptive statistics were employed in the presentation and analysis of the empirical results. The study ascertains the challenges facing the operational performance of these SMEs. The results of the study revealed the roles of Rural Banks. The results also indicate that rural banks are ready and willing to provide financial support to SMEs. However the provision of business advisory services and training for the SMEs are on the lower side. The results further suggested that interest rates charged by the rural banks are perceived to be relatively high. A number of specific action areas have been identified to facilitate public policy for Rural Banks and SMEs in Ghana. The study confirmed the anecdotal evidence that a higher proportion of rural banks‘ loan portfolio is directed to salaried workers leaving very little for farmers and SMEs, including cottage industry.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the Rill Cut and Fill Mining system at Prestea Goldfields Limited

The decline in gold production and increasing cost of mining at the Prestea Goldfield Limited (PGL) has called for the need to find ways and means of increasing productivity. This thesis analyses the current rill cut and fill mining system employed at PGL with the view to either modify this system or replace it with more efficient mining system. Three other alternative applicable mining systems intended to replace the current one namely Horizontal Cut and Fill, Sublevel stopping and Shrinkage mining systems have been selected from geotechnical considerations. Technological and economic appraisal of these alternative systems and the current one has been carried out so as to select the most efficient one. It has been established that where the orebody is and above 1.83m and the orebody and the host rock are competent, the sublevel stopping system (alternative C) is most efficient for PGL. The Preparetional Opening Efficiency of this system is 102.17m3/1000t, development cost per ton is ¢3017.52/t, the efficiency is 47.99t/manshift and the stopping cost per ton is ¢572.32/t. this will reduce the stopping cost per ton by 74.24% and increase the efficiency by 96.8%. Where the orebody width is below 1.83m and the host rocks are not very strong, the Horizontal Cut and Fill mining system will be more applicable

Source: KNUST
An Assessment of the Rural Enterprises Project as a Poverty Reduction Strategy in Rural Ghana: A Case Study of the Asuogyaman District

Notwithstanding the rapid process of urbanization observed in most transition countries, poverty still remains a predominantly rural phenomenon (IFAD, 2001) as the sternness of their hardship is far greater than in urban areas. In Ghana, the Rural Enterprises Project (REP) is one of such approach to make the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy I & II more effective in addressing the needs of the poor. Whilst the comprehensive nature of these pro-poor programmes is the strength to reduce poverty, the problem is that most of them fail to live up to expectation or sufficiently target the poor. Consequently, it is significant to assess approaches and their effectiveness. The study attempted to assess the influence of the REP in employment creation and poverty reduction in the Asuogyaman District. The methodology adopted was a case study using the Asuogyaman District in Eastern Region of Ghana. Data were collected using questionnaires from a sample of 102 respondents selected from the study population of 599. Primary data was analysed using SPSS and the results presented in figures and tables. Findings were that REP was implemented through the collaborative effort of the REP and District Assembly. Interventions to beneficiaries enhanced MSEs through good management practices and improved quality of products and services. The REP is indicated to have created jobs in the Asuogyaman district and brought quite a significant impact on their livelihood. Establishing a Rural Technology Facility is recommended to boost the use of appropriate technology by Micro and Small scale Enterprises. Continuous consultancy services to MSEs are recommended throughout all rural districts to provide advisory services to make enterprises sustainable. Policy direction should be specific and robe in more of the youth to go into entrepreneurial ventures in rural districts to reduce unemployment and poverty

Source: KNUST