ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Provenance And Source Area Weathering Of Sandstones From The Tarkwaian Group At The Northeastern Extent Of The Paleoproterozoic Ashanti Belt, Ghana: Constraints From Petrography And Geochemistry.

An integrated geochemical and petrographic study was conducted on the Paleoproterozoic sandstones of the Tarkwaian Group exposed at the northeastern extent of the Ashanti Belt, Ghana. Recognizing the economic importance of the Tarkwaian Group, particularly owing to its extensive gold deposits, the primary objective was to investigate the provenance, tectonic setting, and crustal evolution of the Tarkwaian Group. The dominant quartz (polycrystalline and monocrystalline), together with minor muscovite, feldspar, hematite, and lithic fragments, characterize the sandstones and thus, the sandstones are classified as sublitharenite, and lith icsubarkose. Based on mineralogical composition and major element content, the sandstones can be classified as litharenite, sublitharenite, and minor greywacke. The high values of SiO2/Al2O3 (average: 12.74), relatively moderate values of K2O/NaO2 (average: 1.42), and high quartz content (average: 88%) suggest that the sedi ments are compositionally sub-mature to mature. The sandstones likely underwent low to moderate levels of sedimentary sorting and recycling owing to angular to sub-rounded grains and moderate Zr/Sc and Th/Sc values. The high Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) signature (average: 76.79 wt%), Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) values (average: 90.13 wt%), and Index of Compositional Variability (ICV) (average: 0.61 wt%) suggest moderate to intense chemical weathering within the region of origin. Overall, the mineralogical and geochemical features of the sandstones, such as a high proportion of quartz and feldspar, and elevated concentrations of elements such as Zr, Sc and Th, and moderate to high ratios of Al2O3/TiO2 and La/Sc indicate that they were likely sourced from felsic to intermediate igneous rocks and deposited in an active continental margin such as magmatic arc setting.

Source: UG
Provenance And Source Area Weathering Of Sandstones From The Tarkwaian Group At The Northeastern Extent Of The Paleoproterozoic Ashanti Belt, Ghana: Constraints From Petrography And Geochemistry.

An integrated geochemical and petrographic study was conducted on the Paleoproterozoic sandstones of the Tarkwaian Group exposed at the northeastern extent of the Ashanti Belt, Ghana. Recognizing the economic importance of the Tarkwaian Group, particularly owing to its extensive gold deposits, the primary objective was to investigate the provenance, tectonic setting, and crustal evolution of the Tarkwaian Group. The dominant quartz (polycrystalline and monocrystalline), together with minor muscovite, feldspar, hematite, and lithic fragments, characterize the sandstones and thus, the sandstones are classified as sublitharenite, and lithicsubarkose. Based on mineralogical composition and major element content, the sandstones can be classified as litharenite, sublitharenite, and minor greywacke. The high values of SiO2/Al2O3 (average: 12.74), relatively moderate values of K2O/NaO2 (average: 1.42), and high quartz content (average: 88%) suggest that the sediments are compositionally sub-mature to mature. The sandstones likely underwent low to moderate levels of sedimentary sorting and recycling owing to angular to sub-rounded grains and moderate Zr/Sc and Th/Sc values. The high Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) signature (average: 76.79 wt%), Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) values (average: 90.13 wt%), and Index of Compositional Variability (ICV) (average: 0.61 wt%) suggest moderate to intense chemical weathering within the region of origin. Overall, the mineralogical and geochemical features of the sandstones, such as a high proportion of quartz and feldspar, and elevated concentrations of elements such as Zr, Sc and Th, and moderate to high ratios of Al2O3/TiO2 and La/Sc indicate that they were likely sourced from felsic to intermediate igneous rocks and deposited in an active continental margin such as magmatic arc setting.

Source: UG
Provenance and tectonic setting of Late Proterozoic Buem sandstones of southeastern Ghana: Evidence from geochemistry and detrital modes

The petrography, as well as major and trace element (including rare earth element) compositions of 10 sandstone samples from the Late Proterozoic Buem Structural Unit, southeast Ghana, have been investigated to determine their provenance and tectonic setting. The petrographic analysis has revealed that the sandstones are quartz-rich and were primarily derived from granitic and metamorphic basement rocks typical of a craton interior. The major and trace element compositions are comparable to average Proterozoic cratonic sandstones but with slight enrichment in high-field strength elements (i.e., Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb) and slight depletion in ferromagnesian elements (e.g., Cr, Ni, V) with exception of Co which is unusually enriched in the sandstones. The geochemical data suggest that the Buem sandstones are dominated by mature, cratonic detritus deposited on a passive margin. Elemental ratios critical of provenance (La/Sc, Th/Sc, Cr/Th, Eu/Eu*, La/Lu) are similar to sediments derived from weathering of mostly felsic and not mafic rocks. The rather high Eu/Eu* ratios (0.69-1.09) suggest weathering from mostly a granodiorite source rather than a granite source, consistent with a source from old upper continental crust. The granitoids of the Birimian Supergroup and/or the felsic gneisses of Birimian age exposed to the east and southeast of the Buem Formation appear the most likely source rocks. These results, therefore, support earlier studies that infer passive margin setting for the eastern margin of the West African Craton prior to the Pan-African orogeny. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Provenance of late Ordovician to early Cretaceous sedimentary rocks from southern Ghana, as inferred from Nd isotopes and trace elements

