ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impact of Forest Policies and Strategies on Promoting the Development of Non-Timber Forest Products in Ghana

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) farming is emerging globally as an important tool for establishing sustainable forest communities and supporting forest-based livelihoods. NTFPs are of great importance to millions of people whose livelihoods largely depend on them. Increasingly, forest policies of many countries are being revised to reflect the potential of NTFPs in achieving rural development and poverty alleviation. In Ghana, various forest policies have been formulated and implemented for developing a national forest estate and timber industry. However, most of the forest policies have failed to address the role of NTFPs in achieving poverty reduction in the country. Forest policies continue to remain a major hurdle to the growth and development of NTFP in Ghana.Through an exhaustive literature review, interviews conducted on various forest development stakeholders, forestry experts and forest dependent communities, this paper uses sustainability frameworks to critically evaluate Ghana’s forestry policies and their impacts on NTFPs utilisation and management in Ghana. The 1994 Forest and Wildlife Policy (FWP-94) and its implementation process from 1995 to 2008 were analyzed with regard to the development of NTFPs and a number of challenges facing this sub-sector identified. The results revealed that the lack of definite policy on NTFPs has impacted negatively on their promotion and development in the country. Until recently, most of the policy initiatives were aimed at forest conservation and timber production; the livelihood opportunities of NTFPs for local communities were ignored. The paper also urges government of Ghana to effectively place development and promotion of NTFPs farming as core element of the country’s forestry policy-making process and national development agenda.

Source: UG
Assessing the impact of industrial and urban wastes on the irrigation water quality of three streams in a semi-arid coastal savannah catchment in Ghana

Anthropogenic disturbances have had and continue to have an impact on the aquatic ecosystem of Ghana. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of anthropogenic activities on the irrigation water quality of three streams in southern Ghana. In the present study, the chemical quality of three streams under different (industrial and urban) land use within the same catchment in Ghana was examined using standard methods of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and American Public Health Association (APHA) to evaluate the effects of human activities on irrigation water quality. Analyses showed that all the streams were neutral to slightly alkaline. Relatively high concentration of salinity (ECw) and Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) were found in streams in industrial and high density residential areas. In addition, the mean values of major cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+ Mg2+) and anions (SO4 2-, Cl-HCO3 -) were high in industrial and high density residential areas. Trace metal (Fe2+, Mn2+ Zn2+Cu2+, Cr3+, Pb2+, Cd2+) concentrations were generally low and did not show any trend under different types of land uses. The results showed that all the three streams were generally unsuitable for irrigation and should be used with caution.

Source: UG
Assessing the impact of persuasive features on user’s intention to continuous use: the case of academic social networking sites

Social networking sites enable people to connect, communicate and share ideas. These sites have therefore become key for information sharing. Particularly, academics and researchers have adopted them for networking and collaboration. This study seeks to investigate how embedded persuasive features on social networking sites designed for academics and researchers affect continuous use intention. The study adopted an existing model for assessing the effectiveness of persuasive features on systems and sampled 416 participants who are engaged in academic research and analyzed their responses. The results indicate that Social Support, Computer-Human Dialogue Support and Primary Task Support significantly impact how users perceive social networking sites designed for effective academic work. Contrary to existing knowledge that Perceived Credibility, Perceived Effectiveness, Perceived Effort and Perceived Social Support all impacts an individual’s Intention to continuously Use of a system. only Perceived Credibility was observed to impact Intention to Use continuously. The findings also proved that affective ties and mutual support on academic social networking sites influence behaviour.

Source: UG
Assessing the impact of persuasive features on user’s intention to continuous use: the case of academic social networking sites

Social networking sites enable people to connect, communicate and share ideas. These sites have therefore become key for information sharing. Particularly, academics and researchers have adopted them for networking and collaborations. This study seeks to investigate how embedded persuasive features on social networking sites designed for academics and researchers affect continuous use intention. The study adopted an existing model for assessing the effectiveness of persuasive features on systems and sampled 416 participants who are engaged in academic research and analyzed their responses. The results indicate that Social Support, Computer–Human Dialogue Support and Primary Task Support significantly impact how users perceive social networking sites designed for effective academic work. Contrary to existing knowledge that Perceived Credibility, Perceived Effectiveness, Perceived Effort and Perceived Social Support all impact an individual’s Intention to Continuous Use of a system, only Perceived Credibility was observed to impact Intention to Use continuously. The findings also proved that affective ties and mutual support on academic social networking sites influence behaviour.

