ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the genetic diversity in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) germplasm from Ghana using simple sequence repeat markers

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among 141 cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) accessions collected throughout the nine geographical regions of Ghana were evaluated using simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. Twenty-five primer combinations pre-selected by their ability to polymerase chain reaction amplify SSRs from a set of test cowpea germplasm were evaluated. Of these, 20 primer combinations gave reproducible polymorphisms among 97.2% of the cowpea accessions tested, with the remaining accessions being found to be genetically identical. The informative primer combinations revealed a total of 74 alleles at 20 loci with an average of 3.8 alleles detected per locus. Variation in heterozygosity among cowpea SSRs ranged from 0.01 to 0.84 with an average occurrence of 0.19. The polymorphism information content varied from 0.07 to 0.66 with an average of 0.38. The Ghanaian cowpea accessions clustered into five main branches, each of which was loosely associated with the geographical regions from which samples were obtained. Accession GH2288 was found to be the most divergent cowpea accession compared with all others including the outgroup IT84S-2049, a breeding line from Nigeria. Our results provide a framework for future studies aimed at the conservation and management of cultivated cowpea germplasm in Ghana, and a good starting point for the selection of parental lines for genetic improvement programmes

Source: UCC
Assessment of the guidance needs of University Practice Senior High School students in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

The study investigated the principal guidance needs of University Practice Senior High School (UPSHS) students in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Two research questions and four hypotheses were raised to guide the study and a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. The target population for the study was made up of all students in forms 2, 3 and 4 students in the UPSHS in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Proportional stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 300 students from UPSHS for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used to analyse the data pertaining to the research questions while inferential statistics (one-way ANOVA and t-test) were used to analysed data regarding the hypotheses. The results showed that study habit, educational information, career information, employment and self-understanding were the greatest needs of adolescent students. A significant difference existed between male and female students with respect to essay writing skills on the study habit scale. Again, a significant difference existed among students with respect to employment, educational information, drug information, and financial information needs. A key recommendation from the study was that the Ghana Education Service should take steps to ensure that guidance programmes of senior high schools in Ghana are responsive to the real needs of our students.

Source: UCC
Assessment of the Impact of Fishing and Socio-Economic Drivers on Cetacean Exploitation in Ghanaian Waters

The study aimed at assessing the fishing impact and socio-economic drivers of cetacean exploitation in four coastal communities (Axim, Shama, Dixcove, and Apam). Data was collected from April – October, 2022 using field data and questionnaires from fishers and fish processors. A total of 55 animals were recorded throughout the study. The highest catch landings were with the drift gillnet in August and September with the Purse seine net [Ali-Poli-Watsa (APW)] recording the least. The majority of cetaceans landed were at Dixcove with Stenella attenuata (pantropical spotted dolphin) being the most dominant. The values obtained for species diversity, evenness, and richness show that the species are diverse and almost evenly distributed off the coast of Ghana. When the stomachs of cetaceans were examined, cephalopods were the main prey items found followed by small pelagic fishes. Fishers utilized small-sized (up to 3 m) by-caught and targeted cetaceans as bait for the shark fishery while larger sizes (4 – 10 m) were sold to fish processors to be smoked or salted. Fishers showed a high dependence on fishing as their main source of livelihood thus, the decline in small pelagic fish stocks in synergy with high cost of fuel has increased the use of cetaceans as bait in the shark fishery to make profits due to the high price of shark fins. The majority of fishers admittedly had no idea of the laws protecting marine mammals nor marine mammal meat containing persistent organic pollutants. Also, there was an interrelation between sharks and cetaceans where proper management of the shark fishery will concomitantly reduce cetacean use as bait.

Source: UCC
Assessment of the impact of Light Emitting Diode (Led)- Fitted Gill Nets on Sea Turtle and Fish Catch in the Coastal Waters of Mankoadze, Ghana

This study investigated the impact of light emitting diode (LED)-fitted gill nets on sea turtle and fish catch in the coastal waters of Mankoadze, Ghana. The study also assessed the artisanal fishery of the area and quantified the annual rate of sea turtle by-catch in the artisanal fishery. The methods used included interviews, analysis of fish landing data from Fisheries Commission and field data collection. The results indicated that set net was the most dominant fishing gear used in the coastal waters of Gomoa and Effutu, and comprised 35.6% of the total gears. Data from Fisheries Commission indicated that a total of 74 fish species belonging to 37 families were caught between 2001 and 2015 in the artisanal fishery. There was an increase in the number of artisanal fishermen and canoes in the study area by 13.0% and 27.5% respectively from 2001 to 2013, resulting in continuous decline in fish catches from 29,697.89 tonnes in 2001 to 7,213.66 tonnes in 2013. Catches of the common fish species (Sardinella spp., Engraulis encrasicolus and Euthynnus alletteratus) were highest during the months of July to October. The results also indicated that, irrespective of species, sea turtles were captured as by-catch in artisanal fishing gears at an average rate of 4 turtles per canoe per year. The leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), green (Chelonia mydas) and the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) were the three main species captured. Deployment of LED lights on fishing nets resulted in a significantly lower (t=3.65, p<0.05) turtle by-catch in nets using the LED lights (4.6±1.2 turtle/100 m net/12 hrs) than in the nets without LED lights (6.5±2.1 turtle/100 m net/12 hrs), but did not significantly (t= 2.14, P>0.05) influence the fish catch. It was concluded from the study that LED light is an effective turtle by-catch reduction device. A recommendation for further studies on behavioural adaptation of sea turtles to LED light has been made.

