ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Geospatial distribution of soil organic carbon and soil pH within the cocoa agroecological zones of Ghana

Geospatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil pH is an important component of soil fertility management in sustainable cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) production. Spatial precision of cocoa soil fertility management in Ghana is rare due to paucity of spatially precise knowledge of farm soil properties. This study sought to provide spatially explicit knowledge of the underlying trends of SOC and pH in and across cocoa agroecological zones, covering 61 cocoa districts in Ghana. Soil samples collected at 20 cm depth from 739 newly established cocoa farms were analyzed using classical and geospatial statistical methods. We described the spatial pattern (clustering) of SOC and pH and predicted their spatial continuity from observed and unobserved locations. Results generally revealed unsuitably low SOC (0.39 ± 0.009 g/100 g) and strong acidity (5.35 ± 0.027). Univariately, SOC varied more continuously (58%) over a longer distance (1.424 km) than pH, which varied moderately around 55.7% over a shorter distance (0.598 km). Covariates improved the co-regionalized structure and homogeneity of the predictions. Thus, the spatial dependencies of SOC and pH were moderate but the risk of imprecision was higher for SOC than pH. This knowledge is crucial in our understanding of the geo-physicochemical phenomena controlling the spatial distribution of SOC and pH in the cocoa farms and districts across the agroecological zones. The findings underscored dwindling SOC and pH in line with historic boom-bust cycle of cocoa production hot and cold spots transitions. The findings are also indicative of the adverse implications of relying on current blanket fertilizer recommendations. Therefore, a change from the current agronomic practice of fertilizer use to one that recognizes the SOC and pH needs of specific areas, farms and cluster of districts is recommended.

Source: UG
Geospatial modelling of mineral potential zones using data-driven based weighting factor and statistical index techniques

Mineral prospectivity models (MPMs) are significantly essential in delineating target zones with the optimum likelihood of containing a particular sought-after mineral deposit. This present study carried out mineral po tential mapping over the Collette Prospecting Licence (PL) Area of north-western Ghana using bivariate data driven spatial statistical models composed of statistical index (SI) and weighting factor (WF) approaches. In the first instance, the geographic coordinates of variously known locations of artisanal mining operations as well as high Au concentration locations were mapped during a field survey. As a result, 181 known locations of Au occurrences were identified, out of which 127 (70%) were selected randomly for training and creating the mineral prospectivity models, whereas the remaining 54 (30%) were used to assess and validate the accuracy of the predictive models produced. The efficacy of mineral prospectivity models generated enormously depends on the appropriate selection of mineral-related factors. In this study, the following mineral-related condition factors (evidential layers) comprising analytic signal, lineament density, uranium-thorium ratio, uranium, potassium thorium ratio, potassium, reduction-to-equator, and geology were used. The aforementioned evidential layers were derived and sourced from geophysical and geological datasets, which were later prepared for the generation of the models in a geographic information systems (GIS) environment. Finally, the validation of the mineral prospectivity models generated was carried out by applying the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. The estimated results based on the ROC plots obtained for the predictive models showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) scores obtained for the SI-based and WF-based mineral prospectivity models were respectively, 0.780 and 0.733. Hence, it can be concluded that both mineral predictive models created in this study produced reasonably good accuracy (AUC score greater than 0.7) in predicting the potential zones of gold mineralisation occurrences within the Collette PL Area of north-western Ghana. These MPMs can serve as essential models for mineral exploration programmes within the study area.

Source: UG
Geostatistical analysis, web-based mapping, and environmental determinants of under-5 stunting: evidence from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.

