ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Ecocritical inscriptions in Ghanaian young adult literature: a Study of selected works of Ruby Yayra Goka

One of the most pressing global concerns now is the increasing degradation of the natural environment through both human and natural activities. For Africa, in particular, the effects of environmental degradation are dire. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has revealed that Africa loses an estimated US $195 billion annually to illegal mining and illegal logging among others. The World Bank Ghana Country Environmental Analysis (2020) estimated the cost of environmental degradation to the Ghanaian society at US $ 6.3 billion. These astronomical figures suggest that urgent steps have to be taken to save the natural environment and therefore ensure environmental sustainability. Beyond the scientific ideas being proffered by scientists to help save the planet, there is the need to create environmental awareness in the citizens to enable them behave much more responsibly towards the natural environment. Since attitudes are mostly formed at childhood, it is imperative to teach children and young adults’ environmental awareness in order to promote adult environmental responsibility. The imperative need to teach the younger generation environmental values means there is a recognised need for this study which examines the ways in which the natural environment and environmental concerns are portrayed in Ruby Yayra Goka’s Young Adults (Y.A) novels The Mystery of the Haunted House (2011), The Lost Royal Treasure (2012) and When the Shackles Fall (2012). Using Ecocriticism and three supporting theories Literary Realism, Deconstruction and Titology, the study focuses on ecocritical inscriptions in the selected texts. From the analysis, it is realised that creative writers use real settings to highlight environmental issues. It is also realised that adult and young adult/children characters are ecocentric and that the author promotes environmental awareness through the skilful use of literary devices. The study recommends that parents should supplement the efforts of literary writers by encouraging their children to read books with environmental themes.

Source: KNUST
An ecolodge at Kakum National Park.

This report is a detailed description of the design process of a proposed ecolodge at the Kakum National Park (KNP). The purpose of the study is to design an environmentally friendly ecolodge with a unique vernacular architecture to meet international standards. It is to serve as the link between the natural and cultural environment of KNP and its surroundings. Preliminary studies through literature study and literature review, case studies and technical studies revealed that: ecolodges should pay attention to the natural setting and respect vernacular architecture during the site planning and design; use environmentally sensitive materials especially local materials during development and maintenance; incorporate green technologies in the design. The proposed design adopts vernacular architecture from surrounding villages of the Kakum National Park. Materials for the proposed design are mainly adobe, timber and thatch. Green technologies like the use of solar energy, greywater treatment systems and composting toilets were considered at the planning stage of the design. The layout of the proposed design is based on the traditional courtyard concept with a system of interpreted trails to link them.

Source: KNUST
Ecological Implications of Pest Management in a Forest Agroecosystem: A Case Study of the Relative Toxicity of Some Pesticides Used For the Control of Pests in Akumadan, Ghana

The use of pesticides on agricultural lands to protect crops and agricultural produce has increased worldwide since the advent of the ‘green revolution’. In Ghana pesticide use continues to increase as agricultural production intensifies highlighting the potential problems in conserving biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems. Available literature supports the fact that a lot of research work has been done on the toxicity of pesticides in agroecosystems elsewhere in the developed Countries, but in Ghana, pesticide effects have not been given much attention and research. There is scanty information on the toxicity of pesticides to the agroecosystem and it is against this background that this study sought to assess the effects of these pesticides on agroecosystems in Ghana. The research consisted of questionnaire survey, field work and laboratory experiment using earthworms. Questionnaires were administered to 120 farmers in 120 households at Akumadan in Ashanti region. The field work was also conducted in Akumadan to find out the environmental and health problems which have arisen due to the handling and usage of chemicals. The laboratory experiment used 300 earthworms in groups of 6 and each group consisted of 6 earth pots in which 10 earthworms were introduced. Five of the groups were exposed for 14 days to different concentrations of Lambda Cyhalothrin insecticide commonly used by farmers in Akumadan while the sixth group was set up as control using only tap water for the same period. The results generated from the questionnaire survey indicated that the use of pesticides could cause health problems to farmers. The field work also indicated that pesticide application could be toxic to non-target organisms. The laboratory experiment also indicated that pesticides could be toxic to the earthworms exposed with the highest mortality of 34% recorded at the 0.64ppm concentration. The calculated LC50 value was 0.632ppm.

Source: KNUST
Ecological changes and their implications for development planning: a case study of South Kwahu District Ghana.

