ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Artisanal Activities at the “Suame Magazine” Industrial Area and Its Effect of Heavy Metal Levels on the Area’s Water Resources

Industrial discharges from artisanal activities are known to adversely affect natural resources and human health. Water samples collected from an area with a high artisanal population in the Kumasi municipality were monitored for temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity and heavy metals (Lead, Iron, Cadmium, Chromium) from hand-dug wells, hand-pump wells, pipe- borne water and surface waters. Physicochemical parameters were determined using standard procedures whilst heavy metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method. From the results temperature ranged between 26.33 ± 0.31 and 29.22 ± 0.51˚C. Mean pH ranged between 4.24 and 6.40 which were below the WHO acceptable limit of 6.5 in all the water sources. Turbidity values were within the WHO limit of <5NTU with the exception of surface waters which recorded turbidity values of 50.89NTU. Conductivity was within the acceptable limit in all the water sources. Mean levels of heavy metals were 0.18-1.06 for Pb and 0.23-11.49 for Fe in all the different water sources. Cd levels were below detection limits in all the water samples from the study area. However, Cd level in surface water from the study site exceeded levels from the control site. Cr levels in all the water sources, with the exception of surface waters, were below detection limit in both the study and control sites. Sanitation survey of the study site indicated that most hand-dug and hand-pump wells were shallow and sited close to metallurgical shops with no proper drainage and sewerage systems. Data from this study could help advice the Community Water and Sanitation Agency on the need to adopt an integrated approach in minimizing heavy metal pollution of water sources within the “Suame Magazine” and its environs.

Source: KNUST
Artisanal Village - Aburi

To the woman selling handicraft outside Barns Philip’s doors (a word to the tourist) You have to walk slowly now: These are treasures not to be missed - Stop, maybe, and inspect, feel the polished shell, the turtleshell bracelet and the ring, unique. The oyster sadness dusted clean Countless times a day just for your eye See the handbag! See such beautiful designs! And those fingers weaving like spiders, those arms sagging and frail can do wonders still - watch the fingers alone - oh, how dexterous! Unpolished dedication! See the stringing of pearly shells. How lovely! But you don’t understand how they’re stringing their life beads outside these doors, like corpses, the concrete mattress gathers the cold and pumps it home. But don’t consider, inspect and make a bargain. And you have to look a little above the collar bone at the fleshy neck, blue venis, the cride jaw. …………………….Surely you must have seen this face somewhere before, perhaps in a museum: the Polynesian goddess…………….

Source: KNUST
Artistic and Educational Values of KUSAKɔ Kɔ initiation Rites of Avatime in the Volta Region

The woman is a significant figure in the development of Avatime community. People of Avatime recognize and value the role of women in society and therefore mark the transition of a female from girlhood to womanhood. The problem is that many artistic and educational values are embedded in the celebration of this transition called kusak4 k4 initiation rites, yet they have not been described, discussed or documented, therefore they could be lost. Moreover, appreciable amounts of vital information embodied in kusak4 k4 initiation rites are not being taught in the schools of Avatime. Sadly, the rich cultural heritage embodied in the artistic and educational values which should be preserved have not been documented to put the area in the spotlight of the world. This research adopted a qualitative approach, specifically ethnography, to collect data through observation and interviews. The main findings are that, the Avatimes mark the passage of their girls into womanhood by performing series of rituals known as kusak4 k4 . Numerous artistic and educational values are evident in the rituals. Artistic values are demonstrated in the use of ritualized visual and performing arts. Educationally, the performing arts serve as symbols of identity and means of communication. Recommendations were that there should be collaboration between the pastors and the custodians of Avatime traditional area to erase the notion that there are sacrilegious beliefs and superstitions embedded in kusak4 k4 rites. It is also recommended that more group ritual activities be encouraged and done once a year for school going girls and workers to participate during school holidays and weekend respectively. Control measures should be instituted to curb promiscuity in the area. Finally, it is highly recommended that this document should be incorporated in the Art Education Curriculum to put the values of kusak4 k4 in the spotlight of the world

Source: KNUST
Artistic and educational values of Kusakɔ Kɔ initiation rites of Avatime in the Volta Region