Source: UCC
Assessment of the impact of some common weed management methods on the growth and yield of pineapples in Ghana

A 5X5 Latin Square experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field in the Ga East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region to evaluate the efficacies of different weed management systems and their effect on pineapple production. The different weed management systems evaluated were T1 - weedy check, T2- manual weed control (hoeing) only, T3- synthetic herbicide alone, T4- manual weed control and plastic mulch and T5- herbicide and plastic mulch. Treatments were replicated five times. Suckers were planted at a spacing of 90cm X 60cm X 25cm on 27 August 2010. Appropriate cultural practices were done at the right times. The results indicated that in all the growth parameters, the two plastic mulched treatments showed the greatest effect, followed by the herbicide-applied only treatment over that of the manual weeding treatment. Weed re-emergence was almost nil on the plastic mulched plots. Fruit weight of the two-plastic mulched treatments was similar, but was significantly higher than all other treatment effects. However, percentage exportable fruits were similar among the synthetic and plastic mulch treatments. The results showed that farmers are better off if they add plastic mulch to the application of herbicides for more effective weed control and quality fruit yield

Source: UCC
Assessment of the impact of some preharvest and postharvest factors on pineapple juice quality and safety

Pre- and postharvest factors play an important role in pineapple juice quality. In this study, the impact of maturity stage (unmatured, matured and overmatured), time of harvest (morning, afternoon and evening) and storage temperature (ambient and refrigeration) of fruits on pineapple juice quality were assessed using a completely randomized design with three replications. There was a significant increase in TSS (from 14 oB to 16 oB), total antioxidant content (139.25mg/kg - 220.95 mg/kg), total phenol content (from 50.02 mg/l to 63.53mg/l) and total flavonoids (from 7.68 mg/l to 9.61 mg/l) for overmatured fruits harvested in the morning and stored in the ambient before processing into juice. There was a significant difference between the interactions of maturity stage, time of harvest and storage temperature of fruits on the nutritional composition of pineapple juice. Sensory attributes were also evaluated on the maturity stage, harvest time and storage condition. For maturity stage, juice extracted from the overmatured pineapple fruits had higher overall acceptability compared to the others. Harvesting pineapple in the morning followed by ambient storage condition, resulted in pineapple juice with higher colour, taste and after taste score. Among the treatments, juice from overmatured pineapple fruit harvested in the morning and stored in ambient condition was considered to be more appealing to the panelists. The total plate count of the juice produced from all treatments ranged from 0 to 4.164 log CFU/ml, while yeast and mould count ranged from 1.903 to 4.227 log CFU/ml which were all below the microbial limit for juice. From this study juice extracted from overmatured fruits harvested in the morning has rich nutrient with good consumer preference.

Source: UCC
Assessment of the implementation of integrated financial management information system on financial accountability among municipal and district assemblies in the volta region of Ghana

The appalling financial management systems across all public organizations are the major setbacks influencing the economy. Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) is an information system that monitors and summarizes financial information on financial transactions. This study sought to assess the implementation of GIFMIS on government financial operations in relation to the management of public funds in MMDAs and the vital role it plays on financial accountability. The study adopted a quantitative approach, descriptive survey design and employed a regression analysis to determine the impact of GIFMIS on accountability. The findings from the study of a sample size of 316 indicated that, there is a negative relationship between implementation process and accountability. The study further revealed that, there is a significant positive relationship between implementation structures and accountability as well as a positive significant relationship between factors influencing GIFMIS implementation and accountability. With reference to the findings, the study draws the following implications, that are useful to government and other stakeholders involve. To the Controller and Accountant, trainings should be organised for the users of the system especially on the chart of accounts so that it can be more user friendly. To the development partners, they should intensify their supervisory role and funding should made available to improve structures especially the network connectivity and the backup power. To the district assemblies, Factors Influencing GIFMIS: good organisational structure, organisational Values Political Support should be improved and strictly adhered to

Source: UCC
Assessment of the Influence of Agribusiness Incentives on Youth Employment in Ghana. A Case Study of Atwima Kwanwoma District.

