ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Upstream Fiscal Regime Redesign for Value Optimisation: A Case Study of the Jubilee Field in Ghana

Globally petroleum fiscal regime defines the extent to which the host government and the prospective investor can apportion risks and share project rewards. Ghana’s petroleum industry has become an attractive place for many foreign investors. The current upstream fiscal regime that governs the development of petroleum resources in Ghana does not capture windfall profit and further does not enable value creation for development. The challenges for the loopholes in the existing fiscal regime of Ghana are the fixed regressive royalty and the non-profitable additional entitlement elements constituting fiscal regime. To ascertain the performance of the current upstream petroleum fiscal regime, it was compared to some Gulf of Guinea countries fiscal regime and was ranked. A proposed upstream fiscal regime to create value for the petroleum industry of Ghana was modelled using the discounted cash-flow framework. The new regime has a sliding scale royalty tied to the R-Factor of the project. The regime’s value was then measured using petroleum economic profitability indicators. These indicators are Net present value (NPV), Internal rate of return (IRR), Present value ratio (PVR) and Profitability index (PI). The current fiscal regime of Ghana had an NPV of the government take (GT) to be $2.86 billion whilst that of the proposed regime had $ 3.02 billion when it was discounted. For the undiscounted, the current fiscal regime had GT NPV of $ 6.92 billion and the proposed made $ 7.29 billion. The proposed fiscal regime created a value of $ 160 million when the cash flow was discounted and $370 million when it was not discounted for the Government. The models successfully incorporated Monte-Carlo simulation using @RISK software to account for risk and uncertainty in decision making

Source: UCC
Uptake and toxicity of some pesticides on three freshwater fishes (Oreochromis niloticus,Clarias gariepinus and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus)

Studies were carried out to determine the toxicity of some selected pesticides on fresh water fish in a tropical environment. The uptake of the pesticides lindane, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and propoxur, which are frequently used by farmers and industrialists were studied in concrete ponds at the University of Cape Coast, in Ghana. The fishes used for the study were Oreochromis niloticus, Claria gariepinus, and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus, and were obtained from cultured ponds in the Cape Coast District and Mankessim in the Central Region and eija Dam, in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Single high lethal concentration (SD) or acute treatment and cumulative/chronic (or multiple minor) lethal concentration (CD) treatment were employed in administering the pesticides to the fishes via water. Gas chromatograph (GC) Electron Capture Detector (ECD) analysis was done on the dead fishes to see the extent of ingestion. The LC50 values obtained for lindane on the three fish samples were as follows:Chrysicthys – 0.38 mg L 1 ;Oreochromis – 0.42 mg L 1, and Clarias – 1.2 mg L 1. Mortalities occurred in fish within 3–5 days of application. For the PCP on Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias species the LC50 values were 0.42, 0.32 and 0.64 mg L 1, respectively for over a 2–3 day period. For a three-time influx period of propoxur the LC50 for Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias, were 22.0, 30.40, and 45.04 (all in mg L 1 ), respectively. The results obtained indicated that the pesticides had adverse effects on the general growth and reproduction of fishes. Gonadosomatic indices also showed that the pesticides affected the development of the body, the gonads, and their reproduction

Source: UCC
Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy for Malaria in Ghana: Further Analysis of the 2016 Malaria Indicator Survey

Significant proportions of pregnant women living in malaria-endemic countries throughout the world are exposed to the risk of malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests the use of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in at least three doses toachieve the optimal benefit of preventing malaria among pregnant women. To examine the uptake of partial and optimal doses, we conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2016 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (GMIS) using multivariate analysis. The analysis included a total of 1,220 women age 15-49 who had children under age 24 months and who attended antenatal care (ANC) during their pregnancy. The results show that, overall, the proportion of women in Ghana with uptake of IPTp-SP during pregnancy was 63% for three or more doses, 27% for one to two doses, and 10% for no dose. Uptake varies by background characteristics. Sociodemographic factors—women’s age, wealth status, region, religion, ethnicity—and knowledge-related factors—exposure to messages on treatment of malaria—predicted partial (1-2 doses) or optimal uptake (3+ doses) of IPTp-SP compared to no uptake among pregnant women. Binary regression analysis of uptake of optimal doses of IPTp-SP compared to partial uptake showed significantly higher odds of uptake among women who were exposed to media messages on treatment of malaria. The Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Control Program, Ghana Health Service, and other stakeholders should take cognizance of these factors in planning programs for improving uptake of IPTp- SP among pregnant women. Efforts should be made by stakeholders to increase women’s exposure to mass media messages on the use of IPTp-SP for malaria during pregnancy.

