ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Malaria Control Activities in Kassenanankana District

Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Kassena-Nankana District of Ghana. The goal of Roll Back Malaria (RBM) is to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality by 50% by the year 2010 and thereafter until the disease is no more a threat to public health. To achieve this some preventive and therapeutic interventions have been put in place, such as the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) in pregnant women and infants, under one year old, early identification and treatment of the disease To find out the knowledge of the people studied on malaria, and if malaria control activities in the district are known and used by them. Also to assess how malaria is diagnosed in the district health facilities. Two methodological approaches were used. 1. In the first part, 200 respondents were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. This constituted 100 women who cared for children under 5 years and 100 women who were pregnant. Permission was sought to investigate if there was a mounted an ITN in the household. 2. In the second part, data was extracted from hospital and health facility registers and laboratory records for total cases of malaria seen as against the total laboratory tests to confirm the malaria cases for 2007 and 2008. 8 86% of respondents identified mosquito bites as the means of transmission of malaria disease. 85% could identify signs and symptoms of malaria in young children. 71% had ITNs in their homes; however, only 52% percent actually mounted them for use. 38% had nets but these were not in use. 10% did not permit search in their home. 89% of respondents were aware of IPT and 80% had been given SP for IPT during pregnancy. From the Health facility data 125,372 cases of malaria were recorded in 2007, of these, only 1% (n=1,391) were confirmed by laboratory results as malaria. The remaining 99% (n=123,981) were treated presumptively without laboratory confirmation. In 2008, out of 122,696 cases of malaria seen, 3% (n=3,585) were confirmed by laboratory test as malaria. The remaining 97% (n= 119,111) were treated presumptively. There is awareness of malaria control activities in the district. The public could identify the mode of transmission of malaria. They could also identify the signs and symptoms of the disease. The public is also aware of the use of IPT to prevent malaria and are actually using it as a preventive measure. The use of ITN to prevent malaria was also well known. Treatment of malaria was largely presumptive. Very few malaria cases were confirmed by lab before therapy in health facilities in district, though the situation was marginally better in 2008 compared to 2007.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Malaria and Bacteraemia in Febrile Paediatric Patients from Princess Marie Louise Children Hospital in Accra

Clinical differentiation between severe malaria and invasive bacterial infection is difficult because of the overlap in disease symptoms. This study compares the number of cases of bacteraemia with malaria infections among febrile paediatric patients. The study also looked at the causative agent of bacteraemia and the antibiotic profile of the isolated bacteria. It also compared clinical diagnosis with laboratory diagnosis. The study was conducted at Princess Marie Louis Children’s Hospital in Accra. Venous blood samples were collected from paediatric patients aged between 5 months to 5 years who were admitted with fever of 38 0C and above, tested for malaria parasitaemia, and cultivated for possible bacterial growth and their antibiotic profile identified. In a total of 182 patients recruited for the study, bacteraemia was 10.2 % and malaria infection was 21.6 %. Malaria and bacteraemia co-infection was 2.8%. There was a weak linear correlation between clinical diagnosis and laboratory diagnosis of malaria and bacteraemia using Student T-test analysis, thus, 0.215 with P < 0.01 and 0.184 with P < 0.05 respectively which implies a very little evidence to infer that clinical diagnosis and laboratory diagnosis of patients with fever provided similar results. The most occurring organisms were Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella paratyphi B. The antibiotic profile indicated that Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CNS) were all resistant to Penicillin class antibiotics. Pseudomonas spp. had 100% resistance to chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole and gentamycin. Salmonella paratyphi B also showed 100% resistance to chloramphenicol and tetracycline and 40% resistance to cotrimoxazole and gentamicin. The presence of antibiotic resistant pathogens in our environments has also been highlighted in this study. A continuation of this study involving other hospitals and a larger sample size will provide more data on these resistant pathogens and their distribution which will contribute to health care policy planning in Ghana and the sub-region at large.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of management practice in the hotel industry in Kumasi

