ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the physico-chemical and microbiological levels of sachet water in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti region of Ghana

Increase in human population has exerted an enormous pressure on the provision of safe drinking water; hence its availability has therefore become a critical and urgent problem especially in developing countries. Sachet water production is therefore one major way of making quality drinking water readily available and accessible to people at an affordable price. The study was conducted in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti region of Ghana between February and April, 2013 to determine the quality of seven different brands of sachet water which are produced and sold within the district. Two different storage places (inside a shop and a metal cage which is left outside) as well as two vending places (a refrigerator or an ice chest and street hawking) were identified. Sachet water samples from all the selected brands were analyzed for the levels of physico-chemical parameters as well as microbiological indicators at the various stages (production, storage and vending). The results showed that all the physico-chemical parameters, with the exception of Phosphate (6.22 ± 0.01 mg/l) for brand SW 4 were within permissible limits at the time of production. Consequently, the microbiological indicators in all the brands at the time of production were below detectable limits (0 CFU/100 ml). At the two storage places, the results showed that sachet water samples stored inside the metal cage recorded higher values in most of the physico-chemical parameters than those stored inside the shop, even though all were within the WHO’s permissible limits. Moreover, the results indicated that the Alkalinity (p = 0.00117), Chloride (p = 1.1019E-12), Fluoride (p = 0.03026), Magnesium (p = 4.9E-6) and Phosphate (p = 0.0044) levels were significantly different at the two storage places. Similarly, sachet water vended through street hawking recorded higher values than those vended through the refrigerator, even though all were within the WHO’s guideline limits. Levels of microbiological indicators at the time of production remained unchanged at the storage and vending places. The general conclusion is that the quality of the sachet water in the district is good for human consumption.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of the performance of the rural banking industry of Ghana

The importance of rural and community banks in the development of the rural economy of a country cannot be over emphasized. The rural financial system seeks to meet the financial needs of the micro, small and medium enterprises and also provide viable answers tot he rural poor, more especially rural small-scale operators. The ability of rural dwellers to access financial services from formal financial institutions impacts positively in their economic activities. It is in the light of the preceding paragraph that this study was undertaken to access the performance of the rural banking sector as Ghana seeks to attain middle income status by the year 2020. This financial subsector has an important role to play in the achievement of this goal The findings from the study show that in terms of deposit mobilization, the trend has been a general decline over the periods under consideration. From 2002, percentage change in total deposits increased at a decreasing rate. This may be attributed competition from other bigger and international banks that have hypothesis tested shows that in terms in terms of percentage change in total deposits, there is no statistical difference between the periods 1998-2002 and 2007-2007. It was also revealed that the mean percentage changes in total assets total loans did not differ significantly between the two periods considered. The study also reveals that over the period, the average growth rate of total assets and total deposits was 32.27% whiles that of total loans was 39.25%. This is an indication that the investment portfolio gradually lilted towards the granting of loans. The study also reveals that loan accounts increase faster than deposit accounts, indicating that the industry faces some challenges in the

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the Pollution Status of Butuah Lagoon in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Western Region, Ghana

The water quality of Butuah Lagoon was monitored together with the concentrations of seven heavy metals (As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd and Hg) determined in the sediments, muscles of Tilapia fish and lagoon water using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS 220 Model) except Hg which was determined using the Automatic Mercury Analyzer (HG 6000 Model). The same parameters were determined in an effluent discharging into the lagoon from an Industrial Complex. The results indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals in the effluent samples were generally below the recommended standards. The effluent discharged into the lagoon was not a major source of pollution indicating that there are other major sources of pollutants discharging into the lagoon. When compared with ISQG (2002), heavy metal concentrations of sediments from Butuah Lagoon recorded higher values except for Hg which was below the permissible limits. The highest levels of pollutants were found in the sediment followed by fish and the least being recorded in water. The concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd and Hg in sediments were 94.1%, 92.7%, 88.1%, 81.3%, 95.4%, 92.7% and 27.4% higher than those obtained in muscles of fish. Similarly, the concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd and Hg in sediments were 100%, 99.9%, 99.4%, 99.8%, 100%, 99.3% and 100% higher respectively than in water samples from the same lagoon. The range of heavy metal concentrations in fish during the sampling period was 1.93 mg/kg to 8.13 mg/kg for As, 0.08 mg/kg to 8.00 mg/kg for Cu, 1.00 mg/kg to 13.43 mg/kg for Pb, 15.20 mg/kg to 37.67 mg/kg for Zn, 33.17 mg/kg to 210.06 mg/kg for Fe, 0.00 to 0.97 mg/kg for Cd to 0.008 mg/kg to 0.014 mg/kg for Hg. In terms of location the midstream was more polluted than downstream which was more polluted than upstream. Monthly levels of pollutants determined over four months indicated that the concentrations decrease with the onset of the wet season. The use of Butuah Lagoon as source of fish (Tilapia) supply should be discouraged

