ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Tenure security and soil fertility management: Case studies in Ghana and Benin [Sécurité foncière et gestion de la fertilité des sols: Études de cas au Ghana et au Bénin]

Within the framework of a larger research programme, Convergence of Sciences (CoS), studies were conducted on soil fertility management strategies in Ghana (Wenchi area) and Benin (Save area). Soil fertility management in both areas includes short-term and longer-term practices. Both regions are characterised by the presence of natives and various groups of migrants that differ in their livelihood strategies. Natives and migrants enter into various tenure relationships. Driven by the increasing monetisation of the economy, such arrangements have evolved from land-for-labour relationships to a more monetary system,. In general natives claim that migrants are negatively affecting soil fertility through their cropping practices, while migrants claim that the nature of the tenure arrangement leads to insecurity and leaves them no choice but to mine the soil. There is, hence, widespread mistrust between natives and migrants, and the prospects for durable tenure arrangements that could maintain soil fertility seem limited. However, recognition of mutual interdependence could form a basis for the build-up of trust. In this study we highlight similarities and differences between the two areas in terms of livelihood strategies of migrants, soil fertility management practices and tenure arrangements. We also indicate the way in which alternative soil fertility management strategies could be effected under different tenure arrangements and describe the negotiation processes that have been started with a view to implementing such alternatives.

Source: UG
Terms of address in ewe: Asocio-pragmatic investigation

This paper examines the address system of Ewe, a New Kwa language ofthe Niger-Congo phylum, spoken in parts of Ghana and Togo. It is shown inthis paper that the types of choices made by speakers when they addressinterlocutors is determined by the relationship that exists between theinterlocutors; this relationship is usually social in nature. The socialindicators involved in the choice of address terms in Ewe include age, socialstatus, and kinship. Data has been collected from various sources, includingdrama on TV, radio talk shows, and observation of actual interactions insome Ewe-speaking communities. © 2008 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
The Terra Preta Model soil for sustainable sedentary yam production in West Africa

Current declines in yam yields amidst increasing cultivated areas, land scarcity, and population surges call for more sustainable sedentary yam production systems. This study explored the nature of Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) as a basis for the formation of a related soil type known as the Terra Preta Model (TPM) soil for future sedentary yam systems. It builds on the influence of human beings in soil management and the formation of Anthrosols. Previous studies on the ADEs and biochar were synthesized to establish the fundamental assumptions required to form the TPM soil. The practical approach to forming the TPM soils is based on the intentional, integrated and prolonged use of biochar, municipal solid wastes, agro-industry wastes and products of ecological sanitation. Tillage options such as mounding, ridging, trenching and sack farming could be used for yam production on the TPM soils. Unlike natural soils, the longevity of ADE fertility is subject to debate depending on crops grown and cropping cycles. Therefore, a crop rotation plan is recommended to maintain the fertility of the TPM soils. The TPM soils, if adopted, are considered worthwhile for the long-term benefit of biodiversity conservation, efficient waste management, enhanced ecosystem services provided by soils and extensive adoption of ecological sanitation.

Source: UG
Terrestrial birds of the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar site

This study was undertaken as part of the environmental baseline studies designed under the Ghana Coastal Wetlands Management Project to collect data for the description of the ecological character of selected coastal wetland sites in Ghana and provide baseline data for long-term monitoring of the sites. We provide data on the species richness, species composition, relative abundance and conservation status of terrestrial avifauna of the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar site. The terrestrial bird study was concentrated in the two reserved forest blocks, Yenku Blocks A and B within the Ramsar site. A total of 114 species belonging to 25 families were recorded. Of this, the Yenku Block A site contributed 57 species belonging to 16 avian families, while the Yenku Block B reserve contributed 91 species belonging to 24 families. The most dominant group at both sites was the Muscicapidae. Encounter rates ranged from 12.0 to 28.7 species per km and 34.7 to 141.3 individual birds per km at Yenku Block A; and 14.0 to 26.0 species per km and 45.3 to 172.7 birds per km at Block B. Mist net catch rates were 1.9 to 2.2 birds per 100 mnh and 1.8 to 4.9 birds per 100 mnh at Block A and Block B respectively. The Little Greenbul was the dominant species in the transect counts at Block A, accounting for 16% of bird sightings, and five species, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Blue-bill, Olive Sunbird, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul and Grey-headed Bristle-bill accounted for nearly 60% of the mist net captures at the site. At Block B the dominant species in transect counts was the Barbary Shrike while the Yellow-mantled Whydah dominated the mist net captures. The status of the vegetation at the sites influenced the species composition and bird communities found. The Yenku Block A site had the greatest number of forest associated species and the highest proportion of rare/uncommon bird species (10.5% of total number of species recorded). Moulting was observed in 11 species of birds and evidence of breeding activity was observed in 13 species. The site supported seven species of birds listed as wholly protected on Ghana's list of protected species and 20 biome restricted species, comprising 19 Guinea-Congo forest biome restricted species and one Sudan/Guinea savannah biome restricted species. Despite the degraded nature of the Muni forest, the terrestrial bird species richness and composition is of sufficiently high conservation value for the site to merit more effective protection and management.

