ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Global stability dynamics and sensitivity assessment of COVID-19 with timely-delayed diagnosis in Ghana

In this paper, we study the dynamical e ects of timely and delayed diagnosis on the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana during its initial phase by using reported data from March 12 to June 19, 2020. The estimated basic reproduction number, R0, for the proposed model is 1.04. One of the main focus of this study is global stability results. Theoretically and numerically, we show that the disease persistence depends on R0. We carry out a local and global sensitivity analysis. The local sensitivity analysis shows that the most positive sensitive parameter is the recruitment rate, followed by the relative transmissibility rate from the infectious with delayed diagnosis to the susceptible individuals. And that the most negative sensitive parameters are: self-quarantined, waiting time of the infectious for delayed diagnosis and the proportion of the infectious with timely diagnosis. The global sensitivity analysis using the partial rank correlation coe cient con rms the directional ow of the local sensitivity analysis. For public health bene t, our analysis suggests that, a reduction in the in ow of new individuals into the country or a reduction in the inter community in ow of individuals will reduce the basic reproduction number and thereby reduce the number of secondary infections (multiple peaks of the infection). Other recommendations for controlling the disease from the proposed model are provided in Section 7.

Source: KNUST
Globalization and competition: a case study of the banking industry in Ghana

There has been liberalization of the Ghanaian Banking Industry which now allows all banks to undertake universal banking activities without the need for separate license for each of these banking activities. Thus, the de-regulation has brought in quite a lot of burden on the local banks whose focus was on a particular sector of banking activity. Globalization has also brought about inter-bank competition that is internal competition results from the desire of the banks to be responsive to changing markets and economic fortunes of customers and to enable them to outpace other banks. The problem is that with the present increase in competition as a result of globalization, how are these banks able to compete with foreign banks. As a result of this problem, this study therefore seeks to assess how are Ghanaian banks dealing with the present de-regulation of the banking industry and how has globalization imparted on the local banks in Ghana. Upon this background a random amp1ing technique was adopted. Two hundred officials of various banks were sampled to administer a questionnaire. The study revealed that banking activities have been intensified and each organization is adopting different approaches to expand and manage their operations. These includes the opening of new branches so as to get closer to their customers, investment in information technology (IT) and the hiring and training of their manpower. The study therefore, recommends that, to be able to cope with the competitive pressures in order to remain in business, bankers are expected to recognize the need for conscious efforts to be made to beat the competition by ensuring that their customers get value for their money and benefit from efficient and reliable service. The level of skills, knowledge and attitude of banking staff should also not be overlook. The challenge that will confront the bank personnel’s in the requisite skills and professional competence comparable to international standards.

Source: KNUST
Glycemic index of different varieties of yam as influenced by boiling, frying and roasting

Yam is one of the commonly consumed carbohydrate staples. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of boiling, roasting, and frying on the glycemic index (GI) of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata), yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenesis), and water yam (Dioscorea alata). Yam tubers were obtained (peeled, sliced, washed) deep fried in vegetable oil for 35–40 min and boiled in water for about 35–45 min. Sliced unpeeled tubers were also roasted at about 120°C for 40–45 min. The cooked yam samples were fed to 10 healthy subjects aged between 20–50 years. A glucometer was used to measure the blood glucose concentrations of the test individuals before consuming the yam diets and after the 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th, 90th, and 120th min of consumption. The average incremental area under the curves (IAUC) obtained from the recorded blood glucose concentrations were used to calculate the GI of various yam diets. The GI of the yam diets were found to be in the following increasing order: White-yam-boiled (44.26%) < Water-yam-boiled (50.12%) < White-yam-roasted (50.62%) < Water-yam-roasted (54.04%) < White-yam-fried (59.13%) < Yellow-yam fried (65.08%) < Water-yam-fried (69.16%) < Yellow-yam-roasted (70.62%) < Yellowyam-boiled (75.18%). White yam diets relatively had lower GI compared to yellow yam and water yam. Boiling was found to give generally lower GI in the white and water yams and could therefore be applied in the preparation of lower GI diets for diabetics.