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the polytank for fumigation and storage of cowpea

Insect infestation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in storage is identified as a major constraint facing cowpea farmers in Ghana. The major insect pest causing losses to stored cowpea in West Africa is the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus). Fumigation is the most effective control method against cowpea weevil considering its mode of infestation. The jute sack lined with a plastic film bag commonly used by farmers for fumigation and storage is very delicate to handle, not sufficiently airtight for fumigation and easily attacked by rodents. The objectives of the project were to (1) assess the polytank for fumigation and storage of cowpea, and (2) compare the storage qualities of stored cowpea using the polytank and jute sack lined with a plastic film bag. The cowpea was fumigated using aluminium phosphide tablets for a period of 7 days and stored for six mouths. Data was collected, analysed and compared between the two storage containers on seed germination, seed vigour, grain moisture content, insect infestation, percentage usable proportion by number and by weight before, mid-storage and after the trial. The levels of phosphine gas concentration in the polytank and the jute sack were assessed daily for 7 days. The results showed no significant differences (1% probability) between the two storage containers in their performance as storage containers in terms of grain moisture content, seed germination, seed vigour, insect infestation, percentage usable proportion by number and by weight. There was also significant difference (5%) in phosphine gas concentration between the two storage containers in their performance as fumigation containers except on day one. However, it was found that fumigation and storage using the polytank had a greater advantage over the jute sack lined with plastic film bag in terms of air tightness, handling and resistance to rodent attacks.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the postharvest handling of six major vegetables in two selected Districts in Ashanti Region of Ghana

The survey was carried out in Mampong and Kumasi districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to assess the postharvest handling (precooling, transportation, packing, storage and value additions) of cabbage, carrots, onion, tomato, garden eggs and pepper. Three categories of respondents were sampled, namely, producers of these vegetables, vegetable marketers and consumers. The producers were assessed on practices such as precooling of vegetables, means of transporting their produce to the marketing centers. Marketers were also assessed on value addition to vegetables before sales, packaging materials used and the means of storing vegetables. Consumers who were sampled from educational institutions, hotels, restaurants, chop bars and individual households were assessed on methods of storing vegetables. Ninety percent and 60% of vegetable producers in Kumasi and Mampong respectively did not precool their produce after harvest. Eighty percent of producers in Kumasi used vehicles to convey produce to the marketing centers while 74% of producers in Mampong carried their vegetables on their heads to the marketing centers. In both study areas, producers had no storage facilities. Marketers preferred the use of polythene materials for packaging to sacks, baskets, plastic and metallic containers. Fifty six percent of respondents in Kumasi and 38% in Mampong used polythene. The value addition to vegetables was mainly washing, removal of unwanted parts and sprinkling of cold water on vegetables. Diseases and pests found on vegetables were not treated by all the three categories of respondents. Consumers of vegetables in Kumasi preferred refrigeration of vegetables to drying and steaming. Fifty eight percent refrigerated their vegetables while in Mampong only 14% did refrigeration. In Mampong 58% did not have any means of storing their vegetables as compared to 8% in Kumasi.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the Potential of Reclaimed Mined Land for Agricultural Production