Source: UG
Assessing the impact of sea-level rise on a vulnerable coastal community in Accra, Ghana

Climate change and its associated sea-level rise are expected to significantly affect vulnerable coastal communities. Although the extent of the impact will be localised, its assessment will adopt a monitoring approach that applies globally. The topography of the beach, the type of geological material and the level of human intervention will determine the extent of the area to be flooded and the rate at which the shoreline will move inland. Gleefe, a coastal community in Ghana, has experienced frequent flooding in recent times due to the increasing occurrence of storm surge and sea-level rise. This study used available geospatial data and field measurements to determine how the beach topography has contributed to the incidence of flooding at Gleefe. The topography is generally low-lying. Sections of the beach have elevations of around 1 m, which allows seawater to move inland during very high tide. Accelerated sea-level rise as predicted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will destroy homes of the inhabitants and inundate the Densu wetlands behind the beach. Destruction of infrastructure will render the inhabitants homeless, whilst flooding of the wetlands will destroy the habitats of migratory birds and some endangered wildlife species such as marine turtle. Effective adaptation measures should be adopted to protect this very important coastal environment, the ecology of the wetlands and the livelihoods of the community dwellers. © 2013.

Source: UG
Assessing the impact of sealevel rise on vulnerable coastal communities in a remote sensing environment

Inundation and the episodic flooding caused by spring tide in low-lying coastal environments are expected to increase due to sea level rise caused by global warming. This development threatens both human settlement and natural habitats within such vulnerable areas. Sea level rise is a significant and growing danger to the coastal communities worldwide. The impact of sea level rise will be more pronounced in developing countries where data for sustainable managing the impacts of seal level rise within the Dansoman coastal community in Accra, Ghana. Impact of future seal level rise was modeled using SIMclim model, which is based on the modified Bruun rule. The IPCC predicted global scenarios, tidal and wave climates, historic rte of erosion and other geomorphic parameters were model input parameters. The simulated results were overlaid on near vertical aerial photographs obtained in 2005 and analysed. It emerged that the shoreline in Dansoman could recede by about 202 m inland by the 2100 with baseline from 1970-1990, which compared fairly well with an earlier study by Appeaning Addo, et. al., (2008). The study also revealed that about 84% of the local dwellers in the Dansoman coastal community are aware of the rising seal level in the coastal area. However, a significant percentage of this number do not understand the causes of seal level rise and have poor measures of adapting to the effects of flood disasters. It came out that approximately 645,556 people, 926 buildings and a total area of about 0.78km2 of land are vulnerable to permanent inundation by the year 2100. The study has demonstrated that there will be considerable losses to both life and property by the year 2100 in the Dansoman coastal area in the likely event of sea level rise.

Source: UG
Assessing the Impact of the South Indian Ocean High-Pressure System Using a Novel Index

The South Indian Ocean High-Pressure (SIOHP) system plays a crucial role in modulating atmospheric circulation, precipitation, and temperature patterns across the Indian Ocean basin and adjacent regions. Despite its significance, a comprehensive index for quantifying SIOHP variability, intensity, and impacts has been lacking. To address this gap, this study utilises a novel SIOHP index to systematically assess its climatic influence. Our findings reveal that the SIOHP's seasonal variability significantly im pacts regional precipitation, temperature, and humidity. During austral winter (JJA), a stronger SIOHP is associated with drier and cooler conditions in southeastern Africa and Madagascar, while its weakening in summer (DJF) corresponds to increased precipitation in these regions. Additionally, a westward shift of the SIOHP enhances rainfall in southwestern Australia, mitigat ing drought conditions. Furthermore, the SIOHP-driven moisture transport plays a vital role in shaping regional hydroclimate variability, influencing moisture advection and precipitation. These findings highlight the SIOHP's critical role in regional cli mate variability, underscoring the need for further research on its drivers and interactions with larger climate modes. This study provides a quantitative framework for improving seasonal forecasting, climate adaptation planning, and early warning systems in a changing climate.

