ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of dry season surface, ground, and treated water quality in the Cape Coast municipality of Ghana

This aim of this monitoring was to assess water quality in a dry season for the Cape Coast municipality in Ghana, which has been experiencing chronic water shortages. Fifteen different sampling stations—four surface, five ground, and six tap water samples—were analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological parameters during January to April 2005. Levels or trends in water quality that may be deleterious to sensitive water uses, including drinking, irrigation, and livestock watering have been noted with reference to well-established guidelines. Exceedances to some health-based drinking water guidelines included positive coliform for various water samples; pH for all groundwater samples (pH 5.9 ± 0.3); conductivity for 50% groundwater; color for about a third of groundwater and tap water; Mn for 44% tap water, 67% groundwater, and 50% surface water samples. The World Health Organization laundry staining Fe guideline of 0.3 mg/l was exceeded by 75% of surface water, 44% tap water, and 53% groundwater samples. The corresponding Mn guideline of 0.1 mg/l was exceeded by all the water samples. Respectively, all surface water samples and also 75% of the surface water exceeded some known Cu and Zn guideline for the protection of aquatic life. Compared to some historic data for Fosu Lagoon, the current study shows a lowering of ∼1 pH unit, increase of ∼65% NH3, one to two orders of magnitude increase in PO 3−4 , and more than two orders of magnitude increase in NO−. In several instances, tap water samples collected at the consumers’ end of the distribution system did not reflect on the true quality of the treated water. Mn, SO2−4,PO3−4 , Cu, and Zn were among the chemical contaminations observed to occur in the distribution system

Source: UCC
Assessment of ecological and human health risks of cu, zn and pb accumulation in agricultural soils and okra

Emission from Vehicles manufacturing and processing industries have caused accumulation of heavy metals insoils and food crops, which could be harmful to public health and the environment. Heavy metals accumulate in foods as a result of their uptake by crops. This research was conducted to investigate Cu, Zn and Pb concentrations in soils and okra from two farmlands in Cape Coast; to assess the ecological and health risk and the relation between the metal transfer factor and soil properties, pH and organic matter. Twenty composite top soil samples were collected in the dry season from each farm. The concentrations (mg/kg) of Cu, Zn and Pb in soils from UCC farm were respectively11.6, 18.24 and 4.88; the corresponding levels measured in the soils from Amamoma were 9.33, 14.83 and 4.65 respectively. The concentrations of the metals in the soils were significantly higher than corresponding levels found in the okra samples. The TF values ranged between 0.08 and 0.41. For all the metals TF < 1, suggesting that translocation of the metals from the soil solution to the okra were less effective. The uptake capabilities of heavy metals from soil to okra was in the order of Zn < Cu < Pb. Organic matter correlated negatively and insignificantly with TF of Cu and Pb. It, however, correlated significantly and positively with TF of Zn. pH correlated positively with TF values of all the three metals Cu, Zn and Pb; but only Zn showed significant correlation. the Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factors (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), mean enrichment quotient (MEQ); and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) suggest the sites are not enriched and are practically unpolluted with the three metals. Consumption of okra from the farms was considered safe

Source: UCC
Assessment Of Ecological Health Status And Socioeconomic Drivers Of Degradation In Two Southwestern Estuarine Systems Of Ghana

This study presents findings of the assessments of water and sediment quality, pollution indication, health risks associated with nutrients and metal contamination, and the drivers of degradation in Pra and Ankobra estuaries. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) was used to evaluate the water quality, and the values indicated that both estuaries were in the marginal water quality category. Nemerow's Pollution Index (NPI) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that turbidity (from siltation), As, P04, Fe, Hg, Cu, and Pb contributed to the pollution of the estuaries. Furthermore, the health risks index of Target Hazard Quotient (TI-IQ) and Total I-Iazard Index (THI) evaluated on shellfish (Macrobrachium) from the two estuaries were above USEPA recommended threshold; therefore, there is a likelihood of human health risk impacts on the coastal dwellers surrounding the estuaries. Additionally, the results of sediment analysis revealed a mean number of micro plastic particlesllO g in Pra river as follows; fibre (14.22±4.99), sheet (24.44±13.21), fragment (38.00±25.47), bead (4.22±4.84); and Ankobra, fibre (13 .OO± 7.56), sheet (20.60± 12.59), fragment (8. 70± 11.22), bead (3.30±4.14). Metal concentrations in both estuarine sediments were in the order of Fe > As > Zn > Cu > Pb; concentrations of Cd and Hg were below the detection limit. Pb, Cu, and Zn were within Interim Marine Sediment Quality Guidelines while Fe and As exceeded the guidelines. Furthermore, the respective order of contamination factor and geoaccumulation index of metals were As > Fe> Zn >Pb > Cu (pra) and As > Fe > Pb > Cu (Ankobra). Pollution Load Index (PU) recorded for Pra and Ankobra estuarine sediments were 1.94 and 2.71 , respectively, suggesting the deterioration of both estuaries. Consequently, findings from the use of Driver Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) framework to assess the drivers of degradation of the coastal enviroJUllent revealed that the environment is degraded due to the impact of antlu·opogenic activities such as gold mining activities, farming, improper waste disposaJ , and illegal fishing that put pressure on the environment. Unfortunately, the regulatory policies by governmental agencies, efforts of non-governmental organisations, and the nearby coastal communities to address the environmental issues have not yielded the desired results. Therefore, to s these coastal ecosystems and the adjourning communities, there is a need for more urgent interventions to stop further degradation, and to enhance the conservation of both the ecosystems and livelihoods of the coastal dwellers in the area.

