ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and acceptability of the use of mobile technology for adolescent counseling in sexual and reproductive health in the Amansie West District (rural district in Ghana)

Recently, healthcare professionals and researchers have introduced more and more technological solutions into the healthcare system, particularly mobile Health (mHealth). The study sought to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the use of mobile technology to address the sexual-reproductive health concerns of adolescents in rural district of Amansie West. Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data. A sample size of 425 respondents were used for the study. A purposive sampling technique was also used to select stakeholders for the study. Adolescent between the ages of 10-21years were selected from each sub-district by the use of simple random sampling technique. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Results: The findings revealed that Majority of the respondents indicated that mobile network is available in their communities. Cost implications of the use of Mobile technology in Amansie West District is moderately low taking into consideration the cost of the phone, recharge cards, power to charge the phones and the cost of repairs cumulatively. Majority of the respondents were of the view that Mobile phone would be the best medium for discussing reproductive health of adolescents. They further indicated that using mobile phone to address adolescents’ health concerns will be effective due to its convenience. Stakeholders are interested in investing in tele-health for the adolescent in the district and they were of the view that mobile technology is appropriate for counseling adolescent on sexual reproduction as it will help reduce shyness, cost of traveling to the health facilities and help with keeping clients information confidential. Stakeholders in the health sector should advocate for the implementation of the use of mobile technology in addressing the health concerns of adolescents. E-health is an important tool for adolescents counselling in sexual and reproductive health and feasible to roll out in underserved communities based on the availability of mobile infrastructure, interest of the stakeholders and its affordability.

Source: KNUST
Feasibility Study of a Hybrid Solar/Bio-Oil Thermal Power Generation Plant in Northern Ghana

Solar energy plants benefit from the use of a freely available source of energy but suffer from the intermittency of the day/night cycles and also from periods of reduced irradiation. Bio-oil power plants are comparatively less expensive to build but have to confront the higher cost associated with the continuous supply of large amounts of a seasonal and relatively expensive bio-oil for fuel. Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) with supplementary bio-oil combustion evidences the possible integration of these two technologies in the generation of electricity. This thesis provides a preliminary technical and economic analysis of a 20MW stand-alone Power Tower at Wa, a location with daily average DNI of 4.288 kWh/m2/day. The analysis, using RETScreen software version 4 established a capacity factor of 17.87% for Wa, with a negative NPV at a bulk supply tariff of US$ 0.08 /kWh. Three technical concepts for hybrid solar/bio-oil combustion power plants are developed and the concept of integrating flat plate collectors into a bio-oil combustion steam power plant selected because of the relatively low DNI simulated for the selected site. At the current PURC Bulk Generation Charge of US$ 0.086 /kWh, and Jatropha oil prices of US$ 950 /Mt, a 20 MW hybrid solar/bio-oil thermal power plant at a capital cost of US$ 1,748 /kW would yield a negative NPV. The financial viability of the plant is confirmed at a tariff of US$ 0.34 /kWh, at the prevailing Jatropha oil prices. A 40% drop in the Jatropha oil prices will however yield a positive NPV and a payback period of 3.2 years at tariffs of US$ 0.26 /kWh. This study concludes that a combination of low bio-oil prices and relatively low feed-in-tariffs is the way to improve the financial viability of bio-oil combustion power plants in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
A feasibility study for the establishment of an industrial shea nut processing facility in Wa

This feasibility study was conducted by visiting three established medium to large scale processing facilities in the shea sector to find out the factors that led to the establishment of those facilities there. An economic and financial analysis of the small, medium and large scale facilities was conducted to determine the most suitable and profitable option worth investing. Finally, the research also investigated the impact of such a facility to the conservation of the most important economic tree in the area.The study was conducted to ascertain the possibility of establishing an industrial Shea processing facility in Wa. A cost-benefit analysis was performed on four different scales of production (small, medium–semi mechanized, medium-mechanized and large scale) to determine the most viable option to establish in the area. Using a Bank of Ghana (BOG) one year treasury bills discount rate of 12.65%, the net present value (NPV), benefit cost ratio (BCR) and internal rate of returns (IRR) of the four projects were determined. The NPV for the small, medium-semi mechanized, medium mechanized and large scales were GH¢ 192,125.18; GH¢ -29,080,290.00; GH¢ -72,355,077.98 and GH¢ 206,980,803.10 respectively. The BCR were 1.05; 0.80; 0.89 and 2.75 respectively, while the IRR were 22%, 20%, 31% and 39% respectively. Ranking the projects according to the results obtained, the large-scale facility is the most viable option to invest in with a very high NPV of GH¢ 20,690,803.10, BCR of 2.75 and IRR of 39%. All these values satisfy the decision criteria for selecting viable projects. The small scale local processors ranked second and also proved viable. But the remaining two projects (medium-semi mechanized and medium-mechanized) had two of the analyzed values less than the acceptable values and should be rejected. Other factors affecting the success of the project such as social, operational and biological also indicated that such a project is not only feasible but sustainable as it will raise the standard of living of the members of the community and hence be acceptable. Furthermore, the project will also lead to the protection of the shea tree.

