ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Girls in Mining in Ghana: Surviving Without Flourishing

Child labour is endemic in Africa and remains one of the biggest challenges facing Ghana. Child labour, by definition in Ghana’s Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560) refers to (harmful) work by children below the age of 18 years. Yet for many children and their families, child labour is a very important coping mechanism that helps them to fight poverty. Some scholars are beginning to soften their hardline stance on child labour, suggesting that many working children have successfully completed school. This report shares findings on an exploratory study of 165 girls under 18 years working in artisanal gold mines in Akwatia in the Eastern Region and Tarkwa in the Western Region in Ghana. Descriptive statistics from the study revealed that the majority of girls in mining were able to support themselves financially but simply could not cope with regular school, to be able to make positive advancements in their social development. Thus the girls were able to survive but could hardly flourish under the circumstances. Thus the observation that it is possible to successfully combine school and work among children therefore is subject to the conditions under which this occurs, and requires further field study.

Source: UG
A GIS-based estimation of soil loss in the Densu basin in Ghana

Distributed erosion simulation models are useful in evaluation of different strategies for land-use and soil management improvement in watersheds. The increased soil erosion in Densu basin of Ghana has led to siltation of the river channel that is causing flooding in some parts of Accra, Ghana. The most urbanized basin in Ghana, Densu, supplies water to 600,000 people, with agriculture employing about 40% of the active population. A PCRaster GIS soil loss risk maps have been developed for Densu basin using models of Universal Soil Equation (USLE) and Revised Universal Soil Equation (RUSLE). Soil loss factors such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibilty, slope and slope length were also mapped for the basin. The model predicted average, minimum and maximum annual soil loss rates of 2.2, 0, and 63 t ha- y, respectively, indicating that some areas in the basin are above tolerance level of 5.0 t ha-1 yr-1. The total soil loss was 756,507 tonnes per hectare per year. Among the soil types Lixisols experienced the highest soil loss of 402,080 t ha-1 yr-1 with Plinthosols experiencing the lowest soil loss of 64 t ha-1 yr-1. Among the administrative districts in the basin Suhum, Kraboa and Coaltar experienced the highest absolute soil loss of 216,957 t ha-1 yr-1 while Fanteakwa experienced the highest average soil loss of 4.5 t ha-1 yr-1. The results can serve as data and information to water resources managers and soil conservationists.

Source: UG
GIS-multi criteria assessment of land suitability and optimal sites allocation for large scale pineapple production in the Akwapim South District, Ghana

Land suitability assessment, in the context of land use planning, is a bridging phase linking land resources assessment to any land use decision-making process. Like elsewhere, land use suitability assessment in Ghana is influenced by inherent conflicts and a complex network of socio-economic and ecological constraints that call for a flexible decision-making support tool able to incorporate multiple evaluation criteria, including the opinions of several stakeholders. In this paper, we report on a GIS-based multi-criteria approach to land suitability evaluation for pineapple production in the Akwapim South Municipality of Ghana. The crop is an important export earner, having contributed significantly to foreign exchange receipts of the country since the 1980s, although its cultivation has also increased land use conflicts and aggravated land degradation. The study relied on several decision support tools such as high spatially-resolved remotely sensed data, geographical information system (GIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), including analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The approach enabled decision makers to evaluate the relative priorities of locating sites for cultivation of the crop, based on a set of preferences, criteria and indicators. Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) techniques were used to integrate fuzzy suitability criteria maps of decision groups and a consistency ratio between criteria was calculated using the Saaty matrix cross-comparison technique. An iterative post-aggregation constraint was applied to identify potential sites as basis for delineating potential areas for pineapple cultivation. In the context of potentially high export market demands of the crop and its significant economic contribution to the local economy, this study is of national relevance. Moreover, the results in form of maps may also be used by agricultural managers as decision-support tools, for instance, to outline the most suitable land areas for subsidy support for increased pineapple production in the district.

Source: UG
Giving quality lives to our families, enhancing government's performance: A woman's perspectives on the cultural dimension of development

This study focuses on one woman and her quest for development using her familiar cultural approach of reciprocity. In this way, she could effectively make positive changes in her own socio-economic status, as well as that of her family and the wider community. Indeed, she was also able to have the name of her country imprinted on the map of the global fishing industry. This case study is predicated on the premise that the nurturing of good social relations leads to community and national development. It observes that if government should adopt the cultural reciprocity approach, that will form a basis for mutual good relationship with its citizens, and give women incentives and stimulation in their work, it will in turn enhance its own performance. © Africa Resource Center, Inc. Publisher, 2004.