The woman is a significant figure in the development of Avatime community. People of Avatime recognize and value the role of women in society and therefore mark the transition of a female from girlhood to womanhood. The problem is that many artistic and educational values are embedded in the celebration of this transition called kusakɔkɔ initiation rites, yet they have not been described, discussed or documented, therefore they could be lost. Moreover, appreciable amounts of vital information embodied in kusakɔkɔ initiation rites are not being taught in the schools of Avatime. Sadly, the rich cultural heritage embodied in the artistic and educational values which should be preserved have not been documented to put the area in the spotlight of the world. This research adopted a qualitative approach, specifically ethnography, to collect data through observation and interviews. The main findings are that, the Avatimes mark the passage of their girls into womanhood by performing series of rituals known as kusakɔ kɔ. Numerous artistic and educational values are evident in the rituals. Artistic values are demonstrated in the use of ritualized visual and performing arts. Educationally, the performing arts serve as symbols of identity and means of communication. Recommendations were that there should be collaboration between the pastors and the custodians of Avatime traditional area to erase the notion that there are sacrilegious beliefs and superstitions embedded in kusakɔkɔ rites. It is also recommended that more group ritual activities be encouraged and done once a year for school going girls and workers to participate during school holidays and weekend respectively. Control measures should be instituted to curb promiscuity in the area. Finally, it is highly recommended that this document should be incorporated in the Art Education Curriculum to put the values of kusakɔ kɔ in the spotlight of the world.

Source: KNUST
ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK MODEL FOR LOW STRENGTH RC BEAM SHEAR CAPACITY

This research was to investigate how the shear strength prediction of low strength reinforced concrete beams will improve under an ANN model. An existing database of 310 reinforced concrete beams without web reinforcement was divided into three sets of training, validation and testing. A total of 224 different architectural networks were tried, considering networks with one hidden layer as well as two hidden layers. Error measures of strength ratios were used to select the best ANN model which was then compared with 3 conventional design code equations in predicting the shear strength of 26 low strength RC beams. Even though the ANN was the most accurate, it was less conservative compared with the design code equations. A model reduction factor based on the characteristic strength concept is derived in this research and used to modify the ANN output. The modified ANN model is conservative in terms of safety and economy but not overly conservative as the conventional design equations. The procedure has been automated such that when new experimental sets are added to the database, the model can be updated and a new model could be developed.

Source: KNUST
Artistic aspects of Asafo Companies in Cape Coast

Some writers have written on the Asafo and their activities, but very few tackled the subject from the artistic point of view. It was therefore necessary to write on the topic to bring out the art in the Asafo. The problem has been solved by categorising the artistic aspects of the Asafo into major areas such as the environmental, bodily, performing, and verbal arts. It has been discovered that the Asafo have an original flourishing and dynamic art, which is indispensable to the institution’s effective organisation. It has also been found out that the Asafo have built up an elaborate tradition of visual arts which would be a great source of inspiration and knowledge to both the artist and the art historian.

Source: KNUST
Artistic and Educational Values of Kusakɔ Kɔ Initiation Rites of Avatime in the Volta Region

The woman is a significant figure in the development of Avatime community. People of Avatime recognize and value the role of women in society and therefore mark the transition of a female from girlhood to womanhood. The problem is that many artistic and educational values are embedded in the celebration of this transition called kusak) k) initiation rites, yet they have not been described, discussed or documented, therefore they could be lost. Moreover, appreciable amounts of vital information embodied in kusak) k) initiation rites are not being taught in the schools of Avatime. Sadly, the rich cultural heritage embodied in the artistic and educational values which should be preserved have not been documented to put the area in the spotlight of the world. This research adopted a qualitative approach, specifically ethnography, to collect data through observation and interviews. The main findings are that, the Avatimes mark the passage of their girls into womanhood by performing series of rituals known as kusak) k). Numerous artistic and educational values are evident in the rituals. Artistic values are demonstrated in the use of ritualized visual and performing arts. Educationally, the performing arts serve as symbols of identity and means of communication. Recommendations were that there should be collaboration between the pastors and the custodians of Avatime traditional area to erase the notion that there are sacrilegious beliefs and superstitions embedded in kusak) k) rites. It is also recommended that more group ritual activities be encouraged and done once a year for school going girls and workers to participate during school holidays and weekend respectively. Control measures should be instituted to curb promiscuity in the area. Finally, it is highly recommended that this document should be incorporated in the Art Education Curriculum to put the values of kusak) k) in the spotlight of the world.

