ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
National Managerial Talent Development in Ghanaian Gold Mining Industry: Comparing Western and Indigenous Approaches

Management development in improving productivity has become powerful tool for management effectiveness, as well as to address the management gap especially in developing countries. However, management development programmes follow Western concepts and curricula which, in most situations, are not relevant to African context. Data from interviews of 26 national managers in the Ghanaian gold mining industry produced definition of their talent development and how they expect the development programme to run in industry. The definition is just a reproduction of Western concepts of management development. Motivated by strong display of Ghanaian identity and cultural practices during author’s interactions with some national managers, the main concern of this paper is to assess how these Western concepts of management development could be localised to be consistent with traditional Ghanaian learning methods to develop national managers (in the Western dominated Ghanaian gold mining industry). Applying indigenous methodology, the Western concept of management development is compared to indigenous approach. Results of comparative assessment of the two approaches reveal that traditional Ghanaian education has it strong and enduring versions of the elements of the Western approach to talent development, most of which the author speculates are stronger in driving the talent process than the Western versions.

Source: UCC
National peace infrastructure and sustainable development goal 16: a study of the national peace council of Ghana

Infrastructure for Peace (I4P) is considered a cost-effective and viable mitigation strategy to deal with the threats of violence to peace and development. This study assessed the contributions of Infrastructures for Peace to the realisation of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goal 16, with reference to the National Peace Council of Ghana. The study is purely qualitative and uses an exploratory study design. Sixty-two participants were purposefully selected for the study, using expert sampling techniques. The interview guide was one of the instruments used for data collection. The data were analysed using thematic and cross-site analyses. The study found that the NPC promotes peaceful, just, and inclusive societies by working to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts. The NPC has prevented, managed, and resolved several conflicts in Ghana. Among these are chieftaincy and religious conflicts, politically motivated conflicts, and socio-economic related violence. Besides, it has organised several capacity-building workshops and seminars for civil society organisations (CSOs) in pursuit of its mandate to enhance the values of tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence in the country. The main aim of these workshops was to build the capacity of the leaders of these CSOs to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts. Goal 16 of the SDGs, which aims at significantly reducing all forms of violence and promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, has been enhanced by the NPC. The study concludes that the NPC as an infrastructure for peace plays a critical role in the attainment of the SDGs in the daily lives of Ghanaians. The delivery of the mandate of the NPC by facilitating and developing the mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution is making significant contributions to realising SDG 16. The study recommends that I4Ps should engage both state and non-state actors to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. The study recommends that the state and its agencies should do more to promote inclusiveness and respect for others with varied backgrounds, ethnic origins, faiths, genders, sexual orientations, and opinions by acting as change agents. By working together with state and non-state actors, the NPC can contribute immensely to the integration of the people of Ghana and work against discrimination and prejudice.

Source: UCC
A national survey of MRI safety practices in Ghana

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess current MRI safety practices among MRI facilities in Ghana, and their compliance with the 2013 American College of Radiology (ACR) guidance document on MR safe practices. Material and methods: A questionnaire developed from the 2013 ACR Guidance Document was used to collect information on magnetic field strengths, MR safety policy and compliance, patient screening, emergency preparedness, infection control, MRI safety accessories, equipment safety, signage and barriers, report of adverse incidents, and access and communication. Results: Out of the 13 MRI facilities identified, response rate of 92% was obtained. Six (50%) facilities indicated they have MRI safety policy and have it present and readily available to facility staff. Five (42%) facilities indicated they have handheld magnets, and 1(8%) has ferromagnetic detection system. Only one (8%) had crash carts. Seven (58%) facilities have zone 4 clearly marked with a red light and lighted sign stating “The Magnet is On”. One (8%) recorded projectile incident and fire outbreak. Eight (67%) facilities have direct visual observation of access corridors to zone IV. Conclusion: There was compliance in some areas of MRI safety practice, however there were some shortfalls which need to be addressed. We therefore recommend improvement in the following areas: (1) establishment, implementation, and maintenance of current MRI safety policy, (2) patient screening, (3) provision of training and routine drills on emergency response protocols with documentations, (4) emergency preparedness, and (5) provision of colour codes for equipment used within MRI environment.

