ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A sociological study on solid waste management practices in the Birim North District, Ghana

This work looks at solid waste management practices in the Birim North District, Ghana. The study used political economists’ perspectives in provision and management of public service to analyse waste disposal practices in the study communities. The aim was to explore factors responsible for indiscriminate dumping and burning of domestic waste in the Birim North District and suggest solutions to address the problem. Methodologically, the qualitative approach was used to select 87 participants to participate in the study. Sampling methods used were purposive, convenient and accidental sampling. Interview, focus group discussion and personal observation were the tools used to collect data. Themes formed from the data collected in respect to the research objectives informed the analysis. The study revealed that waste is dumped and burnt indiscriminately in the study communities and factors responsible for it are that distance between homes and waste dumps is far, waste materials and equipment are inadequate, waste education campaigns are not effective and inadequate funds have also prevented the District Assembly from regular transportation of the skip containers when the containers were full with waste. Hence the thesis recommended that, the Assembly should provide more waste bins to the communities if possible for every ten houses should have one mobile waste bin in each community to help reduce indiscriminate household waste disposal practices. Also, the Assembly should embark on effective waste education campaign to help reduce indiscriminate waste disposal practices

Source: UCC
Sociololgical and financial aspects of funerals in an urban area: A case study in Takoradi

Throughout time people have been concerned with questions regarding life and death, mortality and immortality. So, the disposal of the dead and funeral have been given special attention. This study therefore seeks to find out whether the impression that funerals have more negative than positive effects on the Takoradi community is true or not. The sample for the study was taken from the Takoradi community made up of family heads, bereaved family members, those committees in charge of planning and implementing the funeral and other visitors to the funerals. This study investigated the nature of expenditure for funerals in the Takoradi community, evaluated whether or not there was a break-down of bereaved family ties during and after funerals, examined how funerals influenced relationship among the bereaved family members and investigated whether or not the bereaved children dropped out of school after funerals. It was found out that funerals result in the loss of wealth for the bereaved family, and also the funerals in Takoradi are relatively expensive. To some extent the role of integrating and disintegrating relationships in the bereaved families takes place during funerals. Sometimes the celebration of funerals could result in the family members being unable to pay school fees for their children and the deceased children. It was also realised that people spent so much time and money on funerals because others are doing the same. So, in conclusion the study revealed that funerals have more negative than positive effects on the people of the Takoradi community.

Source: UCC
Socio‑economic and demographic determinants of female genital mutilation in sub‑Saharan Africa: analysis of data from demographic and health surveys

Owing to the severe repercussions associated with female genital mutilation (FGM) and its illicit status in many countries, the WHO, human rights organisations and governments of most sub-Saharan African countries have garnered concerted efforts to end the practice. This study examined the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with FGM among women and their daughters in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We used pooled data from current Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018 in 12 countries in SSA. In this study, two different samples were considered. The first sample was made up of women aged 15–49 who responded to questions on whether they had undergone FGM. The second sample was made up of women aged 15–49 who had at least one daughter and responded to questions on whether their daughter(s) had undergone FGM. Both bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed using STATA version 13.0. The results showed that FGM among women and their daughters are significantly associated with household wealth index, with women in the richest wealth quintile (AOR, 0.51 CI 0.48–0.55) and their daughters (AOR, 0.64 CI 0.59–0.70) less likely to undergo FGM compared to those in the poorest wealth quintile. Across education, the odds of women and their daughters undergoing FGM decreased with increasing level of education as women with higher level of education had the lowest propensity of undergoing FGM (AOR, 0.62 CI 0.57–0.68) as well as their daughters (AOR, 0.32 CI 0.24–0.38). FGM among women and their daughters increased with age, with women aged 45–49 (AOR = 1.85, CI 1.73–1.99) and their daughters (AOR = 12.61, CI 10.86–14.64) more likely to undergo FGM. Whiles women in rural areas were less likely to undergo FGM (AOR = 0.81, CI 0.78–0.84), their daughters were more likely to undergo FGM (AOR = 1.09, CI 1.03–1.15). Married women (AOR = 1.67, CI 1.59–1.75) and their daughters (AOR = 8.24, CI 6.88–9.87) had the highest odds of undergoing FGM.

