ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of soil fertility and quality for improved cocoa production in six cocoa growing regions in Ghana

Inadequate or lack of prudent soil fertility management by cocoa farmers leads to nutrient depletion in cocoa production fields. The objective of this study was to assess current soil fertility status of cocoa farms from six cocoa growing regions in Ghana and to derive an integrated soil quality index (SQI). Composite soil samples from 0 to 30 cm depth were collected from 100 selected farms covering the six cocoa regions. Soil pH, %C, %N, total and available P, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, K) were measured. These parameters were analyzed using principal component analysis, normalized, and integrated into a weighted-additive SQI. Soil pH of majority (59.0%) of the farms was within 5.6–7.2, suitable for cocoa production. Available soil-P in most (82%) of the farms was < 20 mg kg⁻¹. Soil quality in most farms was generally low, with an average SQI of 0.41 ± 0.14. Soil quality in Western region farms was relatively high, followed by farms in Brong Ahafo and Volta regions. Farms in Eastern, Central and Ashanti regions had the least soil quality. Soil pH, CEC and available P showed great influence on SQI. Given the latter observation, diagnostic yield response experiments should be conducted, which include: application of locally generated liming materials, organic residues and agro-mineral base fertilizers such as phosphate rock and dolomite. © 2018 Springer Science+Business Media B.V., part of Springer Nature

Source: UG
An Assessment of Sports Diplomacy as a Tool in Deepening Bilateral Relations between North and South Korea

Revolutionary changes in the diplomatic environment has led to the incorporation of sports and diplomacy - two distinct institutions – in theory and practice. The attachment of democracy to diplomacy has led to the call for more transparency in international relations by the global public. Stuart Murray believes the emergence of non-state diplomatic actors such as Multinational Corporations (MNCs), non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations and celebrities have become extremely influential in the diplomatic environment to the point of causing change in policies. These developments have forced governments to use sports as an indirect means to foreign policy ends. Sports diplomacy has been utilized by governments to conduct public diplomacy in the hopes of ending hostilities between two estranged states. The cricket diplomacy is a case in point. Recently, the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea has depicted the effectiveness of sports diplomacy in upholding truce and peace between the two Koreas. This study sought to investigate how peaceful co-existence between North and South Korea, spurred on by sports diplomacy, would impact on their co-existence and promote good neighbourliness. The objectives of the study are to establish and analyse the various means by which the Olympic Games has been used as a platform for sports diplomacy, examine the historical link between North and South Korea and assess the ramifications on the bilateral relations between North and South Korea after the 2018 Winter Olympics. Using secondary sources and interviews based on the qualitative approach, the study finds that North and South Korea have made several rapprochement attempts after the Korean War which were unsuccessful until the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. There have been unprecedented developments such as three inter-Korean summits within a space of six months, the destruction of guard posts located along the front lines of the DMZ and the bid for both Koreas to co-host the 2032 Summer Olympic Games. It was asserted from the interviews that further inter-Korean summit to ensure peace between the two Koreas would be held. However, it was not certain that Kim Jong-un would stop the development of his nuclear weapons. Proceeding inter-Korean relations would greatly benefit the North to curb starvation, develop its infrastructure and generate revenue for the regime and promote the fusion of similar yet distinct cultures between the two. Recommendations made include engaging North Korea in economic diplomacy due to Kim’s interest in economic security, employing double suspension to push Kim Jong-un to quit developing nuclear weapons in exchange for large scale halting of US military activities on the Korean peninsula and consistently engaging the North in sporting activities due to Kim’s particular interest in sports.

Source: UG
Assessment of storability of two maize cultivars in a hermetic triple layer biodegradable bag

Storage of maize is very important for food security, especially in developing countries; like Ghana. However, several abiotic and biotic factors cause considerable losses during its storage. Therefore, the work studied the effectiveness of hermetic triple layer biodegradable bags (HTLBB) and polypropylene interwoven bags (PIB) in reducing losses of stored maize. Experiments were conducted in a small holder farmer storage crib and in a laboratory. A factorial combination of HTLBB, PIB and maize cultivars, improved 'Obatanpa' and local 'Denkye' were used. The samples were stored for six months at an average temperature of 27°C and 58% RH. The moisture content, hidden infestation, weight loss, germination capacity and colour were assessed. A significant increase in the moisture content of both cultivars (12.4-15.4%) was found in HTLBB-stored samples probable due to airtight conditions and the respiratory activities of grains, while in PIB no significant differences were found (12.4-12.9%). Laboratory and field assessment of percentage germination and emergence was higher in 'Obatanpa' than in 'Denkye'. However, HTLBB-stored samples, kept 90% of germination capacity while in PIB-stored, a maximum of 60%. Weight losses were also lower in HTLBB-stored 'Obatanpa' and 'Denkye' at 7.4 and 3.8% than PIB-stored at 15.1 and 9% respectively, attributable to varietal type and hidden infestation. Colour changes were observed in both storage bags which were related to possible increase in carotenoid content during storage. As main conclusion, HTLBB has the potential to protect stored maize better than PIB without any chemical treatment; provided its moisture content is very low.