The study area, South - Kwahu District, is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The Kwahu Mountains, one of the most important watersheds of the country, are also located in this district. Potential and actual ecological degradations threaten the sustained development of the district. This study aims at identifying the major ecological changes that have been taking place, explaining factors accounting for such changes, assessing the implications of such changes for district development planning and recommending measures to address the problem. Community perception of the ecological changes and the causes for such changes is assessed. Such observed ecological changes as decline in amount of rainfall and the rise in temperatures are detailed. The extent of deforestation is estimated sources of energy are identified and the extent of conservation assessed. The existing agricultural practices are evaluated both in terms of farm productivity and impact on the ecosystem. The demographic variable is included in the analysis to estimate impact of population growth on ecosystem maintenance. How the preceding factors interlink with and reinforce each other is illustrated. The possibility of integrating ecological considerations in development planning and management within the existing policy and institutional set up is evaluated. The proposed District Functional Structure is also evaluated in terms of being conducive to incorporate ecological considerations, Community participation as a precondition for ecologically sound development is emphasized. The possible fora for such participation are also indicated. Finally the study concludes by commending measures to be taken at village and district lev1 to address the most pressing ecological problems.

Source: KNUST
Ecological Studies of the Flora of Afram East Headwaters Forest Reserve

Ecological studies of the flora of Afram East Headwaters forest reserve was conducted from August, 2010 to July, 2011. Two sampling sites including Forest Reserve and Farmland were selected for the study. Plant species diversity and distribution in each of the sites were studied using random sampling technique. The different life forms, namely, Trees, Shrubs, Herbs and Climbers were sampled using the 25m x 25m quadrats. Household surveys using structured questionnaire were carried out to elicit information on the effect of activities of the fringe communities on the Forest Reserve. From the results, a total of 102 species in 90 genera belonging to 33 families were documented in the study area. The Forest Reserve recorded a higher species diversity (Shannon index = 1.333) than the farmland (Shannon index = 0.764). The species distribution patterns per site were as follows; farmland (aggregated = 42 and random = 24) and Forest Reserve (aggregated = 21 and random = 47). The dominant life form was tree species though most of them were in the seedlings and saplings stages. These were followed by climbers, herbs and shrubs (i.e. 47.06%, 19.85%, 19.12% and 13.97%) respectively. The study found out that farming was the major occupation of the people with slash and burn land preparation as the most common method practiced in the area. Food crops grown include cassava, maize, plantain and other vegetables. Illegal logging and the exploitation of other plant materials for shelter are the major threats to the Forest Reserve. Environmental problems in the area included deforestation, bushfires and soil erosion. The study shows that the fringe communities are not fully involved in the management of the forest reserve.

Source: KNUST
Ecological studies of the kakum national park

Since its establishment as a National Park in 1 989, Kakum National Park has gone through various phases of exploitation. A study was undertaken to assess its present ecological status. The objectives of the study, which involved a questionnaire survey, interviews and field observations were to determine, the general state of the forest, the wildlife resources and their distribution, management principles and socio-economic activities of the local communities that may have influence on the ecological status of the park. The results of the study indicated that the Park has undergone selective logging in the past resulting in a change in the structure and composition of its vegetation. The distribution of animal resources corresponded with the heterogeneity of the forest. The forest still provides a sanctuary for rare wildlife resources in Ghana. The Park is also rich in bird life. Past Park management practices have led to the creation of distinct microhabitats within the Park. The Park has an immense potential to attract tourists but the threat to its survival is human exploitation

Source: KNUST
An econometric analysis of the causal relationship between gross domestic savings and economic growth in Ghana (1961-2008).

The conventional perception is that savings contribute to higher investment and hence higher real GDP growth in the short run. Thus, higher saving rates cause higher economic growth. However, theories and empirical works have shown that the direction of causality between gross domestic savings and economic growth may run in various directions: from gross domestic savings to economic growth, from economic growth to gross domestic savings, bidirectional causality between gross domestic savings and economic growth or no causal relationship between them. The objective of this study was to find the direction of causality between gross domestic savings and economic growth (using real per capita GDP as a measure of growth) of Ghana using annual time series data from 1961-2008. In the process, three analyses were undertaken. First, the time series properties of growth rate of gross domestic savings and the growth rate of real per capita GDP were ascertained using the ADF unit root test procedure. The estimated results indicate one order of integration or I(1) for the series. Second, the long-run relationship between the series was explored utilizing Engel – Granger Cointegration Test procedure. The result of the test indicated that the series were not cointegrated. Finally, the causal relationship between growth rate of gross domestic savings and the growth rate of real per capita GDP was performed using the Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model and Pairwise Granger Causality Test. The results showed that there was bi-directional causal relationship between growth rate of gross domestic savings and growth rate of real per capita GDP in Ghana. Based on the findings of the study, certain monetary and fiscal policies as well as legislation and other measures have been recommended to boost gross domestic savings mobilisation and to increase growth.