For the greater part of each year most people live at home. Although they may go to work, shopping, visiting friends and relatives, and take part in other social and leisure activities, their homes are where they normally return each day and where they spend the night. Many of them also increasingly stay away’ from home on business or on holiday or for other reasons throughout the year. Any of them stay in hotels. Walking through the city of Kumasi, there are shops, offices, workshops restaurants and a whole of other places of work. Without going too far in the city, one building emerges sooner or later from the rest, a hotel. For Ghana to attract and accommodate a large number of tourists, its hotel industry must he adequately developed. Hotels are no doubt one of the most important tourist requirements. Most of the hotels in Kumasi are beset with many problems as a result of poor management practices and its type of ownership that has had a tremendous effect on its performance. The reason could he that most hotel owners and operators have entered the hotel business without the slightest idea of its operations and management. Against this background, the goal of this study was to identify some of the management problems by assessing the extent to which management practice of planning, organising. Directing and controlling are applied in the hotel business in Kumasi. It is also to provide some vital information to serve as a reference to hotel operations. The research investigated into the extent to which the processes of management are applied in hotel operations and the common management problems. The study also examines the nature of hotels in Kumasi with respect to its category, meeting mandatory requirement set by the Ghana Tourist Board. It also looks at the staff and customers of the hotels. Survey questionnaires together with interviews and discussions were used to elicit information from all the respondents. Questionnaires were developed in a set of 8 for each hotel. one questionnaire for the hotel manager, 2 for the hotel staff and 5 for hotel customers. The sample comprised of 100 hotels and its managers, 260 hotel staff, 650 hotel customers and the Ghana tourist Board office in Kumasi. The findings indicated that, the operations of most hotels were beset with problems of poor planning, poor organising, poor directing and poor controlling. The study further made some recommendations, which could be a guide for hotel managers.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Market Positioning Strategies in the Printing Industry - a Study Among Members of Ghana Printers Association: Northern Sector Branch

The purpose of the study was to assess market positioning strategies of members of the Ghana Printers Association-Northern Sector Branch in Kumasi. The objectives for the study were to determine the various market positioning strategies which the firms use, an appropriate marketing mix for positioning a print firm and key characteristics of printing services that are of importance to customers who buy print Services. Both primary and secondary data were used. The primary data was collected from fifty-four members of the Ghana Printers Association and one hundred and eight of their customers with the use of questionnaires. Secondary data gathered were from literature of previously conducted research in the subject area, books, journals, newspapers and the internet. The research revealed that three procedures (market, internal and competitor « analyses) are involved in the development of a market positioning strategy and are associated with market segmentation, targeting, analysis of possibilities for differentiation, selection of benefits to emphasize to customers, articulation of desired position in market and use of marketing plan of action. The firms were assessed on whether they carry these measures out to position themselves. It also determined an appropriate marketing mix that is suitable for positioning a print firm and identified eight key characteristics of print services that are important to customers. The study brings to bear the various market positioning strategies that can be used in the printing industry and how they can be enhanced taking into consideration elements of the marketing mix and key characteristics of printing services that are of importance to customers.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of maize ear rot in major maize growing areas of Ashanti Region of Ghana

Maize ear rots reduce grain yield quality with implication on food security and health. Information on the types and prevalence of maize ear rots in the major maize growing areas of Ashanti Region of Ghana is scanty. A survey was, therefore, conducted during the major and minor maize growing seasons to determine the prevalence of maize ear rots and types of fungal pathogens associated in this region. The survey considered 39 and 20 communities in metropolis, municipals and districts during the major and minor seasons, respectively. A total of 44 farmers were interviewed during the survey. The field survey showed a 70% female dominance amongst respondents and a predominantly middle-age farming population. Majority (77%) of the farmers interviewed had only primary school education and about 43% had over two decades of experience with maize cultivation. Most of the farmers obtained their seeds from the Ghana Seed Company, and Obaatanpa appeared to be the variety of choice amongst farmers in the region. About 66% of the respondents alluded to planting their seeds in the month of April and majority (84%) of the farmers observed symptoms of maize ear rot at maturity of the crop. The survey also considered management practices used by farmers to combat maize ear rot. The results showed that majority (68%) of the farmers had no prior knowledge of any fungicides. Roundup, a weedicide, appeared to be the chemical of choice but none of the farmers interviewed used a fungicide. Sun drying of debris appeared to be the popular control method used in the region. The maize samples collected from the communities were taken to the laboratory and analyzed for ear rot pathogens. During the major season, a total of seven fungal pathogens were isolated. For this period, the prevalent fungal pathogen of maize ear rot was Aspergillus flavus, followed by Colletotrichum sp. and the least being Curvularia sp. For the minor season, a total of five fungal pathogens were isolated. During this period, the prevalent fungal pathogen of maize ear rot was Colletotrichum sp., followed by A. flavus and the least being Penicillium sp. The types of maize ear rot identified were Aspergillus flavus, Colletotrichum sp., Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp. and Curvularia sp. Results from the field survey showed that majority of the farmers did not perceive the occurrence and impact of maize ear rots.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of management practices of head teachers in public basic schools: a case study of public basic schools in the Asokore Mampong municipality.

