ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Risk Priority Number of 2.5 Mw Polycrystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Power Plant at Navrongo, Ghana in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Understanding failures of photovoltaic (PV) modules is one key factor in enhancing the reliability and service lifetime of PV modules; and hence reducing the cost of PV systems and financial implications on investment. This study seeks to identify the field failures associated with installed PV modules in the Ghanaian climatic condition, which minimize the performance of modules, and pose reliability issues to the solar plants as well as financial implications to manufacturers and investors in the PV sector. Physical examination of the modules using visual inspection checklist and their corresponding electrical performance parameters (I-V characteristics) measurement using multimeter and I-V tracer were performed on two models of the five (5) year old 2.5 MW PV power plant at Navrongo. A MatLab program was used to evaluate the failures and degradation modes of 144 Polycrystalline silicon (Poly-Si) framed modules under the hot dry climate of Navrongo. The program is a statistical reliability tool that uses Risk Priority Number (RPN) to determine the dominant failures by means of ranking and prioritizing the failure modes. The visual inspection revealed front glass slightly soiled, junction box lid fell off, cell interconnect discoloration and backsheet crack between cells as the peculiar failure issues either affecting the performance of the modules and/ or posing safety concern to personnel and properties on site. Mean degradation rates of 1.11%/year and 1.23%/year were respectively computed for Model A (Jinko solar) and Model B (Suntech technologies) types of modules for the power plant studied. These degradation rates values are beyond the standard warranty limit of 1.0%/year reported in literature. In addition, short circuit current (Isc) and fill factor (FF) were determined as the dominant I-V parameters affecting the power degradation rates of the Model A and Model B modules respectively. The study also determined the total Global RPN value of 606 for the Model A type of modules for this plant, whereas that for Model B is 583. These RPN values fall within the reported values ranging from 500 to 755 in literature. With this information, investors can have an insight on the worth of a PV Plant and viability of their investment before making a decision. From this study, it can be concluded that, the five years old PV plant in operation is not performing very well and needs urgent attention to avoid loss based on the degradation rates of the fielded modules.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of risks and constraints faced by actors along the sweet potato value chain in Ghana

This study was aimed at examining risks and constraints of actors along the sweet potato value chain in Ghana by focusing on Fanteakwa (Southern sector) and West Mamprusi (Northern sector) districts. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources with primary data forming the core of the study. Selection of 200 producer respondents was done using the simple random sampling technique whilst a combination of accidental sampling and snowballing techniques were used to select 100 traders and 80 processors of sweet potato. Value chain mapping was done to establish the linkages and relationships among actors along the value chain and the produce pathways. Descriptive statistics were used to identify and analyze risks and management strategies employed by value chain actors to mitigate them. The multinomial logit model and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were used to analyze the choice of risk management strategies and constraints respectively. The study results revealed that, the main actors along the sweet potato value chain are input suppliers, producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, processors and consumers. The sweet potato value chain was found to be buyer-driven and governed by collectors. The chain was also found to be weak. in terms of integration and access to market information. Risks along the sweet potato value chain were seen to be identical for particular group of actors. However, there was wide variation in terms of predictability and management strategies employed by actors. It was also realized from the study that, producers are constrained with high cost of chemical inputs, poor road network to farms and high cost of labour which hamper sweet potato production. Low commodity price, poor road network to market centers and long market distance are the most pressing marketing constraints for farmers. Traders also identified high transport cost, inadequate storage facilities and high post-harvest losses as the most critical constraints which are inimical to their sweet potato business. Limited working capital, limited access to credit and high perishability of produce were identified as the most constraining factors at the processor level. The multinomial logit model results revealed that farm size, amount of money saved, income from sweet potato, credit, sweet potato farming experience, output from previous season, education, extension contact and off-farm income significantly influenced the choice of production risk management strategy whilst the choice of price risk management strategy by farmers was significantly influenced by output from previous season, farm size, access to extension services, sweet potato farming experience and amount of money saved. Therefore, policies and strategies aimed at improving savings habit of farmers, education and sensitization through access to extension services, and enhanced access to credit are recommended by the study.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of risks associated with renewable energy investment in Ghana: A case study of Volta River Authority

