ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Post restructuring analysis of working capital management of Pokupharma Limited

Since its establishment in 1995, the operations Pokupharma Limited has been centred on the provision of quality and affordable medicines to keep the people of Ghana healthy and provide people in poor health with medicines to get them healthy. The company did this for the first thirteen years through simple buy-and-sell. However, since 2011 the company restructured and started manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Nonetheless, there has not been any documented work on the working capital management since the restructuring. Moreover, the restructuring of the company has brought about changes in the components of working capital and this is an area of important concern to the management of the company. The purpose of the study is to fill this research gap in working capital management and the recommendations will also help management to enhance the fortunes of the company. Though the scope of the study extends beyond six years, the analysis of the financial statement was limited to a six-year period spanning from FY2008 to FY2013. The study revealed that the company‟s working capital cycle has continuously been negative since FY2010. The company‟s liquidity position was found to unsatisfactory because of the poor management of cash and other current assets. The large amount of investment in inventories with no immediate use has also affected the profitability of the company. On this note the study recommended that regular measurement of working capital, for quick identification of the trend and any looming liquidity problems that require immediate redress. All idle funds with no immediate use should be put into productive investments. Also, periodical physical review of the inventory needs to be conducted to ensure reduction in inventory carrying costs of slow-moving or obsolete items to improve cash flow.

Source: KNUST
Post occupancy evaluation of contemporary educational buildings in Ghana. A case study of the KNUST/IDL Building at Kwabenya

The general notion in most public buildings is that occupants are comfortable with their indoor environmental conditions so long as they report to work and carry out their assigned duties. Such a notion has led to failure to consider it necessary to monitor and evaluate occupants’ perception of comfort in their respective working environments. Essentially, the value of systematic learning from Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is primarily to identify additional benefits that can be obtained from the evaluation allowing for the fine tuning to enhance the performance of future buildings. The study adopted POE and its rationale as a building feedback mechanism. The aim of the study was to conduct a POE of contemporary educational buildings in Ghana. The study narrowed down to the particular case of the KNUST/IDL building at Kwabenya in Accra. The objectives were to evaluate the performance of the case study building and to identify areas of improvement of contemporary educational buildings in Ghana. The study adopted qualitative research approach to evaluate the subjective responses of occupants in the case study building. Instruments for data collection included interviews, observation and case study approach. 94 respondents out of a population of about 658 participated in the study. Data was presented in the form of descriptive and explanatory narrations using content analysis for analyzing the data. Results showed that extensive use of glazing permit high penetration of solar radiation and heat gain leading to poor indoor environmental conditions. Results also showed that extensive use of glazing has led to the heavy integration of HVAC systems to achieve human comfort in contemporary educational buildings in Ghana. The study concluded that dissatisfaction with the built environment has negative effects on the health, comfort and productivity of occupants. The study recommended that passive design strategies which are sustainable, economical and environmentally friendly can be used to achieve human comfort.

Source: KNUST
Post Inundation Effects of Bui Hydro Electric Dam on the Large Mammals in the Bui National Park in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

Assessment of the post inundation effects of Bui Hydro Electric Dam on the large mammals of the Bui National Park was carried out from October, 2014 to September, 2015. The construction of the Bui Hydro-Electric Dam at the Bui gorge was expected to inundate about 21% of the core zone of the Bui National Park. The loss of habitat, led to displacement of wildlife within this zone. Descriptive research design involving qualitative, quantitative and observational methods was used for this study. This was based on two sources of data, primary and secondary. Questionnaires were administered and the total number of respondents was 398, which comprised 350 local community members and 48 staff of Bui National Park. Line transects were walked in the Bui National Park and the large mammals sighted were identified at the species level and counted. There was no change in species diversity from the pre-through to the post inundation, as the diversity of 18 species remained the same. However, inundation caused a drop in abundance. The inundation decimated populations of some large species, besides causing a major habitat loss but those that survived moved to safe areas. The study however recorded significant recovery in large mammal abundance notably the Hippopotamus, which had recovered (from 69 during inundation to 327p after inundation) almost to the year 2010 (335 the highest) abundance level pre-inundation. High number of distressed animals were rescued and relocated to similar but safer habitats within the park by the Bui National Park rescue team. The inundation significantly affected the large mammals within the Bui National Park (P < 0.05). It is recommended that the large mammals be monitored to give updates of abundance trends to inform the management of the Park. The Bui National Park should be expanded to accommodate and ease mobility of displaced mammals as a leverage to increase the abundance and diversity of the mammals.

Source: KNUST
Post-incarceration integration: the role of Enterpreneurial finance.

