ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Baseline environmental quality assessment at offshore Cape Three Point, Ghana

Baseline assessment and monitoring of physico-chemical water quality parameters in a marine environment are required in order to understand the pollution status for strategic mitigation measures to be put in place to address significant environmental impacts. Environmental monitoring is often required to obtain information on the actual and potential environmental impacts of an activity so that it will inform authorities to adopt better environmental regulations. Offshore environmental assessment was conducted on the quality of marine water and sediment at Cape Three Point, Ghana. During the study, water and sediment samples were collected from near shore area, pipeline route and well/cluster area (Gye Nyame, FPSO, Sankofa NE, Sankofa SE, Sankofa NW and Sankofa SW fields). Data was taken monthly for a period of three months (March - May, 2018). The geographical locations of the study sites were determined using global positioning system (GPS). Physical and chemical parameters were determined for water and sediment samples using accepted international methods and standards for the examination of water. The results showed that total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels in the sediment were high in the well/cluster fields with mean values of 71.9 mg/kg and 1165 mg/kg for pipeline route and Sankofa NE fields, respectively. Iron, As, Ni and Cu in the sea water and sediment exceeded the NOAA threshold limits and were comparatively higher in the well/cluster area compared to the nearshore and pipeline route region. Concentrations of TOC, BTEX, SOD, BTEX, VOC, Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg in sediment was below detected limit and safe for marine ecosystem health. Phosphate and nitrates in the sea water were lower throughout the water column, increasing slightly with depth in the order; surface (<100m), middle (100-500m) and bottom (>500m). This is an indication that adverse biological effects cannot occur in the short term but constant monitoring are needed in the well/ cluster field.

Source: KNUST
A basic handbook on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Art Education

Integration of computers into the Ghanaian school curriculum has become widespread in the country’s senior and some junior secondary schools. Despite its numerous benefits, however, one wonders whether School ICT programmes are indeed serving their intended purpose of exposing students to the technological tools that would enhance skill acquisition and promote mastery over subject matter. A study of information technology syllabus of Ghanaian Senior Secondary Schools however indicates that existing information and communication technology programmes consist of conventional computing which only enables students to use a narrow range of software that obviously has very little benefit for the Visual Art student in particular. This study therefore defines activities that would enable art students to develop their computer literacy skills beyond word processing, ultimately developing their creative thinking skills through information technology. A handbook on ICT has therefore been designed to enable students employ technology in the creative process. The results from the trial testing of the activities outlined in the handbook suggest a proper attention to the entire idea of ICT in Ghanaian schools, since it stands to be of tremendous enhancement not only for the teaching and learning of art, but all the subjects studied at the senior secondary school level.

Source: KNUST
Baseline Study into Groundwater Resources in the River Tain Sub-Basin of the Black Volta

Groundwater is one of the most widely distributed and most important water resources on earth. It is safe for human consumption because it is free from pollution related to direct human activities. As interest in groundwater development intensifies, stakeholders are now more interested in the provision of baseline information for groundwater resources in the various basins to reduce the cost of exploration. The methodology involved the collection and analysis of existing borehole data. The results indicate that groundwater occurrence in the sub-basin depends on secondary porosity and is obtained in either weathered or fractured aquifer. The depth of boreholes in the sub-basin ranges between 30 and 75 m with a mean value of 49.2 m whilst borehole yield falls between 7 and 113 l/min with a mean value of 16.9 l/min. The overall success rate of borehole in the sub-basin is 74.7 %, however, most of the boreholes are low yielding. The mean transmissivity values are 10.63 m2/day for Birimian Sedimentary, 10.44 m2/day for Birimian Volcanic, 7.29 m2/day for Tarkwaian and 20.15 m2/day for Upper Voltaian. Groundwater accessibility in the sub-basin is not total. 60 % of the communities have less than the required number of boreholes based on the WHO threshold of 300 persons per a borehole leading to perennial water problems in these communities. The 40 % of the communities that have the required number of boreholes based on the WHO standard still face water crises due to low aquifer yield. Groundwater quality in the sub-basin is considered safe for drinking since the information gathered on 59 boreholes all have parameters falling within WHO water quality standard.

