ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Studies on evaluation of internal accounting control system in commercial banks: A case study of Ecobank Ghana limited.

The Centre piece of control systems of organizations including financial institutions is the internal accounting control systems. This study seeks to evaluate the nature of the internal accounting control system of Ecobank Ghana. A qualitative descriptive case study with purposive sampling technique methodology was used. The main instrument employed was a questionnaire to solicit the opinions of management and employees of Ecobank Ghana and a sample size of 150 was used. Frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs were used in the discussion of the responses to the questionnaire. The findings indicated that Ecobank Ghana has established a carefully formulated and technologically automated dual accounting control system. However, the bank has failed to effectively monitor the level of compliance with the system. The recommendations made from the study were that Ecobank Ghana should make conscious effort to sensitise all the employees on the bank’s internal accounting control manual to enable the employees to have fundamental knowledge of the accounting control system. Finally, the bank should periodically update the employees through circulars, e-mails and workshops on the reviews and changes made in its internal accounting control system.

Source: KNUST
Studies on farmers᾽ indigenous technical knowledge and bio-ecology of Mango Stone Weevil - Sternochetus Mangiferae Fab. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Ghana

Studies were conducted on mango farmers‟ indigenous technical knowledge about the mango stone weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae L.) and the impact this knowledge have on the management of the weevil. Laboratory studies were also carried out on the bio-ecology of the weevil. For farmers' indigenous technical knowledge, the country was divided into three zones (Southern, Middle and Northern Zones) and structural questionnaire was administered to a total of 125 farmers chosen at rand om. Fruits were also collected from each zone and dissected to ascertain the levels of infestation. The results showed that awareness about pests among mango farmers was high (96.0%). About 34.4% and 35.2% of the respondents indicated the mango stone weevil and fruit flies, respectively , were the most important insect pests of the crop in Ghana. Only 40.8% of the respondents have adopted the use of garlic extract, pepper, neem seed extract, local soap (alata samina), wood ash and cow dung as part of the indigenous, non-synthetic materials for the management of insect pests on the crop. On the infestation of the mango fruits by the weevils, 15.6% , 38.1% and 46.1%, were recorded on mango collected from the Northern, Middle and Southern zones respectively. From bio-ecological studies, it was found that fresh mango flowers are the most attractive part to mango stone weevils ( S. mangiferae). The study also revealed that black colour significantly (P < 0.05) attracts more weevils than the other colours. This has shown that visual stimuli such as shape and colour have an effect on the habitat behaviour of the weevil.

Source: KNUST
Studies on growth and yield analysis and seed quality in some soyabean varieties Glycine max (L Merrill) in Ghana

Experiments were conducted to assess, the physiological determinants of yield in four varieties of soyabean (Anidaso, Bengbie, Nakpanduri and TGX 1293-2D), the effects of nodulation on grain yield, the effects of stage of harvest on seed germination, and the length and method of storage on seed germination. The variety Anidaso produced the highest grain yield in all the four seasons (1993 major, 1993 minor, 1994 major and 1994 minor). The study showed that, seed size correlated positively with grain yield and probably influenced yield most. Anidaso, which was the highest yielding variety, had the largest seed Grain yield was also influenced by season of growth, with the highest yields recorded in the major seasons for all the varieties. Growth functions, particularly LAI, LAD and CGR were generally higher in the major than the minor seasons, while NARs were generally higher in the minor than the major seasons. Nodulation was generally very low and did not show any significant correlation with seed yield, probably because the soil was not inoculated with the Rhizobium bacterium. The study showed small seeds as having advantage over large seeds in germination and longevity. Differences were, however, marginal in seeds produced in the minor seasons while substantial differences were recorded in the major season seeds. The variety Nakpanduri (the smallest seeded variety) germinated better than all other varieties regardless of the storage materials used or length of storage. Germination of seeds was, however, best for seeds harvested in the minor seasons than for those harvested in the major seasons. This demonstrated that, environmental conditions (particularly rainfall) during harvesting and drying of seeds probably influenced germination and longevity most. It was also observed that, seeds harvested “before physiological maturity” germinated better than those harvested “at physiological maturity” and “harvest maturity”, particularly in the major seasons. The storage materials (paper bag and high-density polyethylene bag) used in this study did not show any marked differences in their ability to store seeds. The study showed that, weather conditions particularly rainfall and possibly temperature during the harvesting and drying period appear to be more important in determining the germinability and longevity of soyabean seeds than the materials used for storage.