Geochemical and Nd-isotopic data are reported for 24 shale and sandstone samples comprising the Upper Ordovician to Lower Cretaceous Sekondian Group, southern Ghana. The data are interpreted in terms of the provenance of these siliclastic sediments and the Paleozoic and Mesozoic geologic development of southern Ghana. The sandstones and shales generally have trace element characteristics typical of material eroded from the upper continental crust. Cr and Ni concentrations are low suggesting their derivation from dominantly felsic sources. There appear to be chemical and Nd-isotopic differences between the lower formations (i.e., Ajua Shale and Elmina Sandstone) and the uppermost formation (i.e., Essikado Sandstone) on one hand, and the upper formations (i.e., Takoradi Sandstone, Takoradi Shale, Effia Nkwanta Beds and Sekondi Sandstone) on the other. The upper formations are characterized by evolved major element compositions, high large-ion lithophile element abundances, large negative Eu-anomalies (0.58-0.73), and low εNd values (-10.8 to -4.1), indicating stable craton settings. On the other hand, the Ajua Shale, Elmina Sandstone, and Essikado Sandstone formations have less evolved major element compositions, lower large-ion lithophile abundances, and higher Eu-anomalies (0.69-0.88), and this may reflect an active margin setting of the source (juvenile-type Birimian felsic volcanics and/or granitoids) rather than Phanerozoic active continental settings. The upper formations have T DM model ages of 1.8-2.3 Ga indicating that the Paleoproterozoic Birimian rocks are the ultimate sources, whereas the lower formations and uppermost formation have slightly younger TDM values of 1.6-1.9 Ga suggesting of a component from the Pan-African mobile belt. These differences in model ages may, however, be related to lithology (rather than stratigraphy) where the shales (1.6-2.3 Ga; mean, 1.9 Ga) typically give older ages than the sandstones (1.6-1.9 Ga; mean 1.7 Ga). © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Provenance of pottery determined by soil physico- Chemical and chemometric methods: A case study from Frederiksgave, Ghana

The suitability of using traditional soil chemical and mineralogical methods combined with chemometrics to trace provenance of archaeological samples was tested on potsherds from Frederiksgave, a former Danish plantation in southern Ghana, in use from 1830-1850. Soil and six potsherds from Frederiksgave, together with potsherds from two likely production sites at Ga and Dangme Shai, were investigated by visual inspection, total element analysis and X-ray diffraction and the results analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The investigation clearly showed that the Frederiksgave pots were not locally produced but came from other production sites indicating trading interaction between the plantation and surrounding settlements. One sample undoubtedly originated from Dangme Shai and another one must have been produced at a third (unknown) site. The provenance of the remaining samples is uncertain, but possibly three of them came from Ga and maybe one from Dangme Shai. Ill-defined compositional variation at Dangme Shai and Ga sites is thought to be the main reason for the observed difficulties in tracing the precise provenance of the Frederiksgave samples.

Source: UG
Provenance of sandstones from the Lower Cretaceous Sasayama Group, Inner Zone of Southwest Japan

Modal analysis and phase chemistry of sandstones of the Lower Cretaceous Sasayama Group, Southwest Japan, indicate that the detritus were derived from heterogeneous sources that include medium- to high-grade metamorphic, mafic-ultramafic, and acidic magmatic rocks. Garnet geochemistry suggests their derivation from epidote-amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphic rocks. Sphene and chlorite geochemistry suggests their derivation from mafic rocks. Chemical compositions of chromian spinel indicate input from Alpine-type peridotite. The chemistry of the chromian spinel further suggests that the Alpine-type peridotite source was most probably formed under an oceanic back-arc basin setting rather than mid-oceanic ridge setting. Chemical compositions of chromian magnetite indicate that the Alpine-type peridotite provenance was subjected to metamorphism of up to the lower amphibolite facies prior to erosion and transport. The metamorphic and granitic rocks of the Hida-Oki Terrane, ophiolitic rocks of the Sangun-Renge Terrane, and rhyolitic rocks from uncertain terrane (Akiyoshi?) are most probably the major source of detritus to the Sasayama basin. The basin is most likely a strike-slip basin that formed along the eastern margin of the Asian continent. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Provenance of sandstones from the Wakino Subgroup of the Lower Cretaceous Kanmon Group, northern Kyushu, Japan