Source: UCC
Soft Power Through Nation Branding: A Study of Ghana‘S Tourism Industry

The advent of diplomatic relations has brought a twist in power acquisition. In recent times, states barely acquire and demonstrate their power using hard means/ military. Instead, they have resorted to soft means – accruing soft power by doing so. One of the ways states acquire soft power is through nation branding. In Ghana for instance, there was a conscious effort at nation branding in 2009 through the ―Brand Ghana‖ project which covered various facets of the economy. Nonetheless, in recent years, the tourism industry seems to be used as a prop to attain this agenda. Though quite successful, little attention has been paid to what its success means to the nation‘s diplomatic relations. This project therefore, sought to analyse the existence of Ghana as a brand and ascertain the impact the "See, Eat, Wear and Feel Ghana" project of 2017 and the "Year of Return" project of 2019 has had on Ghana‘s diplomatic relations. The research was based on thematic content analysis and relied on both secondary and primary data. This text explored the relationship between nation branding, tourism and soft power. An analysis of the Brand Ghana project is also made to aid a better understanding of Ghana‘s commitment to nation branding. The research found that Ghana has no concerted strategy towards nation branding and that since the futility of the Brand Ghana agenda, attempts have been made to brand Ghana using its tourism prowess. Lastly, the research revealed that Ghana has an enormous tourism potential which can be used as a linchpin for soft power acquisition. For this to happen, there needs to be a nation branding policy, adequate investment in the tourism industry and concerted stakeholder effort.

Source: UCC
Soft-Tissue Sarcoma in Black Africans: Pattern, Distribution and Management Dilemma

Background: Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors that arise predominantly from the embryonic mesoderm. Currently, >70 different histologic types of STS have been identified. There is no identifiable etiology in most cases of STS even though a variety of predisposing or associated factors have been identified. The American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 8,680 new cases were expected to be diagnosed, and 3,660 deaths in the United States were a result of STS in 2004. This study shows the pattern, distribution and problems of STS in a black African population. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 209 patients that were managed for STS between the periods of January 1985 to December 2004. Materials for the study were obtained from the case notes as well as the histopathology reports of the patients. Results: Two-hundred-nine patients were treated for STS during the 20-year study period. The peak incidence of age occurred between the third and sixth decades of life with a slightly male preponderance. Fibrosarcoma was the commonest STS, followed by malignant fibrous histocytoma, liposarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Fibrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histocytoma and liposarcoma are more common in the extremities while leiomyosarcoma is more common in the intra-abdominal region. Conclusion: The treatment of STS is a multidisciplinary approach, and patients have benefited from multimodality treatment. In the western countries, STS most commonly present as asymptomatic masses with tumors in the distal extremities, often small in size when discovered. In our own environment, delayed and advanced stages of the disease are the rule. Modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are not commonly available-and where they are available, they are usually not affordable for the majority of our patients. We need to establish good interdisciplinary relationships among the managing physicians and educate our patients on early presentation to the hospital.

Source: UCC
Soil moisture dynamics in coastal savanna soils in the tropics under different soil management practices