Source: KNUST
Studies on fungal storage rot and seed-borne pathogens of onion and their management

Surveys of fungi associated with postharvest deterioration of onion bulbs in four major markets in Kumasi Metropolis were conducted. Rotten onion bulbs obtained from the four markets: Abinchi, Anloga, Kwadaso and Central markets were infected by five fungal species: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusarium oxysporum. Of these, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. were the most frequently isolated fungi. Aspergillus flavus was the least encountered fungus. Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus niger were the most pathogenic. Black mould, Blue mould, Soft rot, Neck rot and Basal plate rot were the major postharvest diseases identified in a dry season survey in the markets. Incidences of these postharvest diseases were high in the wet season. Black mould enjoyed the highest incidence in all the markets. The lowest incidence was recorded for Blue mould. Seed-borne mycoflora of 37 samples of farmer-saved onion seeds from Bawku in the Upper East Region of Ghana were studied. Nine different fungal species were identified and isolated from the seeds. The most frequently encountered fungi species were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp. and Fusarium verticilloides with percentage occurrence of 33.3, 32.5, 25.8, 3.1 and 3.0 %, respectively. Efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts of Pawpaw (Carica papaya), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Cassia (Cassia alata) and Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in managing seed-borne fungi of Bawku Red were studied in vitro and in vivo. All the aqueous leaf extracts significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the radial mycelial growth of the test fungi (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Botrytis sp. and Fusarium oxysporum) in vitro. The highest percentage growth inhibition was achieved with aqueous Pawpaw leaf extract. In the in vivo test, all aqueous leaf extracts significantly (P < 0.05) reduced all the seed-borne fungi. Lastly, three fungicide/insecticide chemical seed dressants: Seed Power, Seedrex and Seed Star were evaluated for effectiveness in the management of seed-borne pathogens of onion. Seedrex was identified as the most effective seed dressant. However, seed germination was not significantly enhanced.

Source: KNUST
Studies on hybridization, gene flow and resistance status of M and S molecular forms of Anopheles Gambiae S.S

Anopheles gambiae s.s is the most efficient malaria vector in Africa, particularly in sub-Sahara African countries. An. gambiae s.s is composed of two sibling species differentiated by the chromosomal form and named M and S molecular forms. New advances in complete mapping of the distribution of the vector have recently encountered the gene flow between them. Though the two forms have just been considered as different species and named An. coluzzii and An. gambiae s.s for M and S form respectively, yet M/S hybrid specimen have been found in some West Africa countries. This study was designed to investigate in the laboratory the hybridization between the two species, the resistance mechanisms of the hybrid mosquitoes and its probable impact on the vector control management. Three different mosquito colonies, including an An. gambiae s.s M form resistant to pyrethroid and DDT, An. gambiae s.s S form resistant to all classes of insecticides and An. gambiae s.s S form susceptible to all insecticides were used to establish a hybrid mosquito colony. A slight mass crossing was done by inversely crossing 10 males and 10 females of each form. Resistance status and mechanisms of the progenies were determined using WHO susceptibility test and PCR methods respectively. An average of 50 males and 50 females were analyzed per crossing and per generation. The results showed that 100% of the females of the first generation of each crossing was M/S hybrid irrespective of the origin of the parent. Also all the males of each crossing inherited the female parent form, but none was found to be hybrid. Furthermore, all the hybrids showed similar DNA sequences whatever the crossing and the generation analyzed. In addition the progeny of the two resistant strains crossed recorded 66% and 80% kdr frequencies according to the form of male or female and higher than the resistant and susceptible hybrid progeny, yielding 50% kdr frequency. The ace-1 genotype was about 50% for all the hybrid progenies with a slight increment for the female M and male S forms progeny (52%). But no significant difference was observed among the ace-1 frequencies of the three M/S hybrids progenies. This study confirmed the hybridization of the M and S molecular form of An. gambiae s.s as reported, and also showed the resistance mechanisms of the hybrids according to the parent resistance status. However, additional investigations need to be undertaken to fully characterize the M/S resistance mechanisms and furthermore, their susceptibility to malaria parasites

