ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of Toxic and Essential Elements in Clams and Sediments from the Volta Estuary

The clams (Galatea paradoxa) and sediments were collected from the Volta Estuary in Ghana for six months’ period at Ada and Aveglo. They were analysed for six different elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Se) using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and Automatic mercury analyzer Model HG 5000. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) clams were analysed over the period. The mean elements concentrations in the tissues of the G. paradoxa from Ada sampling site ranged from: Cd: 0.09 -0.17 mg/kg; Cr: 3.42 – 20.51 mg/kg; Cu: 0.55 – 3.10 mg/kg; Hg: 0.05 – 0.12 mg/kg; Ni: 5.49 – 27.96 mg/kg and Se: 0.34 – 0.49 mg/kg. That of o sediments were: Cd: 0.09 mg/kg; Cr: 15.03 mg/kg; Cu: 89.94 mg/kg; Hg: 0.06 mg/kg; Ni: 47.16 mg/kg and Se: 0.41 mg/kg. For Aveglo the mean metal concentrations in clam tissues were: Cd: 0.07 - 0.14 mg/kg; Cr: 2.01 –24.10 mg/kg; Cu: 0.79 – 3.65 mg/kg; Hg: 0.04 – 0.09 mg/kg; Ni: 10.25 – 28.14 mg/kg and Se: 0.13 – 0.29 mg/kg and the sediment samples recorded the mean metal concentrations as: Cd: 0.07 mg/kg; Cr: 16.28 mg/kg; Cu: 75.66 mg/kg; Hg: 0.04 mg/kg; Ni: 51.25 mg/kg and Se: 0.38 mg/kg. The analysis of the elements concentrations in the tissues of the different clams in relation to body size for the Ada sampling site shows significant difference (p < 0.05) for Cd and Cu in the various clam sizes. The mean concentrations of Cr, Hg, Ni and Se exhibited significant differences (p>0.05) in concentration between some clam sizes at Ada sampling site. The test for difference in mean concentrations of Cd and Cr showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the various clam size classes at the Aveglo sampling site. Nevertheless, there was no significant differences (p > 0.05) showed between the mean concentrations of Cu, Hg, Ni and Se for some clam sizes. The evaluation of the risk associated with consumption of clams from the Volta estuary using WHO/FAO Standards for Bivalves, the Tolerable daily Intake (TDI), the rate of shellfish consumption (RSC), Risk Quotients (RQs) and the levels of concerns (LOCs) suggest that the normal consumption rates should be safe with regards to Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni and Se in the clam tissues except for Cr in medium to large clam sizes whose concentrations exceeded the WHO/FAO Standards for Bivalves legal limits The mean elements concentration of Cu in sediments for both Ada and Aveglo exceeded the NOAA Effects Range – Low (ERL) value of 20.9 mg/kg and CSQG Threshold Effects Level (TEL) value of 52.3 mg/kg whilst Ni at both sampling sites exceeded the NOAA Effects Range – Low (ERL) of 20.9 mg/kg. Sediment metal concentrations for Cd, Cr, Hg and Se were below the various effect ranges at all sites. The geoaccumulation index indicates practically unpolluted sediments as far as elements Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Se are concerned except for Cu.

Source: KNUST
Achieving customer satisfaction through logistics activities: a case of Mantrac Ghana Limited

The quest for achievement and sustenance of competitive advantage by business organizations have necessitated the establishment of new organizations and new branches of already existing ones which do more than just selling products or rendering average services only to satisfy customers. The previous practice led to customer decay, created gaps which increased cost and reduced profitability. The role of logistics activities in achieving customer satisfaction and improving organizational performance in developing countries was investigated through questionnaires and interviews, with Mantrac Ghana Limited as a case study and the staff with key customers as respondents. A model which explored the connection among logistics, logistics activities, customer satisfaction as in performance and corporate profitability as in success was used. Results of data analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) indicated that parts and service support, logistics communication, customer service, inventory control, and order processing were some of the logistics activities of Mantrac. There was 61-80% satisfaction of respondents, as measured with conversation as an instrument, who attributed this level of satisfaction to provision of value-added services such as customer track service, credit facilities, customer support agreement, adding that the shortfalls such as longer lead times and stockouts were due to circumstances beyond the control of Mantrac therefore suggesting Mantrac's dependability. The problems of lost of sales due to low level of inventory and capital lock-up due to excessive level of inventory could be addressed by the use of forecasting technique for optimum level of inventory. Also contract review with the third-party logistics service provider, could be use for the transportation problems whilst prompt verification of status speeds up order processing.