Source: KNUST
A baseline study of some heavy metals in Lake Bosomtwe

A study was conducted on lake Bosomtwe at Abonu to ascertain the level of pollution of the lake due to human and other activities. Water samples were examined for chemical and biochemical parameters including the heavy metals: Cd, Hg, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn. Fauna (fish) and sediment samples were also examined for the heavy metals. Standard methods were adopted in the determination of the general water quality parameters, and UV spectrophotometric method was employed in the case of NO2- -N, NO3--N, PO43--P and SO42- ; while Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used for the measurement of levels of the heavy metals. The heavy metal concentration in the lake water was in the range of <0.002 to 0.38mg/L, 0.009 to 35.99 mg/kg for the fauna (fish), while in the sediment the concentration ranged from 4 to 664.78 mg/kg. Apart from pH (8.81) and alkalinity (533.30mg of CaCO3/L), the water quality parameters were below WHO guidelines. The lake water is basically alkaline and hence not normally used for drinking purposes.

Source: KNUST
Bayesian and multilevel approaches to modelling road traffic fatalities

Smeed, in 1949, provided a regression model for estimating road traffic fatalities (RTFs). In this study, a modified form of Smeed’s model is proposed for which it was shown that the multiplicative error term is less than that of Smeed’s original model for most situations. Based on this Modified Smeed’s model, Bayesian and multilevel methods were developed to assess RTF risk across sub populations of a given geographical zone. These methods consider the parameters of the Smeed’s model to be random variables and therefore make it possible to compute variances across space provided there is significant intercept variation of the regression equation across such regions. Using data from Ghana, the robustness of the Bayesian estimates was indicated at low sample sizes with respect to the Normal, Laplace and Cauchy prior distributions. Thus the Bayesian and Multilevel methods performed at least as well as the traditional method of estimating parameters and beyond this were able to assess risk differences through variability of these parameters in space.

Source: KNUST
The Bead Culture among the Krobo of Ghana

The problem of this study was that, although Krobo have been associated with bead use over along period, the relevance of this tradition to the contemporary social, cultural, religious, economic and political life of the people has not been assessed especially within the context of globalization. The objectives of the study therefore is to appraise the existence of the legendary bead culture among the Krobos of Ghana with the view to assessing its relevance within the contemporary culture of the people and its readiness to face the challenges of the day and also its preparedness for the future especially within the context of current trends of globalization. Qualitative research methodology was adopted in this study. These included mainly descriptive, explanatory in addition to quasi- experimentation as well as correlation. Observation, questionnaire, and interview were the main data collecting instruments used. Data from both primary and secondary sources were gathered from observations, interviews and questionnaire served to individuals. Others were from books, magazines, newspapers, and the internet. The research found that there is a vibrant bead culture among the Krobo of Ghana, and that the youth are actively involved in it, contrary to the thinking that, the youth are not very active in the bead-culture. It is also evident that the role of the bead in the contemporary social, cultural, religious, economic and political life of the Krobos is enormous and that the influence of post modernity and the availability of other gems for aesthetic and other uses, could not wipe away the bead as the main jewellery of the Krobos. The research question, ‘is there a vibrant contemporary bead-culture among the Krobo of Ghana’, has thus been proven. It was discovered that, apart from bottles (glass) and ceramic dyes, the major tools and other complementing materials are all locally accessed. There is further evidence that despite the wastefulness that exists now in the industry, there is a future for both the bead culture and the bead industry not only among the Krobos, but the whole of Ghana given the degree of foreign tourists’ interest. It has been suggested that the necessary logistics and assistance be given to the local bead industries in terms of state/ private investment. In addition, through the more visible use of the bead by the traditional authorities as well as a conscious establishment of a promotional bead day celebration would all go a long way in boosting the bead culture and industry. As a way forward, a number of suggestions were made. Among these, is the need for Traditional and the District Assemblies to promote education of the youth on the bead culture as a way of sustaining their interest.

Source: KNUST
Beads in the Krobo Culture

Beads are an integral part of the Krobo culture and have so many uses and symbolic meanings. But in recent times, the uses and symbolism of Krobo beads seem to be under emphasized. This study focuses on how the beads are produced, their uses and symbolism in the Krobo culture. The study is limited to the YilƆ Krobo district and is divided into five chapters. Chapter one consists of the Introduction which includes the background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives, hypothesis, importance of study and ethnographic background of the study area. Chapter two deals with the Review of Related Literature which contains the history and origin of beads and the impact ancient civilisations such as Egyptian, Greek and Roman had on the use and spread of glass beads to the world. Chapter three covers the Methodology for the study. It explains the research design, the sampling technique and instrumentation employed for the study. Chapter four is the Presentation and Discussion of Findings of the study which includes data from questionnaire, interviews and observation. Chapter four also contains the production processes of glass beads in the YilƆ Krobo district as well as the uses and symbolism of Krobo beads. Chapter five summarises all the findings of the study with conclusions and recommendations. Based on the findings, the uses of beads cannot be under emphasized in the Krobo culture. Beads are used in all aspects of their lives and without its vibrancy, their culture will be meaningless. One of the recommendations made was that more research and documentation about the Krobo culture should be done to preserve the rich Krobo cultural heritage. Beads that were identified during the study were put into a chart for easy presentation and referencing with their description, common uses and symbolism.