Source: UCC
National unity in multi-ethnic Malaysia: A critical discourse analysis of Tun Dr. Mahathir’s political speeches

This paper examines the discourse of a former Prime Minister (PM), Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, in order to study the ways Tun Dr. Mahathir (henceforth TDM) constructed national unity in multi-ethnic Malaysia through his public discourses over the years as a Statesman. This paper gives particular emphasis to issues in national unity. A Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) will be used to analyze the spoken and written public discourses of TDM that were published in newspapers and books. The findings reveal that one of the goals of TDM‘s discourses was to create a sense of oneness and a sense of nationhood among the various ethnic groups in the country

Source: UCC
The national youth employment training in Bolgatanga in the Upper East region of Ghana

The study was concerned with the National Youth Employment Training Programme in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. Questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data from 150 respondents from primary and JHS in Bolgatanga Municipality. The stratified and simple random techniques were employed in conducting the study. The study discovered that the salary given to the pupil teachers is low. Diverse training programmes are organized by Ghana Education Service to equip the pupil teachers with the requisite skills for teaching. Training content includes many topics but emphasis is put on lesson notes preparation, methods of teaching and the use of teaching learning aids. The training given the pupil teachers is adequate and effective. However, the time frame for training is not enough to cover many relevant areas. The study recommends, among others, that the Minister of Education should establish a link between the National Youth Employment Programme and Ghana Education Service so that there can be a regular supply of teachers to fill rural schools. The education sector should also focus on the National Youth Employment Programme as a new source of labour apart from the formal ones. Further, training programmes organized by Ghana Education Service in equipping the pupils teachers for effective teaching should include lesson notes preparation, time management, motivation and identification of problem children. Also training duration should be made long for many areas to be covered.

Source: UCC
Nationality versus global citizenship towards the realization of sustainable development goals: Ahmadou Kourouma’s Perspective

In the face of the fast depletion of natural resources worldwide resulting from industrial and economic cannibalism, selfishness and marginalization are becoming more and more pronounced in a globalizing world. The phenomena of selfishness and marginalization are manifest in the introduction of stringent immigration laws by most industrialized countries in the North to ward off migrants from the less developed economies in the South; and also the reinforcement of existing laws by the latter to protect their citizens and natural resources in recent years. Issues of national identity, territorial integrity as against the centrality of humanity remain an Achilles heel toward the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As far as 1968, Ahmadou Kourouma, an Ivorian novelist, in his very first narrative text, “Les Soleils des Indépendances” later translated into English as The Suns of Independence, raised the tragic dilemma of national identity at the expense of ‘human identity’. In the absence of concrete steps to address the issues over the years, Liberia, Sierra Leone and La Côte d’Ivoire were engulfed in intestine civil strife over two decades later. The main causes of this strife are found in the irrational quest for self-identity in the name of nationality and ethnic superiority for greater access and control of “national” resources. This paper examines the upsurge of socioeconomic and political exclusion, and the potential threats they pose to the realization of the recently launched Sustainable Development Goals. It is done through a critical reading of Kourouma’s The Suns of Independence, Allah is not obliged and ‘Quand on refuse, on dit non’. The study is posited within the analytical framework of literary studies and sociocriticism

Source: UCC
Natural antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum MSP3 and GLURP(R0) antigens are associated with low parasite densities in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana

Background: Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) are parasite features that have been suggested to influence the acquisition of protective immunity against malaria. This study sought to assess the relationship between MOI and parasite density (PD) in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana and to determine whether naturally occurring antibody levels against P. falciparum GLURP (PF3D7_1035300) and MSP3 (PF3D7_1035400) antigens are associated with decreased parasite load. Methods: Dried filter paper blood blots were obtained from children and adults diagnosed with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Microscopy was used to estimate P. falciparum parasite density and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the polymorphic regions of msp1 (PF3D7_0930300) and msp2 (PF3D7_0206800) was used for parasite genotyping and MOI determination. ELISA was used to measure the serum IgG concentration of R0 fragment of GLURP (GLURP(R0)) and MSP3 antibodies. Results: All 115 samples were positive for P. falciparum by PCR using either the msp1 or msp2 genotyping primer sets. The most prevalent msp1 and msp2 alleles were KI and 3D7, respectively. The geometric mean (GM) for MOI determined by both msp1 and msp2 genotyping was 1.3 for the entire population and was generally higher in children than in adults. Seropositivity was estimated at 67 and 63% for GLURP(R0) and MSP3 antibodies, respectively, and antibody titers were negatively correlated with parasite density. Conclusions: The negative correlation between naturally occurring GLURP(R0) and MSP3 antibody levels and parasite density observed in this study suggest that augmenting the antibody response with the GMZ2 vaccine could enhance protection in the Central Region of Ghana.