This study assessed the risk associated with renewable energy investment at Volta River Authority, a semi-structured interview and questionnaire were used to access data from Management and staff of the Volta River Authority (VRA). The study reveals that the company recognizes various risks associated with renewable energy investment, risk identification is very crucial to plan appropriate intervention directed at fostering flow of capital into the RE sector. The researcher gathered that most of the respondents agreed on the impact of risks in the renewable investments in order to achieve corporate objectives. The responses gathered further reveals that most of the respondents identify the various barriers to deployment and mitigation for risks associated with Renewable Energy Investment (REI). It was recommended that Volta River Authority should explore the development of strategic alliance with complimentary players in the value chain component suppliers, utilities and financial institutions to create risk resilient consortium then hedging the significant risks associated to the disconnected across the value chain steps. The company should also explore the use of bank guarantees and/or insurances to secure engineering, procurement construction (EPC) and components suppliers to honor their contractual quality and services obligations. Competence of staff is a necessity to increase efficiencies in processes resulting in performance of renewable energy projects. It was further recommended that a systematic approach to risk management that uses a meaningful risk break down structure (RBS) and risk management plan. These aid better risk identification and minimization.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of rural livelihood systems in selected communities in the Northern Region of Ghana

This thesis uses the sustainable rural livelihoods framework to investigate the livelihoods systems of rural communities in Northern Region of Ghana. The communities in the area are among the poorest in Ghana and are largely dependent on natural capital for their survival. It is argued that livelihood systems in the area are complex, varied and dynamic, and that for development to be sustainable, it needs to be informed by a thorough understanding of the many factors that shape the context in which livelihoods are generated. The research is based primarily on ‘in-depth’ micro-studies of four villages in the region. It includes a detailed assessment of the extent of the various factors that make households vulnerable to livelihood shocks, trends and seasonality. The roles of the natural resource base, and the under-development of infrastructure and services in the area, are discussed in relation to livelihood prospects. A systems approach is used to examine the various ways in which livestock husbandry, crop farming, natural resource use, employment and migration interact. Finally, the thesis examines in some detail the distribution of household assets, livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes within the four villages. The study revealed certain livelihood challenges that rural folks grapple with. Generally low levels of assets (particularly natural, human, financial and physical) were found. It was discovered that rural folks engage in diverse activities to make ends meet or survive. The thesis also made suggestions of how to circumvent or resolve the major challenges discovered in rural livelihoods.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of school-community relationship and its effects on the academic performance of Junior High Schools at Dunkwa-On- Offin Municipality.

In today‟s competitive global setting, students‟ performance is an important element of the school‟s achievement. This study looked at school-community relationship and its effects on the academic performance of Junior High Schools at Dunkwa-on-Offin. The objectives were to identify the relationship between Dunkwa Junior High School and the community and the factors that account for it, examine the relationship between students‟ academic performance and community-school co-existence and identify the prudent ways of ensuring peaceful coexistence between the community and the school. The study utilized survey design of 290 respondents in Dunkwa-on-Offin who were sampled using the simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The sample consisted all JHS 1, JHS 2, JHS 3, opinion leaders and members in the community in order to maintain reliability. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect the data from the students whilst interview was conducted with parents and school authorities. It was found that as part of good relationship between the schools and community, the community members participate in school programs any time the school invited them such as “my first day at school”, “speech and prize giving day”, “PTA meetings”, “school anniversaries”. The study further found that there was a positive relationship between students‟ academic performance and community-school co-existence. The study revealed that students are able to perform better when the schools and community co-exist peacefully. It was found that through school and community relations both teachers and students are motivated which leads to improvement in students‟ performance. There were some few factors that hindered peaceful co-existence between the school and community such as truancy/child absenteeism, sexual harassment of students by teachers and poor academic performance. The study therefore recommends that these factors could be addressed by involving parents and opinion leaders in decision making process of the schools to bring peaceful co-existence between the schools and community.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of safety in some wood processing mills in Kumasi

