ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Adolescent Risk Behaviours in Junior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

The study investigated adolescent risk behaviours in public junior high schools of the OLA circuit in the Cape Coast Metropolis using the descriptive survey design. Five research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The target population of the study was all students in the OLA Circuit of the Cape Coast Metropolis. The accessible population was all students from the three selected schools in the OLA Circuit. The Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 155 students for the study. Proportional stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed. The data were analysed using means, standard deviations and independent samples t-test. The study revealed that students’ engagement in any of the adolescents risk behaviours thus violence-related behaviour, alcoholism, smoking, risky sexual behaviours and suicidal tendencies were very minimal. There was a significant difference between male and female risky sexual behaviours. However, there was no significant difference between male and female on the basis of suicidal tendencies. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth and Sports, National population Council (NPC), among others continue to intensify their campaigns against adolescents risk behaviours.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Aflatoxin Levels, Microbiological Quality, Nutrient Composition and Physical Characteristics in Groundnut Flour (Nsinjiro) Sold in Local Markets in Central and Southern Regions of Malawi

Assessment of aflatoxin levels, microbiological quality, nutrient composition and physical characteristics was carried out on 38 groundnut flour samples from 2 regions of Malawi where groundnuts are produced and consumed in substantial quantities. The local market list was obtained from the Ministry of Local Government Office. Samples were randomly purchased in the markets. Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) were analysed using the HPLC method while microbial loads, nutrient composition and physical characteristics were determined following various standard methods. The data were analysed using SPSS and some results were reported as Mean ± SD. The findings revealed that, 37 of the 38 samples examined were contaminated with aflatoxin, with total aflatoxin ranging from 0 to 77.08 ± 16.50 ppb which are higher than the 3 ppb limit permitted in Malawi. Twenty eight samples overall exceeded the thresholds for Malawi Bureau of Standards. The permissible limit of microbial loads for Malawi is 10,000 cfu/g whiles the ICMSF is 500,000 cfu/g, hence E. coli (0-30 cfu/g), Salmonella (0-70 cfu/g) icnluding Total coliform (0-80 cfu/g) were not acceptable by both limits respectively. Yeast and mould count (0-90 cfu/g) and Total Aerobic Plate count (0-210 cfu/g) were below both restrictions respectively. Samples had nutrients like protein (30.67 %), carbohydrate (37.87 %), fat (43.90 %), and ash (3.43 %) respectively. The samples' colour was light with L* values ranging from 49.79 ± 6.73 to 59.88 ± 0.43. These results indicate that groundnut flour studied was susceptible to aflatoxin and microbial contamination hence aflatoxin and hygienic monitoring prior to marketing is required.

Source: UCC
Assessment of alternative livelihoods for mining communities of the Upper Denkyira east municipality, Ghana

This study is conducted to assess the alternative livelihood in mining communities of the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Ghana. this study sought to address four specific objectives; to explore the collaboration that exists between the District and the MLNR/ MDF in implementing the alternative livelihood programme, to examine the economic activities that were in place before oil production, to analyze the influence of alternative livelihood on beneficiaries, and to explore the challenges encountered in the implementation of the intervention. The study employed interview schedule to collect data from all beneficiaries of the ALP in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality whereas in-depth interview guide was employed for key stakeholders. Results obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS). The main findings indicate that most of the beneficiaries were generally satisfied with the Oil Palm Production as alternative livelihood. Also, the beneficiaries indicated the ALP was preferred to their previous jobs. There was collaboration between the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources/ Minerals Development Fund in the implementation of the ALP. The main challenge met by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources/ Minerals Development Fund in effecting the ALP was minimal cooperation from chiefs. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources/ Minerals Development Fund should broaden the base of the projects under the ALPs to other communities within the Municipality.