Source: KNUST
Achieving Quality Education in Ghana: the Role of Ghana’s Publishing Industry

One of the major stumbling blocks in the delivery of quality education in the country is shortage or unavailability of textbooks. Until the establishment of Ghana Publishing Corporation, government relied mainly on foreign books. The indigenous publishing industry has a role to play in achieving quality education. Quality education begins with an adequate number of schools, books, pencils and trained teachers. To ensure availability of books is one of the major roles of the publishing industry. This thesis was an attempt to assess the impact of Ghana’s Publishing Industry to quality education. The method adopted for this study involved extended on-site visits to the ten printing presses and thirty-two schools in Kumasi and its environs. The study population included staff of various publishing houses, past and present publishing students, headmasters, heads of department, subject teachers, students, officers from textbook unit of the Ghana education service and curriculum research development personnel and personnel from the Ghana book publishers Association. Data were obtained through questionnaire, observation and personal interviews to assess the aims and objectives, history, areas of production, staff establishment, facilities, and the impact of the Industry on quality education. The research also looked at the future projections of Ghana’s Publishing Industry. The research findings have been analysed and interpreted in chapter four. The social, educational and economic values of the industry have been discussed. The research reveals some success with yet more to be done for the full realisation of the industries’ objectives. As a result, suggestions and recommendations to help upgrade the industry to modern standards to enable it play a meaningful role in the quality education programme.

Source: KNUST
Achieving sustainable construction through procurement in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

Sustainable construction (SC) is one of the subsets of sustainable development and seeks to achieve social, economic and environmental equilibrium in the procurement of built assets. The benefits that ensue from sustainable construction are of significant value to current and future generations alike. Nonetheless, there is a lack of understanding and application of the concept in the Ghanaian construction sector. This phenomenon has resulted in little attention being given to SC and the benefits thereof. Given that the acquisition of a built asset is through a chain of procurement activities, it becomes important to initiate this process so that SC becomes a demand driven approach to the realisation of SC goal. Hence, this research aims at exploring means of achieving sustainable construction along the procurement route in the Ghanaian construction industry. The research process began with a review of mainstream publications on the subject to gain a broad insight and a sound understanding in addressing sustainable construction and also to glean secondary data. Questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were used to collect and validate primary data respectively from 172 professionals in construction procurement for the study. Analysis of the results yielded a set of 12 sustainability factors that included the integration of sustainability requirements into contract briefs, specifications, conditions and in the tendering procedures; the need for contractors and supplies to demonstrate the capacity, innovation and commitment to deliver sustainable project and the provision of records of successfully completed sustainable project. Furthermore, sets of criteria for assessing sustainable construction comprising 10 environmental assessment criteria, 7 economic assessment criteria and 10 social assessment criteria resulted from the study. Finally the analysis also led to the development of 12 sets of factors that outline the role of procuring entities in the pursuit of SC goals among which are the need for training, knowledge sharing and understanding of sustainability issues among procurement decision makers; incorporation of sustainability issues in procurement decision making; the need for clear policies and guidelines regarding the application of sustainability principles in the procurement of infrastructure and to conduct reviews to monitor the delivery of sustainability requirements throughout the project life cycle . Recommendations provided for the advancement of SC include training on sustainability issues, the need to emphasise sustainability at all stages throughout the procurement process and a proposed framework for implementing, monitoring and evaluating sustainable construction along the procurement route.

Source: KNUST
Achieving sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger: Does technical efficiency of Ghana’s maize farmers matter

Background: Whether or not maize farmers are technically efficient determines their choice of productivity improvement strategy and very important for achieving the sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger. This study examined technical efficiency and its determinants of Ghana’s maize farmers. Analysis of the determinants is crucial to devising strategies aimed at improving technical efficiencies of the farmers as well as ensuring no poverty and zero hunger. Methods: The study used cross-sectional data collected from 576 maize farmers in the four main agro-ecological zones of Ghana with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the stochastic frontier production function were the methods of analysis used. Results: The results showed that the mean technical efficiency estimate for maize farmers in Ghana was 58.1%. They also revealed that an increase in educational level, maize farming experience, extension contact as well as uses of fertilizer and improved seeds would increase the technical efficiency of maize producers in Ghana. Similarly, male Ghanaian maize farmers were more technically efficient than female farmers. Furthermore, membership of a farmer association will increase their technical efficiencies. Finally, an increase in farm size and land fragmentation will decrease technical efficiency of the maize farmers. Conclusion: Efficiency improvement programmes by stakeholders in the maize industry could target literate maize farmers since education enhances the managerial and technical skills of farmers and also increase farmers’ ability to utilize existing technologies. Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) could also liaise with Ministry of Education to provide maize farmers with no formal education with special training prior to introducing new efficiency enhancing programmes to them. MOFA should analyse the problems extension officers face in the discharge of their duties to pave the way for the provision of appropriate incentives to extension officers by stakeholders in the maize industry