Source: UG
An Assessment of the Contribution of Amnesty International towards the Promotion of Human Rights in Ghana.

Human Rights and its laws are fundamental pillars that have been conventionalised to safeguard the life of every individual globally. It has, therefore, become a global concern that has attracted both local and international organisations, spearheading objectives and activities to see people from all race, religion, culture, language, sex, nationality, colour and ethnic groups propagate a common goal for interdependency and universality. As a result, governments across the world and international organisations are collaborating in diverse ways to promote these rights that are fundamental to every individual’s life. Among these bodies is Amnesty International, which has been in existence across continents since the 1960s. Through certain laws, conventions, rules and regulations, which are laid down with statutory endorsements, Amnesty International has worked over the decades to promote human rights wherever need be. The scope of their work span across different approaches such as consultations, advocacy, education, interventions among others, with the aim of seeking human rights at the core of its objectives. It is based on this mandate, that the organisation established the Ghana section in the 1970s. Amnesty International’s mandate attracts many influences such as cultural, economic, social, political and religious which one-way or the other births a challenge or success within any location of their operation. Ghana in this perspective is not an exception. Since its operations began in Ghana, like any other country, there has been pitfalls and challenges in their line of duty to project the concept of human rights to all. The study used a qualitative research approach infused with both semi-structured interviews and the review of books and journal articles in order to assess its role as to whether it is duly contributing to the promotion of human rights in Ghana or otherwise. With all the challenging factors that affect the objectives of the organisation, their contribution to the improvement of human rights in the Ghanaian community is worth knowing. Policy changes and promotions, death penalty abolition, a national housing policy, increased human rights, awareness and sensitization among others, are tangible successes the organisation has recorded and these areas are recommended for assessment and further studies.

Source: UG
Assessment of the determinants that influence the adoption of sustainable soil and water conservation practices in Techiman Municipality of Ghana

This paper assesses the relationship between farmer characteristics and the degree to which nine soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs) are adopted by 300 maize farmers in Techiman Municipality, Ghana. Farmers were surveyed for their adoption of nine SWCPs, and 24 other characteristics including demographics, socio-economic factors, risk factors and costs of production. Sustainable soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs) in sub-Saharan Africa such as Ghana are important because they have positive effects on yield, increase sustainability of farming, stop degradation and reduce soil erosion. The adoption of sustainable soil and water conservation practices in the agricultural industry of Ghana has been variable. This study aims to explain differences in farmer adoption of SWCPs, by assessing factors that vary with the number of different SWCPs used by farmers. Hence, the Poisson model was used. The results show that farmer's household size, farm size, access to credit services and formal training of maize farmer have a positive significant association with the number of soil and water conservation practices adopted by maize farmers while distance to nearest output market, distance to input center, access to extension services, and risk of pest and diseases have a negative significant association with the number of soil and water conservation practices adopted by maize farmers at 5% significance level. The study concludes that any further research in Techiman Municipality on soil and water conservation practices should acknowledge the mixture of personal and demographic, institutional, socio-economic and risk factors. This suggests that agricultural policies formulated by the government should be aimed at supporting maize farmers to have access to extension service contact for frequent disseminating of agricultural technology information which is likely to increase the rate of adoption of soil and water conservation practices. © 2019 International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation and China Water and Power Press

Source: UG
Assessment of the dynamics of the Volta river estuary shorelines in Ghana

Estuarine shorelines similar to marine coastlines are highly dynamic and may increase disaster risk in vulnerable communities. The situation is expected to worsen with climate change impacts and increasing anthropogenic activities such as upstream water management. This study assessed shoreline changing trends along the Volta river estuary in Ghana as well as the marine coastline using satellite imageries, orthophotos and topographic maps spanning a period of 120 years (1895, 1990, 2000, 2005 and 2015). Linear regression method in the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) was used to determine the estuary shoreline migration trend by estimating the shorelines rate of change for the eastern and western sides of the estuary. The rates of change of the marine coastlines on the east and west of the estuary were also estimated. The results show that the eastern and western shoreline of the estuary are eroding at an average rate of about 1.94 m/yr and 0.58 m/yr respectively. The coastlines on the marine side (eastern and western) are eroding at an average rate of about 2.19 m/yr and 0.62 m/yr respectively. Relatively high rates of erosion observed on the eastern estuarine shoreline as well as the coastline could be explained by the reduced sediment supply by the Volta River due to the damming of the Volta River in Akosombo and the sea defence structures constructed to manage erosion problems. The trend is expected to increase under changing oceanographic conditions and increased subsidence in the Volta delta. Effective management approach, such as developing disaster risk reduction strategy, should be adopted to increase the resilience of the communities along the estuarine shoreline and increase their adaptive capacity to climate change hazards and disasters.