Source: UCC
Assessment of analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of ethanolic extract of Gossypium arboreum leaves in experimental animals

Background and objectives: Gossypium arboreum commonly known as cotton plant, this variety of cotton plant available throughout India. Cotton plant was used traditionally for the treatment of infection, diarrhea and other inflammatory conditions. The aim of present study is to evaluate analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Gossypium arboreum leaves extract on experimental animals. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract of Gossypium arboreum leaves (EEGA) was subjected to assess its antioxidant potential using DPPH radical scavenging assay; further anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity was assessed by using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and tail flick test respectively in experimental animals. Results: It was observed that free radicals were scavenged by the EEGA in a concentration dependent manner. The Ethanolic extract showed maximum 72% scavenging activities at 200 g/ml concentration. The ethanol extract exhibited significant analgesic activity in the tail-flick model (𝑃<0.01) by increasing the reaction time of the mice to 8.9 sec at 180min after treatment in comparison to control (3.4 sec). The EEGA (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) showed dose-dependent, inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema from 30 min onwards (P<0.01), Conclusions: Present study revealed that the ethanolic extract of Gossypium arboreum displayed prominent analgesic and antiinflammatory activity in experimental animals owing to its antioxidant property.

Source: UCC
Assessment of aquatic ecosystems, the fishery and socio-economics of a coastal area in the Shama District, Ghana

The study provides requisite scientific and socio-economic data for sustainable management of the fishery and aquatic ecosystems at Anlo Beach in the Shama District, Ghana. Physico-chemical conditions, macrozoobenthic fauna, and the fish and fishery characteristics of River Pra Estuary, the associated wetlands and marine waters were studied from February 2012 to December 2013. Economics of the fishery, governance and other livelihood activities were also investigated. Data were partly analyzed with quantitative (FiSAT and Ecopath with Ecosim) and qualitative (loop analysis) fishery modeling tools. High turbidities (> 500 ppm), low dissolved oxygen (< 5 mg/l) and high nitrate and phosphate concentrations were recorded in the estuary especially in 2012 possibly emanating from illegal mining activities upstream. Densities of pollution indicator animals, such as Nereis, Capitella spp. (Polychaeta), and Tubifex spp. (Oligochaeta) were below 1000 individuals/m2 suggesting the ecosystems had low organic pollution. A total of 65 fish species from 38 families were found, with the highest diversity (H'= 3.42) occurring in the sea, followed by the estuary (H'= 2.63), and wetland (H'= 1.75). Results indicate the fishery may have exceeded the maximum sustainable yield, with over-exploitation (E > 0.05) of barracudas and small pelagic fishes. About 70% of the fishermen were classified as poor, earning below Ghana’s 2013 minimum wage of GH¢ 5.24 (≈US$ 1.87) per day. Model predictions showed that fish stocks could be revamped by eliminating undersized mesh nets and introducing pots to exploit shrimps. Recommendations to improve water quality, fisheries management and diversified livelihood are provided.

Source: UCC
Assessment of availability, accessibility, and affordability of magnetic resonance imaging services in Ghana

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the availability, accessibility, and affordability of MRI services to patients in Ghana. Methods: A descriptive quantitative research method which involve the use of a structured email 3-page survey questionnaire was employed, and addressed to the MRI radiographer-in-charge for completion. Results: A response rate of 92% was achieved. Sixty-seven percent (8) of the facilities were located in the Greater Accra region of Ghana with most (6[75%]) being private health facilities. The Western, Eastern, Brong Ahafo, Upper East, and Upper West lacked MRI scanners. MRI scanners per million population was 0.5. The mean cost per MRI examination, was lower in the public (i.e. GHȻ 563eGHȻ 686, p < 0.05 for non-contrast MRI examinations) compared to the private (i.e. GHȻ 618eGHȻ 775, p < 0.05 also for non- contrast MRI examinations). Most facilities (9[75%]) accept card bearers of some private health insurance to access MRI services, but none accepts that of the public-funded health insurance. Conclusion: There is wide disparity in the distribution of MRI scanners nationwide, with most of them located in the Greater Accra region. With only 5 regions having MRI scanners, it does imply that close to 40% of the general population do not readily have access to MRI services. Government can achieve an increase in availability, accessibility, and affordability of MRI by providing more public health facilities with MRI scanners and reimbursing MRI services via the NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme).

