ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of information, education and communication on child health in Amansie East District, Ashanti Region, Ghana

The provision of IEC has been long considered a key component of public health programmes. Within the Ghana Health Service, not only is IEC supposed to inform mothers of the existing services in order to increase the use of those services, but also to educate mothers on the proper use of services to ensure correct and continued usage. The present national and regional situations indicate that coverage indicators of some child health services are still not the best in spite of various planned interventions. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate IEC on Child health in the Amansie East District in Ashanti Region and to make recommendations. The study was a descriptive one. The sample of the study was drawn using a multi stage sampling. A total of 213 respondents were selected, comprising 202 mothers and 11 RCH staff for the data collection. Existing IEC approaches/strategies, mode of administration of IEC, quality of staff disseminating IEC, reach and frequency of the existing IEC and effects of IEC on mothers were evaluated to find out whether IEC could be part of the reasons for the low coverage as far as child health services are concerned. The analysis of the findings reveals that 100% of the RCH staff used print materials (posters) as the main mode of administration. Approximately 90% used interpersonal as the main strategy. On the reach of existing IEC, only the district capital and the health centres had few posters on child health. On the frequency, approximately one out of every four mothers questioned in the community was able to recall that nurses visit them monthly. It is also striking to note that approximately 90% of the RCH staff were not able to define IEC, neither were they able to say anything meaningful as far as IEC is concerned. Mothers’ knowledge on various antigens for immunizations and immunization schedule are still very low. 20.8% of mothers were found not to be able to mention any antigen despite their exposure. The study suggests that IEC may be a determinant of low coverage of child health indicators. It is recommended that minimum budget should be provided by the District Health Management Team (DHMT) for the development of the basic formula of IEC. In addition, the DHMT should implement selective reward programme for health staff in communities where caregivers are highly knowledgeable about vaccines and immunization schedules. Also further studies should be conducted to determine the best approach of IEC based on the characteristics of mothers in the district.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Insecticides and Fungicides for the Management of Insect Pests and Diseases of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Studies comprising a survey conducted in Agogo in the Ashanti region to gather information on farmers’ perceptions on tomato production and field experiments conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Plantation Crops Section of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST) were undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of two insecticides (Lambda Super and Cymethoate) and two fungicides (Shavit F and Kocide 2000) for the management of insect pests and diseases of tomato. Results from the survey showed that males dominate tomato production in Agogo. Majority (74.3 %) of the farmers aged between 31 – 50 years and most of them had no formal education. Majority of them obtained their seeds from agrochemical shops. The survey also revealed that whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius); Thrips, Thrips tabaci (Lindeman); Aphids, Aphis gossypii (Glover); and Tomato fruitworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) were the most important insect pests that attack tomato in the area. Septoria leaf spot, Blight, Fusarium wilt and rot were identified by farmers as the major diseases of that affect tomato. About 45.7 % of the farmers reported that pesticides were not effective, with 48.6 % of them reporting of their effectiveness. The field experiments had the following treatments: Lambda Super 2.5 EC (Lambda-cyhalothrin a.i.) at 1.5 ml / 0.5 L of water; Cymethoate Super EC (Cypermethrin & Dimethoate a.i.) at 0.25 ml / 0.5 L of water; Control, (water only); Shavit F 71.5 WP (Folpet + Triadimenol a.i.) at 6.25 g / 2.5 L of water and Kocide 2000 (Copper Hydroxide a.i.) at 100 g / 15 L of water. vi In the experiment in 2012, there were no significant differences among the insecticide - treated plots and the control with respect to the densities of B. tabaci, A. gossypii, Liriomyza sp. and H. armigera. Cymethoate recorded significantly lower number of T. tabaci than the control. In the experiment in 2013, the control plots recorded significantly more aggregations of B. tabaci, H. armigera and A. gossypii than the Lambda Super and Cymethoate treated plots. There were no significant differences in the number of leaf miners, Liriomyza sp. and T. tabaci in the insecticides treated plots. In the experiment in 2012, there were no significant differences among fungicide treatments with respect to Blight, Fusarium wilt, Leaf mould and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) disease. Significant difference was however observed in Septoria leaf spot between treatments. In the experiment in 2013, there were no significant differences among fungicide treatments with respect to the diseases. There were no significant differences among the insecticides and fungicides treatments with respect to number of fruits plant-1, mean fruits weight plant-1, mean % damaged fruits and mean yield (kg ha-1). No significant difference was observed among treatments with respect to mean shoot dry weight. The implications of these results were discussed.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of interactive effects from combined cattle manure and mineral fertilizer application in sole maize cropping system