Source: UG
Terrestrial small mammal community structure in an anthropogenically-altered moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana.

The small mammal community structure of the Moist Semi-Deciduous forest zone of the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana was studied. A total effort of 2,340 trap-nights yielded 201 individuals belonging to 11 rodents species (order Rodentia) and three shrew species (order Soricomorpha). Additionally, 13 rodent species belonging to five families, Thryonomidae (1 species), Cricetidae (1 species), Anomaluridae (3 species), Sciuridae (6 species) and Hystricidae (2 species) were observed via ad hoc walks. The relative abundance ranged from 1.9% for the OKF to 17.2% for the ORA. Small mammal diversity was highest and lowest at the PKF and OKF, respectively. The species comprised forest specialists and species adapted to habitats ranging from grassland to forest clearings. Two species, Lophuromys sikapusi, and Mus musculoides were common to all the sites, and together with Mastomys natalensis, constituted about 70% of the total number of captures. The fresh biomass of species varied, with the weight of males being slightly higher than that of their female counterparts. About 60% of rodents showed signs of sexual activity. Species of conservation concern and management value included Crocidura grandiceps (Near Threatened) and the West African endemics Malacomys edwardsi and Hylomycus alleni.

Source: UG
Terrorism and Ethics in Counterterrorism in Africa

The terrorism canker is not a recent phenomenon in the international world, although it has gained much popularity after the events of 11th September, 200l. For many years, acts of terrorism in diverse forms have killed and endangered the lives of many people, jeopardizing fundamental freedoms and seriously impairing the dignity of human beings. Terrorist acts are unconventional in nature and this makes it very challenging for states to devise legitimate and effective means of responding to terrorist attacks. The study examines the problem of countering terrorism and in such a manner that the aims of terrorists are not promoted and anti-terror laws are not used as a façade to pursue idiosyncratic conflicts, ethnocentrism and administer political abuses. The work inquires how counterterrorism can be pursued and at the same time human rights safeguarded in Africa. The study employs a qualitative method in the gathering of data. Information was obtained from books, journal articles and internet sources. Findings of the study elucidate the violation of human rights by Kenya, Egypt and Nigeria in their counterterrorism measures. The measures critiqued included their counterterrorism laws, anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism strategies, and the actual measures adopted on the ground in countering terrorism. Various Human rights instruments were used to juxtapose the counterterrorism measures adopted by the various countries to ascertain the extent to which their measures respect or violate Human Rights. Some recommendations suggested are that the African Union should create an oversight Commission that will review counterterrorism laws adopted by states and ensure that they comply with human rights regulations. Also, an African Court of Appeal should be adopted for victims of counterterrorism-human right abuses to seek reparation for the violation of their rights.

Source: UG
Terrorism and Ethics In Counterterrorism In Africa

ABSTRACT The terrorism canker is not a recent phenomenon in the international world, although it has gained much popularity after the events of 11th September, 2001. For many years, acts of terrorism in di verse forms have killed and endangered the lives of many people, jeopardizing fundamental freedoms and seriously impairing the dignity of human beings. Terrorist acts are unconventional in nature and this makes it very challenging for states to devise legitimate and effective means of responding to terrorist attacks. The study examines the problem of countering terrorism and in such a manner that the aims of terrorists are not promoted and anti-terror laws are not used as a fade to pursue idiosyncratic conflicts, ethnocentrism and administer political abuses. The work inquires how counterterrorism can be pursued and at the same time human rights safeguarded in Africa. The stud y employs a qualitative method in the gathering of data. Information was obtained from books, journal articles and internet sources. Findings of the study elucidate the violation of human rights by Kenya, Egypt and Nigeria in their counterterrorism measures. The measures critiqued included their counterterrorism laws, anti-Money Laundering! Countering the Financing of Terrorism strategies, and the actual measures adopted on the ground in countering terrorism. Various Human rights instruments were used to juxtapose the counterterrorism measures adopted by the various countries to ascertain the extent to which their measures respect or violate Human Rights. Some Recommendations suggested are that the African Union should create an oversight Commission that will review counterterrorism laws adopted by states and ensure that they comply with Human rights regulations. Also, an African Court of Appeal should be adopted for victims of Counterterrorism-human right abuses to seek reparation for the violation of their rights.