Source: KNUST
Glycemic Index of Five Corn and Cassava Staples in Ghana

Glycemic index (GI) is referred to as the grouping of foods based on their ability to raise blood glucose level after consumption. The objective of this study was to determine and assess the GI of some Ghanaian corn and cassava staples (abolo, akple, kafa, locally made kokonte and processed kokonte) and to investigate the effect of processing on them. Ten healthy subjects consisting of five males and five females were involved by means of a cross over trial. The study subjects were served 50 g of pure glucose dissolved in 200 ml of pure water on two different occasions. They were also served specific amounts of test foods which contained 50 g of available carbohydrate on specific days. The GI was assessed by quantifying the blood glucose level of study subjects at the fasting state and after consumption of reference food (glucose) and test foods within a period of 2 h at intervals 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120th min. The GI value for the test food was calculated for each subject by dividing the blood glucose incremental area under the glucose response curve for the test food by the blood glucose incremental area under curve for the reference food and multiplying by 100. The GI value for each test food is the mean or average for the ten study subjects. Among the test foods that had their glycemic assessed, locally made kokonte had the least GI of 7 followed by processed kokonte which GI of 18 while kafa had low GI value of 29. Abolo and akple had medium GI value of 58 and 69, respectively. The mean age, BMI, weight, height and waist circumference were 23.1±2.60years, 24.39±3.1kg/m2, 64.1±7.9kg, 161.40±6.04cm and 74.6±6.9cm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the GI of locally made kokonte and processed kokonte (p > 0.05) indicating that the form of processing had no significant effect on the GI of kokonte. The present findings should lead and assist health care professionals, diabetics and consumers in their selection of local staples and meal planning.

Source: KNUST
Glycemic Index of Five Ghanaian Corn and Cassava Staples

Glycemic index (GI) quantifies and measures the blood glucose raising effect of a food containing a specific amount of carbohydrate. Due to this concerns have been raised on the quality of carbohydrate and the indices that influence its metabolism. The objective of study was to investigate the effect of processing on the glycemic index of five Ghanaian corn and cassava staples. The research design was a cross over trial. Ten healthy subjects consisting of five males and five females were included in the study. Study subjects were served 50g of pure glucose containing 50g of available carbohydrate and 200ml of pure water. Glucose which served as the reference food was given to subjects on two different occasions. The subjects were also served specific 50g of abolo, akple, kafa, local kokonteand processed kokonte on specific days. The glycemic index figures were assessed by using official methods and reported as mean for the ten study subjects. Locally made kokonte had the least GI of 7 followed by processed kokontewhich had a GI of 18 whiles kafa had a low GI of 29. Abolo had a medium GI value of 58 and akple also had a medium glycemic index value of 69. There was no significant difference between the GI of locally made kokonte and processed kokonte (p > 0.05) indicating processing had no significant effect on the GI of kokonte.

Source: KNUST
Gold Jewellery and its economic importance in the development of Ghana

Probably, the non-treatment of the economic importance of gold jewellery by other previous writers on gold jewellery served as a factor which motivated this author to bring into focus the title: “Gold Jewellery and its Economic Importance in the Development of Ghana” for this thesis. And the objective of the research is to study the production of gold jewellery with the view to finding its economic importance in the development of Ghana. The few authors who have written on jewellery have approached their works merely from the perspective of artists, without having to look at the economic aspects of the art work. There is therefore the need to have another look at gold jewellery, this time, from the economic point of view. This is what the present author has attempted to do. Some of the methods of research have been through library research at the British Council Library, the KNUST Library, Kumasi, the College of Art Library (KNUST), Kumasi and the Ghana Library Board. These institutions were also contacted for data: ATAG, NBSSI, F.G.J., G.E.P.C., P.M.M.C., I.M.M.E. (KNUST) and G.T.B. What is more, this researcher conducted fact-finding interviews in order to obtain the necessary information about the thesis from reliable persons such as practising jewellers and some jewellery lecturers at the Metal Products Design Section of the College of Art, KNUST, Kumasi. Other methods that this researcher used was giving out questionnaire, discussing and taking photographs. However, this writer added his personal eye-witness account of what he observed on the field and made critical analysis and comments connected with the economic importance of gold jewellery in the development of Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Glycemic index of some local staples in Ghana

Glycemic index (GI), a measure of blood glucose level as influenced by foods has become a concern due to the increasing cases of diabetes in Ghana. In spite of this, little is known of the GI of commonly consumed carbohydraterich foods of the Ghanaian diet. The GI of five Ghanaian staples: fufu (locally pounded), kenkey (Ga), banku, Tuo Zaafi (TZ), and fufu (Processed powder) were determined in a crossover trial among 10 healthy nondiabetics. Participants were given 50 g portions of pure glucose on two different occasions and subsequently the test foods containing 50 g available carbohydrates. Capillary blood glucose levels of the subjects at fasting and after ingestion of the glucose and test foods were measured within a 2-hour period. The GI of the test foods were calculated by dividing the incremental area under the glucose response curve (IAUC) of the test food by the IAUC for the reference food and multiplying the result by 100. Processed-powdered fufu had the least glycemic response (31), followed by Ga kenkey (41) and locally pounded fufu (55), all recording low GI. Tuo Zaafi (68) had a medium GI and banku (73), moderately high GI. Comparison of GI between the foods using ANOVA revealed a significant dif ference between GIs of locally pounded fufu versus I-fufu (industrially processed fufu flour) (p = 0.026). This study showed that the five major Ghanaian staples showed low to moderately high GI. These should be considered in recommen dations for diabetics.