The aim of this study is to explore the role that entrepreneurial finance play in postincarceration integration of ex-offenders. The study shows that self-employment or entrepreneurship appears the most available and guaranteed alternative that can foster the economic re-integration of ex-offenders. A total of 100 ex-offenders were randomly sampled and interviewed from Nsawam Medium and Female and the Kumasi Central and Female Prisons, to elicit the required data for the study. The results of the study show that, entrepreneurial development in Ghana lacks adequate funding and additionally, have several shortcomings such as the use of outmoded, deteriorated and inadequate workshops and facilities, etc.; thereby, yielding little impact on the growth of business ventures of ex-offenders. Furthermore, the study reveals that the length of incarceration has direct adverse implications on the growth of business ventures of ex-offenders. Nonetheless, ex-offenders encounter several challenges such as difficulty in accessing capital, stigmatization from society, low education and business management skills, and the fear of failure. In conclusion, logic and statistics available proves that rehabilitation is more effective than retribution, and that people leaving incarceration face a wide range of challenges. Therefore, the study recommends that; through services like investment activities of government, NGOs, Angel investors and Venture capitalist towards the business ventures of ex-offenders could be helped to start new, healthy lives, significantly reducing recidivism and thereby making society a safer place for all.

Source: KNUST
Post-independence developmental trends of the gold jewellery industry in Ghana: a case study of Asantes

This thesis studied the developmental trend of gold the jewellery industry in Ghana since independence with particular reference to the Asantes. As at the year 2011 Ghana was rated the world’s 9th largest producer of gold and the 2nd in Africa. However, its gold jewellery industry accounts for very little percentage of the world production total. This discrepancy is an issue of concern since currently Ghana derives the bulk of its revenue from gold. Value addition to the nation’s gold jewellery industry will improve the nation’s fortunes significantly. The qualitative method of research was employed to gather and synthesize the data. Results obtained indicated that all the craftsmen involved in the jewellery industry were Ghanaians who were full time practioners, with a sizeable number (28%) of them being females, majority of whom are graduates from tertiary institutions. The issue of raw gold acquisition and absence of a refinery were observed to be major problems facing the industry. It was also observed during the field visit that much of the machinery being used by the craftsmen were outmoded. The use of the adinkra symbols was found to be the most popular or new trend of all the designs being used by the jewellers as the majority (75%) of the jeweller admitted using them. The apprenticeship system of training continues to provide the skill in the industry. It was evident from the interaction with traditional rulers that the socio-political and cultural roles of jewellery in Asante still survive despite the influence of education, religion and globalization. The study concluded that for Ghana to ensure a sustainable gold jewellery industry growth a concerted effort will be required by all the stakeholders (including, government, non -governmental agencies, jewellery industry and private sector players) to take full advantage of the country’s significant endowment in gold and urgently take steps to revamp the industry.

Source: KNUST
Post retirement livelihood: an assessment of savings behavior amoung kasapreko ltd employees in kumasi, ghana

The study aims at determining the effects of financial literacy on saving habits of Kasapreko Company Limited employees in Kumasi. A survey with questions to describe the sample was used to collect data from Kasapreko employees using a descriptive study approach. With information from primary sources, a sample size of 155 is taken from the population using a simple random sampling procedure. Statistics, both descriptive and inferential, were used to analyze the data. Descriptive and inferential analysis comprised these analytical techniques. (SPSS version 25.0) Science. Using an f statistic value of p less than 5%, the research ANOVA was used to determine the regression model's significance level. The interpretation of the t statistics likewise uses a significance value of 5%. The replies range in age from 18 to 60, and the bulk of the employees are married with kids. Individual saving behavior has been proven to be influenced by financial literacy. The results demonstrate a significant level of financial ignorance among the workers. The study suggests that the government incorporate financial literacy into the curricula of elementary schools and colleges. Financial organizations, such as banks and pension trustees, should also set up financial education programs to raise awareness. They must also provide a variety of savings options and financial goods.

Source: KNUST
Post-logging recovery of amphibian assemblages and habitat preferences of the endangered giant squeaker frog (Arthroleptis krokosua) in Ghana’s moist semi-deciduous forests

