ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of microbiological safety of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

The microbiological safety of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.), a popular tuber eaten in the fresh uncooked state in Ghana was assessed from three major markets in the Cape Coast Municipality to ascertain their microbiological safety in relation to bacterial contamination. A study of 24 samples of 8 each from the markets divided into two batches were analyzed by surface-washing in Phosphate Buffered Water (PBS) only and PBS plus 1% Sodium hypochlorite. Serial dilutions were made and required volumes (0.1ml) of test samples were dispensed separately into sterile Petri dishes and pour plated with Plate Count Agar (PCA) for enumeration of colonies. MacConkey and Uriselect agars were used for enteric bacteria and species identifications. Mean Total Viable Count (TVC), Mesophilic Aerophilic Count (MAC), and Coliform Count (CC) on PCA using PBS only ranged between 2.54 ×105- 8.22×105;1.87×105-5.44×105 and 9.44×102- 3.32×103CFU/g respectively whilst that of PBS plus 1% Sodium hypochlorite ranged between 1.51×102-1.35×103; 2.52×103-1.06×103 and 4.86×10 18.69×10 1 CFU/g respectively. There was marked significant differences p-(0.0319; 0.0267; and 0.0104) between PBS only and PBS plus 1% Sodium hypochlorite for TVC, MAC and CC respectively. Seven different bacteria species isolated were made up of Bacillus spp. And Escherichia coli (18.9%) each; Enteroccoccus spp. (16.2%); Pseudononas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (13.5%) each, Streptococcus spp. (10.8%) and Enterobacter cloacae (8.1%). This study looks at the levels and nature of microbial contaminations of tiger nut retailed in the Cape Coast Metropolis, and the possible means of reducing such contamination

Source: UCC
Assessment of microbiological safety of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

The microbiological safety of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.), a popular tuber eaten in the fresh uncooked state in Ghana was assessed from three major markets in the Cape Coast Municipality to ascertain their microbiological safety in relation to bacterial contamination. A study of 24 samples of 8 each from the markets divided into two batches were analyzed by surface-washing in Phosphate Buffered Water (PBS) only and PBS plus 1% Sodium hypochlorite. Serial dilutions were made and required volumes (0.1ml) of test samples were dispensed separately into sterile Petri dishes and pour plated with Plate Count Agar (PCA) for enumeration of colonies. MacConkey and Uriselect agars were used for enteric bacteria and species identifications. Mean Total Viable Count (TVC), Mesophilic Aerophilic Count (MAC), and Coliform Count (CC) on PCA using PBS only ranged between 2.54 ×10 5 - 8.22×10 5 ;1.87×10 5-5.44×10 5 and 9.44×10 2 - 3.32×10 3 CFU/g respectively whilst that of PBS plus 1% Sodium hypochlorite ranged between 1.51×10 2 -1.35×10 3 ; 2.52×10 3 -1.06×10 3 and 4.86×10 1- 8.69×10 1 CFU/g respectively. There was marked significant differences p-(0.0319; 0.0267; and 0.0104) between PBS only and PBS plus 1% Sodium hypochlorite for TVC, MAC and CC respectively. Seven different bacteria species isolated were made up of Bacillus spp. And Escherichia coli (18.9%) each; Enteroccoccus spp. (16.2%); Pseudononas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (13.5%) each, Streptococcus spp. (10.8%) and Enterobacter cloacae (8.1%). This study looks at the levels and nature of microbial contaminations of tiger nut retailed in the Cape Coast Metropolis, and the possible means of reducing such contamination Phosphate buffered Water Mesophilic aerophilic count

Source: UCC
Assessment of mobilisation and application of internally generated fund at the Adansi-South District Assembly