Source: UG
An assessment of the effects of some aspects of water quality on amphibian reproduction

As a result of their quasi-terrestrial lifestyle, adult amphibians are generally believed to be less-affected by water quality compared to completely aquatic organisms. This study investigated the effects of sewage pollution on the early developmental stages of anurans or tail-less amphibians (frogs and toads). The methodology involved a field survey of anurans in varied ranges of water quality, and monitoring of anuran eggs and tadpoles in controlled water media in the laboratory. The results indicated that turbidity and dissolved oxygen content of water severely affected the survival of tadpoles (anuran larvae) and the ability of anuran eggs to hatch. LD50 values indicated that the eggs failed to hatch when dissolved oxygen and turbidity levels were below 2.9 mgl-1 and above 22 NTU respectively. At dissolved oxygen and turbidity values of 2.3 mgl-1 and 35 NTU respectively, 50% of tadpoles survived. The level of pollution in the urban stream used in the experiment required 87% dilution to support the hatching of anuran eggs and 82% dilution to support survival of the tadpoles. These required dilution levels could only be obtained after heavy rains, suggesting that in addition to preventing dessication of eggs and tadpoles, the anuran strategy of breeding after rains has an added advantage of minimizing the effects of pollutants on their early developmental stages.

Source: UG
An Assessment of the Effects of the Bagre Hydro Dam Spillage on Ghana-Burkina Faso Relations.

Ghana’s relations with Burkina Faso has been cordial. The two countries are closely linked by blood ties of some ethnic groupings along their common border and more so they share the Volta River Basin which is indispensable in their development drive. The Volta River Basin serves as a major source of energy and transport in Ghana. Ghana-Burkina Faso relations has, however, been threatened since the completion of construction of the Bagre multipurpose dam on the White Volta sub-basin in Burkina Faso in 1992. Ghana has accused Burkina Faso of excessive water withdrawal, which leads to low water in the Volta Lake and affecting the operations of the Akosombo hydro dam in Ghana. Heavy rains resulting from the effects of climate change has compelled Burkina Faso to annually open the flood gates of its dam, which has always inundated communities downstream in Ghana along the White Volta River and its tributaries, with devastating consequences. The management of the Bagre dam could serve as a potential source of conflict, especially if unilaterally managed, or as a source of promotion of cooperation between the two countries if well managed through collaboration. Through qualitative research, this thesis looks at key issues such as the menacing impact of the Bagre Dam spillage and its attendant consequences in downstream Ghana. It also investigates the effects of the foregoing on Ghana-Burkina Faso relations and interventions taken in order to minimise any possible tension over the operations of the Bagre Dam. Through the use of interviews and focus group discussions conducted in the Bawku West, Talensi and Binduri Districts and the Bawku East Municipality of the Upper East Region, as well as interviews with other relevant stakeholders, the research findings show that local/national initiatives and inter-state collaborations have led to cooperation between Ghana and Burkina Faso contrary to media reports and fears of some Ghanaians, labelling the Dam as a potential source of conflict between the two countries.

Source: UG
An assessment of the extent and causes of food insecurity in northern Ghana using a livelihood vulnerability framework

The article describes the food insecurity situation in three villages in northern Ghana. A livelihood approach is used emphasising the vulnerability of the peasants' adaptation to a marginal and remote area. The peasant households are grouped according to level of food insecurity. It is argued that multiple income sources including non-farm activities are necessary to reduce food insecurity for all but a small part of the peasant households. © 2006 Springer Science + Business Media B.V.

Source: UG
Assessment of the ideal body image of women in Accra, Ghana

The hypothesis tested in this study was that the 'traditional build' is the culturally valued body shape by Ghanaian women. Culturally sensitive figural stimuli were designed to assess the current body image (CBI) and the ideal body image (IBI) of Ghanaian women. The most frequently selected model for the CBI was one that represented a slightly overweight woman; the IBI selected was consistent with a representation of normal body mass index; and the least healthy image was that figure that represented morbidly obesity.

Source: UG
Assessment of the Impact of Drug Trafficking on National Security A Case Study of Ghana.