One of the major negative impacts of mining is the damage caused to soil and surface vegetation. This includes loss of vegetation cover, fauna and their habitats, water bodies, landscape, disturbance to the existing soil structure, soil erosion, depletion of forest resources and threat to the rich biodiversity. This destruction culminates into reduced productive potential of the affected mined sites for both flora and fauna. To mitigate the impacts of environmental degradation, mining companies in Ghana are enjoined to reclaim their operational sites so that the ultimate land-use and morphology of these sites are compatible with either the current land-use in the surrounding area or with the pre-mining environment. This responsibility led to Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL), Ahafo to initiate an experimental concurrent reclamation exercise which commenced in 2009 at the Apensu South waste rock dump site. An area of 5.6 hectares was covered and divided into four treatment plots with different top and subsoil thickness at overall soil depth of one (1) meter. An un-mined farmland adjacent to the reclaimed area was used as control for the study. The study sought to assess the effectiveness of the reclamation exercise based on the various treatments and make appropriate recommendations for the best treatment in relation to soil physico-chemical parameters, in order to determine whether soil conditions meet the agricultural expectations of the inhabitants and its conformance to the predominant land-use within the area. The test of hypothesis was Ho:All treatment means would be equal whilst HA: Some treatment means would be unequal. Composite soil samples from the four treatments and control were analyzed for chemical properties (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Fe, pH) and physical properties (bulk density, water holding capacity). Notwithstanding the exertions made by the company to embark on this reclamation exercises, there is no base line data on the nutrients status of the reclaimed soils which will go a long way to determine their suitability or otherwise for Agriculture. It is for this reason that this research was carried out. The results of the analyses showed a highly significant difference (P<0.001) in the concentration of all the parameters for the various treatments except bulk density which showed significant difference (P<0.05). In this respect, the HO is rejected and HA accepted. It is recommended that about 0.3m of well-maintained topsoil is used to top-dress all future reclamation plots to promote effective plant growth.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of the potential of anaemia as a high-risk pregnancy factor in the bosomtwe Atwima Kwanwoma (BAK) District, Ghana

Risk factors in pregnancy are prominent all over the world and these claim the lives of many pregnant women. Such factors include number of antenatal visits made by the pregnant women, age of the pregnant woman, duration of the current pregnancy at the time of registration, the number of previous pregnancies with delivery outcomes and haemoglobin level in the blood less than 11 .0g/dl which indicate Anaemia, as defined by WHO. In developing countries, the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is 56% and Ghana has a much higher prevalence rate of 65% (GDHS, 2003). The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have instituted Safe Motherhood Programmes to reduce this high prevalence rate. Since 2003 Bosomtwe Atwima Kwanwoma (BAK) district in Ashanti Region of Ghana has recorded at least one maternal death due to anaemia in pregnancy. This study assessed anaemia as a risk factor in pregnancy and its management at St Michael’s Hospital in BAK district It was a descriptive cross sectional study involving 135 interviewees made up of 100 pregnant women aged 15-49 years, 30 health care providers and five key informants. In addition, eighty maternal health record books were reviewed The major findings in the study indicated that health personnel did not take pregnancy histories for 58.8% of the pregnant women, and health education messages delivered were not recorded in the maternal health record books of 61.2% of the women and as high as 46.0% of the pregnant women reported at the hospital during the second and third trimesters of their pregnancies. Health care providers did not check the haemoglobin level of the pregnant women at 36 weeks of the gestation period. Even though the hospital has adequate facilities, equipment and medicines, there was inadequate health staff and therefore focused antenatal cafe could not be practiced. The blood bank at the hospital was not functioning due to power fluctuation and lack of blood from donors. However 93.0% of the pregnant received iron and folic acid supplementation. The study also found out that over 80.0% of the health care providers at the hospital were not trained in the Ghana Health Service anaemia in pregnancy control protocol. This reflected in the educational messages given to the pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women have to be educated on the link between malaria infection and anaemia in pregnancy since only 53.3% of them slept under ITN and 50.0% received IPT against malaria. Again musing awareness of anaemia prevention and control, promoting behaviour change in the communities (and among pregnant women) and training to build capacity among health workers are activities that could be implemented by all sections. This should be adopted by the Management of St. Michael’s hospital and the District Health Directorate to address the problem of the potential of anaemia as a high risk factor among pregnant women in BAK district.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the prevalence of Palm Oil adulteration with Sudan IV dye in the Greater Accra Region

Sudan IV dye, a category 3 carcinogen used as an industrial dye for the manufacture of plastics and textiles to impact colour was detected in palm oil originating from Ghana in 2004 by the European Union Authorities. To ascertain the current status of Sudan IV adulteration of palm oil consumed in the Greater Accra Metropolis, fifty-five (55) samples obtained from ten (10) markets and four (4) supermarkets were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to assess the prevalence of Sudan IV adulteration of crude palm oil. The results showed Sudan IV adulteration of palm oil to be prevalent in all the markets where samples were taken. Eight (8) out of the ten (10) markets surveyed recorded 100% adulteration, whilst the remaining two recorded 80% adulteration of crude palm oil. Ninety-six (96) percent of all samples (without FDA approval) picked from the local markets tested positive for Sudan IV dye. Sixty (60) percent of samples (with FDA approval) picked from supermarkets tested positive for Sudan IV dye. Sudan I, Sudan II and Sudan III dyes were also detected in the samples (without FDA approval) picked from the local markets. Studies have shown that the dye is used to enhance the colour of the crude palm oil which is lost due to the use of poor quality palm fruits, and production practices that result in a loss of the characteristic orange red colour of the crude palm oil. The Ghana Standard for Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils Specifications for Edible Palm Oil (GS 223:2001) does not permit the use of colourants, thus its use is considered as adulteration of the product as per the provisions of the Public Health Act 2012, Act 851. Considering the health implications reportedly associated with Sudan IV the FDA and the relevant stakeholders should work together to curb the practice in line with the recommendations given.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the prospect, challenges and profitability of the artisanal timber milling business: case of Dovtom and Rabwood, Ghana.