Source: KNUST
Studies on levels of mercury, lead and zinc in some environmental samples from the Ankobra and Tano River basins in Southwestern Ghana

Metal contamination of aquatic environment may lead to deleterious effects from localised inputs which may be acutely, chemically toxic to aquatic life and humans. This study has been carried out to determine the levels of Mercury(Hg), Lead(Pb) and Zinc(Zn) in water, sediment and fish, and including Mercury(Hg) in human samples (blood, urine, hair and nail) in the Ankobra and Tano River basins where majority of the Ghanaian Gold Mines are located. Mercury was determined using the Cold vapour technique on the Perkin-Elmer 51 OOPC AAS equipped with F1-MHS. Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) were determined using the Flame technique. The average levels of Hg in water from the Ankobra and Tano basins were.O.384p.gIL and 0.227μg/L with the average levels in sediment being 4.312μg/L and 17.37μg/Kg respectively. Pb and Zn in water registered an average of 0.1 50mg/L and 0.224mg/L, and 0.1 l4mg/L and 0.O44mgfL in the Ankobra and Tano basins respectively. The levels of Pb and Zn in sediment from the Ankobra and Tano basins averaged 42.63mg/kg and 48.04mg/kg respectively. The levels of the heavy metals in fish from the Ankobra basin ranged as follows; Hg(0. 03-0.443μg/g), Pb(2. 504-14.04mg/kg) and Zn(4.756-l 5.49mg/kg), with that of the Tano basin being Hg(0.068-0.41 3p.g/g), Pb (2.747-1 2.01mg/Kg) and Zn(4.834-1 5.61mg/Kg). The results of Hg in human samples revealed that subjects of Anwiaso in the Ankobra basin have significantly higher Mercury levels. The subject with the highet blood Hg level registered 21 8.3μg/L. Levels in other media of the same subject, aged l4years, were; urine(66.98μg/L), hair(3.O85μg/g), and nail(6. 182μg/g).

Source: KNUST
Studies on levels of mercury, cadmium and zinc in fish and sediments from river Offin in Ghana