A field experiment and a laboratory incubation study were conducted at Kpongu in the Upper west region of Ghana (Guinea Savannah Agro - ecological zone) and the Soil Science Laboratory of KNUST respectively to determine the added benefits in maize grain yield from the combined application of different rates of manure and mineral fertilizer and the mechanisms for interactive effects from combined applications. Nine treatments (three levels of mineral fertilizer at 0, 50 and 100 % of the 60-40-40 NPK kg / ha recommended rate (RR) by three levels of manure at 0, 50, 100 % of 5 t / ha RR) were applied on the field in a factorial experiment arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The same treatments were applied to 207 g of the field soil on mass basis in the incubation study over a 70 day period to determine the mechanism(s) causing added benefits, be it the improved nutrient synchrony, priming effect or the general fertility improvement mechanisms. The use of 60: 40: 40 kg / ha NPK + 5 t manure gave the largest stem girth (5.11 cm at 4 WAP, 6.51 cm at 6 WAP and 7.05 cm at 8 WAP) and highest grain yield of 4678 kg / ha. Synergistic interaction resulting in appreciable added benefits in grain yield were observed from 30: 20: 20 kg / ha NPK + 5 t manure (1305 kg / ha), 60: 40: 40 kg / ha NPK + 2.5 t manure (1122 kg / ha) and 60: 40: 40 kg / ha NPK + 5 t manure (1371 kg / ha) while an antagonistic interaction (- 44 kg / ha) was realized from 30: 20: 20 kg / ha NPK + 2.5 t manure on the field. Soil analysis after harvest showed that N stock had increased by 66 and 33 % for 60:40:40 kg / ha NPK + 5 t manure and 30: 20: 20 kg / ha NPK + 2.5 t manure respectively. The use of 30:20:20 kg / ha NPK + 2.5 t increased soil P by 3.71 % while 30:20:20 kg / ha NPK + 5 t increased soil P by 0.60 %. The value cost ratio iii analysis showed that 30: 20: 20 kg / ha NPK + 5 t manure and 60: 40: 40 kg / ha NPK + 2.5 t manure were the most economically viable combined treatment. The laboratory incubation study showed that combined application of manure and mineral fertilizer improved the synchrony between crop nitrogen demand and soil nitrogen release. This was confirmed by a principal component analysis (PCA) which gave the improved nutrient synchrony mechanism a higher percentage cumulatively (45.72 %). The next most contributing mechanism to the manure-mineral fertilizer interaction observed was the priming mechanism which dominated 43.15 % of the principal components while the least was general fertility improvement (11.13 %). It is therefore recommended that resource poor farmers could cut the cost of mineral fertilizer by 50 % and supplement it with good quality cattle manure without compromising on maize yield and profitability.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation Of Intermittent Preventive Treatment Of Malaria In Pregnancy (IPT) Implementation In The Kumasi Ashanti Region, Ghana.

Malaria is a serious public health problem that affects both the young and old especially the vulnerable ones being children and pregnant women. Again, prevention of the serious health impact associated with malaria during pregnancy represents one of the pending public health goals of WHO policy as well as the Ghana Roll Back Preventive Treatment (IPT) is a preventive measure adopted for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy. Objective The primary objective of this study is to assess the IPT of malaria in pregnancy in relation to the processes, outcomes and impact of the policy in the Kumasi metropolis of the Ashanti Region – Ghana. Methodology The study was a descriptive qualitative and quantitative cross sectional study supported with health facilities records review. The data were collected in August 2008 using household interviews during which 400 respondents (280 pregnant women and 120 nursing mothers who have delivered between January and June, 2008) were sampled using a EPI cluster sampling technique were interviewed. Seventy (70) midwives and 22 key informants at post in some selected health facility within the Manhyia North, the Subin and the Bantama Sub-metros were in-depth interviewed with close-ended questionnaire. Forty-seven (47) health facilities which offer maternity services were also surveyed with the aid of a checklist. A review of the Kumasi Metropolis health records was also conducted. Seven descriptive processes, out come and impact indicators were used in the study. These included: training and KAP of midwives, ANC utilization in the metropolis, the KAP of pregnant mothers and midwives towards malaria in pregnancy, IPT coverage, management supply of SP, the incidence of adverse effects of SP in pregnant mothers on IPT and the incidence of LBW as well as maternal aneamia.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Internal Controls In PAPSO Ghana Limited

