ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Towards an effective financial management from offerings in the Church: A study of some selected classical pentecostal churches in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

This paper looks at how some selected classical Pentecostal churches in the Ashanti Region of Ghana could be proactive in managing their funds generated from their offerings above reproach .This has been done using both primary and secondary sources. With respect to the primary sources, the purposive sampling and the lottery system were used. Whiles the first method was used to sample the church leaders for interview, the other was used to sample a total of one hundred and seventy-one respondents from the congregations of churches 1, 2 and 3. Besides the researcher made several visits to these churches to observe most of their activities. It came to light that these churches have a lay down routine procedures that have been put in place to help their accounts clerks to prudently manage their funds. In spite of these routine procedures, the accounts clerks are not leaving above reproach and this is due to some challenges confronting these selected churches with respect to the management of their offerings. However, this issue can be minimized or perhaps over-come when the churches appoint qualified accounts clerks as full-time employees. The churches also need to go further by providing adequate office spaces equipped with the necessary machinery that would enable their accounts clerks to operate efficiently and effectively

Source: UCC
Towards an integrated framework for analysing the links between migration and livelihoods

Although migration is often perceived as a livelihood strategy for both poor and non-poor households in developing countries such as Ghana, most livelihood frameworks overlook the links between migration and livelihoods. The author therefore reviews literature on livelihood approaches and compares the differences between some livelihood frameworks. The findings show that although all of the studied livelihood frameworks focus on sustainable development they differ in terms of their core mandates, which range from integrated rural development through the environment to sustainable human development. The contexts in which livelihoods are practised are influenced by institutional structures, processes and elements of vulnerability, which could be both internal and external. In conclusion, the author proposes an integrated framework for analysing the links between migration (both internal and international) and livelihood which have been glossed over in the literature.

Source: UCC
Towards creating sustainable ecotourism interventions: practical lessons from Mesomagoro, Ghana

Ecotourism has, over the past three decades, been employed globally as a tool to secure a balance between the need for environmental preservation and the sustenance of the communities which depend directly on it. Consequently, the trend has been to designate natural resources as Protected Areas, limit access to them and regulate their use. While this approach has been successful in protecting the ecological integrity of the said spaces, the same cannot be said for the livelihoods of persons living in such areas. Consequently, the literature is almost unanimous with the verdict that ecotourism has not worked in the African context resulting in deep discontent which tends to be expressed in varying ways among the host communities. However, one notable exception to this trend can be found in Mesomagoro, a small community in Ghana that still views ecotourism relatively positively after 20 years of hosting an intervention. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Concept and a qualitative approach, this study sought to understand the reasons that could account for ecotourism’s success in Mesomagoro. It employs the Purposive Sampling Technique and uses In-depth Interview Schedules and Focus Group Discussions to elicit the relevant information. It was found that the sustainability of the intervention and the subsequent widely positive views of the community are primarily attributable to the fact that the project was designed to both integrate tourism into the existing livelihoods and skill sets and also to enhance their adaptive capabilities. It is recommended that ecotourism interventions in Africa should be designed to understand the local context and integrate programmes into existing livelihoods and not the other way round

Source: UCC
Towards Developing Performance Evaluation Metrics For Heads Of Department In The University Of Cape Coast, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine the structures and parameters of evaluating performance of Heads of Department (HoDs) in the University of Cape Coast. The study used convergent parallel mixed method design by using self-administered questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide to collect data. In all 304 participants participated in the study, comprising 296 members of academic departments and 8 Deans. Purposive sampling, expert sampling, simple random sampling and stratified random sampling were the sampling procedures and methods used. The study revealed that formal evaluation metrics for HoDs was very important hence the need for the University of Cape Coast to develop and implement an annual evaluation system for HoDs. Feedback from the evaluation is expected to be used as a basis for appointment, reappointment and performance improvement. The use of online performance evaluation, the establishing of clear, individual performance benchmarks for HoDs, and having HoD self-evaluations were all indicated as best practices for future use by the University. Additionally, in the quantitative study eleven criteria found to be very important in assessing the roles of department heads whiles five criteria were found in the quantitative study. The study also explored some of the foreseen challenges associated with performance evaluation of HoDs and the ways to make performance evaluation of HoDs effective in the University of Cape Coast. Among others, broader stakeholder engagement and educating people to be honest and fair in evaluating performance of HoDs were recommended. It was also recommended that the University come up with a policy on evaluating performance of HoDs.

Source: UCC
Towards implementing ems in enterprises a case study in the tourism industry – Ghana

Tourism establishments are faced with numerous environmental challenges such as toxic emissions, use of hazardous chemicals, waste generation, disposal and waste treatment systems. Adopting an environmental management system (EMS) confronts and addresses such concerns paramount to achieving a key goal of the objectives of sustainable development. EMS goes beyond mere issues of legal compliance, to tackle internal safety and aspects of societal well-being. Implementing EMS provides an organized and structured way to deal with environmental problems that firms impact on the environment as a result of their routine activities. Those with good environmental performance will find the system useful as it strengthens management review. Companies that do not have good environmental performance records may use it as a valuable management model

Source: UCC
Towards sustainability: Overcoming the physical barriers to urban green spaces in Kumasi, Ghana

Conserving green spaces (parks, gardens, forest) in the physical landscape of cities is an action that has been identified as contributing to the sustainability of cities. However, to be able to conserve such spaces, some barriers need to be overcome, and this has not received much attention. This paper therefore provides measures to overcome the ‘physical’ barriers to urban green spaces in order to enhance the sustainability of such spaces in Ghana, using Kumasi as a case study. A qualitative research approach, 30 in-depth interviews, ten focus group discussions, archival data, and numerous observation sessions were utilized in the study. Kumasi city authorities, allied bodies on green spaces, opinion leaders, and residents of Kumasi constituted the study’s target population. It was discovered that conflicting ownership rights, encroachment, and poor maintenance are major physical barriers hampering the development of urban green spaces. To enhance the sustainability of urban green spaces, the study recommends that there should be the creation of additional parks and gardens, conversion of brownfield sites into green spaces, incorporation of quantitative standards into the provision of green spaces, and institutionalization of an award scheme on green spaces

Source: UCC
Towards sustainable cities: implementing mass rapid transit in the Greater Accra Metropolitan area

Many cities face a myriad of accessibility challenges that could be linked to unsustainable mobility systems (UN-Habitat, 2013a). The Government of Ghana has been saddled with the challenge of solving urban mobility problems (Ministry of Transport, 2016). One cardinal area of interest in the urban transport policy reforms has been the introduction of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The study explored factors that would make the introduction of MRT systems work in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) and other urban areas in Ghana. It identified the infrastructure and institutional arrangements for MRT implementation in Accra, factors that would motivate small private motor vehicle owners to park and use Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the perception of users of the piloted Commuter Rail Transit (CRT) of its performance. Following a pragmatic approach, it dwelt on both the positivists and interpretivists’ research approach. The study identified that small private motor vehicle users would be motivated to use BRT if buses are punctual and frequent, comfortable and neat, and safe while riding. The CRT also received good commendation from users for avoiding traffic, reducing travelling time, charging affordable fares and leaving on time. Challenges that with respect to the implementation of the two modes of MRT included the poor infrastructure base of the CRT and lack of the political will to implement a full-scale BRT in Accra. The study recommended among others, the development of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) routes to ensure the integration of different transportation modes and infrastructure, proper stakeholder consultation in the designing of BRT systems and the implementation of a full-scale BRT in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area.

Source: UCC
TOWARDS TEACHER PREPARATION AT THE COLLEGE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION: MENTORS’ CHALLENGES AND MANAGING STRATEGIES

This study was aimed at exploring mentors’ experiences at the College of Distance Education (CoDE), University of Cape Coast. The study adopted qualitative approach to bring out mentors’ insights into the mentoring process. Researchers employed census sampling techniques for the study. In all, 145 participants were used for the study. The main data collection instrument was open-ended questionnaire. The study revealed that mentors face professionalrelated, institutional-related and transportation challenges. Again, it came out that mentors adopted effective communication, guidance and counselling, orientation and sacrificial approach to manage the challenges they faced. The study recommended that the management of CoDE should consider adopting advance payment plan for mentors to reduce their financial burden. Also, College should consider adopting a cluster system where mentees are grouped based on their distribution in a particular location so that mentors would not have to travel far for supervision.

Source: UCC
Towards the ethical librarian: Perspectives and challenges of staff of Sam Jonah library, University of Cape Coast – Ghana

Purpose: The study examines the perspectives and viewpoints of professional staff of the Sam Jonah Library in as much as the ethical aspects of their profession are concerned. The study aimed at determining the common ethical issues that confronts these professionals and their default courses of action in dealing with these issues. Design Methodology/Approach: The descriptive survey design was used as the research methodology with the population of the study being all professional (post-graduate diploma and above) and para-professional (certificate, diploma and first degree) staff of the library. Due to the small number of professional staff (43) in the library, the census sampling technique was used. Findings: Results indicated the existence of ethical dilemmas in the working lives of these professionals with guidance for dealing with these dilemmas emanating mostly from consultation of senior colleagues. Although the findings showed that the Ghana Library Association had an ethics handbook, it was revealed that majority of the staff were not aware of its existence. It was also discovered that one of the major challenges of these professionals is the absence of a specific library code of ethics handbook to guide staff in case they are confronted with these ethical dilemmas. The study recommends a strong awareness creation initiative from the Ghana Library Association to bring to the notice of members, the existence of a formal code of ethics document. Originality/Value: The paper provides information on specific ethical issues confronting staff of the library and their current modes of dealing with the dilemmas they encounter.

Source: UCC
Towards the scale and menace of unregulated sonography practice in Ghana

There is a high demand for medical sonographers, mainly due to high antenatal and other ultrasound examinations. Ghana has 334 registered radiographers and sonographers for a population of 30 million. The non-existence of strict enforcement of mandatory credentialization and licensure for the practice of ultrasonography has made the proliferation by quacks very pervasive in Ghana. However, there is inadequate knowledge about the activities of these unlicensed sonographers. This paper looks at the scale, creation, proliferation, and patronage of unlicensed Sonographers and discusses the impact on Ghana’s health care delivery

Source: UCC
Toxicity comparison of water-accommodated fraction and chemically enhanced fraction of bonny light crude oil and dispersit spc 1000 to mudskipper (periophthalmus papilio) fish

This study assessed the physicochemical characteristics and toxicity of water-accommodated fraction (WAF) and chemically enhanced WAF (CEWAF) of Bonny Light Crude oil and Dispersit SPC 1000 (dispersant) to Mudskipper fish (Periophthalmus Papilio). There were variations in the levels of the physicochemical parameters. The coefficient of variation (CV) indicated that the temperature show the least variation of 2.24% and salinity the highest 98.12%.Hypothesis test for significant differences at p < 0.05 significance level however, showed that there were no significant differences in the levels of the measured parameters over the 96 hours. All the mudskippers fish samples exposed to the water accumulated water fraction of 10% bonny oil survived beyond 96 hours. An increase in toxicity of the oil was observed after 72-96 hour exposures of the mudskipper to the oil and dispersant CEWAF. For dispersant concentrations of 540 ml/L and 630 ml/L the survival of mudskippers was 80%. These mortalities might be due to the toxic effect of the dispersant, Dispersit SPC 1000.The Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) in the test media were respectively 7.66-63.18 ppm and 0.82-5.26 ppm.10% Bonny light crude oil WAF had no effects on mudskipper survival. Exposures to 540 ml/L and 630 ml/L Dispersit SPC 1000 dispersed oil WAF (CEWAF) resulted in 20 % mortality. The lethal dose concentrationwas 885.5 ml/L (88.55%). The lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) was found to be 540 ml/L

Source: UCC
Toxicity mechanisms, exposure, toxicokinetic and risk assessment aspects of metals, toxic for animals and humans, volume II

Pollutants such as copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), and cyclophosphamide (CTX) exert toxicity on all animal species in the ecosystem (Gioia et al., 2011). Cu is an essential trace element in various cellular processes, but excessive levels of Cu are markedly harmful. Cd can exert toxic effects on various microorganisms, plants, and animals in very low quantities. As the first generation of nanomaterials, IONPs can cure iron deficiency in chronic kidney disease. CTX induces immunosuppression; however, the underlying mechanisms of these pollutants need to be further explored. Quercetin (Que), Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (PG), Tamarindus indica (TM), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), strontium (Sr), and selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) have the potential to be used in the treatment of the toxicity. Que is a special subclass of flavonoid and a powerful antioxidant. PG has a variety of ginsenosides that show diverse biological effects on various diseases. As a traditional medicine, TM has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. CoQ10 plays a key role in mitochondrial bioenergetics and exerts a natural antioxidant effect. Selenium is a micronutrient that is essential for the proper functioning of all organisms. High doses of Sr induce alterations in mineralization. Many researchers have focused on this field and have obtained important findings. Habotta et al. reported that SeY reduces the hepatic and renal damage induced by Cu in broiler chickens, and it can be used as a potential feed supplement (Wang et al.). Wang et al. found that ginsenosides alleviate exogenous toxicity and reduce drug toxicities and they could potentially be used as a treatment for toxicity (Han et al.). Han et al. revealed that IONPs accumulated in the macrophage lysosomes and the spleen eliminate the IONPs in the systemic circulation (Attia et al.). Attia et al. found that Cd damages the adipocyte function (Huang et al.). Attia et al. found that Que could alleviate kidney damage and renalcell apoptosis induced by Cd (Wang et al.). Wang et al. found that QE has an antioxidant effect in BRL-3A cells (Abdelnaby et al.). Abdelnaby et al. found that hepatorenal damage induced by Cd is alleviated by TM or CoQ supplementation (Zheng et al.). Zheng et al. found that immunosuppression in mice induced by CTX could be treated by ginsenoside Rb2 (Liu et al.). Liu et al. found that primary chondrocyte proliferation is promoted by Sr, but primary chondrocyte differentiation is inhibited by Sr (Liu et al.). This special issue provides new ideas for the application of Que, PG, TM, CoQ, SeY, and Sr in the prevention and treatment of Cu, Cr, IONPs, and CTX toxicity.

Source: UCC
Toxicological analysis of the effect of neem tree extract in an organism

The neem plant (Azadirachta indica) was used in this research to ascertain its effectiveness in controlling insects and pests. The leaves of the plant were applied. The neem plant has an active insecticidal ingredient, Azadirachtin (C35 H44 O16). The active ingredient in the leaf was extracted for the toxicological analysis in rabbits. The extracts were daily administered orally by gavage to male and female rabbits for two weeks at dose levels of 5 and 24mg/kg, respectively. Irrespective of dose/sex, effects on serum biochemistry parameters was not significant (P> 0.05) but the ALT in males was significantly higher than in females. All rabbits in the high-dose groups, irrespective of sex, showed significant increase (P > 0.05) in haematological parameters. RBC and PCV increased significantly in males than in females group. Mild splenomegaly was common to carcasses of all rabbits. Histopatholgy also revealed mild cellular infiltration of the hepatocytes, for both genders, there was no-observed-adverse-effect level for the neem leaved extracts based on this subacute study in rabbits was considered to be 2.5mg/kg/day. Hence, the toxicological analysis conducted on the rabbits showed there was no mortality or clinical signs among the treatment groups and control. However, there was however increase in body weight gain

Source: UCC
Trace and heavy metals analysis of Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus fraternus in Ghana

Ethno-pharmacological uses and information about Phyllanthus species have prompted this work. The aim was to investigate the presence and levels of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in Phyllanthus amarus (PA) and Phyllanthus fraternus (PF) in Ghana. Three different extracts (hot aqueous, hot ethanol and cold ethanol) were prepared from dried powdered samples of these plants. These extracts, including the dried samples of the plants were analyzed for the presence and levels of Al, Mg, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The levels of Ni (0.43±0.24 ppm), Cr (0.35±0.0 ppm) and Cd (0.18±0.10 ppm) in both plant species were found to be very low in the dried samples plants and below the FAO/WHO maximum limits for vegetables, but were below the detectable limits of our AAS in the extract. Pb was not detected in the dried plant samples and in the extracts of the PA and PF; hence the plants may not pose serious health threat to consumers. PA and PF contain appreciable amounts of trace metals though they were all below the FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits in vegetables. The level of Fe in PA and PF (145.11±11.69 ppm and 179.94±14.60 ppm respectively) was found be to relatively high compared to the other elements analyzed. This finding makes the two plants suitable candidates for use in formulating effective remedies against iron deficiency diseases besides conferring some nutritive value to the patients

Source: UCC
Trace elements in water, fish and sediment from Tuskegee Lake, Southeastern USA

The concentrations of trace elements in water, sediment and fish samples from Tuskegee Lake located in Southeastern United States were investigated in this study. The Lake is utilized both as a source for municipal drinking water, and for recreational fishing. The water quality characteristics over two sampling periods, the speciation of metals in the Lake sediments, the risk to water column contamination and levels of heavy metals in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) samples from the Lake were evaluated. The Lake water quality characteristics were mostly below the recommended drinking water standards by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the European Union (EU) except for aluminum, iron, manganese and thallium. In addition, the average values of Cr, As, Mn, Zn and Cl− in the water samples analyzed were higher than the respective reference values for fresh water. To study the speciation of metals in the Lake sediments, ten elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in four grain sizes (< 710 µm 250 µm, < 250 µm 75 µm, < 75 µm 53µm, and < 53 µm) were subjected to sequential extractions. Irrespective of grain size, the elements analyzed were distributed in both the non-residual and residual phases except Ni that was found only in the residual fraction. The potential risk to Lake water contamination was highest downstream (Sites 1 and 2) based on the calculated global contamination factors. From the calculated individual contamination factors, Mn and Pb followed by Zn, Cu, Cr, Co and V posed the highest risk to water contamination. Based on this study, the human health risks for heavy metals in fish caught from Tuskegee Lake are low for now, and irrespective of the source of fish, concentrations of metals in muscle tissues were all below the recommended Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) maximum limits for Pb (0.5 mg Kg−1), Cd (0.5 mg Kg−1), Cu (30 mg Kg−1), and Zn (30 mg Kg−1) in fish Contamination factors

Source: UCC