Source: KNUST
Feasibility study of an Institutional biogas plant for central sewage system at KNUST

Biogas generation is one of the most promising renewable energy sources in Ghana. Apart from its energy source, anaerobic digestion is a reliable method for waste treatment and the digested sludge can be used to enhance the fertility of the soil. This thesis looks at the possibility of constructing a biogas plant at the KNUST sewage treatment plant tapping its feedstock from the Primary Sedimentation Tank. A laboratory experiment was done to determine the faecal sludge quality at the Primary Sedimentation Tank. The flowrate of the sludge was estimated based on the number of times the penstocks (valves) are operated to desludge the sewage which depends on whether the university is on vacation (35.72m"Vday) or in session (71.44m3/day). These parameters were used to determine the biogas potential of the sewage using 10, 20 and 30 days retention time for plant sizes of 800m3, 1600m3 and 2400m3 respectively. The Puxin biogas digester was selected for this design. It was estimated that 152344, 304689 and 358009 m3 of biogas can be produced in a year and the power production was estimated to be 40, 80 and 100 kW for 800m3, 1600m3 and 2400m3 plant sizes respectively. The annual greenhouse gas emission reductions were estimated at 1373, 2751 and 3234 tCC^-e for the 800m3, 1600m3 and 2400m3 plant sizes respectively. A financial analysis was then conducted using UNIDO's COMFAR software to ascertain which one of the three designs was financially viable having environmental impact in mind the possible sale of the digestate as fertilizer from the biogas plant. The estimated total investment cost for the three designs were GH£430,397.40, GH0799,288.90 and GH01,093,262.78 for the plant sizes of 800m3, 1600m3 and 2400m3 respectively. The financial results showed that the NPV for all the plants were negative which implied that none of the project was financially viable.

Source: KNUST
Feasibility study of rainwater harvesting potential as an alternative source of water supply for domestic and agricultural use: case study of some selected communities in Bongo District of the Upper East Region

Mastering the techniques of water recovery is of central important to further the development of the study areas. Fresh water needs to be harnessed and supply to meet a variety of consumptive use water demands of the human population. A good quality Rainwater harvesting system provides people with access to on-site water supply, either next to their homes or at a local public building such as schools. This project is to make a feasibility study of Rainwater harvesting potential as an alternative water supply for domestic and agricultural uses in three selected communities in the Bongo District of Upper East Region . Very frequently most of the rain falls from April through October with little or no precipitation during the remaining months. Mean annual rainfall in the study area is about 91 1.45mm from the analysis of rainfall data collected for periods of 1976-2004. From the survey conducted in the study area, introduction of rainwater harvesting culture for agriculture will reduced the rural-urban migration (especially the youth) by 35%.The annual rainfall that was available for harvest from rooftops in the study areas was determined to be 1,561 .97m3 while the quantum of rainwater that can be supplied annually from rooftops in the three communities is to be l,675.56m3 and the size of storage tanks available from the study was 647.57m3.These results showed that quantum of rainwater that could be actually harvested., and supplied with the rooftops rainwater harvesting systems were limited more by the size of storage tanks that was practical feasible than by the rainfall that was actually available. As the objective of the study is to promote equitable access to water and its sustainable utilization, this could only be achieved by providing storage facilities to store 7,452.75m3 of water to be used during 150 days of dry period in the three communities. It is recommended that in rainwater projects in these communities we need to adopt an integrated and holistic approach which goes beyond only technical details and economic feasibility: motivation and total integration of the community into every aspect of the project from inception to evaluation is essential for long-term success of the project.

Source: KNUST
Feasibility Study of Solar Thermal Electric-Power Generation in Northern Ghana

This thesis looks at the viability of a 20 MW Solar Thermal Electric-Power Plant operating in northern Ghana. Available insolation data such as Solar Map, DNI Map, SWERA Report and NASA Data, as compiled in the RETScreen software places Wa, the capital city of the Upper West Region as the most appropriate site for the plant in northern Ghana. The DNI map puts the Direct Normal Insolation of Wa at 4.0-4.5 kWh/m2.day. The annual energy production of the plant is estimated by the RETScreen software at 27.6 GWh while an estimated value of the capacity factor using a methodology making use of monthly global irradiation values in the RETScreen software places it at 15.76%. The annual Green House Gas (GHG) savings is 13,503.4 tCO2. The total initial cost of the 20 MW Central Receiver System with a capital cost of US $3,600/kW is about US $87 million. The system can be financially viable if there is a judicious mix of major capital subsidies and modest feed-in tariffs in the hope that Central Receiver System (CRS) cost would drop significantly. For a lifetime of 30 years: the plant is found to be financially viable at the current Bulk Supply Tariff (BST) of 8 US Cents if a minimum of 60% grant is provided at a capital cost of US $1000/kW. At the same tariff, a grant of 80% would make the system viable at a capital cost of US $2000/kW and below. Analysis with RETScreen software shows that if there is no capital subsidy or grant; at a capital cost of US $3600/kW, the plant becomes financially viable at a feed-in tariff of 40 US Cents or more.