Soil moisture is important for crop cultivation and its adequacy to meet crop-water requirements is determined by the degree of soil management practiced and the quantity of water applied to the soil. This study investigates soil moisture dynamics on three plots: Bare (clean, weeds removed), Weedy (kept weedy), and Mulched (cleared of weeds and fully covered with grass mulch) during rainy and dry periods at the Teaching and Research Farm at the University of Cape Coast, in the coastal savanna zone of Ghana. Soil moisture dynamics under different levels of soil compaction were also studied. A Massey Ferguson tractor (MF265) was used to compact the soil at various levels by making 0, 1, 5, 9 and 13 passes. During both the rainy and the dry periods, moisture retention in the soil under bare, weedy and mulched plots increased with depth. During the rainy period, the mean soil moisture retention was in the order: Mulched > Weedy > Bare at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths. Within a 7-day period, soil moisture measurements from a day after heavy rainfall (intensity > 7 mm h-1) gave mean moisture losses of 2.7, 4.1 and 3.9% for the Bare, Weedy and Mulched plots, respectively. During the dry period, however, the mean soil moisture retention was of the order: Mulched > Bare > Weedy at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths. Mean moisture loss during a 7-day dry period was 4.5, 2.9 and 3.4% for the Bare, Weedy and Mulched plots, respectively. Under different levels of soil compaction, the mean moisture retention in the soil increased from 8.3% at 0 pass to 17.8% at 13 passes within the 0–20 cm depth, whilst it decreased from 13.3 to 5.9% from 0 to 13 passes, respectively, within the 20–40 cm depth. It was realized that at less than two passes, the mean soil moisture retention within the 0–20 cm depth was less than the mean moisture retention within the 20–40 cm depth, but the converse happened for more than two passes. The study showed that mulching the soil surface helped to retain enough soil moisture during both the rainy and the dry seasons. Also, soil with high sand content required some sort of soil compaction in order to retain enough moisture at the crop rooting zone

Source: UCC
Soil organic carbon storage and quality are impacted by corn cob biochar application on a tropical sandy loam

Purpose Humic substances, which are integral components of total organic carbon (TOC), influence soil quality. The study aimed to investigate whether humic and non-humic fractions exhibit early, consistent, and measurable changes and affect TOC sensitivity and storage in a tropical sandy loam soils amended with corn cob biochar. Materials and methods There were four treatments with four replicates established in a randomized complete block design. Composite soil samples were taken from plots without biochar (CT), from plots incorporated with 15 t biochar ha-1 (BC-15), and 30 t biochar ha-1 without or with phosphate fertilizer (BC-30 and BC-30+P). The TOC, and humin, humic acid (HA), and fulvic acid (HA) fractions of soil organic carbon were determined for each treatment. The optical densities (400–700 nm) were measured on the soil-free extracts by spectrophotometry; the densities measured at 465 and 665 nm were used to calculate the E465/E665 ratios. Results and discussion The BC-30 and BC-30+P plots recorded the highest TOC, humin, humic acid (HA), and fulvic acid (FA) contents with respect to the lowest in the CT. The total exchangeable carbon stratification was significantly higher in all the biochar-treated plots relative to the CT. Spectral analysis showed higher values of E465/E665 (5.02 and 5.15) in the CT and BC-15- treated soils, respectively, compared with the BC-30 and BC-30+P-amended soils with E465/E665 ratios of 2.76 and 2.98, respectively. Conclusions Corn cob biochar applied to a tropical sandy loam: • increased the concentrations of HA and FA and led to increased stratification of TOC, with a stronger effect on HA compared with FA; • significantly lowered E465/E665 at the high biochar application rate of 30 t ha-1, implying the dominance of high molecular weight humic acid-like substances, and increased degree of aromaticity of the TOC

Source: UCC
Soil textural classification by a photosedimentation method

A photosedimentation technique is used to analyze the size composition of soil samples. The number and size of the particles are determined, respectively, by the Stokes formula and the Beer–Lambert law, measuring time-of-flight and laser light attenuation simultaneously and hence evaluating solution turbidity. Simple software procedure has been developed to obtain fractional volume size distribution, taking into account the particle’s optical properties depending mainly on its size and refractive index. Laboratory measurements on calibrated particulates, showing their reproducibility and validation as well as a classification of ground samples, are presented. Size distribution data can then be utilized to obtain a textural classification of the soil samples for agricultural applications