Source: KNUST
Artistic development of the environment: a case study of Accra and Kumasi

This thesis has been undertaken to assess the part that an artistically developed environment could play in the promotion of external and internal tourism in Ghana. It was undertaken to explore the types of outdoor environmental artifacts used to develop the environments of Accra and Kumasi. It aims at finding out if the aims for which the artifacts were built are being achieved. It also aimed at finding out the present condition of the works and if they are adequately looked after. The thesis also aims at finding out how the general public reacts to the artifacts and their attitudes to these works, and if they are adequately informed about the importance of these works to society. It also aims at finding out if there are certain areas that may need some of these or other artifacts for their decoration and give suggestions as to what should be done about these areas. The content of the thesis was limited to monuments, sculptures, murals, fountains and the big outdoor advertising medium. Besides the Preface, Acknowledgments and the other preliminary sections, this thesis is organized into chapters. Chapter one, which also happens to be the introduction, deals with the ethnographic aspects of the areas under survey Accra and Kumasi. It also deals with the geographical, socio-economic considerations of the areas under survey. Chapter Two is a review of literature related to the topic under investigation. Chapter Three traces the history of the environmental development of Accra and Kumasi and the part art played in this. It also treats the colonial influences in our environmental developments. Chapters Four and Five are reports on the works surveyed in Accra and Kumasi respectively. They gave the authors observations and analysis of the works. They are supported with photographs taken by the author. Chapter Sax closes the thesis with the discussions of the author’s findings. Suggestions and recommendations followed, and finally, the thesis ends with the conclusion or a brief account of the whole thesis. The descriptive survey and the analytical methods were used in this study. For this research, information was obtained from libraries, archives, interviews, photographs and personal observations.

Source: KNUST
Artistic elements in the festivals of the Effutus-Ghana

Although the arts in Effutu festivals make a particularly vibrant and far-reaching contribution to their culture, little or no attention has been given to it. The energetic and enthusiastic characteristics associated with the involvement of these arts in the festivals play functional, economic and aesthetic roles which are indispensable to their culture. The Aboakyer festival involves two Asafo cohorts and they use different artworks for the celebration which widens the artistic scope of the festival. These art works involved in the festival have direct link with the culture, history and traditions of the Effutus, making them requisite for the celebration. Since these art works have a direct link with the culture there is the need to document them for cultural perpetuation. The Akomase festival, which is the second festival for this study has received less attention by writers due to the low patronage also needs a scholarly documentation. The study made use of the qualitative research which employed the descriptive and narrative design for data presentation. The study concluded that the artistic elements in the festivals of the Effutus are enormous especially the Aboakyer festival. However, it is recommended that Effutu Traditional Council should have a museum or gallery for keeping the artworks used in their festivals and train personnel to educate people about the roles they play in the festival and artistic elements in relation to their culture.

Source: KNUST
The artistry of Akan oratory: a study of selected speeches delivered in Ashanti royal courts

To say that the skilful control of words is highly valued in all societies in general and in Akan in particular is an axiom As a native Akan speaker, a literature student, and mere importantly someone who is interested in listening to speakers in the chic t s court, this stud\ on the aesthetics of Akan oratory is the writers contribution to existing knowledge on the subject. It is unfortunate to see how intellectuals find it difficult to express themselves in their own mother tongues, let alone speak artistically. The cherished art of oratory is dying out fast and therefore this study will go a long way to create awareness of what modern Akans are missing as they continue to ignore some good aspects of the culture of the Akan people. In the chiefs’ courts as I listen in good speakers who are able to persuade their audience, I keep asking myself what techniques they use which make people enjoy their speeches? This work attempts to survey oratory from classical time to the present day drawing out important similarities and peculiarities to orator among the Akans. Sample speeches from identifiable individuals in the chiefs’ courts have been recorded and translated into English. With the help of background research, the sample texts have been critically appraised within their contexts, showing how the embedded literary devices affect the meaning of the message transmitted. The study concludes that both verbal and visual artistry are employed to persuade the audience, It is therefore necessary for speakers to learn to use appropriate literary devices if oratory, which is highly valued in the Akan cultural milieu, is to be sustained.

Source: KNUST
Artistic Overview of Ajumako-Ba Akwambo Festival

The study makes a general survey of the arts involved in the Ajumako-Ba “Akwambo” festival, and in accordance with the research objectives, the thesis has been categorized into body, environmental, performing and the verbal arts. The thesis itself, comprising nine chapters’ starts with chapter one which deals with the problem and its setting, and this covers the objectives, hypothesis, limitations and the significance of the research. Chapter two reviews some pertinent literature relating to the topic whilst Chapter three of the thesis has been tailored to tackle the history of Ajumako-Ba town as well as the historical origin of the “Akwambo” festival. It further discusses the traditional institutional structures like the “Asafo” company and the clans which give an all-embracing support to the observance of the festival, the reason being that they provide the background from which to view the changes that the festival has undergone as well as helping to identify and examine the significance of the arts in the festival. Chapter four, five, six and seven respectively look at the body, environmental, performing and the verbal arts. In chapter eight the arts in the festival have been thoroughly examined in relation to the past and future celebrations, with the view to helping find out how they can be developed to enhance the future celebration of the festival. The last chapter concludes the discussion with the summary of the thesis and offers some suggestions for the development of the arts. It should be pointed out however that since art is dynamic (that is grows from time to time), the identification and examination of the various artifacts connected with the Ajumako-Ba “Akwambo” festival do not make the thesis a definite compendium on the artistic aspects of the festival in question but as an exploratory study, it is hoped that it will generate further investigations in order to arouse interest in this area for future field researchers.

Source: KNUST
The arts of Abora Asafo Companies - a critical appraisal and socio-cultural significance

The Asafo is an ancient institution in the Abora State. It was developed to provide security for towns and villages and to fight ethnic wars, but later took on other social, political, economic and religious roles. The various Asafo companies in the Abors state have many art forms which enable them to function well in their respective towns and villages. It is the description and appraisal of these art forms which form the theme for this thesis. The thesis discusses the origin, organization and functions of the Asafo in the Abora State. Next it examines symbolism and arts among the Akan of Ghana as preamble to the rest of the chapters. Broadly, the various art forms of the Asafo in the Abora State are categorized as environmental art, Body arts, performing arts and verbal arts. These are critically described and appreciated. Finally the importance of the art forms to the society in the conclusion.

Source: KNUST
Asante Art and Culture in the Administration of Asante Traditional Medicine in the Ashanti Region

ABSTRACT The primary aim of the study was to investigate the role art and culture play in the administration of traditional medicine in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, and to analyse the positive aspects of the medicine so as to help erase the negative perception that exists about it. The primarily intention of the study stems from the fact that art and cultural activities that serve as a vehicle for curing diseases have almost been completely overlooked when it comes to the analysis and appreciation of traditional medicine. Even though the arts and cultural elements are interwoven with the medicine, their linkage has not been appreciated by a large number of people to the point of even portraying it as evil or fetish. The qualitative method of collecting and analysing data was utilized. In the selection process, the respondents were first accessed by the help of the chain method. They were then purposively sampled and categorised into four different strata due to their varied characteristics. In all, a sample size of 90 was used for the study. Interviews and observation were the main data collection instruments used. Results showed that, the art and cultural elements are indispensable and have great medical ethos relevant to the medicine. The traditional medication is a doable platform for redeeming people physically, psychologically and spiritually. The medicine will forever be part and parcel of the people of Ashanti Region and for that matter Ghanaian healthcare delivery system, since it is practised in the context of the religion and forms part of the people‘s culture. In view of this, the government and the stakeholders should give recognition to these diviners and spiritual healers by dedicating special health facilities for them to operate in and providing them with the necessary needs like what they have been providing for the orthodox health centres. Moreover, the Ministry of Health with support from government and the stakeholders should affiliate the traditional numinous centres to the orthodox ones. These two centres should work hand in hand where spiritual cases which cannot be cured by the orthodox centres will be referred to the traditional hospital and vice versa.

Source: KNUST
Asante art and culture in the administration of Asante traditional medicine in the Ashanti Region

The primary aim of the study was to investigate the role art and culture play in the administration of traditional medicine in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, and to analyse the positive aspects of the medicine so as to help erase the negative perception that exists about it. The primarily intention of the study stems from the fact that art and cultural activities that serve as a vehicle for curing diseases have almost been completely overlooked when it comes to the analysis and appreciation of traditional medicine. Even though the arts and cultural elements are interwoven with the medicine, their linkage have not been appreciated by a large number of people to the point of even portraying it as evil or fetish. The qualitative method of collecting and analysing data was utilized. In the selection process, the respondents were first accessed by the help of the chain method. They were then purposively sampled and categorised into four different strata due to their varied characteristics. In all, a sample size of 90 was used for the study. Interviews and observation were the main data collection instruments used. Results showed that, the art and cultural elements are indispensable and have great medical ethos relevant to the medicine. The traditional medication is a doable platform for redeeming people physically, psychologically and spiritually. The medicine will forever be part and parcel of the people of Ashanti Region and for that matter Ghanaian healthcare delivery system, since it is practised in the context of the religion and forms part of the people’s culture. In view of this, the government and the stakeholders should give recognition to these diviners and spiritual healers by dedicating special health facilities for them to operate in and providing them with the necessary needs like what they have been providing for the orthodox health centres. Moreover, the Ministry of Health with support from government and the stakeholders should affiliate the traditional numinous centres to the orthodox ones. These two centres should work hand in hand where spiritual cases which cannot be cured by the orthodox centres will be referred to the traditional hospital and vice versa.

Source: KNUST