Source: UG
Terrorism and Its Effects on Diplomacy: A Case of Boko Haram on West and Central Africa

Throughout history, major events have altered the way states relate with one another. These changes could be positive or the reverse, depending on the nature of the event. In recent times, terrorism is one such phenomenon, due to its far-reaching and devastating effects. The research provides an appraisal of how terrorism has affected diplomatic relations between states with a focus on the effects of the Boko Haram on the West and Central African sub-region. The activities of the Boko Haram have become increasingly alarming and it has caused countries to unite to find a solution to a common threat. The research discusses the diplomatic responses which have been instituted to realize this mission. The research through structured interviews discovered how terrorism affects diplomacy through the engendering of committees such as the Multinational Joint Task Force. The research further provided some recommendations in curtailing the menace of terrorism, recommendations which included the adoption of programmes such as youth employment schemes which would prevent idleness which can lead to even larger and more devastating problems. The research also concluded through observation that terrorism has the propensity to bring states together diplomatically because of the need to find a lasting solution to a shared challenge.

Source: UG
A test of behavioural changes to electronic levy: Evidence from mobile money transactions in a developing country

Even before its introduction, the electronic levy in Ghana stirred up different behavioural reactions from the public, despite the intention to use its proceeds to provide better public services. As a result, this study examines some of these behavioural changes using pre-tax survey data on the proposed electronic levy. Using a sample size of 2,810 individuals with mobile money accounts, we estimate a multivariate logit model with its marginal effects to determine the associated drivers of individuals’ behavioural changes to the proposed tax. The results show that the electronic levy is likely to have an immediate impact on an individual’s behaviour in positive and negative ways. Thus, while about 88% of the respondents indicated that they are likely to stop using mobile money or reduce their transactions, approximately 12% of the respondents rather reaffirmed their willingness to keep using mobile money or perhaps increase their mobile-money transactions. Furthermore, we find evidence that income, marital status, objective knowledge, trust in government, and the implementation timeframe are the sta tistically significant determinants of behavioural changes to the electronic tax in Ghana. The results suggest varying behavioural responses to the electronic levy in Ghana, which threaten the realization of expected revenues. We recommend proper education and advocacy at all levels and a keen consideration to implement the levy later, perhaps, when there is more trust in the government’s ability to use tax revenues prudently.

Source: UG
Testing global interdependence: Issues on trade, aid, migration and development

Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.

Source: UG
Testing the efect of an integrated-intervention to promote access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights among women with disabilities in Ghana: a quasi-experimental study protocol

.Abstract Background: There is evidence that women with disabilities (WWDs) experience the most difficulty accessing and using sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) services and information worldwide. However, there are cur rently no workable interventions to reach WWDs with essential SRHR services. This study aims to test the efect of an integrated health facility and individual-level intervention on access to SRHRs information and services among sexu ally active WWDs aged 15–49 years in Ghana. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design with four arms will be implemented in four districts in the Northern region of Ghana to test the efect of three inter-related interventions. The inventions are (1) capacity building in disability-centred SRHRs information and service delivery for healthcare providers, (2) support for WWDs to access disability-unfriendly healthcare infrastructure, and (3) one-on-one regular SRHRs education, information provision, and referral. The frst two interventions are at the health-facility level while the third one is at the individual/family level. The frst arm of the experiment will expose eligible WWDs to all three interventions. In the second arm, WWDs will be exposed to only the two-health facility-level interventions. The third arm will expose WWDs to only the individual level intervention. The forth arm will constitute the control group. A total of 680 (170 in each arm) sexually active women with physical disability and visual impairments will take part in the study over a period of 12 months. To assess the efect of the interventions on key study outcomes (i.e. awareness about, and use of modern contraceptive, ANC attendance, and skilled delivery among parous women), pre- and post-intervention surveys will be conducted. Diference-in-Diference analysis will be used to examine the efect of each intervention in comparison to the control group, while controlling for confounders. Cost-efectiveness analyses will also be conducted on the three-intervention arms vis a vis changes in key outcome measures to identify which of the three interventions is likely to yield greater impact with lower costs. Discussion: Lack of access to SRHRs information and services for WWDs is not only a violation of their right to appro priate and quality SRH care but could also undermine eforts to achieve equitable health under SDG 3. This research is expected to generate evidence to inform local health programmes to increase access to SRHRs among WWDs by strengthening local health system capacity to provide disability-sensitive SRHRs services.