This study assessed the mobilisation and application of internally generated fund at Adansi-South District Assembly (ASDA). The study adopted quantitative research methodology as its research approach and used descriptive survey as its design. Questionnaires were self-designed and self administered. Beside the primary data, secondary data was sourced from Composite Budget for 2016 as well as Medium Term Development Plan of ASDA for the period of 2010 to 2017. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of SPSS version 21. The findings revealed that, the various sources of IGF in ASDA include (1) rates, (2) land, (3) rent, (4) licences, (5) fees, (6) fines, (7) investment and miscellaneous. Out of these seven (7) items, three performed extremely well exceeding their annual targets. These are Fines, Land and Rent. More so, the study found that ASDA uses its IGF to fund both recurrent and capital expenditure. However, capital expenditure accounted for only 14.51% of the total IGF, indicating that the remaining 85.49% of the total IGF of Adansi-South District Assembly were spend to recurrent items including administration, planning and budgeting, environmental health and sanitation, street naming, insurance cover, training, supervision among others. The study recommends for more capital projects to be undertaken using the IGF so that tax payers can benefit from their toils.

Source: UCC
Assessment of multigrade schools in the Asunafo North district of the Brong Ahafo region

Multigrade schools refer to schools which combine different classes in the same classroom setting. The Asunafo North District in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana has 17 of such schools. Multigrade schools become necessary where teachers are in short supply or where enrolment figures are so low that they cannot justify the appointment of teachers for separate classes especially in the remote and hard-to-reach areas. The study sought to have an in depth assessment of multigrade schools in the Asunafo North District. The conditions, operations and perceptions of schools having the multigrade system in the district were examined. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study and data were collected from 153 respondents through questionnaires and interview guides. Dominantly used was the purposive sampling and a limited use of random sampling technique. There were both open-ended and closed-ended items in the questionnaire. Questions with the Likert scale type responses were also used. Multigrade schools in the district were mainly opened by the District Directorate of Education and the reasons for opening them were similar to those outlined above. Learning resources were woefully inadequate. Both the trained and untrained teachers did not have the requisite pedagogical skills, innovative teaching methods and strategies for running multigrade schools. It was recommended, among others, that the District Directorate of Education should as a matter of urgency train teachers and support the schools with basic learning resources. In addition, sufficient teaching and learning materials for pupils and teachers as well as incentive packages for teachers need to be provided to improve the qualities of these schools.

Source: UCC
Assessment of nine micronutrients in jasmine 85 rice grown in Ghana using neutron activation analysis

The amount of micronutrients in food is a key factor that determines the health status of a person. The concentrations of nine micronutrients, Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Chlorine (Cl), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Vanadium (V), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu) and Iodine (I), in polished Jasmine 85 rice, locally cultivated in five rice farming areas in Ghana (Afienya, Afife, Dawhenya, Ashaiman and Aveyime), were determined using Neutron Activation Analysis. The standard materials used as reference were the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-530 Tuna fish homogenate and the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) USA 1566b Oyster Tissue. Recoveries of the elemental concentrations ranged from 88% to 111% of the certified values. Relative standardization method was used in the quantification of the elements. The range of concentrations measured in the rice are: 142.3-188.1 mg/kg for Na, 483.2-875.7 mg/kg for Mg, 465.6-718.0 mg/kg for Cl, 514.6- 2949.0 mg/kg for K, 2303.0-2622.0 mg/kg for Ca, 0.0698-0.1925 mg/kg for V, 9.956-14.460 mg/kg for Mn, 0.8728-1.6790 mg/kg for Cu and 0.1181-0.1447 mg/kg for I. Using Hierarchical clustering analysis and Principal Component Analysis to evaluate the intensities of measured concentrations, K was established to be the most abundant, and was used to categorize two distinct clusters; Group 1 farms (Ashaiman, Afienya, and Dawhenya) and Group 2 farms (Aveyime and Afife). Group 2 farms recorded elevated intensities of micronutrients. With Pearson's correlation coefficient, some noteworthy correlations realized were between Na and K (r = 0.951), Na and V (r = 0.842) and K and V (r = 0.812). This indicated the same or similar source inputs for each pair. The calculated mean daily intake of K exceeded the mean Recommended Dietary Allowable and Adequate Intake for all Life Stage Groups. Estimated health risk associated with the consumption of rice was only present for children between the ages of 1 and 3 for Mg. The information on these nine micronutrients content of the rice from these five farming areas would be valuable in rice consumption studies to evaluate the overall availability of micronutrients to the Ghanaian populace and age groups and also in nutrition planning for analysis of nationwide rice supplies, mainly for regions and countries known to be susceptible to deficiencies of these micronutrients. The techniques espoused in this research can be used to accurately determine the concentration of micronutrients in rice and also trace the area where the rice was produced