The future of the agricultural business is in doubt due to the poor engagement of young people in agricultural production. In many emerging nations, the agricultural industry is underperforming. This is due to the fact that young people, who nearly everywhere play important roles as farmers, laborers, and entrepreneurs, represent a critical resource for agriculture and the rural economy. This study sought to assess the influence of agribusiness incentives on youth employment in Ghana, a case study of Atwima Kwanwoma District. The descriptive research approach which is a quantitative research design was adopted for this study. The non-probability sampling technique was applied in this study. The youths that were unemployed and those that are currently or previously engaged in agriculture were the targets. The study indicated that there is a strong and positive relationship between economic and non – economic incentives towards youth employment into agribusiness. The study has revealed that, the government and other financial institutions have not made it easy obtaining financial assistance for agribusiness. Meanwhile there is no assistance from friends and family that can be relied on for financial assistance for agribusiness purposes. However, most people especially the youth are really ready to learn and undergo every training that is needed for them to enter into agribusiness in a large scale that will help benefit them and the country as a whole. It was recommended that since people do not have financial aid and supervision for agribusiness, there is the need for the government to make available financial, skill and technological assistance that will encourage the youth to enter into agribusiness.

Source: UCC
Assessment of the information and communication technology readiness of colleges of education in the Central region of Ghana

In their quest to produce teachers who can teach ICT as well as integrate ICT into the teaching and learning enterprise, the Ministry of Education and Sports has introduced ICT studies into the curricula of Colleges of Education. This study was meant to find out how resourced are the Colleges of Education in Central Region of Ghana in their duty to train future teachers who can teach ICT and also be able to integrate ICT in the education venture. The study also sought to find out what gains have been achieved so far, and also identify the challenges holding back the incorporation of ICT into teacher education. Descriptive survey was used for the study, and data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews. Stratified sampling and random sampling techniques were employed to select 43 tutors and 242 teacher trainees who responded to tutors’ questionnaire and teacher trainees’ questionnaire, respectively. The study revealed that the use of ICT in the teaching and learning at the colleges was emerging. However, inadequate ICT hardware and infrastructure, software, and books were identified as some of the major challenges. Additionally, the colleges lacked tutors who are knowledgeable in techno-pedagogical skills on how to integrate ICT into teaching and learning. It was thus recommended that the government should provide the colleges with well-equipped ICT laboratories with the necessary hardware, software, high-speed Internet connections and other accessories that will facilitate the integration of ICT into teaching and learning. Furthermore, the ICT knowledge base of the tutors should be improved through regular professional development programmes so that the tutors are in a position to teach the teacher trainees how to integrate ICT into teaching and learning.

Source: UCC
Assessment of the internal control system of Akatsi District Assembly

This study examined effectiveness and efficiency of the internal control system and its practices at the Akatsi District Assembly (ADA). The assessment considered the extent to which control environment consistent with policies at the ADA, how risks are assessed, and the extent to which the accounting systems are consistent to required standards, the extent to control procedures are adhered to, and monitoring and control mechanisms at the Akatsi District Assembly. Descriptive research strategy was employed by the researcher. The sample for the study was made up of thirty informants, believed to provide the needed information for the study. Informant interview was conducted. Findings of the study revealed that the control environment of the internal control system is sound enough for effective governance and management functions, for communication and enforcement of integrity and ethical values, and for easy identification of potential risks by management and deciding upon appropriate corrective actions. The study also revealed the existence of effective information and accounting system in the Akatsi District Assembly that is good enough for good financial reporting objectives, effective performance review, information processing, physical controls and segregation of duties. It could therefore be concluded that the internal control system at the Akatsi District Assembly is considerably effective for efficient managerial function. It is, however, recommended that management, through the Human Resource Unit, should organize training for all staff and Assembly Members of the ADA for all to appreciate the need for internal control measures to ensure the ADA’s finances are reported accurately.

Source: UCC
Assessment of the Levels and Distribution of Polychlorina Ted Biphenyls in Soils in the Vicinity of Electric Transformers in the Central Region of Ghana