The main objective of the study was to examine the internal control procedures in Papso Ghana Limited, to assess the effectiveness of internal controls in Papso Ghana Limited and to assess the independence of internal control functions in Papso Ghana limited. Purposive sampling technique was used for the research. The same questionnaires were administered to the directors, management and other workers of the company andinterviews were recorded and transcribed as part of responses and used in the analysis. Relevant literatures to the study were also considered. The main findings of the study indicated that Papso Ghana Limited has effective internal control system and the internal auditor contribute immensely to it, but he is not independent. However, the internal auditor is confronted with problems such as limited logistics, inadequate number of staff, inadequate budgetary allocation, and the traditional perception that internal auditors are witch – hunters. The study concludes that no organization can operate effectively and efficiently without an effective internal control system. Moreover, the role of an internal auditor is paramount in the design and operation of effective controls. It is, therefore, recommended that organizations establish and ensure the operation of effective internal control system, institute an audit committee, resource their internal audit departments, recruit competent personnel as internal auditors, and educate their personnel to disabuse their minds of the traditional perception that internal auditors are witch – hunters.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of internal audit effectiveness in private universities in Ghana

Internal audit is a vital part of an organization’s governance system, which is designed to ensure that internal controls are in place, accounting records are accurate, financial reporting is reliable, and assets are protected. This concept is not exclusive to just public organizations but also extends to private universities in Ghana, which are crucial to the development of the country's economy and society. In recent years, private universities in Ghana have gained prominence and have become a critical part of the higher education sector. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of internal auditing procedures in private universities in Ghana. The study found that there were adequate internal auditing procedures in place, but the enforcement of penalties for violating these procedures could be improved. The study also found that it is essential to assess and improve these procedures to ensure that the internal control systems are functioning effectively and that the financial reporting and accounting processes are reliable. The study highlighted the need for impartial and competent internal auditors, proper monitoring mechanisms, and ongoing training and motivation for internal audit staff. This will ensure that private universities in Ghana are able to provide quality education and contribute to the development of the country's economy and society. The study concluded that the focus should not be on finding foolproof internal auditing methods, but on hiring competent internal auditors and providing them with ongoing training. The study recommended that internal auditors should be impartial and unbiased, leaders should establish proper monitoring mechanisms, and internal audit staff should be trained and motivated. The study suggested areas for future studies such as 6 the use of qualitative research methods and the assessment of internal audit efficiency using resource-based theory

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of intestinal parasite infections in hiv/aids patients on antiretroviral therapy (art) in selected Hiv Clinics in Cape Coast Metropolis.

Intestinal parasites are a major concern in most developing countries. About 60% of the world’s population are infected with intestinal parasites which are commonly associated with HIV/AIDS disease. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among adult HIV/AIDS patients on ART and those not on ART. This hospital-based prospective study was conducted in three selected HIV Clinics in the Cape Coast Metropolis. A total of 206 HIV positive patients aged from 18 to 65 years, of both sexes, were involved in the study from January 2011 to April 2012. Stool samples were collected from the participants and examined using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration method, Kato-Katz technique and modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining method. Blood samples were taken to analyze their CD4+ T-lymphocyte count at each encounter. The stool examination and blood analysis were repeated on their subsequent visits to the clinic for a period of six months. Questionnaire on sociodemographic and medical history of participants was administered. Data were analysed using SPSS version 19 software and p-value was set at p<0.05.The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was 47.6 % with a significant difference (p=0.012) between parasite-positive participants on ART (19.9%) and those not on ART (27.7%). Most of the parasite-positive participants (23.3%) had CD4+ counts below 200 cells/μL. Intestinal parasites detected in this study included: Giardia lamblia (18.0%), Entamoeba histolytica (12.1%), Cryptosporidium spp. (5.8%), Isospora belli (4.4%), Strongyloides stercolaris (3.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.9%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.5%). G. lamblia and E. histolytica were the most prevalent. Cryptosporidium spp. (p=0.021) and I. belli (p=0.020) infections were significantly higher in participants who were not on ART, which participants were also significantly associated (p=0.020) with CD4+ counts below 200 cells/μL. G. lamblia (p=0.002), E. histolytica (p=0.028), Cryptosporidium spp. (p=0.021) and I. belli infections (p=0.020) were significantly associated with patients with diarrhoea stools. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites of the study differed by ART status. Patients on ART had lower prevalence of intestinal parasites and most of the intestinal parasite infections were associated with lower CD4+ counts. This study has established that HIV/AIDS disease coexists with intestinal parasite infections, therefore, stool examination should be reinforced as part of the routine laboratory investigations for the management of HIV/AIDS patients.

