ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A study of present day surficial distribution of bulk sediment mineralogy and magnetic mineralogy in Lake Bosumtwi, using x-ray diffraction and magnetic techniques

Lake Bosumtwi has been the focus of international paleoclimate research (the Lake Bosumtwi Drilling Project) during which continuous sediment cores were recovered for multiproxy paleoclimate information. To determine the present day depositional environment and sediment provenance, 150 samples of the top 2 - 8 cm of the Bosumtwi sediments were collected at different locations throughout the lake with the Ekman dredge. These samples were analyzed for bulk sediment mineralogy and magnetic mineralogy using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic techniques. Magnetic measurements carried out include isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), anhysteric remanent magnetization (ARM) and magnetic susceptibility, while XRD measurements were made on powder packs and oriented clay mineral mounts. The wet and dry bulk densities of samples decrease with increasing water depth whereas the % water content and % organic matter content increase with increasing water depth. The magnetic susceptibilities of the samples increased with increasing water depth, whereas % frequency dependence of susceptibility has a gentle increase with water depth. Back field (hard) isothermal remanent magnetization (HIRM)[i.e. (IRM1100mT + IRM300rnT)/2] values of the samples average 34*10-6 Am2/kg. S-ratio (-1*IRM300mT / IRM1100mT) of the samples averaged 0.93, indicating the presence of low coercivity magnetic minerals (such as maghemite and magnetite). Most parameters show an abrupt change at about 18 m lake water depth. The low Hcr values of <36 mT support the presence of low coercivity minerals. These low coercivity minerals in the surface sediments were deposited in the presently warm and wet interglacial climate with reduced Saharal/Sahel dust influx to Ghana. Oriented clay mineral studies using XRD reveal clay mineralogies of smectile, vermiculite, chlorite, illite, kaolinite micas, and their interstratified derivatives, also suggesting a warm wet climate with increased chemical weathering by hydrolysis. The presence of greigite at the central deepwater part of the lake suggests sulphate reduction under anoxic conditions, which indicate deposition in deep water, which further supports the inference of a wet climate. On Dearing’s plot samples mostly fall in the region of SPM enhanced soils. Quartz, orthoclase, anorthosite, muscovite and illite, which emerged from powder XRD results, point to a probable Biriamian Supergroup provenance for these top sediments, most likely from within the crater.

Source: KNUST
The study of Qur’an 16:125 and its impaction on Da’wah among the people of Wa municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana

This study was conducted to enhance the effectiveness of da’wah in the Wa Municipality. It was intended to stimulate the learning of the values and virtues of da’wah in protecting the Wa community from the moral crisis of globalization.The study was in five chapters which dealt with the techniques involved in enhancing da’wah. Thus, da’wah methodology outlined in Qur’an 16:125 was analysed as the paradigm for effective da’wah work. The study further examined the origin and development of da’wah in the Wa Municipality. To achieve the set goals of the study, the researcher adopted a multi-faceted approach to data collection. The researcher obtained information through interviews with religious preachers, and the audience of da’wah programmes on someFM stations as well as the Friday sermon in mosques and seasonal or monthly da’wah programmes in the Wa Municipality. The findings of the study revealed that the Muslim community in Wa is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of da’wah programmes in the various media and have pledged to take practical steps to re-align da’wah along side Qur’an 16:125. It came to light from data gathered that da’wah in general has been developing at a very slow rate. The slow development was noted to be the result of factors such as lack of funding, lack of coordination in planning and executing da’wah, the use of poor monitoring and evaluation techniques, and the use of inappropriate da’wah methodologies that are in direct conflict with the Qur’an and Sunnah. The study revealed that for da’wah programmes to have greater positive impact in the Muslim community in the Wa Municipality, frantic efforts should be made to plan, source for funding, monitor and evaluate the content of da’wah programmes in line with Qur’an 16:125.