The Wakino Subgroup is a lower stratigraphic unit of the Lower Cretaceous Kanmon Group. Previous studies on provenance of Wakino sediments have mainly concentrated on either petrography of major framework grains or bulk rock geochemistry of shales. This study addresses the provenance of the Wakino sandstones by integrating the petrographic, bulk rock geochemistry, and mineral chemistry approaches. The proportions of framework grains of the Wakino sandstones suggest derivation from either a single geologically heterogeneous source terrane or multiple source areas. Major source lithologies are granitic rocks and high-grade metamorphic rocks but notable amounts of detritus were also derived from felsic, intermediate and mafic volcanic rocks, older sedimentary rocks, and ophiolitic rocks. The heavy mineral assemblage include, in order of decreasing abundance: opaque minerals (ilmenite and magnetite with minor rutile), zircon, garnet, chromian spinel, aluminum silicate mineral (probably andalusite), rutile, epidote, tourmaline and pyroxene. Zircon morphology suggests its derivation from granitic rocks. Chemistry of chromian spinel indicates that the chromian spinel grains were derived from the ultramafic cumulate member of an ophiolite suite. Garnet and ilmenite chemistry suggests their derivation from metamorphic rocks of the epidote-amphibolite to upper amphibolite facies though other source rocks cannot be discounted entirely. Major and trace element data for the Wakino sediments suggest their derivation from igneous and/or metamorphic rocks of felsic composition. The major element compositions suggest that the type of tectonic environment was of an active continental margin. The trace element data indicate that the sediments were derived from crustal rocks with a minor contribution from mantle-derived rocks. The trace element data further suggest that recycled sedimentary rocks are not major contributors of detritus. It appears that the granitic and metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian Ryongnam Massif in South Korea were the major contributors of detritus to the Wakino basin. A minor but significant amount of detritus was derived from the basement rocks of the Akiyoshi and Sangun Terrane. The chromian spinel appears to have been derived from a missing terrane though the ultramafic rocks in the Ogcheon Belt cannot be discounted.

Source: UG
Provenance of shales and sandstones from the Devonian Accraian Group, southern Ghana

Petrographic and whole rock geochemical studies were carried out on sandstones and shales of the Devonian Accraian Group of southern Ghana to constrain their provenance and tectonic setting. Modal petrographic analysis on the sandstones show that the framework grains are sub-angular to rounded in shape. Upper continental crust normalized multi-element plots, as well as trace element ratios, suggests that the sandstones and shales were mainly derived from felsic and recycled sources. Modal mineralogy of the sandstones, and major and trace element geochemistry of sandstones and shales further suggest that they are of recycled orogenic provenance. Discriminant function based major-element diagram suggests that the Accraian sandstones and shales were deposited in a Passive margin setting. Weathering indices suggest high degree of source area weathering. It is of the view that the Accraian sandstones and shales, most probably, received sediment input mostly from the Paleoproterozoic Birimian metasedimentary rocks and their associated granitoids and/or the Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks from the Volta Basin which are both positioned northwest and north, respectively, of the Accraian sedimentary rocks. © 2018, The Association of Korean Geoscience Societies and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Source: UG
Provenance, paleo-weathering and -redox signatures of estuarine sediments from Ghana, Gulf of Guinea

This paper discriminates the source of sediment supply (provenance), degree of chemical weathering, and redox conditions of Holocene sediments cored from the Ankobra and Pra estuaries of Ghana in the Gulf of Guinea using their geochemical characteristics. Considerable stratigraphical variations were observed in major element compositions in the sediments from both the Ankobra (Al2O3: 5.3–14.2%, SiO2: 75.9–88.2%, CaO: 0.3–1.2%, K2O: 0.5–1.2%) and the Pra (Al2O3: 7.8–16.9%, SiO2: 72.8–86.5%, CaO: 0.3–0.4%, K2O: 0.7–1.2%) estuaries. Elemental compositions were similar in both estuaries depicting similarities in their source rock characteristics. Some of the major and trace elements correlated significantly (r2 > 0.8) with Al2O3 in the Pra estuary confirming their possible hydraulic fractionation. Geochemical classification showed the sediments from both estuaries were predominantly composed of sub-arkoses with only a few litharenites. The chemical index of alteration (CIA*), Chemical index of weathering (CIW*), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA*), the Index of compositional variability (ICV), the SiO2/Al2O3 ratios and SiO2 vs. (Al2O3+K2O + NaO), suggest high degrees of chemical weathering coinciding with warm climatic conditions in the source regions as well as sub-matured to mature estuarine sediments deposited under semi-arid to semi-humid conditions. The sediment geochemistry and discrimination diagrams denote similar continental signature derivatives of the sediments from both estuaries. Both sediments are likely derived from intermediate to felsic granitoid source rocks as well as from a quartzose sedimentary provenance formed in a passive continental margin. The Ni/Co and V/Cr ratios depict sediment deposition under oxic conditions through time in both estuaries.