Source: UCC
Soil water retention, air flow and pore structure characteristics after corn cob biochar application to a tropical sandy loam

Soil structure is a key soil physical property that affects soil water balance, gas transport, plant growth and development, and ultimately plant yield. Biochar has received global recognition as a soil amendment with the potential to ameliorate the structure of degraded soils. We investigated how corn cob biochar contributed to changes in soil water retention, air flow by convection and diffusion, and derived soil structure indices in a tropical sandy loam. Intact soil cores were taken from a field experiment that had plots without biochar (CT), and plots each with 10 t ha-1 (BC-10), 20 t ha-1 without or with phosphate fertilizer (BC-20 and BC-20+P respectively). Soil water retention was measured within a pF range of 1 to 6.8. Gas transport parameters (air permeability, ka, and relative gas diffusivity, Dp/D0) were measured between pF 1.5 and 3.0. Application of 20 t ha-1 led to significant increase in soil water retention compared to the CT and BC-10 as a result of increased microporosity (pores < 3 μm) whereas for soil specific surface area, biochar had minimal impact. No significant influence of biochar was observed for ka and Dp/D0 for the BC treatments compared to the CT despite the larger values for the two properties in the 20 t ha-1 treatments. Although not significant, the diffusion percolation threshold reduced by 34% and 18% in the BC-20 and BC-20+P treatments, respectively, compared to the CT. Similarly, biochar application reduced the convection percolation threshold by 15 to 85% in the BC-amended soils. The moderate impact of corn cob biochar on soil water retention, and minimal improvements in convective and diffusive gas transport provides an avenue for an environmentally friendly disposal of crop residues, particularly for corn cobs, and structural improvement in tropical sandy loams

Source: UCC
Soil-transmitted helminths in top soils used for horticultural purposes in Cape Coast, Ghana

This paper investigated the concentrations of eggs of three helminths (roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm) in the so-called black soils used for domestic and urban landscaping,home gardening and as growth medium for potted plants and pot experiments. The black soils are largely collected from active or abandoned waste dumpsites and fallowed or vegetated idle sites in the urban fringe or rural areas. Users buy black soils from dealers. Samples of black soils used for various purposes and at different places werecollectedforanalysisofhelmintheggs.TheModifiedEPAMethod,whichcombinesflotationandsedimentation,wasusedto isolatetheeggs.Theresultsshowthattheseblacksoilshavesubstantialloadsofhelmintheggs,withroundwormbeingdominant, followedbyhookworm.Meanconcentrationsofhelmintheggswere2.45(roundworm),1.38(hookworm),and0.25(whipworm) g−1 soil,respectively.Thehelmintheggloadsalsodeclinedwithdurationofuseoftheblacksoils.Itisconcludedthatblacksoils used for horticultural purposes in Ghana can be a potential source of helminth infestation. Therefore, treatment of black soils, regulation of black soil market and use, anddevelopmentofgrowthmediaindustryshouldbeimportantcomponentsofhelminth control strategy

Source: UCC
Solid State Fermentation of Jatropha Curcas Kernel Cake: Proximate Composition and Antinutritional Components

Five fungi (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus oligosporus, Rhizopus nigricans and Trichoderma longibrachitum) were used in the fermentation of Jatropha curcas kernel cake for a 7 days period in a completely randomized design model. The results revealed significant increase in the crude protein content of all the fungi treated samples with Aspergillus niger and T. longbrachitum treated cake recorded higher value compared to other treated samples. There was no significant difference in the crude fiber content among all the samples. With the exception of ether extract content of sample treated with Rhizopus nigricans which was similar to that of the control (untreated sample) other samples showed lower significant values than the untreated (control) sample. Contrarily, the ash content was significantly lower in the control sample compared to other fungi treated samples. The content of the trypsin inhibitor was highest (18.6 mg/kg) in the control but reduced significantly in the fungi treated samples (6.50 - 8.23). The lectin, saponins, phytate and phorbolester contents followed similar trend. It could be concluded from this study that solid state fermentation of Jatropha kernel cake detoxified and inactivate almost 100% of the antinutrient contents expect phorbolester to a tolerable level in the A. niger treated sample.