One hundred and forty eight fish samples covering twelve different species, twenty sediment samples and five soil samples were collected at five locations (Dominase, Nkotumso, Dunkwa-on-Offin, Buabenso, Awisam) along Offin River and analysed for total mercury, cadmium and zinc. Mercury was determined using the Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry employing an Automatic Mercury Analyzer (HG 5000 model). An Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Unicam 929 model) was used for the determination of total cadmium and zinc. The fish species included Oreochromis niloticus, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Labeo coubie, Brycinus sp., Hepsetus odoe, Mormyrus sp., Papyrocranus afer, Heterobranchus sp., Tilapia zilli, Synodontis sp., Sarotherodon melanotheron, and Schilbe mystus. Total mercury concentration in fish ranged from 1.02 to 795.94 ng/g wet weight, from 68.73 to 1066.65 ng/g in sediments and from 44.61 to 137.80 ng/g in soil. Total cadmium concentration in fish ranged from below detection to 0.10 mg/kg wet weight and was below detection in all the sediments and soil sampled whereas total zinc concentration in fish ranged from below detection to 18.16 mg/kg wet weight, from 13.57 to 47.81 mg/kg in sediments and from 8.45 to 81.49 mg/kg in soil. Synodontis sp. recorded the highest concentration (mg/kg, wet weight) of Hg (0.79), Cd (0.10) and Zn (18.16) in all the fish samples analysed. About 37.5% and 18.8% fish species showed positive correlation between muscle tissue mercury concentration and fresh weight, and muscle tissue mercury concentration and total length of fish respectively. Generally, there was an irregular distribution of these metals in fish as the river flows downstream towards river Pra. Analytical results obtained showed that, cadmium and zinc concentrations in fish tissue were generally below the WHO maximum permissible limit; however, 3.4% of the fish samples analysed had tissue mercury concentrations above the WHO limit of 0.5 mg Hg/Kg. Though the results of the research indicates that consumption of fish from the Offin River is unlikely to constitute a health threat to consumers, the concentrations of Hg and Zn obtained were of elevated levels compared to those obtained in the year 2000 in River Offin. Continuous mining along the banks of Offin River coupled with long term bioaccumulation of heavy metals through food chain is of major concern. The study also revealed that Synodontis sp. (locally called Nkontro) has a good Hg, Cd and Zn accumulation potential and may serve as a biomarker for toxicological studies for these metals in the Offin River.

Source: KNUST
Studies on intestinal parasitic infections in school children in Kumasi

Intestinal helminthic infections are one of the world’s most common infections contributing directly to malnutrition, anaemia and low academic achievement in school children. Data on prevalence and distribution of helminthic infections are however scanty in Ghana. The present study, therefore, sought to determine the prevalence and distribution of helminthic infections among primary school children in Kumasi and also show how certain habits and practices may contribute significantly to levels of infestation. Stool samples from 3970 randomly selected primary school children were examined using the formol-ether concentration technique. Factual information on each child was also obtained using pretested questionnaires. The survey showed that intestinal helminth infection is prevalent (38.7%) among the school children with Ascariasis being the highest in prevalence (16.1%) followed by Hookworm infection and trichuriasis. Ascariasis was also of highest prevalence in schools in the southwestern, northwestern and northeastern parts of Kumasi whilst hookworm infection was highest in the southeastern part of Kumasi. Generally, children from public schools showed higher prevalence than their counterparts from private schools, however, no significant differences (P 0.05) were recorded with respect to prevalence by age and sex. Children who did not usually wash their hands before meals, after play and after defaecation, those who do not use dewormers and those who regularly eat Street foods showed higher levels of infection and were also more exposed to multiple worm infestations. A combination of hand washing and regular use of dewormers significantly affected levels of worm infestation. The implications of these observations are discussed. This situation calls for increased health education activities in schools and the need for periodic deworming.

Source: KNUST
Studies on lactic acid fermentation of eggplant fruits

Eggplant fruits (garden eggs) are extensively used by majority of the Ghanaian populace. The eggplant fruits are usually in short supply during the dry season even though the fruits grow abundantly in Ghana during the rainy season. It is wasted because no modem preservation techniques exist. The crop is therefore subjected to seasonal fluctuations in quantity and price. This study was undertaken with the aim of producing fermented eggplant fruits with salt (NaC1) as a means of preserving and enhancing the nutritional value, flavour, aroma and the taste of the eggplant fruits. Seven different levels of concentration of salt were used (1.5, 2.0 to 4.5 %). Experiments were carried out to determine the appropriate pH, and percent lactic acid for the production of the fermented product. A salt concentration of 3.0% was favourable for the fermentation of the eggplant fruits. Proximate analyses were also carried out on the eggplant fruits before and after fermentation. The microorganisms responsible for the lactic acid fermentation and the flavour compounds present in the fermented product were determined. Finally, microbial analyses were performed on the packaged product as a means of determining the shelf life of the packaged fermented product. Fermentation of the cut eggplant fruits was successful. The fermented eggplant fruits contained 1.64% lactic acid, 0.18% ethanol and a pH of 3.58. The shelf life of the packaged fermented eggplant fruits in polyethylene under refrigeration was five months. The microorganisms responsible for the fermentation were Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc.