Source: KNUST
Behavioral intentions and sales tax compliance among SMEs in Ghana: The moderating role of patriotism and religiosity

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of behavioral intentions of taxpayers on sales tax compliance and examined the moderating role of patriotism and religiosity between behavioral intentions of taxpayers and sales tax compliance among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, specifically Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. In this study, 375 questionnaires were distributed by using stratified sampling technique, which entails dividing the small and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs) into distinct strata. After which 311 useable questionnaires were deemed suitable for analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLSSEM) was used to validate the measurement model and structural model and the predictive relevance of the study’s model. The findings showed that behavioral intentions of taxpayers, patriotism and religiosity were positively associated with the level of sales tax compliance. The findings further demonstrated the moderating negative and insignificant effect of patriotism as well as religiosity on the relationship between behavioral intentions of taxpayers with sales tax compliance. The study recommends that authorities should collaborate with community organizations, religious institutions, and local leaders to promote a culture of tax compliance. Engaging respected community figures can influence behavioral intentions positively.

Source: KNUST
Behavior of bamboo reinforced self-compacting concrete: application of short span elements

This study focused on the behavior of bamboo reinforced self-compacting concrete (BRSCC) beams and slabs under monotonic loading. Both BRSCC and Bamboo Reinforced Natural Concrete (BRNC) samples with varying percentages of bamboo (1.5 and 3% for beams and 1%, 2% and 3% for slabs) as longitudinal reinforcement were cast and tested to study shear and flexure failure mechanisms and the contribution of concrete and bamboo to their resistance. The beams were 100 mm wide and had different depths of 150 mm, 250 mm and 275 mm with lengths of 1050 mm, 1200 mm and 2000mm respectively and a span to depth ratio of 1.8. The slabs on the other hand had dimensions of 1000 x 300 x 80 mm and a shear span- to - depth ratio of 2.5. All the samples were simply supported and subjected to a four-point monotonic loading. During testing, the characteristics of the samples under loading such as deflection, cracking and failure were observed and recorded. The study established that for the same percentage longitudinal reinforcement and sectional properties, energy dissipation capacity of the structural components (beams and slabs) of BRSCC was higher than their BRNC counterparts. The average increase in the energy dissipation was 17% and 15% for slabs and beams respectively. In addition, the longitudinal reinforcement ratios greatly impacted the shear capacities and degree of ductility of the structural components. Though bamboo as a longitudinal reinforcement contributes to shear resistance, it is recommended that a code predictive equation that does not explicitly account for longitudinal shear resistance e.g. CSA be utilized when designing BRSCC structural components. BS, ACI, EC 2 and CSA overestimated the prediction of the flexural capacities of the slabs when a material factor of safety of 3 was used for the bamboo. Hence a reduction factor of 0.5 must be applied to code prediction when designing BRSCC slabs to ensure a high enough safety factor on ultimate strength.

Source: KNUST
Beneficiation of Iron Oxides from Cupola Furnace Slags for Arsenic Removal from Mine Tailings Decant Water

Large volumes of ferrous metallurgical slags (FMS) are generated annually as waste materials from metal extraction, purification, casting and alloying processes worldwide. Some attempts have been made to use bulk FMS in metal precipitation and concrete works but little success has been achieved because of unstable precipitates and volume expansion of concrete structures. As a result, significant quantities of FMS are still disposed in landfills. This disposal leads to land conflicts and poor environmental practices. The present study focuses on the characterization and separation of iron oxide from selected bulk FMS (Cupola Furnace Slag - CFS) obtained from Ghana into constituent components for use as engineering materials. Quantitative X-ray diffractometry was used to determine the mineralogy of CFS. Iron oxide morphology and spot composition in the CFS were determined using scanning electron microscopy, combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used to ascertain the chemical composition of CFS after acid digestion. Wet low intensity magnetic separation technique was employed for beneficiating iron oxides from the CFS. It is shown that the CFS is amorphous and consist of ferrous and non-ferrous material. Results of the investigation confirmed that ferrous materials in the slags can be separated using magnetic separation technique. The study further confirmed that fine grinding (- 75 μm) liberates the magnetic portions of the slag efficiently, and as such, they can be recovered using a low magnetic field. The recovery was 99.04 % and the concentrates obtained from the beneficiation process consist primarily of pigeonite, quartz, magnetite and jacobsite. The beneficiated concentrates have the capacity to adsorb arsenic from mine effluent. This study has demonstrated that, slags can be utilized as secondary resources rather than a waste.