Source: KNUST
An Evaluation of Inventory Management Practices in Soap Manufacturing Firms in Ghana: the Case of Appiah - Menka Complex Ltd, Kumasi.

The growth of manufacturing firms is fast and their impact on the economy is increasing. The issue of how to manage the inventory effectively and efficiently often is a challenge for manufacturing firms. The study took place at Appiah Menka Complex, a company involved in soap manufacturing in Kumasi, Ghana. The purpose of this study was to examine inventory management practices in soap manufacturing firms as well as identify the challenges associated with these inventory management practices and then to recommend effective and efficient practices to deal with the challenges. This study employed a quantitative single case study and data collection was mainly through questionnaires from staff involved in inventory management operations. A purposive sampling approach was employed to identify ten employees directly involved in inventory management operations. The study revealed that the company operated a periodic review system as well as a just- in-time environment as regards inventory management practices. In addition, some challenges were identified in the existing inventory management practices and appropriate recommendations were suggested to deal with these challenges.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of investment promotion strategies in Ghana

The goal of the study was to assess strategies or activities used to promote direct investment in Ghana. This has been done with three objectives in mind. Firstly to examine activities used to market Ghana as an investir.ent location. Secondly, to examine the extent of services provided to investors and thirdly, to examine investment climate in Ghana. Data for this research work were gathered through literature search, questionnaire and personal interviews. The findings of the study indicate that activities used to market Ghana are associated with a lot of weaknesses. Also investor assistance services as well as investment incentives have had low positive impact on investors. The investment climate in Ghana is still not attractive as it is characterized with economic instability, infrastructure and institutional problems. Thus investment promotio1 strategies in Ghana are not effective. It is recommended that some essential promotional activities such as better ways of targeting investors, advertising, and provision of after investment service that are absent in Ghana should be put in place and GIPC should be strengthened to promote investment effective in Ghana. A so investment climate should be improve through proper macroeconomic management, institutional and administrative efficiency to enable investment promotion in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of internal financial controls in public hospitals : A case study of Regional and Municipal Hospital, Sunyani and District Hospital, Bechem (Brong-Ahafo)

The main objective of the study is to evaluate internal financial controls in public Hospitals using The Regional and Municipal hospitals in Sunyani and The District hospital, Bechem (Brong-Ahafo) as case study. It was also to establish the existence of internal financial controls. It was to find out the level of compliance. Further, to establish the consequences of compliance and non-compliance with regulations. Data was collected from three (3) Hospitals and twenty-five (25) members of staff. Purposive sampling and observation technique were used. Questionnaires and structured interview techniques were used to gather data regarding internal financial controls in the three Public Hospitals. Data analysis and presentation were done with the aid of Microsoft Excel but carefully done to give the researcher a hand-on experience in carrying out such an exercise. The research period covered six (6) months. It was discovered from the findings that there were existence of internal financial controls regulated by Financial Administration, Procurement, Internal Audit Agency Acts and indirect application of Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). It was revealed that the level of compliance was high and this is very commendable and must be encouraged. It was also discovered there was fair amount of compliance but sanctions are rarely given to a person who does not comply with the laws and conventions of internal financial controls. It is recommended that punitive action need to be instituted to caution perpetrators, so people will not have the motivation to circumvent the internal control structures because it is not worth it. This would help to enhance and improve the internal control to achieve effective and efficient internal control operations. It was recommended that pre-audit should be done for all transactions and seriousness need to be attached to it. This would help to use conventions and regulated framework well. This would help to avoid so many avoidable issues which may not appear before external auditor in future. It was recommended that audit units need to be strengthened in the public hospitals. It was recommended that review of internal control need to be done from time to time, so that new standards can be embraced for performance and improvement.

Source: KNUST