A number of factors like high cost of putting in place safety measures, fear on the part of workers to push forward their demand for safety, use of obsolete machines, lack of record keeping, insufficient space, lack of proper training for workers and govemments inability to mandate safety inspectors to prosecute employers who violate safety precautions have affected safety in some of the wood processing mills in Kumasi. The others included absence of safety committees, lack of original spare parts from manufacturers, lack of maintenance for the few safety apparatus that have been provided, some workers considering the wearing of some of safety devices a bother and uncomfortable and some managements were more concerned profit than paying attention to safety and health matters of their employees. The criteria for the assessment of safety in some wood processing mills in Kumasi were based on that proposed by factory inspectorate division in factories, offices and shops Acts of 1970 and the factories (woodworking) regulations of 1959. In the analysis, order of decreasing adherence to safety measures by the plant staff included safety workers, management, operators and maintenance staff. It was observed in the field work that, wood processing machines were not safe due to incessant breakdown and reportable accident cases.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of sediment and water quality in the Owabi reservoir

The Owabi reservoir is one of the major sources of drinking water for the Kumasi metropolis and its surrounding communities. The streams serving the Owabi reservoir have been encroached upon with various human activities due to high population increase within the catchment area of the reservoir, resulting in the pollution of the water. This study sought to assess the extent of pollution of sediment and water from the Owabi reservoir, measure the chemical forms or speciation of the heavy metals and determine their bioavailability. Ten water and sediment samples were collected from ten different sites within the Owabi reservoir. The water samples were analyzed for pollution indicators using standard methods from the American Public Health Association (APHA). Parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, hardness and nutrients were all within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). Levels of lead, arsenic, colour, turbidity, total suspended solids, faecal coliform and E. coli were above the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). These make the water in the reservoir unsafe for domestic use without prior treatment or purification. Correlation analysis showed that arsenic correlated significantly with calcium, pH and conductivity, zinc also correlated significantly with fluoride, lead correlated significantly with magnesium and copper also correlated significantly with zinc. Factor analysis showed that agricultural discharge, domestic waste water discharge and the presence of decaying plant and other materials all contributed to the pollution of the water. The sediments were found to be acidic. The total metal content of Fe, Pb, Cu and Zn were also determined. The geoaccumlation index (Igeo) was also used to assess metal pollution in sediments. The sediment was found to be moderately polluted with respect to Pb and Zn and unpolluted with respect to Cu and Fe. Canonical correlation was carried out to establish the importance of pH, organic matter content (OMC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electrical conductivity (EC) in co precipitation and release of metals. pH was more important in co precipitating soluble Zn. Co precipitating lead and iron will more likely be associated with EC while co precipitating Zn and Cu will more likely be associated with CEC. Factor analysis was carried out on the heavy metals to identify the sites that were significantly polluted by the heavy metals. Sites Sl, S2 and S3 were found to be significantly polluted. Samples from these sites were subjected to a five step sequential extraction and the results showed that Zn and Pb were potentially bioavailable in the sediments. To understand the risk of the metals to the sediment dwelling organisms the data were compared with the Sediment Quality Values (SQV) using screening quick reference tables (SQUIRT). The comparison showed that Pb and Zn were above the probable effects level (PEL).

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Senior Staff Development at Electricity Company of Ghana (E. C. G) Koforidua Branch

The study assessed senior staff development at Electricity Company of Ghana (E.C.G) in the Koforidua branch by determining the types of senior staff development programmes, analyzing senior staff perception on their development, determining the problems that management faces in organizing senior staff development programmes and analyzing the trends in senior staff development programmes. These were done with the aim of promoting staff development in the study area because it was found that senior staff development programmes in the case study organization had been reducing over the years.Again, due to the absence of staff development policy, no structured staff development programme was followed in the organization causing a lot of agitation among senior staff. The ad hoc nature of organizing staff development programmes has also led to a situation where few workers have over benefited while the other staff have never had the opportunity to be trained. This study adopted the survey methods of data collection and analysis using mainly structured questionnaires.Stratified sampling method was used to categorise senior staff into their respective departments or sections which a sample was drawn from each department or section for the total sample size for the study. The sample size used was sixty one (61). A major finding of the study is that inadequate budgetary allocation, high cost of training and poor timing of development programmesare the main problems affecting staff development in the study area. It was recommended that there should be proper staff development planning which will take into consideration budgetary allocation and timing of staff development programmes.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of socio-economic and environmentalimpacts of oil and gas operations: a case study of the host communities under Western and Central coastlines of Ghana