Source: UG
Giving sense and changing perceptions in the implementation of the performance management system in public sector organisations in developing countries

Purpose Change in public organisations has become inevitable in modern times. Yet, implementing change continues to be problematic, especially the attempt to introduce performance management (PM) in the sector. The purpose of this paper is to examine how HR managers are using sensegiving processes to attempt to institutionalise PM in public organisations in Ghana PM in public organisations in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The paper utilises the mixed methods approach to examine the process of sensegiving. In using this method, the authors used focus group, as well as individual interview techniques and a quantitative survey of some selected organisations in the public sector. Findings The results of the study show that, four main activities, i.e. workshops, seminars and training, one-on-one communication, and unit meetings are employed in the process. The analysis indicates that these activities have become quite effective in the quest to change perceptions about PM in the sector. Research limitations/implications The research was limited to a few organisations. Hence, it will be necessary to expand it, if possible to the entire public sector to see if the same results will be obtained. Practical implications It shows that reformers must be cognisant of the views of employees in developing and implementing reforms that focus on changing both individual orientations and organisational and culture. Originality/value This is the first time such a study has been done in Ghana. Furthermore, studies on PM institutionalisation and implementation have either been qualitative or quantitative in nature. Studies using the mixed methods approach are rare, with those we know coming mostly from the Western World. Thus, this paper is one of the few to examine this issue using the mixed methods approach and more so from a developing country’s perspective.

Source: UG
GJB2 and GJB6 Mutations in Hereditary Recessive Non-Syndromic Hearing Impairment in Cameroon

This study aimed to investigate GJB2 (connexin 26) and GJB6 (connexin 30) mutations associated with familial non-syndromic childhood hearing impairment (HI) in Cameroon. We selected only families segregating HI, with at least two a ected individuals and with strong evidence of non-environmental causes. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and the entire coding region of GJB2 was interrogated using Sanger sequencing. Multiplex PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to analyze the prevalence of the GJB6-D3S1830 deletion. A total of 93 patients, belonging to 41 families, were included in the analysis. Hearing impairment was sensorineural in 51 out of 54 (94.4%) patients. Pedigree analysis suggested autosomal recessive inheritance in 85.4% (35/41) of families. Hearing impairment was inherited in an autosomal dominant and mitochondrial mode in 12.2% (5/41) and 2.4% (1/41) of families, respectively. Most HI participants were non-syndromic (92.5%; 86/93). Four patients from two families presented with type 2 Waardenburg syndrome, and three cases of type 2 Usher syndrome were identified in one family. No GJB2 mutations were found in any of the 29 families with non-syndromic HI. Additionally, the GJB6-D3S1830 deletion was not identified in any of the HI patients. This study confirms that mutations in the GJB2 gene and the del(GJB6-D13S1830) mutation do not contribute to familial HI in Cameroon.

Source: UG
GJB2 and GJB6 Mutations in Non-Syndromic Childhood Hearing Impairment in Ghana

Our study aimed to investigate GJB2 (connexin 26) and GJB6 (connexin 30) mutations associated with non-syndromic childhood hearing impairment (HI) as well as the environmental causes of HI in Ghana. Medical reports of 1,104 students attending schools for the deaf were analyzed. Families segregating HI, as well as isolated cases of HI of putative genetic origin were recruited. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood followed by Sanger sequencing of the entire coding region of GJB2. Multiplex PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to analyze the prevalence of GJB6-D3S1830 deletion. Ninetyseven families segregating HI were identified, with 235 affected individuals; and a total of 166 isolated cases of putative genetic causes, were sampled from 11 schools for the deaf in Ghana. The environmental factors, particularly meningitis, remain a major cause of HI impairment in Ghana. The male/female ratio was 1.49. Only 59.6% of the patients had their first comprehensive HI test between 6 to 11 years of age. Nearly all the participants had sensorineural HI (99.5%; n = 639). The majority had pre-lingual HI (68.3%, n = 754), of which 92.8% were congenital. Pedigree analysis suggested autosomal recessive inheritance in 96.9% of the familial cases. GJB2-R143W mutation, previously reported as founder a mutation in Ghana accounted for 25.9% (21/81) in the homozygous state in familial cases, and in 7.9% (11/140) of non-familial non-syndromic congenital HI cases, of putative genetic origin. In a control population without HI, we found a prevalent of GJB2-R143W carriers of 1.4% (2/145), in the heterozygous state. No GJB6-D3S1830 deletion was identified in any of the HI patients. GJB2-R143W mutation accounted for over a quarter of familial non-syndromic HI in Ghana and should be investigated in clinical practice. The large connexin 30 gene deletion (GJB6-D3S1830 deletion) does not account for of congenital non-syndromic HI in Ghana. There is a need to employ next generation sequencing approaches and functional genomics studies to identify the other genes involved in most families and isolated cases of HI in Ghana.