Source: UCC
Urban environmental injustice in Ghana: The activities of small-scale palm oil producers in the Ahanta West District

Urban residents are often subjected to different forms of environmental injustices that often ruin their well-being. This paper sought to examine environmental injustices caused by activities of small-scale palm oil producers in the Ahanta West District of Ghana and devised practical solutions to address the problem. A total of 152 respondents were used. Questionnaires (small-scale palm oil producers), focused group discussions (residents of the study area), in-depth interviews (2 key informants) and personal observation on the physical environment of Ahanta West District constituted the data collection techniques for the fieldwork. Incidents of pollution of water bodies, land degradation and bad environmental odour were key environmental problems caused by the activities of small-scale palm oil producers. It is therefore recommended that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ahanta West District Assembly should collaborate to strictly enforced Ghana’s environmental regulations. The activities of all small-scale palm oil producers should be constantly monitored by the EPA and those whose operations are deteriorating the environment should be sanctioned accordingly. The EPA should also organise frequent educational programmes for the small-scale palm oil producers to educate them on good environmental management practices to enhance the environmental sustainability of Ahanta West District

Source: UCC
Urban green spaces in Africa: Nature and challenges

Green spaces constitute a major environmental resource of urban landscape. In Africa, statistics show that urban green spaces are depleting at an alarming rate with green spaces now occupying small proportion of the landmass of several urban areas. This paper sought to give a broad discussion on the nature and challenges behind the deterioration and poor management of urban green spaces in Africa. The paper adapted the systematic review approach and utilized publications that focused on or related to urban green spaces in the African sub-region. Among the major findings of the paper were that the nature and distribution of green spaces in Africa is influenced by the ecological zones and climate conditions of Africa. The challenges uncovered to hinder the development of green spaces in Africa included the following: rapid urbanisation, low resource base of institutions on green spaces, lack of priority to green spaces, corruption, uncooperative attitudes of the local people and political instability. To address these challenges, joint and committed efforts by national governments, city authorities and the local people to preserve these spaces is crucial. Green spaces should be treated as among the top priorities of the development agenda of urban planning authorities with the allied institutions managing green spaces well resourced to go about their activities as expected of them

Source: UCC
Urban green spaces in Africa: Nature and challenges

Green spaces constitute a major environmental resource of urban landscape. In Africa, statistics show that urban green spaces are depleting at an alarming rate with green spaces now occupying small proportion of the landmass of several urban areas. This paper sought to give a broad discussion on the nature and challenges behind the deterioration and poor management of urban green spaces in Africa. The paper adapted the systematic review approach and utilized publications that focused on or related to urban green spaces in the African sub-region. Among the major findings of the paper were that the nature and distribution of green spaces in Africa is influenced by the ecological zones and climate conditions of Africa. The challenges uncovered to hinder the development of green spaces in Africa included the following: rapid urbanisation, low resource base of institutions on green spaces, lack of priority to green spaces, corruption, uncooperative attitudes of the local people and political instability. To address these challenges, joint and committed efforts by national governments, city authorities and the local people to preserve these spaces is crucial. Green spaces should be treated as among the top priorities of the development agenda of urban planning authorities with the allied institutions managing green spaces well-resourced to go about their activities as expected of them

Source: UCC
Urban Greening and its Related Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa

Climate change is widely acknowledged to be a key contributor to most environmental problems (flooding, sea level rise, air quality decline, biodiversity changes, water scarcity, and an increase in forest fires), thus the need for green spaces. As well as promoting health, economic well-being, and environmental sustainability, green spaces in urban areas contribute to the functioning of our ecosystems. Although several studies have been conducted globally regarding green spaces and ecosystem services, there are still a lot of unexplored areas related to the topic in Africa, Latin America, and Russia. The various studies conducted in these and other sub-Saharan countries focused more on the loss of green spaces and their environmental impacts, with little mention of the diseases associated with these urban green spaces. This study explored the relationship between urban green spaces and health within the sub-Saharan African countries, emphasizing West Africa. The study looked at the nature of urban green spaces, the diseases that occur due to inadequate green spaces, and the usefulness of green spaces to health. Using a systematic review with the help of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) standards, the review found that there has been a drastic reduction in the size of urban green spaces, and adequate green spaces in urban areas can reduce and/or slow down the occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The study recommends that Sub-Saharan African researchers should be encouraged to conduct more research on how urban greening impacts the health of urban dwellers. Also, national governments, city authorities, and urban dwellers should work together to safeguard these open spaces.