Logging intensity and the area size continue to increase rapidly each year. As a result, there are indications that by the year 2050 nearly all tropical forests will be logged. However, to date there is a lack of quantitative information on the effectiveness of selective-logging practices in ameliorating impacts of logging on faunal communities. To assess post-logging effects on amphibian assemblages, we conducted a large-scale replicated field study in three Ghanaian selectively logged moist semi-deciduous forests at varying times after timber extraction. Specifically, we assessed whether the diversity, abundance, and assemblage composition of amphibians changed over time for forest-dependent species and those tolerant of forest disturbance. We sampled amphibians in Suhuma, Krokosua Hills and Sui River forest reserves in southwestern Ghana (total of 48 study plots, each 2 ha). We also investigated and herein we provide further data on the species' variability and habitat preferences of one of the world’s rarest frogs, the Giant West African Squeaker Frog, Arthroleptis krokosua. In each forest, we established plots in undisturbed forest, recently logged forest, and forest logged 10 and 20 years previously. Logging intensity was constant across sites with 3 trees/ha removed. A total of 24 species, 8, 267 amphibians were collected including 14 specimens of A. krokosua, its highest abundance since discovery. Recently logged forests supported substantially more species than unlogged forests. Simultaneously Simpson’s index decreased, with increased in dominance of a few species. Over time following logging, increased richness of disturbance-tolerant species decreased until 10 years after logging when their composition was indistinguishable from unlogged forests. Simpson’s index increased with time since logging and was indistinguishable from unlogged forest 20 years after logging. Forest specialists decreased after logging and recovered slowly. However, after 20 years amphibian assemblages had returned to a state indistinguishable from that of undisturbed forest in both abundance and composition. These results demonstrate that even with low-intensity logging (≤3 trees/ha) a minimum 20-year rotation of logging is required for effective conservation of amphibian assemblages in moist semi-deciduous forests. Furthermore, remnant patches of intact forests retained in the landscape and the presence of permanent brooks may aid in the effective recovery of amphibian assemblages. Further data on the breeding habitats and detailed population estimates of A. krokosua are also recommended in order to set up plans for the long-term conservation of the peculiar Ghanaian forest frog.

Source: KNUST
Postharvest handling of the edible parts (leaves and fruits) of the desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca): a Case Study in the Jirapa and Nadowli Districts of the Upper West Region Of Ghana.

The study was conducted in the Nadowli and Jirapa Districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana, with the objectives of documenting the uses of the desert date, determining the methods of harvesting the leaves and the fruits since the plant is very thorny, identifying the methods of processing and preserving the fruits and the leaves and determining the nutritional composition of the leaves and fruits. Cutting down and plucking the leaves and standing by the tree and plucking leaves were the two major methods of harvesting the leaves while the fruits are allowed to fall to the ground and then picked. The leaves and the dry fruits are edible; the leaves are eaten as vegetables in soup or added to a prepared meal called ‘koose’, the leaves are processed and preserved by boiling and drying while the fruits are dried and preserved or the coat peeled off and soaked in water for a drink. The roots are poisonous and used for fishing. The stem of the plant is used for fuel and can also be carved into mortars and pestles. Nutritionally, the leaves contain 41.41% moisture, 17.06% protein 16.02% fibre, 30.92% carbohydrates and 231.02 Cal/100g of energy while the fruits contain 24.63% moisture, 3.85% protein, 8.72% fibre 59.53% carbohydrates and 277.02 Cal/100g of energy. The desert date plant grows in the wild and has various uses in the area, therefore the people should be encouraged to eat and cultivate it.

Source: KNUST
Postharvest management of crown rot disease of banana (Musa spp. (AAA) using extracts from Ocimum gratssimum, Alstonia boonei and Garcinia kola

A study was conducted to the potential of Ocimum gratissmum, Alstonia boonei and Garcinia kola heckle to control the crown rot disease in bananas. The botanicals were compared with chemical fungicides namely Citrex and Tecto.

Source: KNUST
Postharvest storage practices and techniques: A case study of maize farmers in three districts of the Ashanti Region in Ghana

Maize production in Ghana dates back to some hundreds of years in the history of the country. The production and storage of maize in Ghana has been characterized by grain losses especially during the storage period. An assessment by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 2007 identified about 20% - 30% loss in terms of stored grains. The study aimed at assessing farmers’ experiences in the use of storage facilities and techniques in three maize growing districts in the Ashanti Region. The study employed a combination of simple random sampling and stratified sampling procedures to select three districts from the Ashanti region (Atwima Nwabiagya, Ejura Sekyedumase Municipal and Offinso South Municipal) and 120 respondents selected to complete a semi structured set of questionnaires. The results showed that the average quantity of maize grains lost during storage was about 20% for all three districts. The various storage facilities that were used for the harvested maize included storage in wider cribs (38.5%); storage in bags in warehouses (34.2%); storage in other places (rooms, veranda, kitchen etc.) (20%) and storage in narrow cribs (10%). Challenges faced by farmers in order of severity included high cost of storage facility; heavy rains; rodents and termites attack; handling of grains before storage; high moisture content; inadequate storage facilities and theft. Some remedies to increase the effectiveness of the primary storage facilities used by the farmers included drying; dehusking; chemical treatment; clean bagging and; frequent moisture content testing. Laboratory tests were also done on maize samples acquired from selected respondents for their proximate composition. Mould and weevil infested grains were analysed with fresh healthy and uninfested grains as control. Results from the analyses indicated that mould and weevil infestation caused significant loss in nutritional quality of stored grain. It is recommended that the state empowers farmers and maize sellers to patronize the best storage to ensure food security.