Source: UG
Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping review

Background Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness globally, mainly affecting older adults. Disproportionately affecting people of African descent, its high prevalence, combined with the region’s limited healthcare infrastructure and access to eye care services, make it a major public health challenge deserving attention in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective This paper aims to synthesise current literature on glaucoma prevalence and management options among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Materials and methods A systematic search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar. Following inclusion criteria and study objectives, five published articles from 2013 to 2022 were included in this scoping review. Results We found that, generally, across various studies reviewed, the prevalence of glaucoma among adults aged 60 and above was high. Glaucoma prevalence increases with age. Current management options were pharmacotherapy, surgery and laser, with pharmacotherapy most often the first line. Although initially cheaper, the other options are practical and cost-effective over time. Conclusion This scoping review adds to evidence that with the growing population, glaucoma continues to be a public health issue since glaucoma has a high prevalence among older adults, particularly in SSA. With most of the sub-Saharan population’s high prevalence and low-income levels, ideal management must include early screening and detection and reliable and long-term treatment options that are not particularly dependent on patient compliance and adherence. Evidence-based policies are needed to reduce the prevalence of glaucoma-related visual impairment for older adults across sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: UG
Global acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among persons with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: This review aimed to estimate the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among persons with diabetes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL to identify relevant studies for this review. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to generate an overall estimate of vaccine acceptance. The I 2 statistic was used to quantify the degree of variation across studies, and subgroup analysis was conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. The review was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). Results: This review included 18 studies involving 11,292 diabetes patients. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among persons with diabetes was 76.1% (95% CI: 66.7%–83.5%). The pooled prevalence across the continent ranged from 68.9% (95% CI: 47.8%–84.3%) in Asia to 82.1% (95% CI: 80.2%–83.8%) in Europe. Barriers to vaccine acceptance included misinformation, lack of information, mistrust, health concerns, and external influences. Conclusion: The barriers to vaccine acceptance identified in this review, could inform the formulation of health policies and public health interventions that are specifically tailored to address the needs of persons with diabetes.

Source: UG
Global Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Dihydropteroate Synthase Variants Associated with Sulfadoxine Resistance Reveals Variant Distribution and Mechanisms of Resistance: A Computational-Based Study

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
The Global and the Local: Urban Change in Cape Coast from Pre-Colonial Times to the Present

This paper seeks to examine how global forces interact with the local ones to shape the urban landscape of Cape Coast, Ghana. Three distinct periods are examined: the pre-colonial and colonial periods; the post independence period; and the contemporary period. The findings of this study show that in each of these periods, Cape Coast was subjected to local and global forces, giving a distinctive image to the urban landscape. This was reflected in changes in the urban morphology, architecture and economic as well as social outcomes. The paper also demonstrates how some of these urban forms have mutated in response to changing socioeconomic, political and cultural circumstances.

Source: UG
A global assessment of policy tools to support climate adaptation

Governments, businesses, and civil society organizations have diverse policy tools to incentivize adaptation. Policy tools can shape the type and extent of adaptation, and therefore, function either as barriers or enablers for reducing risk and vulnerability. Using data from a systematic review of academic literature on global adaptation responses to climate change (n = 1549 peer-reviewed articles), we categorize the types of policy tools used to shape climate adaptation. We apply qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess the contexts where particular tools are used, along with equity implications for groups targeted by the tools, and the tools’ relationships with transformational adaptation indicators such as the depth, scope, and speed of adaptation. We find diverse types of tools documented across sectors and geographic regions. We also identify a mismatch between the tools that consider equity and those that yield more transformational adaptations. Direct regulations, plans, and capacity building are associated with higher depth and scope of adaptation (thus transformational adaptation), while economic instruments, information provisioning, and networks are not; the latter tools, however, are more likely to target marginalized groups in their design and implementation. We identify multiple research gaps, including a need to assess instrument mixes rather than single tools and to assess adaptations that result from policy implementation.