Source: UCC
Urban growth and access to utilities in sub-urban settlements: a study of Effia-Kwesimintsim sub metro, Western Region

There has been an increase in urban population of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly from 246,169 in the year 2000 to 402,874, 2010. This is supposed to have a corresponding expansion in infrastructure (including utilities and amenities) provision to suit the growing population, however this has not been the case. The study sought to assess urban growth and access to utilities in sub-urban settlement of Effia-Kwesimintsim sub-metro of STMA. A total sample size of 253 respondents comprising 246 household heads, three heads of utility services providers and four assembly members were used for the study. The mixed method approach was employed whilst questionnaire, in-depth interview guide and remote sensing techniques were used to collect data from the field. The main finding of the study is that, there is rapid urban growth at Effia-Kwesimintsim sub-metro. Majority of the residents have access to electricity in their homes than water and also the cost of extending water utility services into homes of residents is higher than that of electricity. The coping strategies adopted to have easy and reliable access to utilities include drilling of boreholes, wells, rain harvesting, generators and installation of solar panels. It is recommended that the Effia-Kwesimintsim sub metro in collaboration with the Town and Country Planning Department and utility service providers should intensify their educational campaigns to sensitize the residents on the accessibility of utilities and the efficient usages of these services in the sub metro.

Source: UCC
Urban hotel development patterns in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Knowledge of urban hotel development patterns is key to proper planning and management of urban destinations. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the development patterns of hotels within the African context. The purpose of this study was to analyze the hotel development patterns in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. The study revealed that three main periods which coincide with the history of tourism development, characterized hotel development in the metropolis. Again, it was revealed that higher rated hotels (one to our stars) were located in the core of the metropolis whilst budget hotels dominated in the periphery. It was therefore concluded that hotel development is closely related to tourism development in the metropolis

Source: UCC
Urban infrastructural design and travel safety Among school children in Kumasi metropolis

Little attention has been given to the walking and cycling environment about research and policy, especially concerning children‟s school travel in built environments. Thus, this research seeks to contribute to literature by examining the factors that influence active school travel among children and the related challenges. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Pupils and parents were conveniently sampled and interviewed using structured questionnaires and interview guides on factors that influence mode choice as well as their associated risks to traffic accidents while on school journeys. Also, key informants were purposively sampled and interviewed. A pedestrian environmental data scan was used to assess the pedestrian environment and land use pattern along school neighbourhoods. The study revealed that distance to school and parental influence are major factors that influence walking and cycling. Street infrastructure that supports walking and cycling are determinants that also influence mode choice. The environmental assessment shows the absence of essential infrastructure which supports walking and cycling. Evidence from crash data suggests that more boys are likely to be hit as compared to girls while crossing the road. Analysis of the policy/strategies indicates that there are no specific national policies that promote walking and cycling although they are captured in snippets in some key policies and strategic plans. The study recommends the need for sustainable school neighborhood designs that protect children and encourage walking and cyclin.

Source: UCC
Urban land use/land cover changes in the Tema Metropolitan area, Ghana (1990 – 2010)

Land use and land cover changes are local and place specific, occurring incrementally in ways that often escape our attention. This study sought to detect changes in land cover in the Tema Metropolis of Ghana from 1990 to 2010. Multispectral Landsat Thematic Mapper data sets of 1990, 2000 and 2007 were acquired, pre-processed and enhanced. Unsupervised classification of the images was performed and six land cover classes (water, wetlands, closed vegetation, open vegetation, cropped lands, and built-up) were derived. The post classification change detection technique was performed to derive the changes in land cover and their corresponding change matrices. Between 1990 and 2010, built-up areas expanded steadily to become the most prevalent land cover type in the metropolis, reducing vegetation cover dramatically. High population growth with its attendant rise in the demand for housing, and increasing commercial activities, were found to have influenced land cover changes over the period