Stunting rates in children younger than 5 years are among the most important health indicators globally. At the national level, malnutrition accounts for about 40% of under-5 deaths in Ghana. Disease risk mapping provides opportunities for disease surveillance and targeted interventions. We aimed to estimate and map under-5 stunting prevalence in Ghana, with the goal of identifying communities at higher risk where interventions and further research can be targeted. For this modelling study, we used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Analyses were done on 2734 children residing in 415 geographical clusters. The outcome variable was the number of stunted children younger than 5 years in each sampled cluster. We employed a Bayesian geostatistical model to investigate both measured and unmeasured spatial risk factors for child stunting, comparing the performance of non-spatial (adjusting for selected covariates without spatial correlation), spatial (including spatial correlation), and null spatial (without the selected covariates) models. We then visualised the stunting prevalence across Ghana by mapping the predicted prevalence and exceedance probabilities to resolutions as refined as 5 km × 5 km. In 2014, 535 (19·6%) of 2734 children surveyed in Ghana were stunted. Elevation (log odds mean −0·0017, 95% credible interval −0·0034 to −0·0001), precipitation (0·0403, 0·0192 to 0·0615), and aridity (–3·7013, −6·5478 to −0·8723) were environmental and climatic factors associated with stunting in the non-spatial model, but were not significant in the spatial model. Substantial geographical variations in prevalence of childhood stunting were found. The predicted mean stunting prevalence was 27·7% (SD 3·7%) with predicted prevalence ranging from 4·2% to 45·1% across Ghana. Children residing in parts of the Northern region were at highest risk of stunting, whereas parts of the Greater Accra, Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti, and Eastern regions showed some of the lowest prevalence. There are substantial geographical differences in childhood stunting across Ghana. Our prevalence maps can be used as an effective tool to identify communities that require targeted interventions by programme managers and implementers, as part of an overall strategy to reduce the burden of malnutrition in a country with limited public health resources.

Source: UG
Germination responses of Terminalia superba Engl. and diels seeds on the 2-way Grant's thermogradient plate

The goal of the study was to take a more comprehensive look at germination responses of the species to a broad range of alternating or constant temperatures on the thermogradient plate. Terminalia superba seeds were placed in Petri dishes containing a gel of 1% agar for germination over a period of 30 consecutive days. Petri dishes were arranged 8×8 units on the 2-way Grant's thermogradient plate (a bi-directional incubator). The instrument allows for germination testing of seeds over a wide range of single temperature and alternating temperature regimes over a time continuum, given 64 temperature combinations (regimes) (5 to 40°C). Conditions were 40/40°C (day/night temperature) on the high end of the plate and 5/5 °C (day/night temperature) on the cool end. Dried out agar in petri dishes located at the hot end of the plate were replaced periodically. Two temperature gradients ranging from 5 to 40°C were used. The first gradient, progressing from left to right on the thermogradient plate in dark, was alternated every 12 h with the second progressing from front to back of the thermogradient plate with light. The study was repeated two times. Twenty seeds were used in each replication. The various temperature combinations had significant effect on final germination percentage, mean germination time, time for first germination and rate of germination. Alternating temperatures improved overall germination. The best germination at a constant temperature was at 35/35°C (88%). The best temperature combinations for seed germination at alternating temperatures were 35/40°C (100%); 35/15°C(95%); 40/25°C(95%); 20/40°C (92.5%) and 40/30°C (92.5%). © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.

Source: UG
Germination, vigour and dehydrogenase activity of naturally aged rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds soaked in potassium and phosphorus salts

The effectiveness of different concentrations of potassium and phosphorus salts and the duration of soaking on germination, vigour and dehydrogenase activity of rice seed, cvr IDSA 85, was studied in the laboratory. Treatments comprised untreated control, soaking in KCL at K concentrations of 0.5, 1.0%, 1.5 and 2.0% w/v and in KH2PO4 at P concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% w/v and water for 12 or 24 h. Soaking seeds in P for 24 h increased germination capacity (p = 0.013) from 79% in the control to 94% in 0.5% P for 24 h. Irrespective of the soaking medium, soaking duration did not increase germination capacity. Germination energy increased from 28% in the control to 77% in water, 83% in 0.5% K and 89% in 0.2% P. Soaking IDSA 85 seeds in K and P solutions or water significantly reduced the mean germination time and increased the daily rate of seedling emergence. Seeds soaked in P and K solutions produced significantly taller plants than the untreated control and water. Seeds soaked in KCL or KH2PO4 solutions had higher dehydrogenase activity compared to water suggesting higher viability and vigour of seeds soaked in K and P solutions. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Source: UG
Gerodermia osteodysplastica/wrinkly skin syndrome: Report of three patients and brief review of the literature

Gerodermia osteodysplastica and wrinkly skin syndrome are rare autosomal recessive disorders. Due to the many phenotypic similarities in these two conditions, it has been proposed that they represent the same disorder. Both conditions are well delineated in the genetic literature, but despite skin involvement being a striking feature, they are rarely reported in dermatology journals. In this report, we describe three Arab children from two consanguineous families who exhibit overlapping features of gerodermia osteodysplastica and wrinkly skin syndrome. All the patients had dysmorphic facial features, wrinkled skin more marked on the hands and feet, hyperextensible joints, intrauterine growth retardation, developmental delay, congenital dislocation of hips, and osteoporosis. Our observations also support the contention that gerodermia osteodysplastica and wrinkly skin syndrome have the same clinical spectrum; however, this needs to be confirmed at the molecular level.