Source: KNUST
Achieving the Millennium Development Goal 3: The role of the Church in empowerment of women: A case study of the Anglican Diocese of Kumasi

According to The United Nations Development Programme, Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3 is directed at achieving gender equity and empowering women. Empowerment of women is essentially the process of upliftment of economic, social and political status of women, the traditionally underprivileged ones, in the society. This study, therefore, assessed the role of the church in the empowerment of women. Personal interviews and questionnaire administration were used in collecting data from Fathers, Guild Leaders and members of the Kumasi diocese of the Anglican Church. Major findings of the study revealed that two thirds of children denied educations around the world are girls. Yet studies show that educated women have healthier children, who are more likely to live longer and attend schools themselves. Educating Ghanaian women is thus an important first step towards beating poverty and hunger. It was realized that the challenges that the church faces were inadequate funds to organize programmes on empowerment, lack of theological materials on empowerment and the lack of involvement on women’s issues in the vision of the church. It was recommended that churches should find creative ways to change people’s views about the value of education, and to foster a social environment in which girls feel encouraged to attend school. Churches should also form multi-agency partnership to address violence against women. The churches should be determined to help extremely poor women accumulate money that they could then invest in income earning activities, which is impossible for those who must devote every penny to daily survival. Churches should also work to help people protect themselves from HIV and manage their sexual health.

Source: KNUST
Achieving sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger: Does technical efficiency of Ghana’s maize farmers matter?

Background: Whether or not maize farmers are technically efficient determines their choice of productivity improvement strategy and very important for achieving the sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger. This study examined technical efficiency and its determinants of Ghana’s maize farmers. Analysis of the determinants is crucial to devising strategies aimed at improving technical efficiencies of the farmers as well as ensuring no poverty and zero hunger. Methods: The study used cross-sectional data collected from 576 maize farmers in the four main agro-ecological zones of Ghana with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the stochastic frontier production function were the methods of analysis used. Results: The results showed that the mean technical efficiency estimate for maize farmers in Ghana was 58.1%. They also revealed that an increase in educational level, maize farming experience, extension contact as well as uses of fertilizer and improved seeds would increase the technical efficiency of maize producers in Ghana. Similarly, male Ghanaian maize farmers were more technically efficient than female farmers. Furthermore, membership of a farmer association will increase their technical efficiencies. Finally, an increase in farm size and land fragmentation will decrease technical efficiency of the maize farmers. Conclusion: Efficiency improvement programmes by stakeholders in the maize industry could target literate maize farmers since education enhances the managerial and technical skills of farmers and also increase farmers’ ability to utilize existing technologies. Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) could also liaise with Ministry of Education to provide maize farmers with no formal education with special training prior to introducing new efficiency enhancing programmes to them. MOFA should analyse the problems extension officers face in the discharge of their duties to pave the way for the provision of appropriate incentives to extension officers by stakeholders in the maize industry.

Source: KNUST
Achieving value for money in Ghana’s Public Procurement (Case Study: three procurement entities in Greater Accra Region)

Public Procurement is the acquisition of goods, works and services at the best possible total cost of ownership, in the right quantity and quality, at the right time, in the right place for the direct benefit or use of Government, corporations, or individuals, generally via a contract. Value for money is derived from the optimal balance of benefits and costs on the basis of total cost of ownership. The nature of public procurement is such that it involves discretionary decision-taking on behalf of government at all levels. Malpractices occur throughout the procurement process and project cycle, through the actions and inactions of political officers, public servants, clients, consultants, contractors and suppliers which avert achieving Value for Money in Public procurement, and impede the development of the Country at large. Government do not have adequate resources to address all the needs of its people, however some of very few projects that state resources are committed to, do not give us Value for Money. The aim of the study was to establish how value for money is understood by officials involved in public procurement, to identify guiding principles that promote achieving value for money and to formulate recommendations on how Value for Money could be achieved in public sector procurement in Ghana. A questionnaire survey was carried out on a sampled Consultants, Contractors and Public Officials involved in Public Procurement in three departments, namely Ghana Highway Authority, National Health Insurance Authority and the Funds and Procurement Management Unit of Ministry of Education in the Greater Accra Region to understand how Value for Money was perceived and to assess the importance of the principles of Value for Money in public procurement in Ghana The survey revealed that “Value for Money” concept seems abstract and subjective, and not every Contractor, Consultant or Public Procurement Official can be presumed to be implementing it given that there was a lack of understanding of what it meant. A clearer definition of Value for Money is therefore required in order to facilitate its effective implementation in Public procurement. Systems and processes that consciously facilitate the achievement of Value for money were also not in place Public procurement Entities. Procurement Entities and State departments are recommended to adopt and implement these proposed guiding principles that promote achieving Value for Money in their procurement activities. This would help make judicious and productive use of the Tax Payers money to ensure that Government delivered on its mandate which is to meet the needs of citizens.