Source: UCC
Urbanisation and quality of raw water: a case of Weija reservoir

The increase in population within the Densu River Basin (DRB) from 450,000 in 1984 to 947,000 in 2000 shows an average yearly growth rate of 3.26%. This therefore has resulted in the increase of anthropogenic activities which have caused contamination with regard to the quality of water of the Weija reservoir. Using a descriptive study design, this study aimed at establishing relationships that existed between urbanization within the DRB and the quality of raw water from the Weija Reservoir for a 14-year period (2002-2016). The study used sixteen (16) water quality parameters, as well as some urbanization parameters such as population and land Use/Cover changes and finally, views of respondents from some sampled communities. The study revealed that water from the Weija Lake has been less influenced by urbanization in the DRB, putting into consideration water quality parameters such as phosphorus, nitrate, ammonia, magnesium, calcium, total hardness, fluoride, iron and sulphate. It was also realised from the study, that the quality of water in connection with parameters such as turbidity, colour, pH, temperature, suspended solids and total solid had been influenced extensively by urbanization for the 14-year period. In view of this, it is recommended that Stakeholders of DRB such as the Densu River Authority (DRA), the Ghana Water Commission (GWC), the Weija Head Works (WHW) and the District Assemblies should ensure that sustainability of quality of water from the Weija reservoir is achieved through clean integration of social, environmental and economic developments as emphasized in the definition given by the Bruntland commission.

Source: UCC
Urbanisation, Climate Change and Economic Growth: Evidence from Sub-Sahara Africa Urbanisation, Climate Change and Economic Growth: Evidence from Sub-Sahara Africa

The study contributes to literature by investigating the effect of climate change and urbanisation on economic growth in Sub-Sahara Africa using data on two climate variables, as well as new measure of urbanisation proposed by Gross and Ouyang (2022). Employing annual panel data from 32 Sub-Sahara African countries over 21-year period and adopting dynamic estimation techniques, the study established that urbanisation, temperature and precipitation are statistically significant determinants of economic growth in the region. Again, the study revealed that urbanisation and climate change variables have non-linear relationships with economic growth in SSA. However, all the climate change variables are effective in playing the moderating role of urbanisation to affect economic growth. The study recommend that the region’s governments not only have a responsibility to work constructively for a global agreement to manage climate change, but should also provide an enabling policy framework covering management, planning and service delivery functions for adaptation that facilitate and support local institutions and other actor’s efforts. Removing barriers to rural-to-urban migration could allow for economic growth, but the economic benefits will be far greater with supportive policies, market creation and infrastructure investments. Additionally, Governments should seek out ways of enabling forms of urbanisation that contribute to growth, poverty reduction and environmental sustainability, rather than encouraging (or discouraging) urbanisation per se.

Source: UCC
Ureide essay to assess n2-fixation abilities of soybean (glycine max) genotypes under different brady rhizobium strains

The high protein content of soybean (Glycine max) seeds results in high nitrogen demand, causing a huge nitrogen uptake during plant growth. As a legume crop, soybean can fix atmospheric N through symbiotic associations with Brady rhizobia and perform well in African nitrogen poor soils. This study aimed at establishing the ability of promiscuous soybean genotypes to fix nitrogen and devise the relationship between nodule scores and amount of nitrogen fixed. Twelve soybean genotypes were inoculated with Brady rhizobium japonicum Strain USDA 110 (specific) and Brady rhizobium sp. Strain USDA 3456 (native) and raised in pots in a greenhouse. At the R3.5 growth stage, nodules were scored and xylem sap was extracted, which xylem sap was used to carry out ureide, amino-N, and nitrates assays. The relative abundance of ureide was used to devise the proportion of nitrogen fixed by each genotype. The proportion of nitrogen derived from atmospheric N2 (Ndfa) ranged from 47.9 to 78.8% under USDA 3456 and from 36.7 to 78.7% under USDA 110. A strong correlation was found between nodule scores, especially nodules’ effectiveness, and Ndfa. The genotypes Wondersoya (78.8%), Maksoy 2N (78.4%), Namsoy 3 (78.3%), and Maksoy 3N (75.7%) had high nitrogen-fixing ability in response to USDA 3456. Promiscuous soybean genotypes can fix nitrogen equally under both native and specific Brady rhizobium types. Nodules’ effectiveness can be a good predictor of biological nitrogen fixation. This study highlighted that crop improvement to boost soybean production in Africa should target promiscuous varieties for better yield with less inputs

Source: UCC