Source: UG
Proverbs in Akan highlife lyrics: A case study of Alex Konadu's lyrics

In pragmatics, the proverbs serve as one of the major tools of politeness and indirection. They effectively help the composer to politely comment on very delicate issues without incurring the displeasure of his audience. This paper examines the use of proverbs in Ghanaian folksongs. It highlights the pragmatic aspects, didactic and communicative functions of proverbs. The data for discussion is based on Akan proverbs extracted from four popular songs by the late Alex Konadu, a renowned highlife musician. The paper is discussed under the theoretical framework of linguistic politeness, which reflects the use of tactful and practical language to obviate crisis. We will subject the proverbs to socio-linguistic semantic, stylistic and pragmatic analyses. The paper argues that proverbs are indispensable in Akan oratory and politeness systems and form part of speakers’ communicative competence. Konadu spices his songs with proverbs that enrich the lyrics. The paper demonstrates that generally music serves as a storage facility for the documentation of Akan proverbs. It finally comments on the absence of proverbs in current Ghanaian highlife lyrics and its replacement with vulgar language, and recommends ways for improving this precarious literary situation.

Source: UG
Proverbs in Akan highlife lyrics: A case study of Alex Konadu's lyrics

In pragmatics, the proverbs serve as one of the major tools of politeness and indirection. They effectively help the composer to politely comment on very delicate issues without incurring the displeasure of his audience. This paper examines the use of proverbs in Ghanaian folksongs. It highlights the pragmatic aspects, didactic and communicative functions of proverbs. The data for discussion is based on Akan proverbs extracted from four popular songs by the late Alex Konadu, a renowned highlife musician. The paper is discussed under the theoretical framework of linguistic politeness, which reflects the use of tactful and practical language to obviate crisis. We will subject the proverbs to sociolinguistic semantic, stylistic and pragmatic analyses. The paper argues that proverbs are indispensable in Akan oratory and politeness systems and form part of speakers’ communicative competence. Konadu spices his songs with proverbs that enrich the lyrics. The paper demonstrates that generally music serves as a storage facility for the documentation of Akan proverbs. It finally comments on the absence of proverbs in current Ghanaian highlife lyrics and its replacement with vulgar language, and recommends ways for improving this precarious literary situation

Source: UG
“Provide Our Basic Needs Or We Go Out”: The COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown, Inequality, And Social Policy In Ghana

The effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic cut across every facet of a nation’s life. The near collapse of economies with the attendant job losses has brought forth the need for effective social policies, particularly in developing countries, that can serve citizens in dire need. Consequently, many of these countries have had to craft emergency social policies to help their citizens. Ghana has no exception. While measures to control the spread of the pandemic, such as lockdowns and restrictions movement and gathering were timely, they negatively impacted the poor, most of whom work in the informal sector and depend on daily survival activities such as buying and selling basic goods. As As a result, some of the measures were ignored, as people feared they would die from hunger rather than from the pandemic. Thus, governmental response to the pandemic was highlighted by policy layering and exposed the fragile social support systems in existence. The challenges of responding adequately to the pandemic underscore the importance of a transformative social welfare regime in ensuring the protection of citizens. This paper, based on desk research, explores the limitations of the existing social policy framework, which became manifest during the implementation of Ghana’s pandemic policies. Policy layering by government continues to weaken Ghana’s social welfare system, and this affected the official response with respect to the social issues that have emerged due to the pandemic

Source: UG
Provident Funds Pension Programs in English-Speaking Sub- Saharan Africa: A Look in the Rear Mirror and Lessons for the Future

Pension reform has been on the social policy agenda in many countries throughout the world since the mid-1980s. The main debate has been whether to transform existing defined benefit pay-as-you-go (PAYG) social insurance programs into private pension plans based on defined contributions or maintains them. While many countries throughout the world especially those in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe have opted for private pensions involving the partial or full replacement of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) state pensions by systems of privately managed individual retirement accounts, pension reforms in English-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries have focused on converting post-independence defined contributions schemes known as provident funds into defined benefit PAYG social insurance schemes particularly from the 1990s. This paper analyzes the previous experience of English-speaking SSA countries with provident funds and show that pension plans that are designed on the principles of defined contribution are evidently venerable to several socio-economic and political factors especially in the context of developing countries. The paper provides useful lessons for countries like Ghana and Nigeria that have recently re-introduce defined contribution pension plans

Source: UG
Provider adherence to first antenatal care guidelines and risk of pregnancy complications in public sector facilities: A Ghanaian cohort study

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG