ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
“Mgwame, a king of Tundwa in Pate and his millet baskets”

Comparative and descriptive linguists, as well as anthropologist, literary scholars of the school of oral literature, and historians, have long held the view that there is an interelationship between language, food culture and the origins of a people. In this paper, centred around King Mgwame of Tundwa on Pate island, we take a journey through historical time and discover that the Waswahili or people called the Waswahili, who speak Kiswahili today, were indeed great Bantu cultivators, whose favourite staple food was the millet. We learn how a powerful king lost his kingdom and ended up selling baskets in the market place into which millet could be put to pay a millet tax. He lived in the 7th or 8th century A.D. The account about King Mgwame is revived in a Kiswahili historical and literary account in the 19th century Mombasa by no less a person than Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassaniy, a popular poet of his time, and the father of the modern secular verse tradition called the shairi. Muyaka makes us recall also the role of millet in the dramatic escape out of prison of another legend hero and literary figure of the Waswahili, by name Fumo Liyongo or Liyongo Fumo. He lived in the 12th century A.D. or in the 15th century A.D. We also learn that the rulers and people of Mombasa also exported millet to South Yemen. We conclude from these accounts that the evidence confirms the claim by historians and linguist to the effect that the ancestors of the North-East Bantu, like the rest of the Bantu, migrated from West African latitudes until they ended up in their present homelands on the East African coast and islands.

Source: UG
The micro determinants of financial inclusion and financial resilience in Africa

This study analyzes the factors influencing financial inclusion and financial resilience in Africa. Using national surveys of 40 African countries and the When doing business database, multiple models are performed to analyze financial inclusion drivers. The results show that individual characteristics, barriers to formal accounting, financial literacy and innovation condition the decision to have a traditional or mobile account. Informal savings are common among women, youth and in rural areas, while formal savings predominate among men, the elderly and in urban areas. A high level of education and income leads people to migrate to formal savings. For business purposes, informal savings are preferred, while for old age, individuals resort to formal savings because of interest rates. Social lifestyles make informal credit predominate in Africa. However, when people have employment, high income or education, they turn more to formal credit to preserve their reputation because of the respect and popularity they enjoy in their community. Marriage, financial literacy and innovation improve the resilience of individuals, while employment increases their vulnerability. Key policy recommendations are to improve the banking sector, institutions, innovations and income-generating activities to attract women and reduce the gender gap.

Source: UG
Micro-and Macroelemental Composition and Safety Evaluation of the Nutraceutical Moringa oleifera Leaves

Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose plant used in Ghana and most parts of Africa. Its high mineral, protein, and vitamins content has enabled its use as a nutraceutical and panacea for various diseases. This study aimed at measuring the micro-and macroelements content of dried Moringa oleifera leaves using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic (EDXRF) and assessing its toxicological effect in rats. Acute toxicity (5000 mg/kg) and a subacute toxicity studies of the leaf (40 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg) extract were conducted in rats. Blood samples were assessed for biochemical and haematological parameters. Results showed significant levels of thirty-five (35) elements (14 macroelements and 21 microelements) in M. oleifera extract. There were no observed overt adverse reactions in the acute and subacute studies. Although there were observed elevations in liver enzymes ALT and ALP (P<0.001) and lower creatinine levels in the extract treated groups, no adverse histopathological findings were found. Moringa oleifera dried leaf extract may, therefore, be reasonably safe for consumption. However, the consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves should not exceed a maximum of 70 grams per day to prevent cumulative toxicity of these essential elements over long periods. © 2014 I. J. Asiedu-Gyekye et al.

Source: UG
Micro-scale transformations in sustainability practices: Insights from new migrant populations in growing urban settlements

Development that is inclusive and sustainable requires significant social and environmental transformations from current trajectories, building on demographic realities such as changing profiles of populations, and increased levels of mobility. Migration is a major driving force of urbanisation in all global regions, partly facilitated through emerging technologies and declining costs of movement and communication. Social transformations associated with increased migration are highly uneven but include shifts in the location of economic activities, major urban growth, and changing individual incentives and social constraints on sustainability trajectories. Yet, there is limited empirical evidence on how observed population movements can both challenge and promote sustainable transformations. This paper examines how migration transforms places and societies, by providing new evidence on the behaviours and practices of individuals who are part of such transformations as they assimilate, converge or remain distinctive to prior populations. Focusing on individuals in rapidly expanding cities in the Global South, this study uses new biographical life-history survey data from Accra, Ghana, to examine the barriers and enablers of sustainability practices among diverse types of migrants and a sample of non-migrants. The study uses data from 1,163 individuals: international migrants from the West African sub region (559), internal migrants (299), and non-migrants (305) in Accra. The findings show that sustainabil ity practices established before migration are predictors of current sustainability practices, including proactive recycling, conservation activities, and choice of mode of transportation, but that there is some convergence between behaviours, reflecting assimilation, place attachment and other factors. Internal migrants in Accra exhibit stronger sustainability practices than international migrants. Individual levels of poverty, poor infra structural development, and perceptions about life satisfaction in the neighbourhood negatively affect sustain ability practices among all respondents. These results suggest that poverty and social exclusion are critical to addressing sustainability issues in urban contexts. It is important for policy makers to address issues of urban poverty, cumulative deprivation, and inequality as strong barriers to the adoption of sustainability practices in urban areas.

Source: UG
Microbial activity and metabolic quotient of microbes in soils amended with biochar and contaminated with atrazine and paraquat

The study was conducted to determine how biochar as a soil amendment maintained the microbial community in pesticide contaminated soils. Alfisol (Adenta series–Typic Kandiustalf) and Vertisol (Akuse series–Typic Calciustert) were amended with biochar (0 t/ha biochar, 10 t/ha cocoa husk biochar (CHB), 10 t/ha rice husk biochar (RHB)) and pesticides (atrazine and paraquat at two rates each namely 0 kg/ha pesticide and 10 times the normal recommended rate of pesticide) were applied. The CHB-amended soils stimulated microbial activities such as ammonia and nitrate release more than the RHB-amended soils. Basal respiration was significantly higher in the atrazine polluted soils than in paraquat polluted soil. Significant interaction occurred between soil type and biochar and high microbial biomass carbon was recorded for vertisol amended with CHB. Metabolic quotient was lower in soils amended with biochar and polluted with atrazine than in the un-amended soil. The use of CHB in soil of high clay content (47.5%, i.e. the vertisol) was a more effective management tool in maintaining the microbial community in a pesticide-polluted environment than in soil of lower clay content (22.5%). Soils of high clay content amended with biochar can sustain the soil microbial community even in a disturbed environment. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: UG
Microbial Assessment of Tomatoes ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) Sold at Some Central Markets in Ghana

Background Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) has a high water content which predisposes it to spoilage by pathogenic bacteria that can pose significant health threats to consumers. Aim The study aimed to determine the various pathogenic bacteria associated with tomatoes sold in some central markets in the Accra Metropolis. Method A total of 120 tomatoes were sampled, out of which 60 fresh, firm, undamaged tomatoes and 60 spoilt tomatoes were analysed. Cut portions of the fresh and spoilt tomatoes were swabbed with sterile swabs and cultured on Blood agar, Nutrient agar, and MacConkey agar. The antibiogram of bacterial isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Results Out of the 120 tomatoes analysed, a total of 66 bacterial isolates were recovered, 68.2% were associated with spoilt tomatoes, and 31.8% were from fresh tomatoes. Klebsiella sp. (34.8%), Enterobacter sp. (24.2%), and Citrobacter sp. (7.6%) were the predominant bacteria isolated. Agbogbloshie market (36.4%) had both fresh (18.2%) and spoilt (18.2%) tomatoes contaminated, whilst Makola market (31.8%) had a higher spoilt (30.3%) tomatoes contaminated. Although none of the isolates expressed resistance to ciprofloxacin, resistance was found for ampicillin (63.1%), tetracycline (60.1%), and cefuroxime (59.1%). Conclusion Varying levels of antibiotic resistance bacteria amongst tomatoes sold at various markets were found. Contamination might have been caused by poor sanitation, improper handling or transportation from the farms to the markets. The presence of antibiotic resistance bacteria amongst tomatoes raises concern on public health risks associated with the consumption of fresh tomatoes.

Source: UG
Microbial carriage and contamination of mangoes by the oriental fruit fly

Background: Fruit flies, especially of the Family Terphritidae, are economically important pests for the horticulture industry because many species cause serious mechanical damage to a number of crops of different plant families. Studies have shown that some species of fruit flies have the potential to contaminate fruits and vegetables with enteric bacterial pathogens. However, this has not been conclusively demonstrated. Methods: In this study, we investigated enteric bacteria carriage by Bactrocera dorsalis and its possible role in transmission of microbes into internal tissues of fruits. Fruit flies trapped using liquid protein bait, ripe mango fruits exposed to the fruit flies and controls, as well as mangoes obtained from farms with and without fly-control traps, were analyzed for microbes, such as total aerobic bacteria, total coliforms, yeast and molds, Escherichia coli and Salmonella/Shigella spp. using direct culture methods. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that a high percentage of these insects carries pathogenic bacteria. This finding shows that, like B. cacuminata and B. tryoni, B. dorsalis also carries pathogenic microbes. It was also observed that mangoes sampled from fly-control farms had significantly lower microbial loads and proportions of fruits contaminated compared to those from farms without fly-control. Additionally, all microbial counts of internal tissues were significantly higher for exposed mangoes compared to unexposed mangoes. These data indicate that B. dorsalis contaminates not only the external but also internal tissues of mangoes. Conclusion: These findings show that B. dorsalis carries pathogenic bacteria and plays a direct role in internalization of microbes in mangoes

Source: UG
Microbial Content of &quot;bowl Water&quot; Used for Communal Handwashing in Preschools within Accra Metropolis, Ghana

Objective. This study aimed at determining the microbial content of "bowl water" used for communal handwashing in preschools within the Accra Metropolis. Method. Six (6) preschools in the Accra Metropolis were involved in the study. Water samples and swabs from the hands of the preschool children were collected. The samples were analysed and tested for bacteria, fungi, parasites, and rotavirus. Results. Eight different bacteria, two different parasites, and a fungus were isolated while no rotavirus was detected. Unlike the rest of the microbes, bacterial isolates were found among samples from all the schools, with Staphylococcus species being the most prevalent (40.9%). Out of the three schools that had parasites in their water, two of them had Cryptosporidium parvum. The fungus isolated from two out of the six schools was Aspergillus Niger. All bacteria isolated were found to be resistant to cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin and susceptible to amikacin and levofloxacin. Conclusion. Although handwashing has the ability to get rid of microbes, communal handwashing practices using water in bowls could be considered a possible transmission route and may be of public concern. © 2016 Patience B. Tetteh-Quarcoo et al.

Source: UG
Microbial detheobromination of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod husk

Cocoa pod husk, when used in animal feed, exerts certain detrimental effects on animal health at high dietary intake, due to the high concentrations of theobromine. The chemical methods for detheobromination are not feasible in conventional agricultural practice and, therefore, are not used by local farmers. This study investigated the biodegradation of theobromine in cocoa pod husk (bio-detheobromination). Milled cocoa pod husk samples, sterilized and unsterilized, were treated and incubated for 7 days and the theobromine content followed during the period titrimetrically at 24 h intervals. A 54.7% reduction in theobromine content (p<0.05) was observed after 5 days. The microflora of the cocoa pod husk was analyzed to determine the microbial species associated with the detheobromination. Using a 4% selective theobromine medium, in which theobromine was the sole carbon and nitrogen source, Aspergillus niger was identified as the only microorganism present capable of metabolizing theobromine. Treatment of sterilized cocoa pod husk with A. niger for 7 days resulted in a 71.8% reduction in theobromine content (p<0.05). The observations suggest that fermentation of cocoa pod husk may be a useful procedure for reducing the theobromine content of cocoa pod husk to levels safe for livestock consumption. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.

Source: UG
Microbial detheobromination of cocoa pod husk

Cocoa pod husk, when used in animal feed, exerts certain detrimental effects on animal health at high dietary intake, due to the high concentrations of theobromine. The chemical methods for detheobromination are not feasible in conventional agricultural practice and, therefore, are not used by local farmers. This study investigated the biodegradation of theobromine in cocoa pod husk (bio-detheobromination). Milled cocoa pod husk samples, sterilized and unsterilized, were treated and incubated for 7 days and the theobromine content followed during the period titrimetrically at 24 h intervals. A 54.7% reduction in theobromine content (p<0.05) was observed after 5 days. The microflora of the cocoa pod husk was analyzed to determine the microbial species associated with the detheobromination. Using a 4% selective theobromine medium, in which theobromine was the sole carbon and nitrogen source, Aspergillus niger was identified as the only microorganism present capable of metabolizing theobromine. Treatment of sterilized cocoa pod husk with A. niger for 7 days resulted in a 71.8% reduction in theobromine content (p<0.05). The observations suggest that fermentation of cocoa pod husk may be a useful procedure for reducing the theobromine content of cocoa pod husk to levels safe for livestock consumption.

Source: UG
Microbial modification of the texture of grated cassava during fermentation into akyeke

The traditional akyeke inoculum and fermenting akyeke, an indigenous cassava product, were investigated to identify microbial species responsible for the modification of cassava texture during fermentation. Both field and laboratory samples were examined and only some cultures isolated on Plate Count Agar and Malt Extract Agar were found to be capable of causing a softening of cassava tissue when plated directly on sterile cassava slices. The cassava tissue softening isolates on PCA were tentatively identified as Bacillus subtilis and isolates on MEA as Candida tropicalis and Zygosacchromyces florentinus. The population of B. subtilis in the laboratory sample of inoculum was found to be 2.4×109 cfu g-1 and increased during dough fermentation from 1.1×107 to 3.5×10 9 cfu g-1 after 96 h. C. tropicalis was present in the inoclum at 3.0×109 cfu g-1 and increased during dough fermentation from 3.2×106 to 6.9×107 cfu g-1 whilst Z. florentinus was present in the inoclum at 9.1×108 cfu g-1 and increased from 8.1×10 5 to 7.5×106 cfu g-1 during dough fermentation. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Microbial quality of leafy green vegetables grown or sold in Accra metropolis, Ghana

Samples of two exotic (lettuce and cabbage), and four indigenous (African spinach, African eggplant leaves, roselle leaves, and jute leaves) leafy green vegetables were collected from 50 vegetable farms in 12 farming areas (n = 175) and 37 sellers in 4 major market centers (n = 153) in Accra metropolis, Ghana. Microbial quality of collected samples was assessed by isolation of Salmonella and enumeration of aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds, fecal coliforms, and enterococci. Mean aerobic bacteria, yeast and mold, fecal coliform, and enterococcus counts on collected vegetables were 8.80, 4.95, 4.90, and 3.67 log CFU/g, respectively. Approximately 75.4% of the vegetables from 96.0% of the vegetable farms and 84.3% of the vegetables from 97.3% of the vegetable sellers tested positive for enterococci, and 81.1% of the vegetables from 96.0% of the farms and 83.7% of the vegetables from 94.6% of the vegetable sellers tested positive for fecal coliforms. Salmonella were isolated from 5.1% of the vegetables from 16.0% of the vegetable farms and 15.7% of the vegetables from 24.3% of the vegetable sellers. Vegetable source and type had significant influence on the microbial counts. Results revealed that the sampled leafy green vegetables had poor microbial quality. Consumption of fresh leafy green vegetables without sanitizing or heat treatment should be discouraged.