Source: KNUST
Benefits and challenges of integrated financial management information system (Case study G.E.S Obuasi municipal)

This study sought to assess the benefits and challenges of Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) using the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Obuasi municipality as a case study. The study examines five objectives of GIFMIS: effectiveness and efficiency in revenue collection, efficiency, accountability and transparency in financial management, timely dissemination of information, maximising payment and commitment control and the challenges associated with the use of GIFMIS in financial management. The study used descriptive research design for collecting the data. The sample for the study was 100 employees from the target population of education service of Obuasi Municipal. The sample was drawn from the sections of accounts, management and includes, budgeting, accounting, procurement, internal audits, stores where GIFMIS system applied. The primary source of data was used, questionnaires both closed and open-ended and qualitative data collection technique for the study. The results showed that even though the GIFMIS plays a complex role in ensuring efficiency, accountability and transparency in financial management of the education service of Ghana, there are challenges hindering the smooth operations of the system including: lack of enough resources and personnel, frequent power cuts, resistance to change by some staff, lack of skills in IT, and the fact that the programme does not cover all the departments of the service.

Source: KNUST
“Beta risk estimation of companies listed on the Ghana stock exchange

Both researchers and practitioners have used beta as estimation for risk. Beta is usually estimated by running a regression on the market model. However, this estimation procedure can result in a variety of beta estimates. Some of the issues that can affect beta estimates are the measurement of returns, the choice of market index used, the length of estimation period and the sampling interval. The issue of normality, autocorrelation and the effect of thin trading, seasonality and stability also affect beta estimations. This project investigates these estimation issues using thirty-five companies. The empirical results generally confirm the evidence by various researchers in the literature review some which are Pike and Neale, Roll, French and Fama, Chan and Lakonishak, Amihud and Christen Damodaran. However, the tests for the effect of thin trading and the effect of seasonality reject the null hypothesis (Ho: Monday = Tuesday = Wednesday = Thursday = Friday ) According to Bradfield, detecting the beta stability is clouded by the fact that only estimates of beta are observable and that changing estimates do not necessarily imply stable underlying betas. Bowie and Bradfield (1997) found that the tests of beta stability are difficult to interpret on their own. Gombola and Kahi advocate that an OLS estimate of beta requires an estimation period during which the relationship between stock return and market return is stable. Without this stability, they suggest that an alternative for forecasting a time-varying relationship such as the general Bayesian adjustment process will be required.

Source: KNUST
"Beta Risk Estimation of Companies Listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange"

Both researchers and practitioners have used beta as estimation for risk. Beta is usually estimated by running a regression on the market model. However, this estimation procedure can result in a variety of beta estimates. Some of the issues that can affect beta estimates are the measurement of returns, the choice of market index used, the length of estimation period and the sampling interval. The issue of normality, autocorrelation and the effect of thin trading, seasonality and stability * * also affect beta estimations. This project investigaies these estimation issues using thirty-five companies. The empirical results generally confirm the evidence by various researchers in the literature review some which are Pike and Neale, Roll, French and Fama, Chan and Lakonishak, Amihud and Christen Damodaran. However, the tests for the effect of thin trading and the effect of seasonality reject * the null hypothesis (Ho: P Monday - 0 Tuesday - P Wednesday = P Thursday = P Friday ) According to Bradfield, detecting the beta stability is clouded by the fact that only estimates of beta are observable and that changing estimates do not necessarily imply stable underlying betas. Bowie and Bradfield (1997) found that the tests of beta stability are difficult to interpret on their own. Gombola and Kahl advocate that an OLS estimate of beta requires an estimation period during which the relationship between stock return and market return is stable. Without this stability, they suggest that an alternative for forecasting a time-varying relationship such as the general Bayesian adjustment process will be required.

Source: KNUST