Source: UG
Assessing the impacts of COVID-19 vaccination programme’s timing and speed on health benefts, cost-efectiveness, and relative afordability in 27 African countries

Background The COVID-19 vaccine supply shortage in 2021 constrained roll-out efforts in Africa while populations experienced waves of epidemics. As supply improves, a key question is whether vaccination remains an impactful and cost-effective strategy given changes in the timing of implementation. Methods We assessed the impact of vaccination programme timing using an epidemiological and economic model. We fitted an age-specific dynamic transmission model to reported COVID-19 deaths in 27 African countries to approximate existing immunity resulting from infection before substantial vaccine roll-out. We then projected health outcomes (from symptomatic cases to overall disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted) for different programme start dates (01 January to 01 December 2021, n=12) and roll-out rates (slow, medium, fast; 275, 826, and 2066 doses/ million population-day, respectively) for viral vector and mRNA vaccines by the end of 2022. Roll-out rates used were derived from observed uptake trajectories in this region. Vaccination programmes were assumed to priorities those above 60 years before other adults. We collected data on vaccine delivery costs, calculated incremental cost-efectiveness ratios (ICERs) compared to no vaccine use, and compared these ICERs to GDP per capita. We additionally calculated a relative affordability measure of vaccination programmes to assess potential nonmarginal budget impacts. Results Vaccination programmes with early start dates yielded the most health benefits and lowest ICERs compared to those with late starts. While producing the most health benefits, fast vaccine roll-out did not always result in the lowest ICERs. The highest marginal effectiveness within vaccination programmes was found among older adults. High country income groups, high proportions of populations over 60 years or non-susceptible at the start of vaccination programmes are associated with low ICERs relative to GDP per capita. Most vaccination programmes with small ICERs relative to GDP per capita were also relatively affordable.Conclusion Although ICERs increased significantly as vaccination programmes were delayed, programmes starting late in 2021 may still generate low ICERs and manageable affordability measures. Looking forward, lower vaccine purchasing costs and vaccines with improved efficacies can help increase the economic value of COVID-19 vaccination programmes.

Source: UG
Assessing the implementation of Ghana's Patient Charter

Purpose – This paper seeks to assess the implementation of Ghana’s Patients’ Charter by investigating the level of awareness and knowledge of the Charter’s content, some socio-demographic factors that may influence awareness and knowledge of the Charter and how providers have discharged their responsibilities under the Charter. Design/methodology/approach – A survey research approach, sampling respondents from providers and patients in four facilities from the Greater Accra region, was used. Simple frequencies and Chi-square test were used for analysing responses. Findings – Study findings show that the majority of patients (53.4 per cent) are not aware of the existence of the Charter of those that know about it, a sizeable minority (33.7 per cent) are not knowledgeable about its contents. Relative to patients, providers exhibit better awareness (61.8 percent) and content knowledge (61.8 per cent) of the Patients’ Charter, but on the whole are not yet carrying out their responsibilities under it. In terms of socio-demographic factors influencing awareness and knowledge of content, only education was found to be a positive correlate of awareness and knowledge. The relationship between providers and patients is generally cordial and could be used as a platform for improving awareness and knowledge of the charter, which could be crucial for improving service delivery. Research limitations/implications – This is an initial exploratory research with a limited sample, which was biased towards the educated. Findings are, however, instructive and essential for more extensive and representative research in this area. Originality/value – Since the Charter was launched in 2002, this study is the first of its kind and therefore provides important information for policy and further research.