Source: KNUST
The study of relationship between plant community composition and underlying environmental factors in Kakum conservation area

Kakum Conservation Area is one of the important National Parks in Ghana, which has a great tourism potential. The vegetation of the area is a semi-deciduous moist tropical forest and has been conserved as a reserved forest since 1931. The present study was conducted to determine the floristic composition of six homogenous vegetation types and to find out whether there is a direct casual link between community composition and the underlying environmental factors. The six homogeneous areas of the forest were identified and in each of these sites an area of 640m2 was delimited and divided into 64 square plots. Within each of these plots, four 5m quadrats were located at random and the frequency of individual species quantified. Physical and chemical characteristics of the soils collected from the different vegetation areas were analysed in the laboratory. Soil samples were collected to correspond with the quadrats. The results indicated that the soils from the different areas differ in many chemical and physical characteristics and these differences could affect the plant species, which grow on them. However, a direct casual link between community composition and these soil factors could not be made without controlled experimentation.

Source: KNUST
A Study of Some Major Influences in Efo Kodjo Mawugbe’s Plays

This study sets out to outdoor Efo Kodjo Mawugbe as a Ghanaian playwright who has contributed to the development of literature and theatre in Ghana. It examines how he adapts the Theatre of the Absurd and the Theatre of Cruelty in the creation of his plays. It also examines his interest in Efua Theodora Sutherland’s Anansegoro, an innovative Ghanaian theatrical genre which is aimed at preserving our story-telling tradition, Anansesem. The study takes a critical look at some of Mawugbe’s plays: The G-Yard People, Up-stairs And Down-stairs, Acquired Prison Traumatic Syndrome and Ananse – Kweku – Ananse, and concludes that he adapts Esslin’s Theatre of the Absurd and Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty in creating his African Theatre of the Absurd, which is aimed at telling the African story from an African perspective. It is concluded that the unique quality of the theatrical genres he adapts are best appreciated through the performances of his plays. Mawugbe’s plays are evidence of the theatre’s power to create a social occasion and speak directly to many people. It also concludes that he is attracted to Anansegoro and writes his play, Ananse – Kweku – Ananse, in that tradition, because he believes that Ananse’s role as a parody of society can never be over emphasized. Ananse as a folktale character does not expire with time. His character and role can be enhanced to suit the Ghanaian contemporary audience. One way to achieve this is by introducing contemporary characters within the society that the audience can easily recognize, and Mawugbe explores this avenue to the fullest.

Source: KNUST
A study of some physical and mechanical properties of the wood of Pterygota Macrocarpa K. Schum (Pterygota, Kyere)

A quantity of 1755 small clear specimens and 52 structural size specimens of Pterygota nacrocarpa K. Schum (Pteryqota, Kyere) were investigated in bending, compression, tension and shear. Effects of slope of wood grain, width and slope of growth increments as well as effects of wood defects such as knots, ingrowths and split on strength properties and density were also studied. Within the limits of the results of the study, there is an indication that the average normal density and compressive and tensile strengths of Pteryqota are higher than that of Milicia excelsa (Odum) and that generally the species has higher density and strength properties than some European timber species like Spruce and Oregon pine being used for structural purposes. The results of the study seem to indicate that the wood of Pterygota may fit into the hardwoods structural strength classes SC5 and SC6 of BS 5756 (1980) and therefore may be suitable for structural application if the wood can be treated against agents of biodeterioration. The limited data has also indicated that slope of grain, knots, ingrowths and split reduce strength of wood. Width or growth increments have also been shown to have a negative correlation with density just as slope of growth increments.

Source: KNUST
A study of some physical properties of composition of kaolin in clay: A comparative study on Asamang and Agona clay.

Some physical properties of the effect of composition of Kaolin on clay samples obtained from the Sekyere south district were studied. The raw clay samples were processed into powdered form, and a composite mixture of raw processed clay and kaolin were formed, with the kaolin composition increasing from 20 to 80 in Agona and Asamang samples. The powdered raw clay samples were characterized using the X-Ray Diffraction analysis. The composite samples, together with the raw samples were further processed into cubic and cylindrical dimensions and finally fired at 1000 . Properties which include; Total shrinkage, water absorption, bulk density, specific gravity, cold crushing strength, weight loss, thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity, specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity, were measured by the appropriate standard methods. The results show that the inclusion of kaolin in the samples affects the various properties of the samples: Porosity increases with percentage increase in kaolin across Agona and Asamang samples while thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity reduced with percentage increase in kaolin. Optimum parameters were met by the various compositions and appropriate recommendations were prescribed for industrial implementations. The XRD – (phase analysis) showed the minerals as mainly Silicates and Alumina of various proportions. The mineral compositions of the clays outline their prospects of been used as alternative materials for various purposes of utilization; which include construction, due to their relatively high cold crushing strength coupled with their low thermal conductivity and refractory purposes, due to their low thermal conductivity.