Source: UCC
Solid waste management at Nkawkaw in the Kwahu West Municipality

This research examine the value for money on solid waste management in Nkawkaw in the Kwahu West Municipality and examine the effectiveness of waste collection services and also assess the household willingness to pay for services. One Hundred and three (103) respondents and three other Environmental Officers were selected randomly within three areas at Nkawkaw in the Kwahu West Municipality. A structured questionnaire was administered. The results indicated that; out of 103 respondents, 63 percent of them said they dump at the communal container site, 23 percent of them have their waste collected by the private companies. Also, with reference to the data collected, 15 percent out of the total respondent said Yes and that they were willing to pay more for improve waste and 11 percent of them said No to improve waste services. Finally, 18 percent of the respondents said No they were not satisfied with their services whiles 4 percent stated that, they were satisfied with their service provision. It was therefore concluded that majority of the respondents were not happy with services provided and they are willing to pay more for improve waste. It was recommended that there is the need for more collaboration with the private companies by all the Assemblies to have a set amount to be paid by households for a best service delivery.

Source: UCC
Solid Waste Management in Hotels in the Kumasi Metropolis

The study set out to examine the techniques of solid waste management adopted by hotels in the Kumasi Metropolis as hotels are seen to be major contributors to waste generation within the tourism industry. Specifically, it involved an examination of the types of solid waste generated, the strategies used to manage solid waste in the hotels and identifying the associated challenges that the hotels face in managing solid waste. A cross-sectional design was adopted to survey 54 hotels managers in the metropolis. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the managers and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, such as means, medians, frequencies, and percentages. Kruskal Wallis H and chi-square tests with their associated p-values were used to test for the statistical significance of the association between the study variables. The study found that the solid waste generated in hotels within Kumasi Metropolis included plastics, organic waste, paper and metallic wastes. However, plastics formed the highest percentage, in terms of the volumes produced. Moreover, the main solid+s waste management strategy adopted by the hotels was waste prevention while the major challenges facing the hotels in the management of solid waste were the high cost of managing solid waste and insufficient staffing needs for waste management. The study recommends that managers should establish a working environmental policy for their hotels. In addition, the managers are urged to engage in recycling and awareness creation to shareholders for the release of funds for managing solid waste in the hotels.

Source: UCC
solid waste management in the asokwa sub-metropolis in the kumasi metropolitan assembly area

The importance of proper solid waste disposal cannot be underestimated since the health implications of poor waste disposal impact negatively on the health of households. It was on the basis of this assertion that an evaluation was conducted into the solid waste management practices within the Asokwa Sub-Metropolis in the Kumasi Metropolitan area. The population for the study was residents of the suburbs in the sub-metropolis. A sample of 160 respondents was selected randomly from Gyinyase, Dompoase, Atonso-Agogo and Ahinsan. A self-administered questionnaire with 25 items was used for data collection. The questionnaire was pre-tested with a sample of 40 respondents from the Oforikrom Sub-Metropolis. Data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Product for Service Solutions with descriptive statistical tools such as frequency tables, and percentages. Results of the study indicated that some residents dumped solid waste indiscriminately by throwing them into open drains and onto streets for reasons which included ignorance and laziness. Besides, refuse collection was solely done by private waste contractors and it was done daily or weekly. Furthermore, it was found that, officially, residents used refuse bins provided by the Sub-Metropolis. The improper waste disposal brought about high incidence of malaria and cholera. In view of the findings that emerged, it was recommended that residents should be educated on good solid waste disposal practices and were asked to embrace the ‘dump as you pay policy’. Recycling of solid waste was also recommended for adoption, because it is feasible in the long-term.

Source: UCC