Source: KNUST
Gonococcal sepsis in a 32-year-old female: a case report

Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative bacterium which afects the urethra, throat, rectum and cer‑ vix of patients and often associated with sexually transmitted infections. The global epidemiology of the disease is not well characterised especially in resource constraint countries due to poor diagnostic capacity and inefcient reporting systems. Although important, little is known about the propensity of this bacterium to cause sepsis in immunocom‑ petent individuals. Case presentation: A 32-year-old female presented with fever and generalised malaise to a rural hospital in Ghana. The patient had previously been diagnosed as having enteric fever from a neighbouring health facility. Blood and urine samples were collected from the patient and cultured using standard microbiological and molecular tech‑ niques. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated from the blood which was resistant to penicillin, ciprofoxacin and cotri‑ moxazole. The patient recovered following ceftriaxone and azithromycin treatment. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of N. gonorrhoeae in causing sepsis and emphasises the need for blood culture investigation in diagnosis of patients presenting with fever.

Source: KNUST
Good Quality of Life in Former Buruli Ulcer Patients with Small Lesions: Long-Term Follow-up of the BURULICO Trial

Background: Buruli Ulcer is a tropical skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which, due to scarring and contractures can lead to stigma and functional limitations. However, recent advances in treatment, combined with increased public health efforts have the potential to significantly improve disease outcome. Objectives: To study the Quality of Life (QoL) of former Buruli Ulcer patients who, in the context of a randomized controlled trial, reported early with small lesions (cross-sectional diameter ,10 cm), and received a full course of antibiotic treatment. Methods: 127 Participants of the BURULICO drug trial in Ghana were revisited. All former patients aged 16 or older completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF). The WHOQOL-BREF was also administered to 82 matched healthy controls. Those younger than 16 completed the Childrens’ Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) only. Results: The median (Inter Quartile Range) score on the DLQI was 0 (0–4), indicating good QoL. 85% of former patients indicated no effect, or only a small effect of the disease on their current life. Former patients also indicated good QoL on the physical and psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF, and scored significantly higher than healthy controls on these domains. There was a weak correlation between the DLQI and scar size (r = 0.32; p,0.001). Conclusions: BU patients who report early with small lesions and receive 8 weeks of antimicrobial therapy have a good QoL at long-term follow-up. These findings contrast with the debilitating sequelae often reported in BU, and highlight the importance of early case detection.

Source: KNUST
Government debt and its macroeconomic determinants in Ghana.

The public debt situation in Ghana keep worsening year by year. The sharp increase in Ghana’s public debt over the last decade has serious implications for economic growth. This thesissought to examine government debt and its macroeconomic determinants; imports, exports, inflation and GDP growth in Ghana. The dependent variable employed for the study wasexternal debt. The independent variables employed for the study were export, import, inflation and GDP growth. Annual time series data was gathered from 1970 to 2017 for the analysis. The study used ARDL estimation technique to examine the long run and short run relationship between external debt and GDP growth, imports, exports and inflation. The study findings indicate that import, inflation, and GDP growth have positive relationship with external debt in both short run and the long run. The study made some recommendations to government and the Bank of Ghana. These includes, government putting in place practical measures to increase export, government putting in place structures to decrease importation of goods and services and the Bank of Ghana stabilizing the general price level in the country.