Source: KNUST
A study of stakeholder management in healthcare infrastructure delivery in Ghana: a study of some selected municipal and district assemblies in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Various stakeholder management frameworks exist however, the appropriateness of these frameworks in health infrastructure stakeholder management is not certain. Therefore, the study aimed at assessing the stakeholder management in district assemblies in healthcare infrastructure development in Ghana. The study had three (3) objectives which were to identify ways of stakeholder engagement in municipal and district assemblies in the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, to identify factors that affect stakeholder management in healthcare infrastructure delivery in municipal and district assemblies and to propose measures to improve stakeholder management in municipal and district assemblies in healthcare infrastructure delivery in Ghana. Extensive literature review was conducted based on each objective and a number of variables were identified. The study adopted a quantitative research method and thus, a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to forty (40) estimated respondents at the District and Municipal assembly department however, thirty-eight (38) were retrieved for the analysis. The data was analyzed using mean score in conjunction with standard deviation. From the analysis, it was realized that, M/D physical planning officer was rated as the most significant stakeholder among the District Assemblies respondents followed by M/D coordinating director and M/D chief executive. However, among the Municipal Assemblies respondents, M/D Works Department was ranked first followed by M/D works engineer and M/D Health Directorate. Also, it was realized that, the most significant methods in stakeholder engagement among District Assemblies were “to consult stakeholders who are most affected by the healthcare project”, followed by “Institute effective stakeholder engagement plan” and “Identify initial stakeholders”. Finally, it was realized that, the most significant strategy among District Assembly respondents was value the contributions of expertise and time of stakeholders followed by increase professional capacity of municipal and district officers. Based on the findings it was recommended that, project managers at the assembly must be well equipped with effective leadership skills to ensure that, stakeholder management is executed efficiently

Source: KNUST
A study of storage practices of reinforced concrete materials contractors in the construction firms in Ghana

Materials management is one of the most important aspect in every construction process. Proper storage of construction materials is a key aspect of the processes. Studies have revealed that effective storage of concrete materials at the construction processes have positive effects on the successful completion of the project. The main aim of this research was to study the effect of poor storage of concrete materials on construction sites in Ghana. To achieve the stated aim, the following specific objectives were set, to identify the materials management practice contractors’ use, to identify the mode of storage of concrete materials on site and to identify the effect of poor storage of concrete materials on site. Literature related to the aims and objectives were reviewed. The study involved twenty-five (25) respondents from D1K1 and D2K2 construction firms, registered with University of Education, Winneba and University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast. The data collection methods adopted were both qualitative and quantitative approaches. This was done to get better understanding of the objectives. Data obtained from the survey was further analysed using both descriptive statistics and relative importance index techniques. The study revealed that almost all the respondents had fair knowledge in materials management processes. Planning being the highest procedure applied in the processes and logistics being the least. The study also revealed the effects of poor storage of materials on building projects, and included the following; ineffective cash flow, delays in project duration, adequate security, low productivity level, working space, waste and double handling. The effect on the ineffective cash flow due to poor storage practice was recorded the highest and goes a very long way to affect the project and all the parties involved. It is then recommended that effective proper storage of concrete materials is very important and should be a priority in every construction since it forms about 25% - 30% of the materials used in construction.

Source: KNUST
A study of the benefits of Airtel Ghana’s corporate social responsibility on the beneficiaries-a case study of la Wireless cluster of schools

This study was set up to examine the perceptions of beneficiaries about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) performed by corporate entities in general, identify the benefits of Airtel Ghana’s CSR projects in La-Wireless Cluster of Schools and explore the ways that the project can be sustained. It was found that respondents believed the CSR is an obligation for businesses, implementing CSR should be a responsibility of every company, there should be more public recognition for companies doing a lot of CSR projects, companies show they are more concerned about the community rather than their profit when they carry out CSR projects, and business engagement in social issues is an effective and constructive way of addressing social needs. Respondents also indicated that the motivations of companies for undertaking CSR activities are ethical motivation of top management, promotion of corporate image towards positive and to gain commercial advantage to new markets. On the benefits of Airtel Ghana’s CSR projects at La-Wireless Cluster of Schools, it was found that respondents believed that the Airtel Ghana CSR projects namely the Coderdojo, state of the art library and ICT centre, evolve with STEM, connected classroom, back to school initiative, and capacity building for teachers are helping improve teaching and learning especially in the areas of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and also equipping pupils and teachers with lifelong skills. On the issue of sustainability of the CSR projects by Airtel Ghana, respondents believed that the best body to maintain the projects to ensure its sustainability was Airtel Ghana itself, and the least was for a fund to be created so that members of the beneficiary communities contribute toward the maintenance of the project. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Airtel Ghana should expand some of the CSR initiatives such as the back to school and connected classroom to other deplorable area to enable poor but needy students acquire the basis thing they need for school and to help deprived schools take advantage of schools that have facilities to share.