Source: KNUST
A feasibility study on health care financing through community Health Insurance Scheme in the Offinso District

Health Care Financing in Ghana has passed through different phases from the colonial era to the present time. Due to rising cost of running health care services the Government of Ghana introduced a policy of cost sharing and cost recovery known as the “cash and carry” system, in 1992. This system of “cash and carry” has greatly been opposed by the general public as it has become a barrier to access to health care, especially by the lower income group, due to its regressive nature. Communities are therefore being encouraged by the Government and NGOs to set up community financing schemes to improve the accessibility to health care. This study provides feasibility to the establishment of community Health Insurance schemes in the Offinso district. The method adopted includes household and patient interviews and qualitative interviews of managers of health facilities and the use of focus group discussions. Results and findings indicate that the non-formal sector of employment predominates over formal sector, therefore payroll deductions for social health insurance would be difficult, however, annual contribution which is made to coincide the major harvest period would be much appreciated. It is also believed that modest premiums charged for health insurance would ensure high enrollment. It was further observed that out-patient charges are quite affordable in the district; therefore insurance coverage should focus initially on in-patient care and other expensive OPD treatments only, while other benefit packages would be determined with time.

Source: KNUST
A feasibility study on privatisation of the U.S.T hand pump

The Department of Mechanical Engineering of the U.S.T started to manufacture the Hand pump in 1982. They have since distributed 101 pumps to various regions of the country. In this study, the feasibility of privatising the manufacture and distribution of the pump was studied. In many developing countries local and private manufacture of pumps is being carried out successfully. Ghana is yet to see an involvement of the private sector in the manufacture of hand pumps. The current low demand of 15 - 20 pumps per month is a major deterrent for private interest in the U.S.T hand pump. It is suggested that a profitable involvement of the private sector in the manufacture and supply of the U.S.T hand pump will require government support. This should be in the form of a firm commitment from the major hand pump purchasers, like the GWSC and NGOs, to include the pump in their list of recommended pumps. Official support is necessary because the study revealed that hand pump choice was predominantly determined by financiers of projects. These invariably were external sources which favoured pumps from their countries of origin. The GWSC indicated its willingness to patronise the U.S.T pump if some modifications are included in the design. Hand pump users were apprehensive about a possible increase’ in the price of the pump if a private interest is involved. However, it is felt that private involvement will increase demand when appropriate marketing strategies are implemented. The resultant increased sales should permit the price to be kept at a reasonable level. Water supply agencies covered in the study favoured privatisation of the pump. They believed it will improve the quality of the pump. The study showed that there is a high demand for hand pumps in the country but potential successful private involvement in the local manufacture and sale of the pump depends on many factors.

Source: KNUST
Features And Profitability of Domestic Grass cutter Production in the Brong Ahafo Region

The study determined the features and profitability of domestic grasscutter production in the Brong Ahafo Region. To achieve the study objectives, 100 domesticated grasscutter farmers were purposively selected from 7 out of the 15 districts in the Region. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), and regression analysis. Results of the study revealed that domestic grasscutter production was dominated by small scale farmers who constituted 72 % of the total respondents, with an average stock size of 42 animals. Majority of the farmers (62.5%) were into grasscutter farming with income generation as the primary motive of production. The grasscutters were housed mainly in three-tier wood and mesh cages (80%) and concrete block cages (18%). With an NPV of GH¢982.075, a BCR of 1.350, and an IRR of 88% the project was found to be profitable. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the NPV of domestic grasscutter production is most sensitive to the combined effect of a 25% increase in cost of production and a 25% decrease in revenue, a condition that results in net losses. Results of the regression analysis also showed that discounted housing cost was the most important factor in determining profitability of domestic grasscutter production. High cost of housing, lack of access to credit, and dry season feeding were among the most critical problems listed by respondents. In addition to employment and food, promoting natural resource conservation by reducing bush burning for game, were identified as some externalities of domestic grasscutter production. It is recommended that credit facility be made available to existing and prospective domestic grasscutter farmers at reasonable repayment terms in order to facilitate farm expansion and start-ups.