Source: UCC
Natural antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum MSP3 and GLURP(R0) antigens are associated with low parasite densities in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana

Background: Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) are parasite features that have been suggested to influence the acquisition of protective immunity against malaria. This study sought to assess the relationship between MOI and parasite density (PD) in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana and to determine whether naturally occurring antibody levels against P. falciparum GLURP (PF3D7_1035300) and MSP3 (PF3D7_1035400) antigens are associated with decreased parasite load. Methods: Dried filter paper blood blots were obtained from children and adults diagnosed with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Microscopy was used to estimate P. falciparum parasite density and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the polymorphic regions of msp1 (PF3D7_0930300) and msp2 (PF3D7_0206800) was used for parasite genotyping and MOI determination. ELISA was used to measure the serum IgG concentration of R0 fragment of GLURP (GLURP(R0)) and MSP3 antibodies. Results: All 115 samples were positive for P. falciparum by PCR using either the msp1 or msp2 genotyping primer sets. The most prevalent msp1 and msp2 alleles were KI and 3D7, respectively. The geometric mean (GM) for MOI determined by both msp1 and msp2 genotyping was 1.3 for the entire population and was generally higher in children than in adults. Seropositivity was estimated at 67 and 63% for GLURP(R0) and MSP3 antibodies, respectively, and antibody titers were negatively correlated with parasite density. Conclusions: The negative correlation between naturally occurring GLURP(R0) and MSP3 antibody levels and parasite density observed in this study suggest that augmenting the antibody response with the GMZ2 vaccine could enhance protection in the Central Region of Ghana

Source: UCC
Natural Disasters, Financial Development and Inclusive Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Stage of Development

Natural disasters, an act of God, constitute major socioeconomic threats that require an in-depth understanding, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where their frequency and severity have risen. Hence, this study examines the effects of the most prevalent natural disasters, floods, droughts and storms, on financial development and inclusive growth in SSA. Also, it analyses the moderating of the stage of development on these relationships. The five sets objectives. Firstly, to investigate the effect of natural disasters on financial institutions, financial markets and overall financial development. Secondly, to assess the moderating role of the stage of development on the relationship between natural disasters and financial development. Thirdly, to examine the effects of natural disasters on inclusive growth. Fourthly, assess the moderating role of the stage of development on the relationship between natural disasters and inclusive growth. Fifthly, to explore whether a threshold effect exists between financial development and inclusive growth. Using the Generalized Method of Moment technique, data on 35 countries from 1990-2019 was analyzed. The findings reveal that natural disasters negatively affect financial development and inclusive growth. Also, the stage of development significantly moderates these relationships for most models. Further, no threshold effect was established between financial development and inclusive growth. The study recommends that the financial sector regulators integrate natural disaster risk assessment to boost the resilience of the sector. Also, initiatives to drive inclusive growth should account for natural disaster-related vulnerabilities. Besides, the stage of development should be considered in any policy that aims at mitigating the impacts of natural disasters.

Source: UCC
Natural gas industry restructuring for value optimisation: A Case Study of Ghana

The global natural gas industry in emerging oil and gas producing countries faces the challenge of restructuring and regulations, making industry conduct revaluation inevitable. The main concern in restructuring the natural gas industry in these economies is how to break previously vertically integrated companies into separate business entities under an appropriate market structure along the gas value chain. There are two schools of thoughts on how to restructure the natural gas industry. The traditional school of thought favours a vertically integrated structure and the liberal school of thought advocates for competitive-based structures encompassing different regulatory reforms including ownership unbundling. The natural gas industry in Ghana, though nascent, is growing due mainly to rising demand for electricity, at about 5.8% annually. Currently GNPC owns the upstream gas, midstream infrastructures and champions final gas delivery to downstream consumers. Gas price harmonization, easing contractual agreements, maintaining the survival of GNGC, and energy security reasons are among the policy factors that seem to favour a state-owned vertically integrated structure. The aim of this paper is to examine and determine the industry structure that is optimal to sustain Ghana energy supply mix. The paper offers two natural gas industry structure models to describe the effect of unbundling infrastructure ownership of natural gas along its value chain on energy supply mix in Ghana. The paper suggests maintaining the aggregating role of GNPC is appropriate. However, the paper recommends unbundling infrastructure ownership from upstream natural gas owners. Thus, the Gas Processing Plants and Ghana National Gas Corporation (GNPC) transmission pipelines need an independent entity to operate the GNGC transmission pipeline as the National Gas Transmission Utility (NGTU) with open access allow IPPs equal access to natural gas at the market hubs