Source: UG
Testing the Mediation Effect of Person–Organisation Fit on the Relationship between Talent Management and Talented Employees’ Attitudes

Purpose Previous studies suggested that talent management (TM) is positively related to employee work attitudes. However, a few studies have examined the mechanisms through which TM leads to employee work attitudes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of person-organisation (P-O) fit on the relationship between TM and employee’s job satisfaction, and organisational citizenship behaviours (OCBs). Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 232 talented employees from the Ghanaian banking sector, a partial mediation model was outlined and tested using structural equation modelling. Findings The results showed that TM had positive relationship with P-O fit, job satisfaction and OCBs. The findings further show that P-O fit had positive relationship between job satisfaction and OCBs and partially mediated the relationship between TM and both job satisfaction, and OCBs. Research limitations/implications This study used cross-sectional data; hence, conclusions regarding causality cannot be made. That is, the results must be interpreted as associations rather than causality. Practical implications Management should endeavour to use TM to help align talented employee’s competences, values and goals to those of their organisation. Originality/value This study contributed to the TM literature by providing a stronger and more plausible explanation of the relationship between TM and talented employees’ outcomes.

Source: UG
Testis size and asymmetry in the Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris): A test of the compensation hypothesis

This study explored the views of judges and lawyers of the superior courts of Ghana on the law criminalizing attempted suicide. Qualitative data were collected from 12 experienced legal practitioners of the superior courts (five judges and seven lawyers) using a semi-structured interview schedule. Thematic analysis of the data yielded three main perspectives: In defence of the Law, Advocating a Repeal, and Pro-Health Orientation. Although exploratory, the findings of this study offer cues for stepping up suicide literacy and advocacy programmes toward either a repeal of the law or a reform. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017

Source: UG
Tete wↄ bi ka, tete wↄ bi kyerɛ: Pius Agyemang’s Sacred Music and Ghana’s Catholic Liturgical Inculturation

This article provides an ethnographic reading into Catholic liturgical music rooted in African indigenous concepts. It analyzes some selected lyrics of the compositions of Pius Agyemang, SVD, who was a versatile Ghanaian Catholic composer and historian with vast knowledge in Ghanaian culture, to explore the nexus between Christian religiosity and being an African. These songs are not just literary texts but indigenous theology in action that expresses the religious understanding and reflections of a people within the context of Ghanaian indigenous knowledge system’s philosophy. The article shows how Pius Agyemang’s works provide a paradigm of indigenous theology that combines the Asante thought-form and culture with indigenous expressions of the Christian faith. It argues that there is complementarity between Christianity and the indigenous knowledge system’s philosophy that situates Christian belief in a stronger way in the Ghanaian traditional setting and serves as a relevant source of African Christian epistemology.

Source: UG
A tetraoxane-based antimalarial drug candidate that overcomes PfK13-C580Y dependent artemisinin resistance

K13 gene mutations are a primary marker of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria that threatens the long-term clinical utility of artemisinin-based combination therapies, the cornerstone of modern day malaria treatment. Here we describe a multinational drug discovery programme that has delivered a synthetic tetraoxane-based molecule, E209, which meets key requirements of the Medicines for Malaria Venture drug candidate profiles. E209 has potent nanomolar inhibitory activity against multiple strains of P. falciparum and P. vivax in vitro, is efficacious against P. falciparum in in vivo rodent models, produces parasite reduction ratios equivalent to dihydroartemisinin and has pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics compatible with a single-dose cure. In vitro studies with transgenic parasites expressing variant forms of K13 show no cross-resistance with the C580Y mutation, the primary variant observed in Southeast Asia. E209 is a superior next generation endoperoxide with combined pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features that overcome the liabilities of artemisinin derivatives. © 2017 The Author(s).

Source: UG