ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Integrating environmental issues into urban planning and management: the case of the Sunyani municipality.

The modern trends in urban planning and management is to achieve sustainable development of urban areas, the study therefore looked at how environmental issues can best be put at the forefront of urban planning and management in the Sunyani Municipality. The study also looked at the modern trends in urban planning and management with respect to sustainable development and the current state of urban planning and management in the Sunyani Municipality and the problems that confront planning. The study adopted the case study approach focusing on a specific geographic location to assess how environmental issues are integrated in planning and management of the Sunyani Municipality. The sources of data was basically from literature review, interviews, observation and questionnaires administered to the planning institutions in the area, the main focus was the Municipal Town and Country Planning Department (MT&CPD) and related institutions. An analytical framework for the study was also developed to direct the study and the tools for integration were also considered. This study, has revealed that urban planning and management requires inter sectoral and interdisciplinary approach and the need for partnership in urban planning and management by all stakeholders. Urban planning and management institutions have been making efforts at achieving improved standards of planning in the face of several constraints that bedevil them. Major constraints facing these institutions and urban planning and management were identified to include inadequate legal framework for planning, inadequate logistics and funding, inadequate human resource especially professional and technical shortages, weak institutional linkages and inadequate spatial information. The study clearly shows that moving from simple mechanisms to regulate land use to a healthy and sustainable urban planning process is not straightforward, but an appropriate national planning framework that encourages an integrated approach and puts the quality of life and sustainable development high on the urban agenda. From the foregoing, the study recommends among others sustainable urban planning and management with priority attention on the protection of the urban environment through the integration of environmental issues in urban planning and management. Planning laws should be revised to reflect current trends and provide the necessary framework for planning, the need for effective human resource development, strengthening of planning institutions, effective public participation in planning, and integrated urban planning and management. Finally, the purpose of land use planning is to select and put into practice those land uses that will best meet the needs of the people while safeguarding resources for the future. The driving force is the need for change, the need for improved management and the need for a quite different pattern of land use dictated by changing circumstances.

Source: KNUST
Integrating Geoinformation and Socioeconomic Data for Assessing Urban Land-use Vulnerability to Potential Climate-change Impacts of Abuja

This dissertation is framed as a retrospective research concept that analysed and monitored land use change to assess the impacts of urbanization on climate in cities. Multi-source datasets such as remote sensing images, vector layers, topographical maps, historical climatic variables and socioeconomic information were used for the retrospective landscape studies. Land-use Land-cover (LULC) maps were produced from historical Landsat series data using support vector machine information extraction algorithm. Subsequently, spatio-temporal settlement expansion analysis, change detection and urban growth modelling into the future was implemented to assess potential climate impacts due to urbanization. Thermodynamics of the urban landscape was investigated using relevant discrete historic climatic data and continuous thermal spatial datasets. Climate indices calculation and multiple spatial statistical approaches were used to analyse changes in air and land surface temperature and to detect urban warming and heat island impacts. Urban flood-risk assessment was investigated by integrating multisource geoinformation and morphometric analysis approach. Using object-based image analysis, the generated urban density information and urban structural types were useful in demonstrating the relevance of integrated geospatial datasets analysis for land use and climate change studies. Two silent urbanization impacts identified in this study were, increased imperviousness which result in land surface temperature modification and urban flood-risk propagation. LULC was observed to have moderated urban micro climate in different urban landscapes of Abuja. The proposed disaggregation concept used in the morphometric analysis in this study also revealed the hydrological processes such as flood-risk can be perennial and imminent due to inadequate natural drainage densities and low bifurcation ratio status of the landscape. The output of synergizing multi-source geospatial datasets facilitated fine-scale human wellbeing and security vulnerability assessment for improved disaster risk reduction in the context of climate impacts in cities. The main findings of this dissertation is a proof of concept of how integrated datasets and methodical research approach can be used for empirical climate and land use change science at local scale. Therefore, relevant institutions such the Federal Capital Development Authority and policy makers in other regions of Nigeria can adopt the concept demonstrated in this research for rapid assessment of urban landscapes to potential climate change impacts.

Source: KNUST
Integrating hydraulic and gis modeling for assessing water losses Case study; Kumasi Southeast District

There are several challenges facing water utility companies. One of such challenge is high level of water losses (non-revenue water) in a distribution network. Non-revenue water (NRW) is water that has been produced but cannot be billed. The loss can be as a result of leakages (real losses), theft of water (apparent losses) and free use (unbilled authorized consumption). In the Ashanti Region of Ghana, Non-revenue water (NRW) levels have been consistently high. This has affected revenue and quality of service to customers. The main objective of this research was to use an integration of a hydraulic model and GIS to estimate non-revenue water in Kumasi Southeast District. In determining the magnitude of non-revenue water, the International Water Association methodology and empirical flow rates were used. The hydraulic modeling software ‘Epanet’ was used in modeling the water distribution network. In modeling the pipe network, the Hazen-Williams algorithm for water flow rate, friction and headloss was used. Parameters such as pressure, flow, unit headloss, velocity and friction factor were obtained for the various pipes and nodes upon a successful run of the model. The pressure values generated by the hydraulic and the GIS model at each node were used to determine the background leakages at the various nodes. This was done using the standard hydraulic equation. GIS was used in modeling the water distribution network. The research shows that non-revenue water level was as high as 49% of the total water supplied to Southeast District of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). The 49% of the system input volume (SIV) represented 283,146m3 of treated water, out of which 215,068m3 was lost through real losses. This represents 75.96% of the non-revenue water. Apparent losses contributed 67,948m3, representing 24% of the total non-revenue water. Unbilled authorized consumption also contributed a loss of 129m3 of the system input volume (SIV). This represents 0.04% of the total non-revenue water. The model also revealed the level of background leakages at each node. The highest level of background leakage was 0.087669m3 while the lowest level of background leakage was 0.001854m3. The study concluded that hydraulic and GIS models are complementary technologies and their integration provided access to more reliable, up-to-date information and reduces response time to tackle water losses.

Source: KNUST
Integrating gravity and magnetic field data to delineate structurally- Controlled gold mineralization in the Sefwi Belt

Gravity and magnetic surveys have been used to delineate potential gold mineralization on the Sefwi belt of Ghana. The study area, which is intrusive dominated hosting pockets of small scale mining operations locally referred to as Galamsey, is without any scientific trend of gold mineralization. The study aims at mapping lithological units, structural setting and relating Galamsey sites to delineate potential zones of gold mineralization. Scintrex CG5 gravimeter and GEM’s Overhauser magnetometer were used for gravity and magnetic data acquisition respectively. The magnetic data were corrected and enhancing filters such as RTP, analytical signal and 1VD were applied using oasis montaj 7.1. Gravity data were also reduced to a common datum (geoid) using the oasis montaj software to produce a Bouguer anomaly map. Regional/residual separation technique produced a residual gravity map. The RTP and analytical signal filters from the magnetic data and residual gravity anomaly map from the gravity data helped in mapping belt type (Dixcove) Birimian granitoids and mafic intrusive unit, interpreted as gabbro. The first vertical derivative filter was useful in mapping NE/SW minor faults and crosscutting dykes largely concentrated in the belt type Birimian granitoids. All the three mapped Galamsey sites fell on a minor fault and are associated with the belt type granitoids which have been a lead in delineating potential zones of gold mineralization.

Source: KNUST
Integrating Ghanaian indigenous packaging concept with contemporary packaging design (a case of ice cream packaging design in Ghana)

This thesis investigates into how Ghanaian Indigenous Packaging Concept can be integrated with CPD, using ice cream packaging design in Ghana as a case study. Creating an ice cream package that reflects the Ghanaian culture and current packaging trending elucidate the idea that culture and design balance each other and is one unimaginable without the other, (Moalosi et al 2005). In other words, the interdependence of culture and CPD process is revealed. In order to integrate Ghanaian Indigenous Packaging Concept with CPD; the Moalosi theoretical framework was adopted to achieve this aim. The researcher employed the qualitative research, which he further the Case study and the Ethnography research designs. The researcher gathered data using interviews and participant observation, from Consumer perceptions on ice cream packaging design in Ghana and packaging concept on Ghanaian edibles from three selected regions, manufacturers of ice cream and indigenous edibles like Ga-kenkey, Fante kenkey, and so on. The researcher identified two categories of Ghanaian indigenous packaging on edibles namely; Dried leaves and Fresh leaves. Also ice cream packages are not designed and produced in Ghana, and the two major ice cream manufacturers in Ghana think integration with Ghanaian indigenous packaging concepts and CPD is possible. After this, current ice cream packaging design in Ghana and dry leaves packaging concept was assessed by testing, using basic current packaging requirements. With this, the researcher was faced with the challenge of integrating dry leaves (corn sheath and plantain leaves) with visual element and product information, to produce an effective ice cream packaging design. The thesis concluded by recommending further research to provide a theoretical framework that Ghanaian would use to design products that are culture-oriented. And also the researcher admonished Ghanaian designers to integrate culture factors into their design process.

Source: KNUST
Integrating indigenous Akan educational patterns into Christian education in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana

This research attempts to examine the integration of indigenous Akan educational patterns into Christian education in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. This work explores the moments and resources in Akan culture for nurturing people, especially the youth. The research notes that before the arrival of the Christian missionaries, the Akan as an ethnic group were nurturing their members using everyday moments and resources as teaching aids. However, with the advent of Christianity, these indigenous patterns were and are still being described as fetish, heathen and other derogating terms. Apart from examining the indigenous Akan nurturing patterns the research also explores Confirmation as one of the nurturing patterns of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The research revealed that there are some values embedded in Akan indigenous patterns of nurturing that could be incorporated into the Christian Confirmation process. The research therefore, recommends that the curriculum of the Confirmation process should be expanded to include other essential elements associated with some Akan indigenous nurturing patterns. Again Christian educators in the P.C.G. should give theological meanings to the ideas and values embedded in some of the indigenous Akan nurturing patterns.

Source: KNUST
Integrating indigenous vegetable tanned leather with fabric in mixed-media pictorial art for value enhancement.

The challenging economic conditions across the globe and the competitive world market have resulted in vigorous efforts by stakeholders to exploit every available opportunity within their geographical locations such as cultural or natural resources to make economic gains out of them. The use of indigenous vegetable tanned leather for the production of pictorial art through the appliqué technique is not common in the industry and considering the contemporary people’s rush for new things that have evolved from innovative ideas, it is prudent to take advantage and pursue research in this area and thus expand the horizon for the use of Ghanaian indigenous vegetable tanned leather. Therefore the researcher aimed at integrating indigenous vegetable tanned leather with fabric in the production of mixed-media pictorial art. To achieve this aim, the following objectives were set: to identify selected types of pictorial art forms produced with mixed- media; to demonstrate the practicability of manipulating indigenous vegetable tanned leather for integration with fabric in mixed-media for the production of pictorial art; and to appreciate the integration of indigenous vegetable tanned leather with fabric in the production of mixed-media pictorial art. In this regard, the researcher employed the qualitative method and the descriptive design as the main methodology towards establishing real facts and describing vividly the processes in achieving the main objective. The observational approach was used in identifying selected materials possible for mixed-media pictorial art where the researcher assessed them based on their characteristics. In conclusion, leather and fabric provide convenient grounds for integration since both materials are fibre based and other materials such as wood, jute, clay, metal, can be integrated when proper investigation is made into their characteristics and properties.

Source: KNUST
Integrating pragmatic lessons of traditional initiation rites into Christian initiation rite for adults in the Roman Catholic Church: A case study of Akan puberty rites.

Christianity in Africa seems to have denied many religio-cultural ritual practices, regardless of their values and lessons, which are integral part of indigenous African culture. This makes the African live an uncomfortable Christian life. But it is an undeniable fact that the nature and relevance of African Christianity can be understood if it is studied in its relation to African world-view and indigenous knowledge systems, which serve as resources for indigenous education and formation. Puberty rites mark a moment of education to teach and learn the norms, values and lessons in the ritual moments for identity formation, and initiate a transitional period in the life of an Akan person. They serve to socialise and institutionalise the individual into the new stage of life attained in the community with rights and responsibilities. Within the Roman Catholic domains, apart from the catechism, which teaches the catechumen the basic tenets of Christianity, the doctrines and precepts of the church, there is no pattern of formation for young catechumen to mature into responsible adult Christian, who has both strong roots and understanding of the Christian faith and practices and yet firmly planted in authentic Akan religio-cultural beliefs and practices, which do not contradict the Christian faith. This prompts the quest of this research; to find out how the values and lessons of puberty rites could be integrated into the preparation and formation of young people for responsible adult Christian life in the Akan community. The study revealed that there are great lessons that could be harnessed from this rite as an indigenous knowledge system, which will give a practical touch to the instructional sessions organised for the rite of Christian adult initiation, making the Christian young man and woman a person of his/her culture and tradition.