Source: UCC
Assessment Of Benthic Macroinvertebrates Biodiversity Within The Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site

This study was aimed at conducting ecological assessment of the benthic macroinvertebrates biodiversity within the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS). This was done by assessing macroinvertebrates biodiversity, water and sediment quality and evaluating the interactions among these parameters. Environmental and biological samples were collected from five communities (Anloga, Tegbi, Havedzi, Fiaxor and Atiavi) within the KLCRS from January to July, 2022. Water physicochemical parameters were measured in situ using appropriate meters, whereas pesticides, nutrients, sediment particle sizes and organic matter determinations, as well as benthic macroinvertebrates identification were done in the laboratory. Canonical Correlation Analysis was used to determine the influence of the environmental parameters and the abundance of the benthic macroinvertebrates. Twenty four (24) species were recorded in the five communities. Four taxonomic groups namely; Polychaeta, Mollusca, Crustacea and Insecta of benthic macroinvertebrates were identified. The least number of species was encountered in Atiavi (13 species), followed by Anloga (15 species), Fiaxor (16 species) Havedzi (17 species) and Tegbi (19 species). Havedzi had a more diverse assemblages of organisms followed by Anloga, Fiaxor, Atiavi and Fiaxor. For water quality measurements, conductivity, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen were within the levels whereas nitrate and phosphate were above the levels recommended for aquatic environments. For sediment quality measurements, nitrate and phosphate were above the levels recommended for aquatic environments. Environmental parameters that significantly affected the abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates were nitrate, organic matter and pH.

Source: UCC
Assessment Of Budgeting Practices And Performance In Madina Municipal Assembly Ghana

According to the findings of the research, the Madina Municipal Assembly of Ghana has some budgeting practices that need to be evaluated. In light of the fact that the study investigated and evaluated an already existing phenomenon, the descriptive research design was utilised in the study. Formal questionnaires were used as the instruments for data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were utilised in the study. For the purpose of selecting a respondent from among 56, the technique of simple random sampling was utilised. For the purpose of analysing the objectives of the study, descriptive analysis was performed as well. The descriptive statistics were utilised in order to accomplish the first objective of the study, which was to achieve the desired results. Calculations were made to determine the mean and standard deviation of each of the variables. According to the findings, the practices that had the highest average were those that involved the preparation of a budget alongside checklists. The second objective of the study was to gather information about the difficulties that budget preparers face during the process of project implementation. Based on the findings, it was determined that the approach taken to distribute funds to the user department was not satisfactory. The study discovered that there was a positive and significant relationship between budgetary practices and the performance of the Madina Municipal Assembly. This was the third and final objective of the study. According to the findings of the study, it is recommended that the management and employees of the Madina Municipal Assembly be made aware of the significance of budgetary controls in order to improve the institution's overall financial well-being.

Source: UCC
Assessment of business students’ preference for cooperative learning: A survey study at the University of Cape Coast

This study assessed business students’ preference for cooperative learning in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The study was a quantitative research which adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey. In all, 400 Level 300 business students were selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. These students were Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) students. Data was collected on a 5-point likert scale questionnaire ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Both descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test) were used to analyse the data that were obtained. The study found out that business students had positive attitudes towards cooperative learning. Their perceived benefits of cooperative learning were: enjoyment of more socialization; enhancement of good working relationship; improvement in academic performance; ability to think critically; obtain more information. Despite these benefits, students encountered a number of problems in cooperative learning such as group members dominating the group; members not ‘pulling their weight’; relatively little work done due to group arguments. The results from the independent t-test revealed that there is no statistically significant difference between the attitudes of male and female business students towards cooperative learning. Finally, it was revealed that there is no statistically significant difference between the attitudes of B.Com and BMS students towards cooperative learning. Entrenchment of cooperative learning strategy into the teaching of university courses was recommended to the academic departments within the University of Cape Coast

Source: UCC
Assessment of business teacher education in public universities in Ghana: A case of university of Cape Coast

Initial teacher education in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana has been criticised for failing to prepare teachers adequately for the classroom. This study assessed the Business Teacher Education Programme (BTEP) offered at the Department of Business and Social Sciences Education (DoBSSE) in the University of Cape Coast, with the view to improve upon the programme delivery, by addressing challenges and deficiencies identified. The convergent parallel mixed method design was adopted to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The total number of participants were 281. Interview guides and questionnaire were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data on the kind of teacher the BTEP seeks to produce, the content and pedagogies used, the principles underpinning the experience knowledge and the trainees’ experiences of the BTEP. The qualitative data was analysed thematically whereas the quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that though not documented, the teaching philosophy of the BTEP was reflective practices. Trainees did not have formal teaching experience but were intrinsically motivated to pursue the programme. Again, the lecturers viewed the BTEP as emphasising content and pedagogical knowledge and the pedagogical approach used was learner centred. Also, the principles guiding the experience knowledge were on-campus and off-campus teaching. Lastly, trainees expressed both negative and positive experience of the BTEP. It was concluded that the BTEP prepares preservice business teachers with an ability to evaluate their practices, adopt better teaching strategies for better future performance. It was recommended that the DoBSSE should work to ensure that the philosophy underpinning the BTEP is officially documented and shared to faculty members.