Source: UCC
Assessment of effectiveness of internal control systems in the Tema Development Corporation

The current economic trends have made it important for all institutions; both private and public to maintain effective internal control systems. Internal control has attracted intense debate and attention across industries in accounting and auditing literature over the past decades. The regulatory and institutional framework has improved significantly over the years yet still the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) in particular is faced with lots of challenges. It is against this background that this study was conducted into the effectiveness of the internal control systems of TDC. The main objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of internal control system at TDC. Related literature was reviewed. The study adopted the explanatory research. The study population was staff of TDC. A sample size of fifty (50) respondents was used for the study.The purposive sampling technique was adopted. Data was collected through interview and questionnaire.The data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) computer software program. Summary of all findings made included: it was revealed from the study that, the control environment at TDC is effective as majority of the respondent agree to that assertion with a few not being sure of the effectiveness of the control environment.In reviewing the risk assessment component of the internal control system at Tema Development Corporation, the study found that, the risk assessment is also effective. The last element of internal control considered by the study was monitoring and this happened to be the most effective in the TDC with most respondents showing that they perceive monitoring to be effective.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning Pedagogical Approach in Radiography Education in a Tertiary Institution in Ghana

Abstract A newly accredited department to train Radiographers in the college of health sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana was motivated by the great success story of graduating Doctors from the medical school of the same college that uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as the main pedagogy. Therefore, the new Radiography department decided to use PBL as the main mode of pedagogy for the training of the radiographers. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the PBL mode of pedagogy from students’ perspective so that lessons can be learnt thereof. A questionnaire was used to gather responses from 272 students (190 males, 82 females) reading diagnostic imaging technology (Radiography) and diagnostic medical sonography programmes. The results showed 100% response rate from the respondents. On whether students prefer PBL to traditional lectures, 32.5% agreed, 63.2% strongly agreed with only 2.2% and 1.5% who disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively and 0.7% neither agreed nor disagreed. Also, 52.2% and 36.4% of the respondents agreed that PBL develops competence and confidence in self-directed learning, 37.5% and 55.5% respondents further strongly agreed to the same set of statements. However only 4.4% and 2.6% respectively disagreed with the same set of statements with 2.2% and 3.3% respectively neither agreed nor disagreed. Majority (59.1%) of the students identified inadequate resources to carry out the PBL activities as their main challenge with PBL. Therefore, from the students’ perspective, PBL mode of pedagogy is appropriate for radiography education, it is high-quality and has significantly impacted on students clinical understanding, retention of information, presentation, health promotion and skills development.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning Pedagogical Approach in Radiography Education in a Tertiary Institution in Ghana

A newly accredited department to train Radiographers in the college of health sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana was motivated by the great success story of graduating Doctors from the medical school of the same college that uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as the main pedagogy. Therefore, the new Radiography department decided to use PBL as the main mode of pedagogy for the training of the radiographers. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the PBL mode of pedagogy from students’ perspective so that lessons can be learnt thereof. A questionnaire was used to gather responses from 272 students (190 males, 82 females) reading diagnostic imaging technology (Radiography) and diagnostic medical sonography programmes. The results showed 100% response rate from the respondents. On whether students prefer PBL to traditional lectures, 32.5% agreed, 63.2% strongly agreed with only 2.2% and 1.5% who disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively and 0.7% neither agreed nor disagreed. Also, 52.2% and 36.4% of the respondents agreed that PBL develops competence and confidence in self-directed learning, 37.5% and 55.5% respondents further strongly agreed to the same set of statements. However only 4.4% and 2.6% respectively disagreed with the same set of statements with 2.2% and 3.3% respectively neither agreed nor disagreed. Majority (59.1%) of the students identified inadequate resources to carry out the PBL activities as their main challenge with PBL. Therefore, from the students’ perspective, PBL mode of pedagogy is appropriate for radiography education, it is high-quality and has significantly impacted on students clinical understanding, retention of information, presentation, health promotion and skills development.

Source: UCC
An assessment of effectiveness of supervision in basic schools in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district

The study investigated the effectiveness of instructional supervision at the basic school level in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District. The study covered the district education office and all the 62 Junior High Schools in the district. There are seven circuits in the district and four circuits were randomly selected for the study. The data were collected with the use of questionnaire and interview guide. Simple percentages were calculated to analyse the data. The main findings of the study were that internal supervision was mostly carried out in the schools with external supervision being in the form of brief and occasional visits. Also it was found out that students and teachers especially view supervision as a threat and become anxious interacting with supervisors. Again, instructional supervision in the district is faced with problems such as lack of logistics, a feeling of insufficiency on the part of supervisors, and lack of means of transport for external supervisors which rendered supervisors’ work less effective. It was recommended that internal supervision should be strengthened, regular in-service training programme be organized for supervisors. The appointment of supervisors should take into consideration the qualification and experiences of teachers. Heads of schools should be attached to schools and an evaluation programme should be instituted for supervisory activities to enable supervisors perform their work more effectively.

Source: UCC
An Assessment of Effects of Illegal Activities on Timber Production in Southern Scarp Forest Reserve

Timber plays an essential role in the economy of the country. Forest reserves houses a lot of flora and fauna that are of great importance. However, poverty, increasing human population and expansion of farms towards forest reserves has led to the over-exploitation and increased number of illegalities in forest reserves. The study was conducted to identify the effects of illegal activities on timber production in Southern Scarp Forest Reserve (SSCP). Ten communities were selected using random sampling technique. A total of hundred respondents were selected with ten from each of the ten communities. Both questionnaires and interviews were used in the data collection exercise. Purposive sampling was used in selecting a total sample of 100 participants from the study population. Illegal farming was noted as the main contributing factor to the destruction of forest reserves. There is the believe that, illegalities on timber production in the reserve have led to the destruction of water bodies and degradation of lands. The results also indicated that there was a decline in fauna and NTFPs e.g. (snail) in the reserve due to illegalities in the reserve. As a means of ensuring effective ways of managing the forest reserve, forest guards should be well equipped and motivated to work to their full ability. Also, frequent monitoring and patrols by responsible stakeholders should be done. Moreover, communities in forest fringe areas should be educated on the importance of forest and effect of illegalities. Areas affected by such illegalities should be planted up by offenders when apprehended. There is also the need to advice timber contractors who work in timber concessions to employ sustainable logging to reduce the impact of logging on the forest.

Source: UCC
Assessment of embryo characteristics, hatchability and survival of cuttlefish (sepia hierredda) in recirculating culture systems

Globally, fish stocks are declining and the case is not different in Ghana, where small pelagic and some demersal stocks have also declined. It is therefore expedient to explore the culture potential of some economically valuable marine species for commercial production to augment fisheries production and improve coastal livelihoods within the context of promoting Ghana‘s blue economy. Cuttlefish is the most exploited cephalopod in the Ghanaian fisheries and the country is renowned as one of West Africa‘s top producers and exporters of cuttlefish. In this study, the embryo characteristics, hatching success, and survival of cuttlefish were assessed in recirculating aquaculture systems. The research involved the collection of fertilized eggs from near-shore waters of two coastal communities and culturing them in recirculating aquaculture systems (systems A and B) with three replicates each. System A contained eggs collected from cuttlefish landings at Nungua in the Greater Acca Region whereas system B contained eggs collected from Elmina in the Central region of Ghana. The embryos from Elmina showed significant growth evidenced by an increase in size during the period of incubation (p<0.05) whereas the embryos obtained from Nungua experienced little growth. The mean weight recorded for the embryos in system B was 0.956 ± 0.449 g whereas, in system A, embryos had a mean weight of 0.4776 ± 0.0603 g. The eggs hatched between 12 and 14 days after incubation. Eggs collected from Elmina had a hatching rate of 70% whereas those from Nungua had a lower rate of 16%. The survival of the species under culture was very low for eggs collected from Nungua and Elmina, with heavy mortalities (100%) occurring within 14 days after hatching.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Employable Skills of Management Students: Perceptions of Supervisors, Employees and Management Students in the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast

Graduate employability has become a rising concern among stakeholders. The study assessed final year management students’ level of employable skills in University of Cape Coast, Ghana, to determine whether they were able to acquire the required employable skills by the end of their study. The study adopted a quantitative approach to research and descriptive survey research design to find out the perceptions of supervisors and employees regarding the employable skills that are important for management graduates and thereafter measured the level of importance the students attached to those employable skills, the rate at which they perceived those skills to be integrated in their curriculum, their self-perceived level of possession of those employable skills and the teaching methods that were adopted by their lecturers. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was adopted. In all, 64 supervisors, 64 employees and 89 final year management students responded to the survey. Data were collected using questionnaires on a 5-point Likert scale. Mean, standard deviation and Mann- U test were used to analyse the data. The study found that both supervisors and employees attached a high level of importance to the employable skills even though there was a statistically significant difference in perceptions between the supervisors and students. The study also found that the students’ level of possession of those skills as well as the rate at which a number of effective teaching methods were applied were high. The study concluded that the management students’ level of employable skills was high. Stronger partnerships between academia and industry geared towards curriculum development to further enhance students’ employability was recommended

Source: UCC
Assessment of employee satisfaction at Olam (Ghana) limited

The purpose of the study was to assess employees’ satisfaction at Olam (Ghana) Ltd. The target population of the study consisted of all employees (causal and permanent) of Olam (Ghana) Ltd. This included all categories of workers out of which a sample of 50 was selected and studied. Only descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The study found that the casual employees of the Company were not satisfied with the job that they were doing. This is apparent evidence that a lot needs to be done to improve the level of satisfaction of these employees. The participants had shown that they had a serious reservation about the manner in which the factors that affect job satisfaction were being handled. On the other hand, the permanent employees seemed not to be satisfied with the working conditions, interaction with management, leadership by management, administrative support in improving productivity, job security and recognition and reward for achievement. It was, therefore, recommended to the management of Olam (Ghana) ltd. to consider improving the conditions of employment by designing compensation packages that are motivating enough to win the trust and commitment of the employees; adopting leadership style that values and respects the feelings of the average employee.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Environmental Influences on Fecundity of Blackchin Tilapia (Sarotherodon Melanotheron) in Selected Coastal Lagoons of Ghana

Coastal lagoons provide small-scale fisheries as a source of livelihood for coastal dwellers. Unfortunately, anthropogenic activities in Ghana are greatly degrading these lagoons which also serve as habitats for fish, including blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron). Yet, scientific information on the influence of these degraded lagoons on fish in Ghana is presently scarce. Given that S. melanotheron forms the mainstay of brackishwater fisheries in Ghana, this study was therefore carried out to assess environmental influences on fecundity of S. melanotheron in selected coastal lagoons of Ghana. A total of 744 fish from five selected lagoons were sampled for fecundity during the major breeding season (March – May). Within the same period, physicochemical parameters were measured monthly. Stomach content analysis was conducted to determine the diversity of food items consumed by S. melanotheron. Results showed significant variations (p < 0.05) in both fecundity and physicochemical parameters across the five lagoons. Among these physicochemical parameters, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, biochemical oxygen demand and food diversity markedly influenced fecundity (R2 = 0.98). By inference, environmental conditions play a remarkable role in the dynamics of reproductive performance of S. melanotheron. The negative impacts of these environmental factors on the reproductive capacity of S. melanotheron threaten the sustainability of lagoon fisheries in Ghana with consequences for food security. Hence, strict environmental management and conservation measures such as proper waste management should be instituted to discourage deleterious anthropogenic activities carried out around water bodies in Ghana

Source: UCC
Assessment of farm households’ willingness to participate in reforestation projects in Ghana: implications for policy

This study examines the socioeconomic factors that influence farmers’ willingness to accept monetary compensation to engage in tree planting and to evaluate realistic payment of incentives. Contingent Valuation method was employed to elicit bids levels of 200 farm households in Ghana. The empirical results of a Generalized Linear Model reveal that age of the household head, household size, education, perception to climate change, distance to the farmland, farm size, off farm work and quantity of maize sold annually significantly influenced households’ decision to accept compensation to engage in tree planting activities. These results have implications for forest management in developing countries

Source: UCC