Head teachers are perceived as the direct implementers of educational policies. Their role is therefore very vital to successful attainment of educational goals. For this reason they need to be equipped with the necessary managerial skills. This study therefore was focused on the assessment and how to improve on the various management practices adopted by head teachers of public basic schools in the Asokore Mampong Municipality. The study considered the nature of management practices that exists, taken into consideration the causes and effects of poor management practices from the perspective of Head Teachers and Teachers. A total of 257 respondents actively took part in the study. This comprised of 23 head teachers and 224 teachers. Out of the six circuits, five schools were randomly sampled from each circuit for the study. All the head teachers were purposefully sampled whiles 10 teachers were conveniently sampled from each of the thirty schools for the study. An Interview guide was used to solicit information from head teachers whereas a semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from teachers concerning their head teachers’ management practices. Transcription of data and SPSS were used as data analysis tools. The findings revealed various contrasting views; where as head teachers claim to be practicing democratic management style while strictly adhering to rules and procedures, a plurality of teachers also thought otherwise. Head teachers claim to give in-service training yet none of the teachers agreed on that. Whiles other teachers perceived their head teachers’ management style as demoralizing, majority perceived it as motivating. There was however agreement on both sides on; teachers and head teachers having representation in educational policy formulation, incentive packages for all teacher, better conditions of service, availability of logistics and infrastructure. Financial accountability seem lacking resulting in mistrust. Diversity in management practices was recommended with an accompanying accountable administration to enhance service delivery.

Source: KNUST
The assessment of market potential and marketing prospects of of organic fruits and vegetables in Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

Organic products are considered to be superior in quality compared to conventionally produced products, since it has been proved that organic products help prevent several health and environmental hazards. Therefore, the demands for organic products are increasing all over the world, as well as in Ghana. Given this increasing demand for organic products, this study was conducted with the aim of estimating the market potentials and consumer willingness to pay for organic fruits and vegetables in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Further, the study identifies the factors that influence the consumers‘ willingness to pay premium for organic fruits and vegetables. A face-to-face household-level survey of 450 respondents was conducted in Kumasi, Ghana in 2008 with a structured questionnaire. The double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method (CVM) was employed to elicit consumers‘ WTP information. The study found that, most consumers had positive perception on organic fruits and vegetables with benefit perception index (BPI) of 0.76, quality perception index (QPI) of 0.60 and environmental risk perception index (EPI) of 0.55. The empirical results revealed that consumers‘ willingness to pay (WTP) premium for organic fruits and vegetables were more than 20% of the prices of the conventional products. Also consumers were willing to pay 6% to 39% premium for organic fruits and vegetables in Kumasi. The estimated market potential for organic fruits and vegetables were GH¢839,407,549 (US$ 599,576,821) and GH¢ 3,714,112,152 (US$ 2,652,937,251) respectively. The empirical results also show that age, education, income, gender, and household size significantly influence consumers‘ WTP for organic fruits and vegetables. Also product characteristics such as colour, size, hardness, freshness and cleanliness statistically influence consumers‘ WTP for organic fruits and vegetables.

Source: KNUST
The assessment of market potential and marketing prospects of organic fruits and vegetables in Kumasi metropolis of Ghana