Source: KNUST
Economic activities’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries

Since the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments around the world have instituted several economic policy responses to swathe the real sectors of their economies from the ramifications of the pandemic. However, most economies still remain vulnerable to the pandemic. In this paper, we evaluate and quantify the potential short-run impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activities in eighteen (18) developing countries using monthly time series data on Industrial Production Index and Composite Index of Economic Activity from January 2010 to December 2020. In addition, we employ a state space model (a Bayesian structural time series model) to estimate the absolute and relative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activities in those countries. The results of our Bayesian posterior estimate show that, in relative terms, economic activities of six countries have significantly reduced during the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, usually between -4.4% and -16%. Our Bayesian posterior distribution graphs show that the significant negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activities of most of the countries are rather short-lived. This finding suggests that the real sectors of those countries have seen a recovery after being adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend a continuation of the policy tools introduced by the central banks and the international organizations with a key focus on sectors of that economy that involves significant human interactions such as the hospitality and tourism as well as the aviation industry which was hugely hit by the pandemic

Source: KNUST
An econometric analysis of the impact of democracy on economic growth of Ghana from 1970 to 2008

This study investigated the causal relationship between Democracy and Economic Growth in Ghana for the period 1970-2008 using an Error Correction Model (ECM). Questions were raised whether democracy causes economic growth or economic growth causes democracy. The objective of this study was to examine the causal relationships between these variables using Granger causality tests. To achieve this objective, ADF unit root tests was carried out for time series data in levels and second differences. Johansen co-integration analysis was applied to examine whether the variables are co-integrated of the same order taking into account the maximum eigenvalues and trace statistics tests. An error correction model was selected to investigate the long-run relationship between democracy and economic growth. Granger causality test was applied in order to find the direction of causality between the examined variables of the estimated model. It was observed that there was a negative relationship between democracy and economic growth in the short run but a positive relationship in the long run. The estimated coefficient of error correction term found statistically significant with a negative sign, which confirmed that there was not any problem in the long-run equilibrium between the examined variables. The results of Granger causality tests indicated that there is a unidirectional causal relationship between democracy and economic growth.

Source: KNUST
An economic analysis of ore dilution at the east limb stopes of Tarkwa Goldfields Limited

Hundred percent (100%) extraction at 0 percent dilution is an ideal mining efficiency. This is hardly achievable for reasons ranging from around stability problems to poor quality of mining practice. The total effect of dilution cannot be easily estimated due to a number of uncontrollable factors. Quantification of the dilution levels, however, gives a fair indication of how much extra cost is incurred and how much revenue is lost for mining the extra tonnage of waste. The study therefore aimed at quantifying and analysing the dilution levels from the East Limb stopes in terms of tonnage, percentage and costs incurred and revenues lost. This was done by using mainly classical statistics. At the East Limb of Tarkwa Goldfields Limited dilution has been found to be 17.34% as against the 10% expected from the stopes and the trend appears to be worsening, 16.70% in 1983 and rising to 24.65% in 1989. These indicated a revenue loss of over ¢46M and an increased cost of over ¢18M in 1989 for mining and milling the extra tonnage resulting from dilution above 10%. The cost would even 1e higher when the total mine costs are considered. It is certainly impossible to totally eliminate dilution. However, it could be reduced and controlled within the “economic” limits of the mine operations

Source: KNUST
The economic and environmental effects of commercial charcoal production in the Upper West Region of Ghana