Source: UG
Assessing the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325: The Liberian Case

Women have not been actively participating in peace and security. After the efforts conducted by women’s group, the UN adopted Resolution 1325 on the 31st October 2000. The Security Council resolution stresses the importance of women’s participation and full involvement in peace and security. There is empirical evidence which demonstrates that the participation of women in peacekeeping operations is beneficial for the mission since due to their participation, a strong peace agreement is more likely to be reached leading to a long-lasting peace in the country. Nevertheless, despite the adoption of the resolution and the evidence, women’s participation in peacekeeping missions remains low. The study examines the United Nations Mission in Liberia, the first peacekeeping mission that made great efforts to implement Resolution 1325. The study employed a qualitative methodology approach which relied on a semi-structured interview as well as on the review of relevant literature regarding the matter. The findings showed how, despite the efforts made by the Liberian government to empower women and to increase their participation, the peacekeeping mission was not gender-balanced. The greater challenges to the enhancement of women included very low percentage of women in the top troop contributing countries to the mission, the absence of sex-disaggregated data, and the lack of local women in Liberian peace and security institutions. The study proposed several recommendations that included encouraging States to increase the number of female peacekeepers, helping governments in the creation of a national action plan, and improving the quality of sex-disaggregated data. It is an imperative necessity to overcome the challenges which still constitute a barrier for women’s participation in peace and security.

Source: UG
Assessing the influence of pod storage on sugar and free amino acid profiles and the implications on some Maillard reaction related flavor volatiles in Forastero cocoa beans

The practice of pod storage (PS) has been applied in many cocoa producing countries, especially by Ghanaian farmers over the years. However, the study of PS has not received much attention, hence, until now, its potential impact on specific flavor precursor development and implications on the flavor of cocoa beans still remains uncovered. The study was therefore aimed at exploring this possibility through physico-chemical and flavor precursor analyses, carried out on equally fermented and dried pod stored (0, 3 and 7 days) Ghanaian cocoa beans. Flavor analysis was also conducted on equally roasted pod stored cocoa beans. Through visual assessment of the pods, pulp and beans, the compelling impact of PS on fermentation index (FI) and nib acidity could be demonstrated by the various biochemical and physical changes such as respiration, moisture reduction, and cellular degradation, occurring during the process. Whereas the entire reaction of sugar degradation may be deemed complex, a clear relationship between the FI, nib acidity and the glucose content was observed. Also, PS was found to increase with marginal increase in total reducing sugars (glucose and fructose). Although the concentration of free amino acids was directly proportional to the duration of PS, within the framework of this study, a significant difference (p <.05) was only observed in the case of extended duration (7 days). Overall, 7 PS seemed to have enhanced the formation of more volatiles. This was followed by 0 PS and finally 3 PS. Suggestively, these findings could provide some indications in explaining the typical flavor profiles of the Ghanaian cocoa beans, considering the fact that 87.8% of Ghanaian farmers adhere to this practice. Meanwhile, for the chocolate industry, the surging demand for cocoa/chocolate products exhibiting unique flavors, could be partly addressed by adopting PS as a tool for varietizing the flavor capacity of “bulk” cocoa through the expression or suppression of specific flavor precursors in the raw material on the farm level, which comes with almost no additional cost. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UG
Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness Among Selected Tertiary Students in the Accra Metropolis on Zoonotic Infections

Background: Zoonotic infections are a serious threat to human health and a direct risk that could potentially be fatal. Animals both domestic and wild serve as reservoirs for zoonotic infections. Thus, frequent contact with animals might occasionally result in the transfer of infections from animals to people. Ghana is especially susceptible to the effects of zoonotic infections due to the increase in the household human-animal ratio. This study assessed the awareness and knowledge level of tertiary students in a selected tertiary institution on zoonotic infections. Methods: A quantitative research method was employed making use of a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The target population chosen for the research was mainly students from the University of Ghana. A stratified sampling technique was used in selecting participants for the study. 440 participants were selected for the study. The university’s four primary colleges served as the strata for the basis of data collection. Results: The study revealed a moderate knowledge level among students. The term “zoonoses” was understood by the majority (70%) of the respondents. Respondents knew at least one route of transmission of zoonotic infection. For the spread of zoonotic infections, close con tact with infected animals and consumption of contaminated food were seen as ways of spread by a majority. Conclusion: Although the basic strategies required for the control and elimination of the zoonotic diseases in such tertiary institutions are well known and practiced as per the study findings, zoonoses still persists and this can be attributed to low education on the subject. Knowledge and awareness level on zoonoses especially in tertiary institutions such as the University of Ghana could be improved if relevant authorities create adequate enlightenment programs on improving the knowledge of zoonotic diseases through a variety of media including seminars, workshop, television, radio, newspaper and social media

Source: UG