Source: UG
Global case studies for chronic kidney disease/end-stage kidney disease care

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its risk factors is increasing worldwide, and the rapid rise in global need for end-stage kidney disease care is a major challenge for health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Countries are responding to the challenge of end-stage kidney disease in different ways, with variable provision of the components of a kidney care strategy, including effective prevention, detection, conservative care, kidney transplantation, and an appropriate mix of dialysis modalities. This collection of case studies is from 15 countries from around the world and offers valuable learning examples from a variety of contexts. The variability in approaches may be explained by country differences in burden of disease, available human or financial resources, income status, and cost structures. In addition, cultural considerations, political context, and competing interests from other stakeholders must be considered. Although the approaches taken have often varied substantially, a common theme is the potential benefits of multistakeholder engagement aimed at improving the availability and scope of integrated kidney care.

Source: UG
Global Distribution of Founder Variants Associated with Non-Syndromic Hearing Impairment

The genetic etiology of non-syndromic hearing impairment (NSHI) is highly heterogeneous with over 124 distinct genes identified. The wide spectrum of implicated genes has challenged the implementation of molecular diagnosis with equal clinical validity in all settings. Differential frequencies of allelic variants in the most common NSHI causal gene, gap junction beta 2 (GJB2), has been described as stemming from the segregation of a founder variant and/or spontaneous germline variant hot spots. We aimed to systematically review the global distribution and provenance of founder variants associated with NSHI. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, with the registration number “CRD42020198573”. Data from 52 reports, involving 27,959 study participants from 24 countries, reporting 56 founder pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in 14 genes (GJB2, GJB6, GSDME, TMC1, TMIE, TMPRSS3, KCNQ4, PJVK, OTOF, EYA4, MYO15A, PDZD7, CLDN14, and CDH23), were reviewed. Varied number short tandem repeats (STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for haplotype analysis to identify the shared ancestral informative markers in a linkage disequilibrium and variants’ origins, age estimates, and common ancestry computations in the reviewed reports. Asia recorded the highest number of NSHI founder variants (85.7%; 48/56), with variants in all 14 genes, followed by Europe (16.1%; 9/56). GJB2 had the highest number of ethnic-specific P/LP founder variants. This review reports on the global distribution of NSHI founder variants and relates their evolution to population migration history, bottleneck events, and demographic changes in populations linked with the early evolution of deleterious founder alleles. International migration and regional and cultural intermarriage, coupled to rapid population growth, may have contributed to re-shaping the genetic architecture and structural dynamics of populations segregating these pathogenic founder variants. We have highlighted and showed the paucity of data on hearing impairment (HI) variants in Africa, establishing unexplored opportunities in genetic traits.

Source: UG
Global DNA (LINE‑1) methylation is associated with lead exposure and certain job tasks performed by electronic waste workers

Objective This study assessed the associations between blood and urine levels of toxic metals; cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), and methylation levels of the LINE-1 gene among e-waste and control populations in Ghana. Methods The study enrolled 100 male e-waste workers and 51 all-male non-e-waste workers or controls. The concentrations of Cd and Pb were measured in blood and urine using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, while LINE1 methyla tion levels were assessed by pyrosequencing of bisulfte-converted DNA extracted from whole blood. Single and multiple metals linear regression models were used to determine the associations between metals and LINE1 DNA methylation. Results Blood lead (BPb) and urine lead (UPb) showed higher median concentrations among the e-waste workers than the controls (76.82 µg/L vs 40.25 µg/L, p≤0.001; and 6.89 µg/L vs 3.43 µg/L, p≤0.001, respectively), whereas blood cadmium (BCd) concentration was lower in the e-waste workers compared to the controls (0.59 µg/L vs 0.81 µg/L, respectively, p=0.003). There was no signifcant diference in LINE1 methylation between the e-waste and controls (85.16±1.32% vs 85.17±1.11%, p=0.950). In our single metal linear regression models, BPb was signifcantly inversely associated with LINE1 methylation in the control group (βBPb=− 0.027, 95% CI − 0.045, − 0.010, p=0.003). In addition, a weak associa tion between BPb and LINE1 was observed in the multiple metals analysis in the e-waste worker group (βBPb=− 0.005, 95% CI − 0.011, 0.000, p=0.058). Conclusion Continuous Pb exposure may interfere with LINE1 methylation, leading to epigenetic alterations, thus serving as an early epigenetic marker for future adverse health outcomes.

Source: UG
The global dynamics of diabetes and tuberculosis: the impact of migration and policy implications

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG