ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Plastics as a medium of creativity in Art

The economic importance of waste plastics has for a long time remained unrecognized. Its potential viability as a medium for sculpture has also not been popular. To date, the Ghana Government is unable to solve the indiscriminate plastics littering especially in the urban areas, thus, valuable plastics raw materials daily end UI) as worthless garbage. The over-reliance on organic materials involving wood and clay to facilitate the teaching and making of sculpture is adversely affecting our eco-system. As a result, wood and clay are either hard to come by or very expensive to acquire. This project work addresses the viability of waste “rigid” plastics such as pens, buckets, chairs and containers as an alternative medium the plastic art. Experiments with plastics yielded its viability as a sculpture material, Plastics was used as the valuable raw materials with the application of tools and processes of carving; modelling; casting; construction and assemblage to produce plastics artefacts in-the-round and in relief. Results also revealed the effectiveness of plastics as a good substitute for wood and clay. Its indispensability to the success of art education in schools and colleges and to sculptors cannot be overemphasized. Finally, it must be stated that plastics can be used as a medium of creativity in art. Collecting disused and discarded plastics products so that they may be reprocessed to yield a sculpture material is also not only a way of curbing the indiscriminate litter of plastics garbage but an economic activity for plastic collectors. Plastics are in abundance now and readily available with very little or no cost for their acquisition. The potentials of Plastics must be harnessed as a matter of urgency in visual arts education - it has an important role in the major areas of national development.

Source: KNUST
Platelet-rich plasma for treating dry eye disease – A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Dry eye disease has public health and economic significance. Platelet-rich plasma is rich in anti-inflammatory agents and growth factors, both beneficial for ocular surface repair. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the benefits of platelet-rich plasma for treating dry eye disease and its adverse effects. Methods Prospective comparative studies using platelet-rich plasma as monotherapy for dry eye disease were included for efficacy assessment. Before-after studies were included for adverse events assessment. Data sources included PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022347982). PRISMA guidelines were followed. The National Health Institute (NIH) quality assessment tool for before-after studies, the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2), and the methodological index for non-randomized studies were used to assess the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results 19 studies (10 comparative and 9 before-after) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The occurrence rate of adverse effects was 2.6 % (95 % CI: 0.5 – 4.7). The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) for dry eye symptoms was 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.25 – 1.37; I2 = 82 %; p < 0.00001; Z = 2.84, p = 0.004); tear quality was 0.44 (95 % CI: 0.06 – 0.81; I2 = 67 %; p = 0.003; Z = 2.26, p = 0.02); tear quantity was 0.45 (95 % CI: 0.03 – 0.88; I2 = 74 %; p = 0.0003; Z = 2.10, p = 0.04); and corneal staining 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.14 – 1.30; I2 = 85 %; p < 0.00001; Z = 2.43, p = 0.02). Conclusion The current study shows that platelet-rich plasma is efficacious in managing dry eye disease, significantly reducing dry eye signs and symptoms. Such significant improvements could translate to improved quality of life.

Source: KNUST
Ploughing depth and weed control treatment effects on maize performance and soil properties

A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of ploughing depth and weed control treatments on obaatanpa maize (Zea mays, L.) performance and soil properties during the 2009 major crop growing season in Kumasi, Ghana. The disc–ploughing depth treatments consisted of 0cm (No–tillage), 10–15cm, 15–20cm and 20–25cm. The weed control treatments included weed control with a hand hoe, cutlass, weed wiper, knapsack sprayer, and no weed control. The experiment was a factorial arranged in a randomised complete block design replicated three times. Overall, the highest seedling emergence was obtained from the 20–25cm ploughing depth plots while the lowest seedling emergence was found in the No–tillage plots. Ploughing depth treatments significantly influenced maize growth and dry matter yield. Ten weeks after planting, ploughing at the 20–25cm depth produced the biggest stem girth (57.53mm), longest root length (46.34cm) and highest dry matter yield (8155kg ha-1). The tallest plant height (180.50cm) and the highest number of leaves (17.71) were recorded in the 15–20cm and the 10–15cm ploughing depth plots respectively. The No– tillage treatment gave the shortest plant height (104.98cm), smallest stem girth (36.49mm), lowest number of leaves (14.87), and lowest dry matter yield (2573kg ha-1). In general, plant height, stem girth, and number of leaves between the 10–15cm, 15–20cm and 20–25cm ploughing depth treatments were statistically similar. Generally, weed control did not have statistical significant effect on maize performance and soil properties. There were no significant interaction effects of ploughing depth and weed control treatments on maize performance and soil properties. There is the need to determine the long–term effects of ploughing depth and weed control treatments on maize performance and soil properties.

Source: KNUST
The poetry of Ghanaian high life songs: a study of the wordtext

It is axiomatic to say that African culture generally means a lot to Africans. As a Ghanaian scholar and, for that matter, an African scholar, I have reason to be involved in the promotion of African culture. I am, therefore, using literary theories to advance this cause. This work adds more value to contemporary Ghanaian culture by academically investigating Ghanaian contemporary music as an art piece in a class of its own. High life evolved from primary oral literature. It is, therefore, essentially a secondary oral literature. We have to look at the evolution of our culture from the primary oral literature to the present form (secondary oral literature). A study of this evolution will give us the opportunity to have a fair idea of the development of the oral literature of Ghana. It is time we Africans started to appreciate our own culture and tell stories about ourselves from our own perspectives. This would go a long way to help our culture and our mind to grow. Most African intellectuals speak about African culture using an academic, codified and pedantic language, and thus making it almost inaccessible to those outside the university walls. The high life musician, on the other hand, uses a plain and direct language and reaches out to almost every Ghanaian and this is why he deserves attention. Again, it must be emphasized that high life music is an art form Ghana has bequeathed to the whole of West Africa and everything must be done to protect its survival and to ensure its international promotion. This work sets out to do just that. We should remember that Shakespeare and many Western poets did not get the opportunity of university education but are considered as literary giants. This is because their works were documented. If we, Ghanaians, also document the works of our poets, regardless of their academic background, we will gain considerably in future. This work is divided into four chapters. The first chapter looks at the colonial high life songs along the lines of whether they are panegyric, lyric or elegiac. The second chapter investigates certain sociological details of Ghanaians, especially the Akans, by way of looking at the themes of Post—colonial high life music. This chapter also demonstrates that some of the songs are products of conscious composition. Chapter three is a study of “burger” high life and the various themes it presents. Prominent among these themes is the travel theme. The poets, through their music reveal the real situation of the Ghanaian immigrant by providing a description which is contrary to what Ghanaians expect. The fourth chapter examines “burger” high life to find out whether it is authentic or not. Finally, there is a conclusion in which the arguments are summed up and suggestions and recommendations are made.

Source: KNUST
Poetry in the music of Amu

The work of the comparatist is most interesting and very rewarding. Interrelations of literature as a category of Comparative Literature is an approach researcher of Comparative Literature utilise to compare and contrast the Literature inherent in various disciplines of learning, for instance Literature and law, Literature and religion, Literature and politics and many others. In this dissertation, I have attempted to examine the literature in relation to music, specifically, the musical compositions of Amu: an effort to unearth literature from music. Amu wrote so many songs numbering exactly two hundred pieces, but for the purpose of this research, I sampled thirteen songs which include his sacred and secular works. The dissertation traces aspects of Amu’s life history that are relevant to his musical career and then discusses his works within the three broad categories of the Early Songs, Middle Songs and Later Songs. My research reveals that within these categories there are always literary and linguistic values in Amu’s works. When these works examined against the socio-cultural background of the poet, there is literary value; and when scrutinized as purely literary and linguistic materials, there is even more to discover. That is, always in Amu’s song-texts there is a treasure of literary and linguistic peculiarities of poetry. It has been observed over the years that some works such those of Shakespearean, Chaucerian, Homeric and Aristotelian never die out but are read and re-read over the centuries. This condition gives these works significance and lends them vatic qualities. Without seeming to be presumptuous, I think Amu and his works may be reckoned within the category. His earliest works, written in the nineteen twenties, are still sung today. In decades and generations to come, these songs will still be sung both in Ghana and elsewhere and the world will continue to gain from the counsel, warning and awakening which they give. This dissertation, based on the thirteen samples selected, puts forward a thesis, which acclaims Amu as a seer and a prophet. His works are discovered to possess abiding themes and an enduring aesthetic beauty. It is for all these reasons outlined above that I have chosen to title this thesis:

Source: KNUST
Pointillist expression of dance forms in Ghana

There exist in the ten administrative regions of Ghana several tribes, each of which has a number of dance forms. The scope covers one dance form from each of these regions based on its popularity. European and African artists have either painted the subject of dance or used the pointillist technique. The works of those who have used both the above theme and technique have been compared with those of the researcher. The researcher made experiments in the following styles, realism, abstraction and impressionism. The media used were pencil, charcoal, pen, oil and acrylic paints. The main project deals with ten dance themes painted in the pointillist technique by the researcher. Brief history of each dance form, the methods used in painting each work are analysed and the results discussed. In conclusion, the researcher makes an appeal to artists (painters) to be creative and original in recording other dance forms in Ghana for posterity.

Source: KNUST
Political decentralization as an effective tool for development: a case study of Atebubu –Amantin Municipal Assembly.

Political decentralization has arguably been recognized surer way of bringing development to rural communities by establishing administrative boundaries, empowering local structures and encouraging active involvement of interest groups in decision making (Gyan Baffour, 2004). The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which political decentralization has brought development and enhanced the quality of life of local communities in Atebubu Amantin Municipal Assembly. Using a structured interview questionnaire, data was gathered from a sample population of 400 respondents randomly selected from 40 communities in the Atebubu –Amantin Municipal Assembly area. The data gathered was analyzed using the Statistical Package f or Social Sciences (SPSS) Vol.24 to generate statistical parameters such as frequency tables, bar and pie charts to enhance presentation of data. The new findings of the study have revealed that political decentralization at Atebubu-Amantin Assembly has brought development to the citizenry in the assembly as residents recognize the need to get involved in the development of their rural communities through paying of taxes and levies used in providing needed social amenities such as portable water, thereby confirming the view that political decentralization could lead to the development of local communities. Larger proportions of the respondents have indicated that there has been fears of improper stewardship of funds. However, continual involvement of the citizenry in decision-making had brought about some change in the revenue generation. It has been observed that the amount of revenue generated by assembly determines the level of development undertaken in the various district. Therefore, there is the need for the assembly to educate its citizenry on revenue mobilization so as to increase development in the area.

Source: KNUST
Political party financing in Ghana: a case study of the Ashanti Region.

The 1992 Constitution of the Republic Ghana prescribed a multiparty system for the country. Since 1992 many political parties have been formed to pursue the core functions of parties within a democratic polity. There are 24 registered political parties in Ghana as of 2016. Political parties do shape democratic institutions and processes in a country. Therefore the health of parties has a direct link with the kind of democracy being nurtured in Ghana. Although money is an important pillar of politics, the cost of politics in Ghana has increased in recent years and it has a negative impact on the survival and activities of political parties in the country. This study examines how political parties in Ghana are able to mobilise funds to finance their political activities. The study found out that political parties admit that politics in Ghana is gradually becoming expensive and there are some difficulties in raising funds to meet this new trend of increased cost of politics but the financial challenges parties face vary depending on the electoral fortunes of the party (incumbent or opposition). Parties have the similar sources of funds but the regularities and effectiveness of it depend on whether the party is in opposition or in incumbency. Generally, politics is costly in Ghana and because of the politics being practised in the country; the opposition is in a financially disadvantageous position.

Source: KNUST
Politics in the implementation of decentralisation policy in Ghana: a case study of Ho Municipal Assembly.

The main objective of the study was to assess how politics play a role in the implementation of decentralisation policy in the Ho Municipal Assembly and how it has effect within the Municipality. A quantitative method was adopted where questionnaires were used as the tool to collect data. A sample of two hundred and twenty seven (227) respondents consisting of community members, assembly members and staff of the assembly was considered. Random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze gathered data. The study revealed that partisan politics contributes to the implementation of decentralisation policies. It was further revealed that over politicization of policies, discontinue of policies initiated by previous governments, undue delay in the release of funds to implement decentralisation process, duplication of functions that creates room for corrupt practices are the challenges related to the effective implementation of decentralisation policy in Ghana. The study recommends that the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) should be empowered to embark on a massive education drive on how politics play a part in the implementation of decentralisation policies. Again, the supervisory bodies like the Auditor General should ensure full compliance of the Local Government Act 2016 so that there will be smooth continuation of decentralisation policies irrespective of the government or political party in power.