Source: KNUST
Governance, firm engagements and united nations sustainable development goals in africa

Over the past seven years, the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is gaining increasing attention in the African context. Consistent with this effort, the first paper reviews the existing literature systematically and further ascertains whether governance and firm engagement drive SDGs. Using the 2020 PRISMA of 583 usable papers retrieved from Scopus, WOS, and seven recognized publishers and digital libraries for analysis, the study identifies nine clusters where the advancing of the SDGs in Africa was not progressing. The study then conducts a second paper using the R Studio software to analyze 200 papers on SDGs in Africa. The results reveal that SDGs literature in Africa is an imminent study area, and there are two main strands of literature advancing SDGs in Africa including governance and firm engagement. The third paper thus, analyzes 46 African countries using multivariate analysis and an ordered probit model to examine the nexus between governance and the SDGs. The study reports a significant and positive relationship between governance and the scores of SDGs indicating that Africans are getting ahead and tend to exhibit enhanced environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Additional evidence supports the significance of governance in promoting SDGs in Africa focusing on quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), climate mitigation efforts (SDG 13), and partnership for the goals (SDG 17). Finally, the last paper shows how firms in Africa are also advancing the 17 SDGs. The comprehensive content analysis of 223 corporate reports shows that firms in Africa are also advancing quality education (SDG 4), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequality (SDG 10), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and partnership for the goals (SDG 17). Implications for theory and practice are discussed in each paper.

Source: KNUST
The government revenue and expenditure nexus: the sustainability of the implementation of the single spine salary structure in Ghana

The study examines the causal linkage and long run relationship between government revenue and expenditures of government of Ghana over a times series spanning the period 2000-2014. We employed several econometric approaches including Engle-Granger two step method, Johansen cointegration vector error correction models and ordinary least squares regression with breakpoints based on Bai-Peron techniques to carry out the analysis. We test for unit root using augmented Dickey-Fuller and Philips-Perron methods to assess the series properties as well as checking for Ganger pairwise causality of the data variables. Our results of the ADF and PP unit root tests suggests that the time-series are not stationary at levels but stationary at the first di erencing. The findings from Granger pairwise causality test suggests bidirectional causation from revenue to expenditure in the long run supporting the synchronization hypothesis which is in dissenting view with earlier researchers. Similarly, the result of the Engle-Granger cointegration test indicates that a significant long term equilibrium relationship exist between the government revenue and expenditure in excellent agreement with Johansen multivariate analysis. Finally, the manually imposed structural breakpoints on the system to represent the pre- and postimplementation of the single spine salary structure was found to be consistent with the case when the manual imposition was relaxed for the system to detect the breakponts itself against the government fiscal profile in the spanned period under study. The results demonstrate that the long-term sustainability of the single spine salary structure would be in looming doubt if government do not take pragmatic steps to improve its revenue generation assiduously.

Source: KNUST
Governmental challenge in the Apostolic Church of Ghana in the light of the Presbyterian polity.

The governmental practices in The Apostolic Church of Ghana (TACG) have Similarities with churches that adopt the Presbyterian Polity, and these come with their challenges. The research examined the level at which TACG adopts the Presbyterian Polity and the challenges that emanate from the adaptation. The research looked specifically at what the church at Northern, Central and Coastal parts of the country perceived as causes and effects of the problems of the Presbyterian Polity and assessed whether it is followed to the latter, and their efforts at addressing those challenges. Questionnaire was distributed to 131 respondents and nine church leaders were interviewed to generate data. The research revealed that there were governmental challenges in TACG caused by lack of transparency from the top to the lower governing bodies of the church; none accountability from the top to bottom of the church and autocracy from top to bottom of the church. It is being recommended among others that reforms are needed in the adaptation of the Presbyterian Polity because it is being practised partially; also that selection of leaders from the top to bottom needs to be examined to ensure quality leadership.

Source: KNUST
Graduate employability: the link between design education and the graphic design industry.

In recent years, based on a rash of complaints from employers in the design industry, entry-level graphic design graduates in the industry are considered largely incompetent. The design industry expects certain kinds of employable skills which graduates from training institutions do not adequately possess. As a result, a gap has emerged between academic institutions and the expectations of design industry. Accordingly, the study explored and described the skills, attitudes and knowledge plus the contextual pressures needed to meet the demand placed on Ghanaian graphic design graduates. The study primarily adopts qualitative research approach, using interview and participant observation as the primary methods for data collection. Two categories of informants: employers in the design industry and employees (thus, Ghanaian graphic design graduates) were used for data collection. The study area covers ten graphic design firms in Kumasi. The results of this study indicates that employers in the design industries expect graphic design graduates to have a clear evidence of additional knowledge, skills and behaviours aside from their university certificate. The changing nature of the workplace, coupled with changes in global economy, technology, differences in people’s behaviour put considerable responsibility on graphic designers. For a graduate to have a competitive advantage in design industry, he or she must possess a broad range of competencies which include industry knowledge, changing nature of work, time-management, work experience, communication skills, problem-solving, broaden knowledge, technology, collaboration, emotional intelligence, self-respect, self-usefulness, and confidence. A graduate designer must therefore be multi-skilled to begin professional practice.

Source: KNUST