Over exploitation of forest resources for commercial charcoal production is a worrying phenomenon in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The forest is rapidly becoming depleted due to the human quest for fuel wood. The fast disappearance of trees may influence climate change which, may in the long run affect crop yields and deepen poverty. This report therefore presents the findings of a study undertaken to examine the economic and vegetation effects of commercial charcoal production in the Upper West Region. The study covered three districts, namely Sissala West, Sissala East and Wa East. The selection of these districts was informed by the prevalence of commercial charcoal production in those areas. The researcher used both structured and unstructured questionnaires to collect data from the commercial producers. In addition to these, Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and Observations were employed to obtain data from the target population. The study revealed that charcoal production is an income generating activity, although it presents dire environmental consequences to forest resources. The charcoal activity provides an average monthly income of GH¢200 per producer in the study area. Despite the economic impact the vegetation effects are enormous. Live trees, essential for the sustenance of lives are preferred over dead trees by charcoal producers because they produce quality charcoal. Again the method (earth mound) employed by commercial charcoal producers often causes fire outbreaks, destroying the already fragile forest. Additionally, charcoal producers widely use the shea tree, whose economic value cannot be overstated. Commercial charcoal production is dominated by rural households and therefore has some potential for serving as a major source of livelihood if sustainably handled. Therefore sustaining the industry will enhance rural livelihoods. To achieve a balance between forest protection and livelihood sustainability, there is the need for the adoption of efficient and appropriate technologies and strategies for charcoal burning. This will require government to introduce subsidy on the cost of acquiring improved technology like the kiln method. There is also the need to increase wood supply through the establishment of agro-forestry in farming areas and community woodlots. The production of charcoal should be limited to specialized parks or forests and should not be allowed in any forest as currently practiced.

Source: KNUST
An economic assessment of adopting alternative sources of energy by small firms in Kumasi, Ghana

Access to electricity has been identified as a key ingredient towards the development of every sector of the economy. However, in Ghana due to intermittent supply of electricity many firms do not get the required supply. With demand for electricity expected to be on the ascendency, there is the need to utilize alternative sources of energy in the country in order to ensure regular supply of power to businesses. This study examines the willingness to adopt these alternative sources of energy by small firms using market survey procedure. The hypotheses tests revealed that small firms were willing to adopt alternative electricity sources for their businesses. From the study, it was revealed that profit, and amount paid for electricity consumption significantly influenced willingness to adopt while the number of years firms have been in business did not influence firms’ willingness to adopt. It was also revealed that the average cost that small firms were willing to bear was GH¢ 92 per month for the supply of these electricity sources. It was recommended that the government through the Ghana Energy Commission should provide subsidies or give free installation to firms which are willing to adopt alternative source of electricity as the initial cost of these sources are very expensive.

Source: KNUST
An Economic Assessment of the Poverty-Environmental Quality Nexus in the Lambussie-Karni District of Ghana

The poor in Ghana depend on the environment for their livelihood and survival and their lives are greatly affected by the way they use the environmental resources. This study aimed to examine the poverty-environment nexus in Lambussie-Karni District. The study puts the hypothesis of bi-directional link between poverty and environment to test. The results provide evidence in consonance with the dominant view in the literature that environmental degradation spurs rural poverty and vice versa thereby providing evidence in support of the poverty- environment nexus in the study area. Also results indicate that environmental degradation spurs rural poverty and vice versa. Furthermore it was found that the impact of poverty on environmental degradation was greater than the impact of environmental degradation on poverty. The results indicate that income levels of majority of the respondents were below the poverty line (US$1 per day), with the environment severely degraded. The livelihoods of the poor in the Lambussie-Karni District would be significantly enhanced by close integration of poverty-alleviation and environmental strategies aimed at reducing environmental problems. Also development of alternative sources of energy, intensification and modernization of environmental education are also essential to alleviate poverty in the district.

Source: KNUST
The economic burden of malaria among households at Mampong in the Sekyere-West District

The research was conducted to assess the economic burden of malaria attack on households in ten randomly selected communities at Mampong in the Sekyere West District. The study was descriptive and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. The data was collected from household heads or household member who had malaria attack and had fully recovered during the last two months prior to the study using pre-tested interview guide. Information was collected on the amount of money household spent to treat malaria, together with the time lost due to malaria illness within two months prior to the interview. The findings of the study showed that, on average a household incurred a total cost of ¢103,242.23 per patient who fully recovered from malaria. 45.3% of this was direct cost, and 54.7% indirect cost for the patient. Notably a large proportion of direct cost (51.7%) was spent on drugs for treatment of malaria. Indirect cost was measured and valued on the basis of rural specific wage rate at the household level. The average person’s days lost during an episode of malaria illness at the survey was approximately four fully disabled days. Loss of output and wages accounted for the highest proportion of the indirect cost of the patients. The study demonstrated that if both the direct and indirect costs are calculated, it cost a huge amount, (33.60%) of the rural household income per month in the communities. Community-effective malaria control programs are needed to reduce this burden on the households.

Source: KNUST