Source: KNUST
Political economy and the pursuit of universal health coverage in Ghana: a case study of the National Health Insurance Scheme

The road to universal health coverage depends on resources committed to the health sector. In many cases, the political structure and strength of advocacy play an important role in setting budgets for health. However, this has, until recently, not been of interest to health system researchers and policymakers. In this study, we document the political path to the establishment of the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as well as continuous political interest in the scheme. To achieve our objectives, we used qualitative data from interviews with key stakeholders. These include stakeholders instrumental in the design and establishment of the NHIS. We also reviewed party manifestoes from the two main political parties in the country. Promises relating to the NHIS were extracted from the various manifestos and analysed. Other documents that account for the design and implementation of the scheme were reviewed. We found that the establishment of the NHIS was down to political commitment and effective engagement with relevant stakeholders. It was considered a solution to the political promise to remove user fees and make healthcare accessible to all. A review of the manifestos shows that in almost every election year after the NHIS was established, there has been some promise related to improving the scheme. There were several policy propositions repeated in different election years. The findings imply that advocacy to get health financing on the political agenda is crucial. This should start from the development of party manifestos. It is important to also ensure that proposed party policies are consistent with national priorities in the medium to long term.

Source: KNUST
Pollination ecology of upper amazon Cocoa and breeding substrates of Cocoa pollinators in the Ejisu-Juabeng District of the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Cocoa plays important role in the economy of Ghana as it is the second foreign exchange earner after gold. Lives of 800,000 farmers and their families depend on it. Although it has enjoyed a consistent growth Ghana’s cocoa yields per hectare are still low by international standards. This is probably because cocoa pollination which has for a very long time been relegated to the background in the scheme of cocoa production. The study was undertaken at Kubease in the Ejisu-Juabeng district using ten farmer managed farms around the Bobiri Forest. It involved a study of the ecological importance of floral phenology of the Amazon cocoa which forms about 58% of cocoa varieties in Ghana; a survey of insects in the cocoa ecosystem to establish their pollinator status; the relative importance of the breeding substrates in the cocoa ecosystem was also investigated; and the contribution of natural pollination to cocoa production. Results indicated that cocoa trees exhibited seasonally-related phenological patterns of flowering and fruit-set involving overlapping cycles under both intrinsic and extrinsic control. Significant (P<0.001) differences in the monthly floral production existed between the study farms. Optimum floral production occurred at temperature 22.5 oC, light intensity 91.8 Fc, and rainfall of 141.1 mm per month; however, rainfall could be the most critical factor in the floral phenology. Flower stability was affected by seaons and pollination. 2721 insects belonging to 36 species and 7 orders found in the ten farm plots. About 52.81% did not visit the cocoa trees; 10.4% insects were found on the cocoa trees. The ceratopogonids visited (F1, 30 = 28.79, P <0.05) more than other insects. Only midges could carry 60.1 ± 13 pollen. Population of midges was significantly (F = 0.65, P<0.05) greater under rotten banana pseudostem than the other substrates. There were significant diferences between the number of seeds of naturally pollinated and that of artificially pollinated fruits of small size pods (P< 0.04), medium size pods (P< 0.01) and the large sized pods (P<0.01). The study therefore demonstrated that cocoa has a specialised pollination mechanism, in which pollinators belong to just one pollinator class. Rotten banana pseudo stem preferred substrate implying that it might have provided a more condusive breeding microhabitat for the ceratopogonids. Natural pollination could contribute to cocoa productivity.

Source: KNUST
Polyfilla as a sculptural medium in the Senior Secondary School Art Programme

The new suggested syllabus on the visual art for the Senior Secondary School covers eight subject areas of art which includes sculpture. in the sculpture section various materials used in creating sculpture pieces have been mentioned some of which are wood, cement, sawdust, clay, mashed paper, plaster of Paris, plasticine, wax, gari, sheabutter, metal etc. Although this syllabus mentions many materials that can be used in creating sculpture pieces through construction and assemblage, casting, carving and modelling it still tails short of some of the materials that one can easily find in the environment which can be used in creating sculpture pieces. Since the inception of the Senior Secondary School no text book has been written that gives instructional guide lines for the effective and efficient teaching of sculpture at the senior secondary school level. Through a critical study of this new syllabus on visual Art for the S.S.S which encourages creativity through exploration and use of ideas. This research has come out with other uses that polyfilla can be put to in terms of sculpture. in addition to its already known uses, as filler for smooth finishes to all in door repairs and other building materials, it can additional sculptural material besides clay, cement, plaster of Paris etc. This research proposes a step-by-step treatment or approach to the use of polyfiila in creating sculpture pieces through casting, modelling and carving. The essay also furnishes the teaching-learning of the use of polyfilla with instructional guidelines that will benefit the classroom teacher and the student. The aim is to find out the possibility of using polyfiila as a resource material for sculpture and the relevant benefits that polyfilla can offer in terms of skills and knowledge that will predispose the pupils to creative individuality in a vocational oriented education.

Source: KNUST