Source: UCC
Natural Infection of Selected Bacteria in the Gut of Potential Vectors of Leishmania (Mundinia) Enriettii Member (Leishmania (Mundinia) Chancei in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Communities in Ghana

The endosymbionts present in the gut of disease vectors play crucial roles in their physiology and vectorial competence, potentially influencing transmission dynamics. This creates avenues for disease control in vectors by exploring the vector microbiome. Leishmaniasis is a significant neglected tropical disease traditionally known to be transmitted by Phlebotomine sandflies. The cutaneous form of the disease caused by the new species Leishmania chancei of the Leishmania (Mundinia) enrietii subgenus is endemic in the Volta Region of Ghana, with the vectors responsible for transmission unknown. This study investigated the presence of selected endosymbionts in the guts of potential vectors and their anticipated potential roles in the development of Leishmania parasites which may consequently influence disease transmission and lesion exacerbation. A total of 135 sandflies and 750 biting midges were caught by light traps in leishmaniasis-endemic communities in Ghana. The vectors were subsequently pooled (5 sandflies per group and 10 biting midges per group) and subjected to DNA extraction. Universal and specific 16s bacterial primers were employed to perform PCR screening for Wolbachia, Ochrobactrum, Ehrlichia, and Tsukamurella. Among the 27 pools of sandflies (135 individuals), 18.5% tested positive for Wolbachia, 100% for Ehrlichia, 3.7% for Ochrobactrum and 70% for Tsukamurella. Out of the 75 biting midges pools (750 individuals), 11% tested positive for Wolbachia, 41% for Ehrlichia, 47% for Ochrobactrum and 64% for Tsukamurella. Additionally, we amplified the Leishmania parasite in 55.6% of sandfly pools and 52% of the biting midges pools. Co-infections of Leishmania and bacteria were amplified in 11%, 56%, and 33% of sandflies for Wolbachia, Ehrlichia, and Tsukamurella respectively. Notably, no sandflies showed coinfection with the Leishmania parasite and Ochrobactrum. On the other hand, biting midges exhibited a co-infection rate of 5.3%, 23%, 24%, and 28% for Wolbachia, Ehrlichia, Ochrobactrum and Tsukamurella respectively with the parasite. The presence of Wolbachia, Ehrlichia, Ochrobactrum and Tsukamurella in the potential vectors along with the observed coinfections with the Leishmania parasite suggests possible interactions between these microorganisms within the vector’s gut. These interactions may significantly influence the establishment of infections in vectors and subsequent disease transmission. To gain further insights into the gut microbial community of the potential vectors, sequencing of amplicons should be carried out to uncover the molecular foundations of the intricate relationships between the vectors and their microbiome. This study opens new discourse for investigating the vector microbiome, understanding its role in disease transmission dynamics and how to exploit the microbiome for disease prevention and control.

Source: UCC
Natural Killer Cell Function Is Well Preserved in Asymptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2) Infection but Similar to That of HIV-1 Infection When CD4 T-Cell Counts Fall

Natural killer (NK) cells are potent effectors of natural immunity and their activity prevents human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral entry and viral replication. We sought to determine whether NK immune responses are associated with different clinical course of HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections. A cross-sectional analysis of NK cell responses was undertaken in 30 HIV-1 and 30 HIV-2 subjects in each of three categories of CD41-T-cell counts (>500, 200 to 500, and <200 cells/ml) and in 50 HIV-uninfected control subjects. Lytic activity and gamma interferon (IFN-g) secretion were measured by chromium release and enzyme-linked immunospot assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to assess intracellular cytokines and chemokines. Levels of NK cytotoxicity were significantly higher in HIV-2 than in HIV-1 infections in subjects with high CD41-T-cell counts and were similar to that of the healthy controls. In these HIV-2 subjects, cytolytic activity was positively correlated to NK cell count and inversely related to plasma viremia. Levels of intracellular MIP-1b, RANTES, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IFN-g produced by NK CD56bright cells were significantly higher in HIV-2- than HIV-1-infected subjects with high CD41-T-cell counts but fell to similar levels as CD4 counts dropped. The data suggest efficient cytolytic and chemokine-suppressive activity of NK cells early in HIV-2 infection, which is associated with high CD41 T-cell counts. Enhancement of these functions may be important in immune-based therapy to control HIV disease.

Source: UCC