Source: KNUST
Feasibility study on substituting electric water heaters with solar water heaters in Ghana; a case study of official residential facility of goldfields Ghana limited, Tarkwa Mine

Solar water heating is one of the cost-effective technologies in heating hot water for domestic (residential) use. In this thesis, with the aid of T-sol software, a solar water heater was sized and installed for domestic use at Apinto ridge, a residential area located at Goldfields Ghana Limited, Tarkwa Mine. Currently, it cost Goldfields Ghana Limited about GH¢ 0.27/kWh (about US$ 0.14 kWh) of electricity used because the company falls under the tariff customer group of SLT-HV for Mines [1]. At Goldfields Ghana Ltd, a typical residential facility has two 2- kW electric heaters installed, one with 70-litre storage tank for the kitchen and the other with 80-litre storage tank for the bath house. The average hot water consumption is estimated to be about 80 litres per day. With the 600 housing units of the company, it costs Goldfields Ghana limited GH¢ 324.00 per day for electricity (1.2 MWh) used in heating water only for domestic purposes (for cooking, bathing, washing dishes etc). Prior to the design of the proposed solar water heating system, two field visits were embarked upon to ascertain among others the thermal performance of the field installations of two distinct collectors; a flat plate and an evacuated tube collector. It was observed that the type of collector did not really matter in Ghana, once the proper sizing and installation were carried out. This was no different from the simulation results of performance analysis carried out using the T-sol software. Following from these, an evacuated tube water heater was installed for one household, since that unit design is what is readily available in the Ghanaian market. The performance of the installed solar water heater was monitored for a period of six months trial (38 Weeks). Data of temperatures compiled for 6am and 6pm for six months has shown that the project is viable considering the cloudy nature of the weather and also the frequent rainfalls there. The total cost of the installation for a household of three persons was GH¢ 1400.00 and the average hot water temperatures were measured to be between 34oC and 59oC throughout the 38 weeks of the motoring of the installed system Per the economic analysis carried out, the associated electricity bill currently for a month for the electric waters installed in the 600 housing units stands at GH¢ 9396.00. The amount spent on electricity bill on water heating in only a month can purchase seven 100-litre evacuated tube solar water heaters. This project can be considered to be feasible and cost effective based on the thermal performance and economic analysis of the installed water heater.

Source: KNUST
A feeding management system for N’dama Calves

A study was conducted with 24 N’dama calves of an average age of 3.83 ± 0.50 months and weight of 60.58 ± 2.93 kg as part of effort being made to develop a feeding management system for N’dama calves. The calves were placed into 4 feeding management systems (FMS) of 6 calves (3 females and 3 males) each. Calves in feeding management system one (FMS 1) were not weaned. They continued to suckle and were sent for grazing. Those in feeding management system two (FMS 2) were weaned and sent for grazing without feed supplementation. Feeding management system three (FMS 3) was made up of weaned calves which were grazed and supplemented with between 1.00 – 2.00 kg of concentrate with a crude protein (CP) content of 22.78% (on dry matter basis) per day per calf. Calves in feeding management system four (FMS 4) were weaned, confined and given between 1.00 – 2.00 kg of concentrate and grass at the rate of about 3% of their body weight. Average growth rates during the dry season were 0.16 ± 0.08, 0.07 ± 0, 0.23 ± 0.11 and 0.33 ± 0.10 kg/day for FMS 1, FMS 2, FMS 3 and FMS 4 respectively while the corresponding daily growth rates for the rainy season were 0.24 ± 0.07, 0.06 ± 0.06, 0.23 ± 0.07 and 0.34 ± 0.09 kg. A mortality rate of 33.33 ± 51.64%, 66.67 ± 51.64%, 16.67 ± 40.82% and 0.00% were recorded for FMS 1, FMS 2, FMS 3 and FMS 4 respectively. The overall daily average growth rate for calves in FMS 4 (0.34 kg/day) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those for calves in FMS 1 (0.23 kg/day), FMS 2 (0.07 kg/day) and FMS 3 (0.23 kg/day) but the difference between FMS 1 and FMS 3 was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Growth rate was not affected by sex of calves. Generally, haematological (Hb, PCV and WBC) and biochemical (glucose, cholesterol, xiii total protein, albumin and globulin) indices measured revealed that some grazing calves were infected and malnourished. The weaned N’dama calves in the supplemented systems (FMS 3 and FMS 4) had higher growth rate and prevailed over weight losses and mortality. Net income for FMS 1, FMS 2, FMS 3 and FMS 4 were GH¢ 1,713.00, GH¢ 498.00, GH¢ 1220.73 and GH¢ 1297.15 respectively. The current results suggest that if N’dama calves are weaned at 3.83 ± 0.50 months old and at 60.58 ± 2.93 kg of weight then FMS 4 would be a better management system to reduce mortality and promote rapid growth. But further research has to be conducted to improve the short term economic performance of N’dama calves in the system to help promote the livestock industry.

Source: KNUST