Source: UCC
Assessment of nutritional level, functional properties and mineral contents of newly developed genotypes of cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in Ghana

The nutritional characteristics, functional properties and mineral elements of twenty-three newly cultivated cowpea genotypes were evaluated using standard methods. The data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and the means were distinguished by Tukey’s multiple range test. The results showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varied and higher protein content ranging from 23.67 % - 33.80 % with fibre, 0.99 % - 4.27 %. The rest of the results were carbohydrates (43.69-58.01 %), moisture (10.80 - 19.03 %), ash (2.48 - 4.03 %) and fat (0.4 - 3.1 %). The study also revealed that the functional properties; OAC, WAC, WHC, OHC, EC, FC, FS, SI and SP were in the range of 1.31-1.81 ml/g, 1.32 -2.94 ml/g, 2.38-3.76 %, 2.83-3.36 %, 43.24-46.61 %, 23.25-50.26 %, 62.32-89.02 %, 0.98-1.25 ml and 4.56-6.55 g/g respectively. The most abundant minerals were K (282.92-346.34 mg/100g) Mg (124.92-145.40 mg/100g), Na (81.30-105.69mg/100g) and Ca (6.74-6.67 mg/100g. The study revealed that the new genotypes (UCC 241, UCC 32, UCC 328, UCC EARLY, UCC 473, UCC 366 and IT10-819-4) exhibited good nutritional and functional properties which can be utilized in food formulations and hence may serve as alternative source of protein-rich food that could aid reduce protein energy malnutrition Ghana.

Source: UCC
Assessment of open defecation in KWAHU Afram Plains South District, Ghana

This study examined the barriers to open defecation free in Kwahu Afram Plains South District, Ghana. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methodology in data collection. A questionnaire administration to one hundred and sixty-nine (169) households randomly selected from 6 communities in the Tease Area Council and 5 communities in the Samanhyia Area Council. The findings from the survey describes that, the cost of constructing toilet facility is key determinant for open defecation in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District. 72% of the respondent who did not have toilet facility at home mentioned that, the introduction of subsidy to facilitate the toilet construction would help address open defecation in the District. The findings from the survey also describes that, 79% of the respondent had knowledge on the advantages of sanitary toilet facility however 99% of the respondent indicated that, there are no local regulations to discourage open defecation in the communities. Moreover, the finding of the survey established that, the District Assembly is trying possible to end open defection however weal legislation implementation and inadequate funds to support vulnerable families to own a toilet facility has worsen the situation of communities to be declared open defecation free. World Vision Ghana is supporting the District assembly to facilitate the attainment of open defecation free in Communities.

Source: UCC
Assessment of operations of tilapia farmers in the Asuogyaman District of Ghana

Tilapia farming is expanding across the world because this type of fishes can be cultured under very basic conditions and so is ideal for rural subsistence farming, yet is amenable to more sophisticated, market-oriented culture programmes. This therefore informed the decision to look into the operation of tilapia farmers. The study focused on assessing the operations of tilapia farmers in the Asuogyaman District of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive approach. The study relied on the census technique to source views from sixty farmers in the district. All the sixty questionnaires were retrieved. The study made use of frequencies in its data analysis. The study revealed that the source of fingerlings for most of the farmers was the pond. Majority of the farmers indicated that they were not aware of any government assistance in raising capital. However, credit/loans were their means of raising capital. With regards of farming systems, most of the farmers indicated that they use the intensive farming system. It was therefore recommended stakeholders involved in the farming should on regular basis ensure sustenance and further investments into the production of seed/fingerlings.