Historical account of drug cultivation and trafficking in West Africa suggests that the menace is not a recent phenomenon but has its roots dating to as far back as the 1920s and 1930s. However, the 1960s witnessed the emergence of large scale smuggling of African-grown marijuana from Nigerian and Ghanaian which attracted national, regional and global attentions. However, the early 1980s witnessed a paradigm shift towards cocaine and heroin business often handled by Nigerians and their Ghanaian counterparts. Therefore, this study focuses on analysing impact of drug trafficking on the National Security of Ghana; with central focus to human security dimensions. Though drug trafficking is a global phenomenon, the scope of this study focuses primarily on impacts of drug trafficking on Ghana‘s national security. Despite the fact that, the concept of national security encapsulates both state security and human security, this study focuses essentially on analysing the impacts of drug trafficking from the human security perspective. The study is purely qualitative and relies primarily on literature review and interviews for data collection and analyses. From the study, drug trafficking in Ghana affects the economic, health, food, personal, political, environmental and community securities of citizens in the country. It also affects National Security of the country including increase in crime and violence rates in the country. The study also reveals that NACOB is the main government institution in the country enjoined to address and tackle the prevalence and menace of drug trafficking in the country. However, NACOB and the Government of Ghana face certain challenges to be able to effectively tackling the growing menace of drug trafficking in the country. Paramount among these challenges includes financial constraints and poor coordination between NACOB and its supportive institutions to enable it carry out its core mandates. Following from the findings, the study concludes that, Drug Trafficking in Ghana, has significant implications on the national security of the country; especially the human security of its populace. Towards this end, the study recommends that, the government should increase the number of personnel as well as the financial base and logistics of NACOB to be able to carry their mandates effectively. In addition, it also recommends that, there is a need for vibrant coordination between NACOB and its supporting institutions, especially among the Ghana Navy, NACOB and National Security to be able to effectively clamp the menace in the country.

Source: UG
An Assessment of the Implementation of SDG3 in Elderly Health Care Delivery in Ghana

The elderly go through diverse challenges during their course of life. One of such difficulties affects the health of the elderly and the outcomes of elderly health delivery services. There have been many mechanisms used to enhance elderly health care considering the fact that there has been an increase in the aged population over the years. This study sought to assess the implementation of SDG3 in elderly health care delivery in Ghana. To obtain this objective, qualitative research approach was used to collect primary and secondary data for analysis and discussion. Primary data were obtained using a semi-structured interview guide for officials from GHS, KBTH and GAEC Hospital whiles secondary data sources were from reports, books, journal articles, policy documents, official documents, research papers, internet sources and articles. The SDGs constitute a framework to ensure sustainable development in all spheres of the state, including health. Geriatric care seeks to ensure health care for the elderly in Ghana. Interventions have also been made to ensure the realisation of SDG3 in the elderly health services delivery through UHC, and reduction of NCDs. However, some challenges have been encountered in the implementation of SDG3 in the elderly health care delivery. These include constraints on human resources, challenges associated with NCDs treatment and prevention, shortfalls of NHIS and inadequate funding. So, to curtail these challenges and improve on the others, it is suggested that funds should be set aside for health care delivery for the elderly. GHS and its stakeholders must also implement the framework to ensure easy access for elderly patients with NCDs, and the training needs for health care of the elderly must be reviewed.

Source: UG
Assessment of the infectivity of malaria parasites from asymptomatic school children to Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes in a high transmission area in Ghana

Asymptomatic carriage of malaria parasite is a major public health issue in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa. These infections are mostly sub-microscopic and not detected by routine malaria screening methods. Asymptomatic malaria infection carriers serve as an infectious reservoir for malaria transmission. This study assessed the infectivity of asymptomatic children to Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes in a high transmission area in Ghana. Ninety-eight (98) healthy children were screened for malaria parasites by microscopy and PCR. Sub-microscopic gametocytes carriage was also determined using RT-PCR. Blood samples from asymptomatic parasite carriers were used in membrane feeding assays of laboratory colonies of An. gambiae mosquitoes. Infectivity was assessed by dissection of mosquito midguts and the mosquito infection rate and oocyst densities were recorded. The total participants that were asymptomatic for malaria was 73/98 (74.49%). Malaria parasite prevalence was 13.7% by microscopy and 78.08% by PCR. Sub-microscopic infections accounted for 64.38% (47/73) of the asymptomatic parasite carriers. No gametocytes were detected, however, the Pfg377 gene was observed in 33.33% (19/57) of the asymptomatic parasite carriers. Blood from 4 out of 19 asymptomatic carriers, associated with carriage of sub-microscopic gametocytes, were found to be infectious to the An. gambiae mosquitoes. The average oocyst density observed was 0.01, with an overall mosquito infection rate of 0.07. This data will be helpful in improving current malaria control efforts in Ghana.

Source: UG