Source: KNUST
Studies on IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 response patterns to Glycans and their implications on allergies in a selection of Ghanaian school children from urban high, urban low and rural areas

Recent findings indicate many individuals in developing countries as not manifesting hypersensitivity reactions upon sensitization, due partly to the presence of cross-reactive Immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgEs) which recognize oligosaccharide epitopes with α3–fucose and β2-xylose core modifications; or galactose–α–1,3–galactose (α-gal). IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 response profiles were studied in a selection of pupils from urban and rural areas to printed glycan epitopes to compare glycan-associated antibody responses at different socio-economic levels in the Greater Accra Region, testing the hypothesis that cross-reactive antibody activity was more prevalent in the rural than urban areas. Out of an initial urban-rural recruitment of 2,331 participants who provided urine, stool, and blood samples, 20 each from an urban high (UH), urban low (UL), and rural (R) school, were randomly selected and their serum samples processed via a synthetic glycan microarray. With the ImmunoCAP, IgE titres in the 60 Ghanaian samples to a panel of allergens including bromelain, and α-gal were measured. For comparison, IgE, IgG1, and IgG4 response patterns to glycans were characterized for a selection of Europeans (N = 5) via the glycan microarray. Results indicated an area-associated trend, with higher IgE responses observed in the R than the urban areas towards α3-fucosylated N-glycans. Also, strong associations between S. haematobium positivity and IgE signal intensities to β2-xylose were observed. Glycan recognition patterns were similar for IgE and IgG1 across the 128 printed glycans, but differed for IgG4 which showed no clear pattern. High IgE and IgG1 signal responses were observed for the selected European subjects to be directed against core structures with either an α3-fucose, a β2-xylose, or both. IgG4 signal intensities were at threshold magnitudes, and did not yield any discernible pattern.

Source: KNUST
Studies on scale-up process for the cultivation of oyster mushroom (pleurotus ostreatus) on cocoa husk.

Cultivation of oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, on some agricultural wastes has been found to be feasible. Usually, in the tropics, the mass of substrates per bag used for mushroom cultivation is small (1 kg or less). During this study, the possibility of increasing the amounts of three cocoa husk substrates of average particle sizes 0.3 cm2, 0.6cm2 and 1.2cm2 respectively to 2kg, and producing the same or better effect was investigated. The effects of particle sizes of substrates, compost heights, methods of pasteurization and the quality of mushrooms produced were also studied. Other agricultural wastes and their combination with cocoa husk (0.6cm2) were also considered. Results from the study showed that cultivation of oyster mushroom on 2 kg of the substrates, in the tropics, is not feasible due to the larger amount of heat generated in the substrate, which subsequently killed the mycelia recurring contamination. For the three pure cocoa husk substrate sizes used, yield was much higher on 0.6cm2 followed by 1.2cm2 and finally 0.3cm2. In general, yield was highest on pure corncobs (P ≥ 5) followed by 50% cocoa husk-50% corncob, pure cocoa husk (0.6cm2). This trend was observed for both compost heights 0.Sm and 1 .5m, and also for both pasteurizations by autoclaving for 3 hours and drum for 10 hrs. With the exception of cocoa husk-corncob combination and pure corncobs statistical analyses indicated that the effect of substrate types, methods of pasteurization and compost heights differed significantly at 5% significance level. The physical qualities of the mushrooms determined were cap and stipe diameters and stipe length. Mushrooms cultivated on pure cocoa husk substrates generally were of higher physical quality than on other substrate types. From proximate analysis, moisture, fat, fibre, ash, protein and carbohydrate contents were found to be comparable and also within literature values indicating that cocoa husk could be used to grow quality oyster mushroom.

Source: KNUST