In this ever growing competitive ATM business setting and challenging economic times, the assessment of the prospects, challenges and profitability of ATM business in Ghana can be a critical achievement issue using a case of Rabwood and Dovtom in the Goaso and Juaso Forest District of Ghana. A sample size of 15 respondents was sampled through purposive sampling technique for the study. Primary and Secondary data were used for the study. The descriptive statistics and Net Present Value model was used to achieve the research objective. The major findings were that the ATM business was a profitable business and therefore has the potential of improving the living standard of the individual operating in such a venture. The study finally recommended that, In the near future, the stakeholders involved should consider securing small loans to help individual who have the passion to venture into this business and also secure concessions for it members who wish to indulge in such a business. Government must be able aid in the construction of effective road system. This will help transporting of timber from their forest zones to their destination successful.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the Prospects and Challenges of Procurement Reforms in Ghana: The Case of Volta River Authority

Public Procurement Reforms defines rules and regulations which guide, direct, and monitor public procurement. It is believed that the enactment of public procurement law has helped to deal with several problems of public procurement in Ghana. However, despite the laudable aims and objectives of the reform in principle, it appears the implementation of the procurement law is beset with challenges. The study is to assess the prospects and challenges of public procurement in Ghana with a focus on the Volta River Authority (VRA). A case study approach was employed for the study. The main instruments used were interview and questionnaires to explore the opinions of the Entity Tender Committee, Supplies Staff and some registered suppliers of VRA. The finding indicated that the Public Procurement Act, Act 663, exists and stakeholders are very familiar with the Act based on the fact that seminars and workshops and on-the-job training programmes, are organized for stakeholders on procurement reforms but not as frequently as they expected. In addition, Public Procurement Reforms has provided a uniform and structured framework for procurement in the Public Sector. However, some of the challenges included too much bureaucracy and burdensome procedures as well as very low thresholds. The study recommended the Public Procurement Law should be reviewed. The Public Procurement Authority should reconsider the various challenges faced by the enforcement of the Law and make recommendations for amendment by the legislature. The study also recommends the establishment of Institute of Public Procurement to be responsible for education, training and certification of procurement professionals in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of the Quality of River Bukuruwa as A Drinking Water Resource of Some Farming Communities In The Techiman Municipality

River Bukuruwa is a prominent river in the Techiman municipality of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. It runs through several rural farming communities in the municipality and serves as the main source of drinking water and for other domestic purposes in the communities. An assessment of the quality of the water for drinking purposes was conducted by determining levels of some physico-chemical parameters (pH, colour, total hardness, sulphate, fluoride, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, conductivity, turbidity), and heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb) as well as enumeration of bacteriological indicators ( E. coli, faecal coliforms and Salmonella) in water samples from the river. Samples were taken from three points along the river at Baamure (upstream point), Kroamoa (midstream point) and Kaniago (downstream point). The results showed that all the investigated physicochemical parameters of water samples from the sampling points were within the minimum permissible limits for drinking water as suggested by WHO except those of pH (5.31 – 6.84), Turbidity(0.00- 6.00 NTU), Nitrite (0.01- 0.7mg/l), Phosphate (0.04 – 4.78mg/l), Conductivity ( 160 - 455µS/cm) and Colour (0.00 – 185 CU). Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis of samples for dissolved trace metals indicated levels of the investigated metals were within WHO permissible limits except for Pb (< 0.01 – 0.05ppm). Bacteriological quality assessment of the water samples also revealed that water samples from all the sampling sites contained indicator bacteria i.e E. coli in the range of ( 2.58 x 101 – 8.7 x 101) and faecal coliforms ( 4.35 x 101 to 3.22 x 102 ) indicating contamination of the water by materials of faecal origin. Salmonella was however not detected in any of the water samples analysed. Water from the Bukuruwa river was therefore found to be unsuitable for drinking purposes.

Source: KNUST