The goal of this work is to assess perceived income decline of fishermen and farmers as results of oil and gas operations over the five years period (2010-2015) in coastal host communities under Western and Central coast of Western Region, Ghana. It is also, the objective of the study to examine apparent environmental problems (oil spills, gas flaring and other effluents) of oil and gas operations on host communities. This research followed contemporary research procedures, thus primary source was applied to obtain data for the targeted aims. Recall data approach was used for data collection process. An interactive Dummy Variable technique was employed to estimate the elasticity of oil and gas operations on fishermen and farmers income for both current and future terms. The Model total effect revealed that a percentage (1%) increase in oil and gas operations, all else equal, the fishermen average monthly income will decline by 1.86%.However, Interactive dummy variable technique actual shows that farmers do not experience any decline in income levels caused by petroleum activities on host communities. Some finding were that, majority of folks whose properties affected by oil and gas operations were not compensated for and those who received compensations were not comparatively compensated for and hence they bemoaned the payments. There is destruction of main traditional economic venture: fishermen are almost out of business and some farm lands, sacred vegetation are cleared. There is also high cost of living in some host communities: increased cost of goods and services and decreased income level of fishermen. Finally, there is an improved level of health, water and educational infrastructures in some host communities. The questionnaire method establishes that, oil spills, gas flaring and effluent have not engulfed host communities at the time of this research.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of solid domestic waste methods in the Afigya Sekyere District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

One of the major problems facing a nation is the need for proper disposal of the volumes of solid waste generated annually. Over the last few centuries, an increase in waste has caused environmental pollution problems in the world in general and most of the developing countries in particular. Unfortunately, most cities in the developing countries such as Ghana have not made any reliable effort to provide a means for the collection and disposal of domestic wastes, the accumulation of which represents a growing hazard. The main objective of the study was to assess the solid domestic waste management methods in the Afigya Sekyere District. This study adopted descriptive cross-sectional study design with household heads or substitutes and key informants as the study subjects. Multistage, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 427 respondents. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Focus Group Discussions were conducted to answer two of the specific objectives. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 14 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Most of the respondents lacked proper storage receptacles (60%) and majority of the people complained about distance to the waste dump site (59%). Land for controlled refuse dump was unavailable according to 73% of the respondents. The communities largely used an open surface dump (69%) as the final point of disposal for their refuse. Waste was transported to the dump site mainly on the head of collectors, 80% had no storage receptacles in their communities while 56% of respondents emptied their storage receptacles once daily. Refuse dumps used in the communities were insanitary (open surface dumps used by 69% of respondents). Seventy-three percent (73%) of respondents recorded unavailability of land for dump site. Breeding of disease vectors and disease outbreaks were stated as the major consequences of improper solid domestic waste management (60%). Cholera was listed as the commonest disease caused by improper solid waste management (38%). Supply of household bins and community storage receptacles (29%) was the most popular suggestion for improving upon solid waste management. The key recommendations were supply of household bins and provision of proper dump site.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of service quality delivery in the state and private funded universities in Ghana: a case of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Methodist University.

This study was undertaken at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Methodist University College Ghana. It was aimed at assessing the service quality delivery gaps in the public and private funded universities. Among the objectives of the study are to identify service offerings by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Methodist University College Ghana, evaluate the quality of service offered by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Methodist University College Ghana, perform a comparative analysis of service quality of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Methodist University College Ghana, recommend appropriate strategies to be adopted to close the gap between Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Methodist University College Ghana. Both primary and secondary data were used. The primary data was based on the field data collected with the use of both questionnaires and interviews conducted. Secondary data gathered were from literature of previously conducted research in the subject area. The data obtained were analysed using the SPSS. The research revealed that using the SERVQUAL model, service quality can evaluated in five categories; tangibles, responsiveness, empathy, reliability and assurance. The focus for this research was centred on teaching and learning. These indicators were meant to have an impact on the overall service quality delivery in Kwame Nkrumah University of science and Technology and Methodist University College Ghana. From the study it was concluded that service quality delivery in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Methodist University College Ghana is significantly different.

Source: KNUST