Source: UG
Gestational thrombocytopenia among pregnant ghanaian women.

Background: Thrombocytopenia is a common problem during pregnancy that is not frequently detected and as a result is often inappropriately managed. The obvious concern with thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is the risk of significant bleeding at the time of delivery. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gestational thrombocytopenia in pregnant women reporting for ante-natal care at a Ghanaian primary health care centre. Methods: Platelet count was evaluated in 300 blood samples from pregnant women and 100 non pregnant female blood donors. The platelet counts were performed using Sysmex KX-21N automated hematology analyzer. The study design was cross sectional. Proportions were analyzed for statistical significance with the Chi square, Odds ratio was also calculated Results: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in pregnant women in this study was 15.3% compared with 4% in controls. This was statistically significant with a P value of 0.003. Odds ratio was 4.31 (95% CI : 1.52 - 12.04). Most cases of thrombocytopenia were mild (76%), only 4% of the women with thrombocytopenia had severe thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: The frequency of thrombocytopenia in this study was higher than that reported from more developed parts of the world. This may be due to undetected malaria infection in our patients. Pregnant women should be routinely screened for thrombocytopenia. Those found to be thrombocytopenic should have both thick and thin blood films done to exclude the presence of malaria parasites.

Source: UG
Get pregnant and be sacked: Working conditions in export processing zones and implications for women's empowerment in Ghana

Globalization and the spread of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) have resulted in the global drift of women into paid employment in this sector with marked implications on their empowerment. Although Ghana has established EPZs since 1996, the conditions under which women work in this sector and its implications on their empowerment are not well understood. This study was therefore conducted to assess the working conditions in Ghana's EPZ and its influence on women's empowerment. Adopting a sequential exploratory strategy, a qualitative phase of 30 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions was followed by a quantitative phase in which findings from the qualitative phase were extended to a larger group of 184 women from three EPZ factories through a survey. The study found out that although job loss in Ghana's EPZ is rampant due to labour casualisation and forces of globalisation, conditions of work such as remuneration, working hours and occupational health and safety are generally better than the "sweatshop" conditions mostly found in other EPZs across the world. Women are experiencing improvements in their finances and decision-making in their households which has improved their sense self-respect and psychological wellbeing as a result of EPZ employment. However, limitations on union activities in these factories, job insecurities and verbal abuse pose many challenges to the empowerment of the women. [t is therefore important to address certain structural changes on the working conditions in Ghana's EPZs to ensure that women benefit fully from the empowering effects of this employment

Source: UG
Getting Polio Eradication Back on Track in Nigeria

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
The Ghana - Carnegie Postgraduate Program in Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology

The Carnegie Corporation of New York, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG). USA. the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) UK. the Ghana Ministry of Health. University of Ghana Medical School. Accra and the University of Science and Technology School of Medical Sciences. Kumasi. collaborated to establish an innovative community-oriented Postgraduate Training Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1987 (PIG Obgyn). In the 10 years since its inception (1987- 1997), 14 specialists graduated This paper outlines the Aims and Objectives of the Program. the various components of Reproductive Health where most research and publications were done. and the important role that professional training can play in reproductive health research

Source: UG
The Ghana Armed Forces as a Foreign Policy Tool in Ecowas Military Intervention Since the End of the Cold War