Organic products are considered to be superior in quality compared to conventionally produced products, since it has been proved that organic products help prevent several health and environmental hazards. Therefore, the demands for organic products are increasing all over the world, as well as in Ghana. Given this increasing demand for organic products, this study was conducted with the aim of estimating the market potentials and consumer willingness to pay for organic fruits and vegetables in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Further, the study identifies the factors that influence the consumers‘ willingness to pay premium for organic fruits and vegetables. A face-to-face household-level survey of 450 respondents was conducted in Kumasi, Ghana in 2008 with a structured questionnaire. The double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method (CVM) was employed to elicit consumers‘ WTP information. The study found that, most consumers had positive perception on organic fruits and vegetables with benefit perception index (BPI) of 0.76, quality perception index (QPI) of 0.60 and environmental risk perception index (EPI) of 0.55. The empirical results revealed that consumers‘ willingness to pay (WTP) premium for organic fruits and vegetables were more than 20% of the prices of the conventional products. Also consumers were willing to pay 6% to 39% premium for organic fruits and vegetables in Kumasi. The estimated market potential for organic fruits and vegetables were GH¢839,407,549 (US$ 599,576,821) and GH¢ 3,714,112,152 (US$ 2,652,937,251) respectively. The empirical results also show that age, education, income, gender, and household size significantly influence consumers‘ WTP for organic fruits and vegetables. Also product characteristics such as colour, size, hardness, freshness and cleanliness statistically influence consumers‘ WTP for organic fruits and vegetables.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of material management on construction project sites: A case study of a proposed warehouse, productions halls and offices complex.

Construction projects involves so many activities and processes which involves material resource management. Material resource management is a stage of the project process where decisions are made on what, when, where and how to acquire the necessary material resources needed for the project. The process runs through acquisition to waste control. However, this is also the stage where most players do not accord so much importance. The aim of this study was to assess material management on construction project sites. A questionnaire survey administered to a purposive sample of 12 persons who handles materials for their various companies finding out about the management process they use, and obtaining their perception on the causes of ineffective material management toward 34 causes that were extracted from extensive literature review. Finally, the impact of material management activities on project performance was also acquired through this questionnaire. The study found 5 different material management processes that were followed. The top 3 most common causes of ineffective material management identified were not determining what and when materials needed, poor communication leading to mistakes and errors, and undefined scope. The findings also indicated that most material management activities had an impact of time. This research show that a lot attention needs to be given to the planning and scheduling of material management with proper communication systems put in place during that period

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Mercury Levels in Omega-3 Food Supplements Available on the Ghanaian Market

As a measure to prevent cardiovascular diseases and enhance in-utero development of the foetus, adequate omega-3 intake has been recommended. This has led to the manufacture of omega-3 supplements by various pharmaceutical companies and these products have flooded the market. Coldwater fishes are the primary sources of the omega-3 food supplements but these fishes are known to have high levels of mercury in them. There is therefore the potential of mercury poisoning in the course of people taking the omega-3 food supplements. Mercury levels in ten products of Omega-3 food supplements have been determined in order to ascertain their safety for human consumption. The mean mercury levels determined for the ten brands were 0.0170.003 µg/g, 0.093 0.002 µg/g, 0.0210.003 µg/g, 0.2730.005 µg/g, 0.1230.004 µg/g, 0.06580.001 µg/g, 0.0180.005 µg/g, 0.0260.008 µg/g, 0.4280.002 µg/g, 0.4280.002 µg/g, 0.0290.004 µg/g. All the levels of mercury determined were within the acceptable limits stipulated by Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, and therefore do not pose any health threat to consumers.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of marketing performance in the book industry in Ghana: the case of some selected bookshops in Kumasi

Marketing is typically seen as the task of creating, promoting, and delivering goods and services to consumers and businesses. Publishing is an important cultural industry. Books are reservoirs of knowledge in which peoples heritage are preserved, and through which societal values and wisdom are transmitted and shared. Therefore publishing is essential for the social development of nations. Books can get to the consumer mainly through marketing. One of the major means for achieving this means is through the bookshops (booksellers). Unfortunately, most publishers and authors complain of the inability of the bookshops to market books within a targeted timeframe. It is in the light of the preceding paragraphs that this study was undertaken to assess the marketing effectiveness of bookshops (booksellers) in the book industry in Ghana. It has been revealed from the findings of the study that the dismal performance of book shops is due to the lack of marketing effectiveness. The study also revealed that there is a significant association between factors influencing high book sales (marketing mix and customer services) and customer group (thus book buyers) — parents, bookshops, students, schools and libraries. The researcher has the opinion that bookshops can increase their marketing performance if they improve upon their low marketing effectiveness. The demand for books is not by chance- An awareness of books needs to be created. Promotion and publicity is essential ingredient to bookselling. In order to stand up to the present competitive environment in which booksellers find themselves, it is imperative that they should adopt a more dynamic, aggressive, and professional approach to their craft.

Source: KNUST