Source: KNUST
A study of the challenges and strategies to road construction contract closeout

The aim of the study was to explore ways of improving the effectiveness of the project closure phase of the road construction sector. With this aim, two objectives were set which were to identify the challenges that impede in the road construction contract closeout and to identify the strategies that can enhance the efficient use in road construction contract closure. An extensive literature review was conducted and based on the review, structured questionnaire was developed and distributed the various respondents. Fifty-three (53) questionnaires were retrieved and analyzed using mean score ranking technique. From the analysis, it was realized that, customer challenges were ranked as the most severe challenge. The sub-variable that was ranked first was unavailability of key personnel followed by change of responsible personnel at critical transition points. The second ranked variable was team challenges. Its sub-variable that was ranked first was fear of no future work followed by attention diverted as members transition into new projects. The third ranked factor was technical challenges. Its first ranked sub-variable was difficulties in securing useful project historical data followed by thorough identification and agreement on all remaining deliverables. With the analysis of the second objective, the most significant strategy was effective communication at the closure phase of a project. The second ranked factor was the continuous monitoring of functionality and quality of deliverables by project manager. The third ranked factor was standardization of the closeout process as much as possible. With these findings, it was recommended that, clients in collaboration with consultants must ensure that, contractors do not approach the project closure phase with lackadaisical attitude by implementing sanctions. Also, construction firms must also ensure that, work personnel needed at the closure phase of a project are readily available and well-motivated to see the work through. Lastly, the project manager must try as much as possible to avoid last minute surprises. Thus, the project manager must continually monitor the functionality and quality of the project deliverables and guide them against damages. Furthermore, the project manager must actively make his visibility greater at the project closure stage. This is because, the project team may begin to disintegrate as a functional unit when the project nears completion. Communication becomes more difficult for the project manager. This study was limited to only road construction firms. Further studies can incorporate building contractors. Also, the study was also limited to road construction firms in the Upper West region. Other geographical areas in Ghana can be included in further studies.

Source: KNUST
A study of the challenges associated with project cost performance in Ghana

Cost overrun does not only affect the profitability of construction projects for the contractor, it also affects the whole economy especially in public projects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the challenges associated with project cost performance in Ghana. To achieve the aim, three (3) objectives were established which were to identify the causes of poor project cost performance in Ghana, to identify the challenges in achieving high project cost performance in Ghana and to identify the strategies in improving project cost performance in Ghana. Establishing the objectives led to the extensive review of literature and subsequently, developing a structured questionnaire to aid in the collection of data from the respondents. Using the snowballing sampling technique, fifty-three (53) questionnaires were retrieved out of the seventy-nine (79) distributed. The data were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII). From the analysis, it was realized that contractor’s site management came out as the most significant cause of poor cost performance in the construction industry. The second ranked criterion was material and machinery. The third ranked criterion was design and documentation related factors. In the objective two, the first ranked factor was insufficient resources for cost management. The second ranked factor was poor budgeting and forecasting approach. In the third objective, the first ranked factor was proper planning cost control. The second ranked factor was competent personnel. The third tanked factor was realistic cost estimation. The forth ranked factor was effective risk management. With these findings, it was recommended that, the consultant in consultation with the client should endeavor to select an appropriate contractor for the execution of the works. The selection of an inappropriate and inexperienced contractor creates the possibility of project failure especially in terms of cost. Also, cost planning processes should be implemented at initial stages of the construction project and make sure that during the execution of the project, cost is adequately controlled. Lastly, excessive scope changes should be avoided as it has a significant impact on project cost performance.

Source: KNUST