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in surface soil samples from the Central Region of Ghana were analyzed to assess their distribution, levels and health effects. The soil characteristics were analyzed. Soils samples were digested with a mixture HN03 and HCI04 and the metals analyzed using Varian 235 AAS. The PCBs were extracted with (1:1) hexane:acetone mixture, cleanup with H2S04, 5% KMn04 and copper, and then eluted from a silica gel column with hexane:dichloromethane (97:3% v/v). The PCBs were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with 63Ni electron capture detector (GC - ECD) model CP 3800. The PCBs were dominated by penta and tetra PCBs homologous. The concentration of PCBs for the region was 7.99±0.38 /lg/kg. The levels for the vertical distribution were 9.15± 0.52 /lg/kg for (0-10 cm), 7.55± 0.56 /lg/kg and 7.82 ± 0.55 ug/kg for the 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm subsurface soils. The pH, clay, silts and sand content of the soils correlated positively with the PCB congeners. The effective cation exchange capacity and moisture showed negative correlation. There were no significant correlations between organic matter, exchangeable base, metals and the PCB congeners or LPCB at the 0.05 level. The levels of PCBs were below the soil contact value of 25 mg/kg. The toxicity equivalents of PCB- 118 were all very low. Most of the soils in residential areas had hazard Index greater than one. The estimated lifetime cancer risk to a Reasonable Maximum Exposure (RME) individual via the complete exposure (skin contact) was very low, and ranged between 3.0E-l1 and 3.0E-IO for adult resident and 5.4E-IO to 5.3E-09 for children resident, implying that the levels of exposure to soil PCBs are acceptable.

Source: UCC
Assessment of the levels of manganese, cobalt, copper and iron along the Coastal belt of Ghana

The study looked at the levels of manganese, copper, cobalt, and iron in water and sediments from seven different water bodies along the coastal belt of Ghana using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. The concentration of manganese, copper, cobalt, and iron in the sediment ranged between (21.3±7.7 - 178.2±63.6) mg/kg, (0.353±0.1 - 18.3±5.4) mg/kg, (0.45±0.21 - 2.81±0.53) mg/kg, and (700.2±328.7 - 4071±1612) mg/kg respectively. Water also ranged between (0.035 – 0.076) mg/L, (<0.003 - 0.01875±0.002) mg/L, (0.0265±0.04 - 0.21675±0.08) mg/L and (2.3365±0.1 to 1.33575±0.05) mg/L for manganese, copper, cobalt, and iron respectively. The contamination factors and pollution load indices also indicated less pollution of the metals in the seven water bodies. The study, though, revealed that the pollution level is not alarming, however, this seems to be increasing slowly. From this study, it is clear that the metals analyzed in these water bodies do not pose a threat to the ecosystem

Source: UCC
An assessment of the likely acceptability of vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention among women in rural Ghana

The findings of the CAPRISA tenofovir studies have raised expectations that soon an approved microbicide would be available. However it is in only a limited number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa that the acceptability of microbicides has been evaluated. We conducted a study to assess the acceptability of vaginal microbicides among women in rural Ghana. Methods: The study employs a mixed method design, using cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions to further understand issues related to awareness and attitudes towards microbicide development, acceptability and perceived partner attitudes among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in two health facilities in the Kintampo North municipality of Ghana. We used logistic regression to identify possible predictors of microbicide acceptability among the women surveyed. Results: Although only 2% of the 504 women were aware of the development of microbicides, 95% were willing to use one when it became available. he cost of a microbicide that will be considered affordable to 50% of women was US$0.75. Although there were concerns about possible wetting effect, gel or creams were the most preferred (68% of women) formulation. Although 71% thought their partners will find microbicide acceptable, apprehensions about the feasibility of and consequences of failed discreet use were evident. 49% of women were concerned about possible negative effect of microbicide on sexual pleasure. Perceived partner acceptability (O.R. =17.7; 95%C.I. 5.03-62.5) and possibility of discreet use (O.R. =8.9 95%C.I. 2.63-30.13) were the important predictors of microbicide acceptability. Conclusion: Achieving microbicide acceptability among male partners should be made a part of the promotive interventions for ensuring effective use among women in rural Ghana

Source: UCC
An Assessment of the Nutritional Status of under Five Children in Four Districts in the Central Region of Ghana

The study determined the nutritional status of under five children in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) districts in Central region, Ghana. Weight and height measurements for 120 children selected from 4 clusters were taken and survey data collected by structured questionnaire from mothers of the selected children. Prevalence of underweight/severely underweight stunting/severely stunted and wasting/severely wasted was 13.3%, 34.2% and 10.8% respectively. Results also indicated that stunting, wasting and underweight were more prevalent in girls than in boys and in children aged >2 - 5 years than those <2 years. Wasting only occurred in a small percentage of the boys and girls, and children <2 years. Survey revealed that there is a significant association between nutritional status of children and mothers’ age, education, nutrition knowledge and feeding practices. Wald statistics and confidence intervals after adjusting for mother’s age, education, occupation, father’s occupation and feeding practices showed mothers nutrition knowledge, feeding practices and mothers’ education as predictors of children nutrition status. Curbing teenage pregnancy, encouraging girls to pursue education, developing and implementing a comprehensive nutrition education programme for mothers with emphasis on providing quality nutritious and adequate food to children is highly recommended.

Source: UCC