Source: UG
Microbial Quality of Sliced Pawpaw (Carica papaya) and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Sold on Some Streets of Accra Metropolis, Ghana

In most African countries, street vending of fruits is prevalent and the likelihood of predisposing consumers to microbial contamination is very high. ,is study aimed to determine various bacteria and risk factors that are associated with fruits sold by street vendors in Accra. Sliced watermelons and pawpaws were randomly purchased from selected suburbs in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One gram (1 g) of each watermelon and pawpaw was homogenized in 9 ml of sterile peptone water, and 0.1 ml from each serial dilutions of each fruit was spread on plate count agar, blood agar, and MacConkey agar plates for total aerobic counts and coliform counts. Agar plates were incubated at 33–37° C for 18–24 h. Bacterial identification was done by standard bacteriological methods. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to the vendors to gather data on food hygiene and knowledge on foodborne illness. ,e study revealed that although some of the fruit vendors were educated on food hygiene, most sold fruits were contaminated with mean total aerobic plate counts of 2.6 ×105 –8.1 × 105CFU g−1 and 3.7 ×104 –7.1 × 104CFU g−1 for watermelon and pawpaw. ,The mean coliform counts for pawpaw and watermelon ranged between 1.2 ×103 –8.1 × 103CFU g−1 and 1.6 ×104 –3.1 × 104CFU g−1 , respectively. Overall, mean aerobic counts and mean coliform counts were not significantly different among vendors in selected locations (p > 0.05). However, predominant bacteria isolated included Enterobacter species (33.3%), Citrobacter sp. (20.0%), and Klebsiella sp. (15.9%). ,e study revealed that watermelon and pawpaw sold on the streets in Accra could be possible source of foodborne illness. Therefore, street food vendors must be educated on food hygiene protocols and measures to improve microbial quality of street vended fruits.

Source: UG
Microbial Safety of Sachet Water in Ghana: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Access to safe drinking water is crucial for health and survival, yet many developing countries face significant challenges in this regard. In West Africa, rapid urbanisation has outpaced efforts to improve access to potable water, compelling households to rely on private vendors for solutions, particularly through the growing market for sachet water. Widely consumed in Ghana, sachet water has become a convenient and affordable option, with over 37% of the population depending on it. However, concerns about its microbial safety persist, as studies indicate that sachet water often fails to meet necessary safety standards. This review consolidated existing research on microbial contaminants in sachet water, aiming to provide a representative overview of the microbial quality of sachet water in Ghana. Method: The systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A thorough literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus and the search engine Google Scholar, using relevant search terms. Eligible studies were identified based on established criteria, and data were subsequently extracted and analysed. Results: A total of 28 studies published from 2003 to 2024 were selected for inclusion in this review. Notably, 96% of these studies reported bacteria from 17 different genera, while 11% examined parasites from 5 genera. Some studies (7%) investigated both types of con taminants. Overall, 2,276 sachet water samples were analysed, with 1,727 (76%) showing microbial contamination. Escherichia coli was the most identified bacteria, while Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium parvum were the most identified parasites. Conclusion: This study highlighted critical public health risks associated with sachet water in Ghana, particularly the presence of harm ful bacteria and parasites. It is important to implement stricter manufacturing and sanitation standards and encourage safe handling practices to ensure the safety and quality of sachet water. Additionally, future research should focus on bridging existing gaps by investigating parasitic, viral, and fungal contaminants, to provide a holistic overview of the microbial contaminants in sachet water in Ghana.

Source: UG