Source: UCC
Assessment of cancer and noncancer health risks from exposure to PAHs in street dust in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

This study is part of a broader initiative to characterize, quantify and assess the human health risk associated with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in street dust along the Trans-ECOWAS highway in West Africa. In the ﬁrst part, PAHs were characterized and quantiﬁed in low-andhigh-trafﬁc zones.In this study,cancer and non cancer human health risks from exposure to (PAHs) in street dust in the Tamale metropolis, Ghana were assessed in accordance with the USEPA risk assessment guidelines. The results of the study as obtained from inhalation of benzo [a] anthracene (BaA), benzo [a] pyrene (BaP), benzo [k] ﬂuoranthene (BkF) and chrysene via central tendency exposure parameters (CTE) by trespassers (street hawkers including children and adults) in street dust within low trafﬁc zones in the Tamale metropolis are 1.6E-02, 4.7E-02, 1.8E-03, and 1.6E-04 respectively. For reasonable maximum exposure parameters (RME),risk values of1.2E-01,3.5E-01,1.3E-02and1.2E-03 respectively were obtained for benzo[a] anthracene,benzo[a]pyrene,benzo[k]ﬂuorantheneandchrysene.Hazardindexforacenaphthene,anthracene,ﬂuoranthene,ﬂuorine, naphthalene and pyrene in the CTE and RME scenarios were 2.2, 3.E-01, 2.6, 2.6, 100, 38 and 12, 1.7,15, 14, 550, 210 respectively. Generally, the cancer health risk associated with inhalation of benzo [a] anthracene, benzo [a] pyrene, benzo [k] ﬂuoranthene and chrysene revealed that resident adults and children in the Tamale metropolis are at risk from exposure to these chemicals. The results of this preliminary assessment that quantiﬁed PAHrelated health risks along this part of the Trans-ECOWAS high way revealed that, there is the need for regulatory agencies to put in comprehensive measures to mitigate the risks posed to these categories of human receptors

Source: UCC
Assessment of Chemical Contaminants in Corn Dough from Selected Corn Wet Milling Plants in Mankessim

The chemical contaminants in corn dough systematically sampled from five corn wet milling plants were assessed using 3 experimental and 2 control groups. Samples were analyzed at regular intervals using QuEchERS, AAS, HPLC, gravimetric and cold maceration analytical methods. Hundred consumers and 5 wet mill operators were conveniently sampled and interviewed to obtain information on the milling process. The steps involved in preparing corn dough were observed to identify possible practices that introduced contaminants into the dough. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and results presented in frequency and percentage tables. Contaminants identified in the dough were grease, aflatoxins, lead, iron and zinc. T-test was used to determine any significant difference in chemical contaminants in corn dough sampled from selected corn wet milling plants. Significant differences (p≥0.05) existed between contaminants obtained from selected corn wet milling plants. Cleaning materials, old locally- made grinding plates, petroleum-based lubricants, unwashed bare hands for lubrication and dirty milling plants were found to be highly contaminated above acceptable Ghanaian and International standards. Introduced interventions along the production line greatly reduced contaminants in the corn wet milling plants. From the findings, it can be concluded that levels of certain metals and substances found in some corn dough samples suggest possible health risk when consumed. Strict hygiene measures could help reduce this risk.

Source: UCC
Assessment of climate shift and crop yields in the Cape Coast area in the Central Region of Ghana

The aim of the study was to assess the variability and trend of major climatic elements in the Cape Coast metropolis and the possible impact of these changes on the yield of major crops produced in the metropolis. Climatic data covering a period of sixteen years (1993-2008) was obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Cape Coast. Crop yield data spanning a period of eight years (2000-2008) was obtained from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Cape Coast. Probability analysis of rainfall data was also used to predict the probability of occurrence and exceedance of rainfall of a certain amount in the future as well as the return period. The study revealed that over the period under scrutiny, temperature and evaporation have been increasing gradually, it was also discovered that peak monthly rainfall is also declining and there is a higher probability of lower amount of rainfall occurring in the future

Source: UCC