The study explored the significance of Ghana’s participation in international peacekeeping as a tool in the pursuit of the country’s foreign policy objectives. In pursuance of the mission of the Ghana Armed Forces, it provides troops for United Nations, Commonwealth, African Union and sub-regional peacekeeping operations. Through secondary and primary data, the study interrogated the role of the GAF in Ghana’s foreign policy formulation and implementation in the area of PSOs in West Africa between 1990 and 2016. Secondly, the study rationalized Ghana’s participation in these PSOs and how it has inured to achieving our foreign policy objectives. Findings from the study suggests that participation in international peacekeeping has been a core foreign policy tool since 1957 and the GAF participation in international peacekeeping constitutes one of the various ways through which Ghana’s foreign policy is conducted. Also the GAF implements foreign policy and ensures peace in the sub region by providing troops for United Nations, Commonwealth, African Union and sub-regional peacekeeping operations, which are all in tandem with Ghana’s foreign policy of good neighbourliness and multilateralism. The GAF has effectively served Ghana’s foreign policy in the international stage and especially in the ECOWAS sub region. The study concludes that the GAF participation in international peacekeeping constitutes one of the various ways through which Ghana’s foreign policy of Pan Africanism; membership of international organizations, good neighbourliness and the maintenance of international peace and security are projected. The study recommends that the GAF must be well briefed and coached on Ghana’s foreign policy and be made aware that participating in international peacekeeping operations do not only constitute service to the GAF but plugs into the implementation of Ghana’s foreign policy.

Source: UG
Ghana at 50: The Place of International Human Rights Norms in the Courts,” in Ghana Law since Independence

Ghana has been a significant player on the international scene with regard to human rights. It is a signatory to the major international human rights instruments. After a chequered political historical, its democratic evolution since 1993 has been on course. Its current human rights record, though in need of significant improvements, is among the best in Africa. In addition, Ghana is currently a member of the newly-created UN Human Rights Council. While it is noted that significant cases on human rights have been litigated before the courts since independence, the Ghanaian courts have had a scanty record of invoking international and regional human rights norms in deciding human rights cases. As a result, the courts’ human rights jurisprudence has not been enriched by international human rights standards. The chapter undertakes a historical review of the role of the courts in relying on international human rights norms in litigation cases involving human rights from 1957 to date. It also examines the factors accounting for the lack of commitment by both the bench and the bar to resort to international human rights norms. The chapter then takes the next step of discussing the relevance of, and the justification for, resort to international human rights law.

Source: UG
The Ghana Coup 24th February 1966

This is a fascinating book Colonel Afrifa tells the story of overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah by the Ghana Armed Forces and the Police on the 24th February, 1966 with the directness and candour of a brave soldier and in a style which shows that he is not only a soldier but also but also an educated citizen with an incisive and scholarly mind.

Source: UG
The Ghana Energy Sector: Current Challenges and Opportunities and Job Prospects.

The development of a country is to a large extent dependent on the optimal development and utilization of its energy resources and the provision of energy services in a reliable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Recognizing the importance of energy to national development, Past and present governments have been struggling with establishing the most optimal administrative infrastructure both soft and hard to execute and implement policies to achieve such an energy vision. The Energy Sector since its formal establishment has come up with a number of policies to promote the sector as well as addressing the challenges. These include the Power Sector Reform in the 1990s to help attract private investment into the power subsector value chain; the 2001 Energy Policy which focused on poverty alleviation and economic growth; and the 2010 Energy Policy necessitated largely by the discovery of oil in substantial commercial quantities in 2007 and which provided the initial framework for the development and utilization of indigenous oil and gas resources in the country. There have been significant changes in the national and global energy landscape. The country had also undergone years of frequent power outages and planned power rationing across the country in the past, and the severest and longest occurred from 2013-2015, leading to reduced workforce productivity, unreliable supply of electricity, relatively high electricity tariff compared to the last decade culminating in the high cost of doing business, etc. These have compelled recent and present governments to come up with restructuring of the sector on a number of occasions. The presentation is a discourse on the entire Energy Sector and the challenges since the immediate colonial era to what prevails today. It will also touch on the potential opportunities for the country and job prospects in the sector.

Source: UG
The Ghana experience

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Ghana is born 6th March 1957

Wednesday the 6th of March 1957 is so important a date in the history of Ghana that it has been decided to produce a souvenir of the events that took place in Ghana on and around that date. Independence comes but once in a country's lifetime and I am very pleased to be able to introduce this publication, which has been produced by the Information Services Department of this Ministry, with the help of Newman Neame Limited and the author, Mr. Lionel Birch. I hope that it will be regarded as a worthy record of a great occasion.

Source: UG