Source: KNUST
Integrating the local sub-structures into the district assembly system for decentralised development: the case of Krach1 District of Ghana

A look at the development trends in Ghana’s efforts to decentralise planning since 1988, show some evidence that the integration of the various sub-district structures, has not been given much attention. It is a fact that the Government, for the past decade has consistently attempted to create structures as far as to the sub-district level However, creation of structures alone does not in itself serve as enough means to integrate the sub—district structures into the District Assembly System. This study therefore examines the current institutional mechanisms and procedures for integrating the activities of the various communities into the activities of the District Assembly using the Krachi District as a case study. Based on the limitations identified from the current institutional structures and procedures, the study presents a number of recommendations to ensure both horizontal and vertical integration of planning activities at the sub-district level In carrying out the above task, the study had the objective to: i. analyse the current organisational structure at the sub-district level and the linkages with the District Assembly. ii. describe and evaluate the functions which form the basis for this linkage and how they have operated so far; iii. suggested he possible ways and methodology for integrating the local sub-district structures with the District Assembly System. These objectives were discussed within the framework of the tier-organisational system due to the fact that Ghana’s decentralisation process is based on this principle. Findings from the study reveal a serious information gap between sub—district structures and the District Assembly. This gap has been created because there have not been sufficient provisions in the various legislations on decentralisation and Local Government Administration, to integrate the sub-district structures into the District Assembly. Owing to this, there have not been any concrete procedures for ensuring both vertical and horizontal integration of planning activities at the sub-district level. A number of recommendations on improving awareness on the role of the sub-district structures, improving the capacity and procedures for ensuring integration among others have been provided in this paper. However, the implementation of these recommendations is highly constrained by the inadequate qualified personnel, and post and telecommunication facilities. Others included the presence of the Volta Lake and its major tributaries which has naturally divided the district into two parts, rendering information flow and mobility very difficult. The District Assembly must consistently put some mechanism in place to reduce the effect of these constraints on the smooth implementation of the participatory and integrated planning envisaged by this paper.

Source: KNUST
Integrating health and safety in project management: a study of selected construction projects in the greater Accra region

One of the hazardous industries where workers are frequently involved in accidents. Major causes of accidents are related to the unique nature of the industry, the characteristics nature of construction sites, behaviour of workers, difficult site conditions, and poor safety management. Construction sites are widely noted to be extremely hazardous environment with the potential for multiple fatalities. The main goal of the study was to examine the various managerial concerns in integrating health and safety encountered in project management, construction site environment, and propose measures to mitigate those issues. Grounded on literature review, a questionnaire survey was conducted among building professionals who were purposively selected to elicit information pertaining to the study. In all forty-five (45) of the responses forms the analysis of the results. Using relative importance index, it was apparent that in undertaking a development in project management within a construction site increased health and safety concerns will unavoidably arise. Further, it clearly indicated that issues highlighted are various and diverse. It is however recommended that, if incorporated one or more of these strategies, it would aid the construction industry strive towards an unblemished healthy and safety record. Where on-site management incorporates the strategies documented, particularly in the case of integrating health and safety on construction site, reductions in accidents and incidents are achievable, with the possibility of increased productivity, reduced downtime and ultimately project success.

Source: KNUST
Integration of Advanced Metering Infrastructure for Mini-Grid Solar PV Systems in Off-Grid Rural Communities (SoAMIRural)

Solar energy is considered a promising source of power generation in sub-Saharan Africa due to the high sunshine in these areas. Deploying decentralised solar-powered mini-grid systems to provide access to electricity in rural areas is fraught with difficulties in accurately predicting consumption, automatic monitoring, and operation sustainability to support the socio-economic conditions of rural communities. This study proposed SoAMIRural, which integrates solar PV minigrid and advanced metering infrastructure for rural communities. SoAMIRural was implemented and tested for a case study community in Ghana. Solar PV Selection Equation Matrix (SPSEM) and Sample Size Equation (SSE) were used to determine the sustainable demand generation capacity of 24 kVA. Load estimations and need assessments were conducted to ascertain the rural community’s electric load and priority needs. SoAMIRural was evaluated with an error margin of 5%, resulting in 95% accuracy in energy consumption threshold management and monitoring to ensure energy conservation and sustainability of the mini-grid system. This study maps out a conceptual framework for a smart solar PV mini-grid system for rural communities and its advantages in realising SDG 7 in Ghana by 2030.

Source: KNUST