Source: KNUST
Acid Mine Drainage: Effect of acid mine drainage on water and soil resources within the Bogoso/Prestea Mine Resource. (Bogoso Concessional Area)

Heavy metals contamination (As, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cd) and other physico-chemical changes (pH, temperature, EC, DO, alkalinity, S042-, free CN) in underground and surface water, and carbonate carbon and sulphate sulfur in soil samples due to the effect of acid mine drainage (AMD) were assessed around Golden Star Resource Mine (Bogoso concession). Underground and surface water samples were collected from seven different sites and soil samples from three different sites within Golden Star Resources Mine (Bogoso concession) between November, 2006 and April, 2007. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine the heavy metal concentrations whilst the physico-chemical parameters were determined using standard methods. Average total levels of arsenic, iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cadmium were 0.0313, 3.7675, 0.0518, 0.0382, 0.8102 and 0.008 (mg/l) and average dissolved levels were 0.0104, 0.6737, 0.0356, 0.0256, 0.6998 and < 0.005 (mg/l) in surface water respectively. In underground water, average total levels of arsenic, iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cadmium were 0.0058, 5.8220, 0.1676, 0.0339, 0.2521 and 0.0065 (mg/l) whilst average dissolved levels were 0.0050, 4.3496, 0.1219, 0.0215, 0.2239 and 0.006 (mg/l) respectively. Iron and manganese levels in surface and underground waters exceeded Ghana Environmental Protection Agency standards for mining effluent. Differences in pH, temperature, E.C, alkalinity, S042-, iron, Cu, Zn and Mn levels in the seven water samples were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Surface water samples recorded values of EC and S042- ions higher than in underground water samples which exceeded acceptable limits. Carbon and sulfur in soil samples varied from 0.1922 to 1.8247 % and 0.0237 to 1.5830 % respectively. The results of the study showed high impact of AMD on water quality in Bogoso mining area. This effect could be attributed to the release of metals as a result of oxidation of metal-bearing sulphides in the mine dumps and pits at the selected sampling sites. The study showed that addition of lime as a treatment option has not been effective. Hence new conventional methods should be considered in the treatment of acidic water (AMD) in the mining area.

Source: KNUST
Ackee (Blighia sapida) fruit arils: Nutritional, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties

The limited information on the health and nutritional benefits of edible arils of the ackee (Blighia sapida) tree makes it underutilized in West Africa. This study was to investigate the nutrient content, total phenols, antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of freeze and oven dried ackee arils. Phytochemical analysis was done using standard protocol whereas antioxidant activity and total phenol content was determined using the DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteau methods, respectively. The minerals content was determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate and energy content were in the range of 4.83-5.20%, 51.60-56.66%, 10.94-11.67%, 3.63-3.88%, 8.01-8.56%, 14.41-20.62% and 590.67-614.26 kcal/100g, respectively. The ackee arils also contained appreciable minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K and Zn) with K (425.10-475.71 mg/100g) being the highest while Zn (1.95-2.08 mg/100g) was the least mineral. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins and glycosides in the arils. The total phenolic content was 5235.04±103.9 and 5175.38±178.46 mg GAE/100g in oven-dried and freeze-dried samples, respectively. The vitamin C content was 29.6 and 35.7 mg/100 g whereas antioxidant activity was 66.0 and 29.4 % DPPH inhibition (with trolox equivalence of 91.0±9.4 and 40.6±0.6 µM TE/g) in the oven and freeze dried ackee arils, respectively. Drying method had effect on the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of the ackee flour sample. The findings suggest that ackee aril had considerable total phenols content and antioxidant activity, which implies that the fruit aril has the potential for application in food systems to maintain food quality

Source: KNUST