Source: KNUST
Potability of Some Hand Dug Well Water in Some Selected Communities in Obuasi

When water is talked of, its quality should not be undermined since it has great effects on man. Obuasi has been one of the towns whose water quality is always questioned due to the mining and other activities of theindigenes. It wastherefore necessary to ascertainhow potable some sources (precisely wellwater) of water for drinking were.In this work, a total of 27 well water samples were collected from three selected communities(Tutuka, Aboagyekrom, Kwabrafoso) in Obuasi township between February and April.The locations of the wells were considered during the choice of wells especially those close to waste water channels. The samples were analyzed formicrobiological parameters such as faecal coliform, total coliform, total heterotrophic bacteria and enterococci. The loads of total and faecal coliforns were as high as 9.5×105 and 2.2×105cfu100m/L respectively in some of the samples. Total heterotrophic bacteria were also present, with the least of 6.0×101cfu1m/L and the highest of 6.9×105cfu1m/L but enterococci were absent in all the water samples. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, Conductivity, Alkalinity, Total Dissolved solids, Total Suspended solids, Turbidity, Cyanide, Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium and lead were analyzed. pH of the samples were mostly high and ranged between 4.16 and 6.97. The samples recorded turbidity and total suspended solids level between 0.00 and 79.50 and between 1.00 and 4.00 respectively. Total dissolved solids and conductivity levels were all below the WHO guideline values of 1000mg/L and 1500μS/cm respectively. Most of the samples had their alkalinity level below the WHO guideline value except samples from KWA7 which recorded the highest value of 2552.50mg/L.In terms of metals Lead concentration in the samples of well water ranged between 0.02mg/L and 0.18mg/L with the least exceeding the WHO guideline value for Lead (0.01mg/L).Cadmium also recorded some loads only within the first month (February) and ranged between 0.001mg/L and 0.020mg/L with most of its well waters exceeding the WHO standard value of 0.003mg/L. Concentration of Mercury were also high ranging from 0.00mg/L to 0.58mg/L exceeding the WHO guideline value of 0.01mg/L. As and CN were absent in all the samples.Considering the results it observed thatthe well waters were contaminated by microbes, trace metals and other suspended and dissolved solids. The accumulative nature of these metals could be very harmful to individuals who use these waters as potable water. In conclusion, all the water samples could be recommended for washing and flushing of toilets but not for potable water.

Source: KNUST
Potability of water from hand-dug wells in the Ejura township of the Ejura-Sekyeredumase District, Ashanti Region

The potability of water from hand-dug wells in the Ejura Township was studied. The presence of total coliform, faecal coliform, faecal enterococci and some physicochemical properties (pH, TDS, salinity, conductivity, temperature, total hardness, chloride, fluoride and nitrate/nitrite ions) were determined and a sanitation survey conducted to assess the state of the wells their nearness to refuse damp sites and places of convenience. The study site was demarcated into four zones and samples of water taken from 10 wells within the zones, analyzed for microbial contamination using Most Probable Number (MPN) method and for the physicochemical parameters using a multi-parameter water quality probe (HANNA) instrument among others. The water samples were all positive for E. coli (2.24x105 -7.05x105cfu/100ml), Total coliforms (2.24x105 - 3.80×107cfu/100ml) and Enterococci (5.10x102 -1.15x103 cfu/100ml) except Salmonella spp. which was absent from all samples collected. Salinity of water (0.05ppm to 0.84ppm), conductivity (175.40±135.76 - 815.93± 896.35 μS/cm), TDS (473.53-93.7mg/L) and pH (6.5 - 8.5) were within the WHO recommended standards. Concentrations of dissolved ions yielded no significant differences between the four zones. Chloride and Fluoride levels were within acceptable global standards whiles Total hardness in all four zones was not. Nitrite levels in two of the zones, A (50.38±3.41mg/L) and D (90.07±78.19mg/L) were above acceptable global standard of 50mg/L. Wells and boreholes were situated within a good distance (30 to 100 ft.) from dumpsite and places of convenience. The physicochemical properties influenced microbial loads and thus water from hand-dug wells in the town has to be treated by the inhabitants before use.

Source: KNUST