Source: UCC
An assessment of parental contribution towards the educational development of basic school pupils in the Dodowa Circuit of the Dangme West District

The study investigated parental contribution towards the educational development of basic school pupils in the Dangme West District. It sought to assess major contributions parents make, their perceptions of the importance of contributing to pupil’s educational development and challenges they face. A total of 288 parents having their children in ten (10) basic schools and 40 teachers were randomly and purposively selected for the study. Pupils were randomly sampled from the selected schools in order to reach their respective parents. The instrument used for data collection was a set of questionnaires with reliability co-efficient of 0.96, 0.94 and 0.84, using Cronbach Alpha formula. The descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. Finding from the study revealed that: paying children’s welfare (pocket money, transportation to school, canteen); paying of official and approved levies by the Ghana Education Service and PTA dues; ensuring that pupils go to school regularly; feeding pupils before they go to school; providing good hygiene; and giving pupils psychological needs; were the major contributions of parents. It was, however, found that parents do not provide enough motivation for their children to learn even though they ensure they go to school regularly. They do not help them do home work; they do not visit their schools to assess their progress and they do not purchase text books and other materials. The major challenges parents face was financial constraints and large family size.

Source: UCC
An assessment of parental support to the girl child education in Kwabre District of the Ashanti Region

The study which used descriptive survey design was basically to assess parental support to the girl child education in Kwabre District of the Ashanti Region. A sample of 302 girls and their entire parents which formed 22% of the total population from 11 public schools in the Ntonso circuit were used for the study. The girls were randomly selected whereas their parents were purposively sampled. The instrument used for data collection was a set of questionnaires with an average reliability coefficient of 0.91, using Cronbach alpha formula. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Percentages, frequencies and tables were used accordingly.Findings from the study revealed that disallowing girls to participate in puberty rites during school hours; discouraging early marriage; helping the girls to do homework; giving of the requisite psychological need of love and paying approved levies and dues by GES/PTA were the major kinds of support parents provided for the girls. It also emerged the study that girls’ enrolment decline in the district due to the negative community perception about girl child education. The major challenges parents faced in their role of supporting the girl child was: gender roles assigned to females by society; and misconceptions and cultural beliefs held by the society. Finally, it was recommended that parents should support their children in diverse ways, policy makers to enact bye-laws as guidelines for parents, and chief and elders to advice the indigenes about the usefulness of girl education.

Source: UCC
assessment of payment of income tax in the informal seactor: a case study of Cape Coast tax district

The Millennium Development Goals is a key scheme of the United Nations to empower all nations to develop using their own resources. The scheme aims at assisting nations to realize potential areas of the economy from which revenue can be generated for national development. National revenue is raised through direct taxes, indirect taxes, royalties, etc. The formal and informal sectors of the economy contribute in mobilizing revenue for national development. While the formal sector is well structured to prevent evasion of taxes, the informal sector is not well organized and various researchers in Ghana have observed the poor generation of revenue from the informal sector. In this study, , the researcher used Cape Coast, Elmina, Mankesim and adjoining communities with a sample size of 200 informal sector operators. Primary data was mainly used with mostly closed–ended questions and multiple answers provided to limit respondents to choices to select from. Analysis of data collected established that the factors that make the informal sector hard-to-tax were very high in Ghana as a result of the predominance of cash transactions, poor record keeping, high illiteracy rate, little or no barriers to entry, and the peripatetic nature of the informal sector in Ghana. It is recommended that government should embark on capacity building, tax information and education, and simplification of filing procedures to aid in revenue mobilization from the informal sector.

Source: UCC
Assessment of pedagogical and content competences among senior high school teachers of Twi language in the Kwabre East district of Ashanti region, Ghana

The study aimed at assessing the pedagogical and content competences among Senior High School teachers of Twi in the Kwabre East District of Ashanti Region. All the senior high school teachers of Twi and students offering Twi language as an elective subject for the West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) constituted the population for the study. The total sample size selected for the study was 252, made up of all the 12 teachers, the 6 headmasters/headmistresses, and 234 students. The design adopted for the study was the descriptive survey. Observation checklist was used for assessing the teachers’ classroom performance, questionnaire was answered by the teachers and students, and a semi-structured interview guide was used for eliciting information from the heads of the schools. It was found that the teachers exhibited proficiency in the use of the Twi language, and demonstrated the expected teaching skills and methods in ensuring that students use the language appropriately. However, lapses were observed in areas like ensuring that students use correct orthography and appropriate vocabulary, and work output. The study further brought to the fore that teachers and students of Twi language were not making the best use of resources like cultural artefacts, and resources from the community. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers of Twi language must create awareness of career opportunities in the subject so as to motivate the students to be more serious with the Twi language as a subject. Government must also ensure that approved textbooks are supplied to students of Twi language.

Source: UCC
An assessment of perceived participatory climate change adaptation initiatives in Ghana

Purpose – This paper presents assessment results on the level of perceived knowledge in climate change and the extent to which participatory awareness in adaptation initiatives by management and the public in key selected areas identified to be highly impacted by climate change has fared. Design/methodology/approach – Exploratory research design, using snowball, purposive and simple random sampling methods, was employed to assess respondents’ level of knowledge in climate change and participatory adaptation awareness activities. Focus group discussion was finally used to appraise returned responses that compared indigenous knowledge with scientific data to examine variables influencing key determinants . Findings – Age, gender, the level of education and work experience were all significant in determining outcome of responses by respondents on perceived level of knowledge in climate change and awareness in adaptation engagement efforts by the public. The study also confirmed existence of perceived knowledge and awareness gap with a marginal difference of 28% between management and stakeholder respondents. Practical implications – Anthropogenic activities leading to climate change impacts are rarely linked to individual actions, lifestyles and community’s sociocultural practices and choices. Originality/value – There is a disconnect between what climate change managers know and are doing in terms of adaptation and mitigation efforts and what stakeholders should know and are expected to do towards achieving functional participatory engagements in Ghana. It calls for needs assessment on a governance system that will chart a new order to transform individual and household attitudes through curriculum development, awareness training, coping strategies to capacity building for members of the communities and households

Source: UCC
Assessment of performance and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens fed diets based on quality protein maize varieties (abontem and etubi) developed in Ghana

The study was conducted to determine some growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler birds fed diets based on two quality protein maize varieties (Abontem and Etubi), and a traditional variety. One hundred and twenty Arbor Acre day-old broiler chicks were used in a Completely Randomized Designed experiment. There were 3 treatments, each with 4 replicates of 10 chicks. Feed and water were supplied to birds ad libitum. The parameters measured were initial and final weight, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency for birds in each replicate pen. At maturity (8 weeks), three birds from each treatment were randomly selected, tagged and slaughtered; hot carcass and viscera weights were taken for each bird. Carcasses were sectioned into primal cuts after 24-hour chilling at 3°C. Breast muscles were grilled for sensory evaluation by a trained panel of twelve. Breast muscles from slaughtered birds were analysed for moisture, protein and fat content; as well as organoleptic parameters (juiciness, taste, texture, colour and likeness) were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. However, breast and back muscles differed significantly among dietary treatments (P<0.05). It is recommended that follow–up experiments should be conducted to validate the findings in this work; this should particularly include determination of essential amino acids profile, as well as digestibility of the TM, ETM and ABM maize varieties

Source: UCC