ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An assessment of HIV&AIDS prevention and management programmes in the Northern region of Ghana: a case study of the Tamale Metropolis and the Yendi Municipality.

Acquired immune-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a serious problem especially in Africa and Ghana since no cure to the disease has been discovered yet. The best known alternative in the response to the epidemic is prevention as well as management. The study sought to assess the HIV&AIDS prevention and management programmes in the Tamale Metropolis and the Yendi Municipality both in the Northern region of Ghana. The specific objectives were to; assess the awareness, knowledge and behaviour related to HIV&AIDS transmission, prevention and treatment; examine the accessibility of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) services and facilities; assess the extent of HIV&AIDS related stigma; examine the main challenges confronting HIV&AIDS prevention and management programmes, and make recommendations to inform policy. The research design was a case study. The total sample size was 209 and a combination of sampling methods including purposive, cluster, and the simple random sampling were employed. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through a field survey while the secondary data was sourced from relevant institutions. Results of the study reveal that 99.0 percent of respondents are aware about the disease. Knowledge on sexual transmission of the disease was 98.0 percent. However, knowledge on other modes of infection such as mother to child transmission was just 14.0 percent. Seventy-seven percent of respondents were aware of counselling and testing for HIV but only 20 percent had actually tested. The study also revealed that the use of condoms even among people with non regular sexual partners was as low as 56.0 percent. Findings concerning stigma was mixed. While 78.0 percent of field survey respondents indicated they would eat from the same plate with an HIV infected person, evidence from the Yendi Hospital was that 60.0 percent of HIV diagnosed cases would not have their HIV status disclosed to their spouses or partners. Other findings include inadequate funds, personnel, and logistics for programmes. The formulation of comprehensive Information, Education and Communication (IE&C) has been recommended to address specific issues of knowledge and behaviour such as mother to child transmission of HIV and condom use. On the reduction of stigma against People Living with HIV&AIDS (PLWHA), high level political and religious advocacy, extensive education, and personal commitment were recommended.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of the Densu River, Weija from Leachate

The effect of leachate seepage from a landfill site on the quality of an urban river, Densu, that is the one of the main sources of water abstracted for treatment for most residents in the Accra Metropolitan area was determined by measuring the levels of heavy metals (As, Pb, Hg, and Cd) in the seepage and in the river itself using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry methods. Heavy metal concentration upstream before leachate contamination was low and within WHO limits. The mean concentrations of arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium were 0.026mg/l, 0.957mg/l, 0.025mg/l and 0.005mg/l, respectively in the leachate. Mean heavy metal concentration, two hundred metres downstream from the leachate discharge point (where water is drawn for domestic and drinking purpose) was 0.008mg/l for arsenic, 0.393mg/l for lead, 0.001mg/l for mercury while cadmium was not detected. Lead exceeded the WHO acceptable limit of 0.01mg/l for drinking water. Mean levels in the corresponding sediment samples were 0.015mg/kg for arsenic, <0.001mg/kg for lead, 0.004mg/kg for mercury and cadmium 0.151mg/kg. Contamination factors computed were less than one (CF<1) for arsenic and lead in the sediments which imply low contamination and moderate contamination for cadmium (1 ≥ CF ≥ 3). Seepage of leachate from the landfill site into Densu must be monitored to ensure the quality of River Densu especially when it is being used as a drinking water source by downstream communities.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Particulate Matter (PM10) in the Ambient Air of Selected Roadsides in the Accra Metropolis

This study assessed the concentrations of heavy metals in particulate matter (PM10) in the ambient air at four roadside locations (Weija, Mallam, Kaneshie First Light and Graphic Road) in the Accra Metropolis. Sampling was carried out every six days for a period of 24 hours from October to November, 2013. The Mini Vol. air sampler was used to collect the PM10 particles from the ambient air. PM10 concentrations ranged from 219.20 - 236.00 μg/m3, 189.80 - 232.20 μg/m3, 150.70 - 182.70 μg/m3 and 158.70 - 213.90 μg/m3 for Weija, Mallam, Kaneshie First Light and Graphic Road respectively. The level of PM10 pollution was very high in the ambient air across the four sampling sites with mean PM10 concentrations exceeding guideline values from WHO and Ghana EPA. A flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was used to investigate the presence of the following heavy metals: Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb and Cd in the particulate matter. Mean metal concentrations of copper, manganese, zinc, lead and cadmium across the four sampling sites ranged from (0.15 – 0.63 ng/m3), (0.86 - 7.22 ng/m3), (1.79 – 7.34 ng/m3), (0.08 - 0.69 ng/m3), and (0.01 - 0.19 ng/m3) respectively. Results from ANOVA revealed that there was no significant variation between metal concentrations at the various sampling sites except for cadmium which was significantly different. Heavy metal concentrations were found to be very low compared to PM10 which is still a major concern.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of hybrid sorghums [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench.] for yield performance and adaptability in two locations (Nyankpala, Damongo) in Northern Ghana

The experiment was conducted in Nyankpala-SARI (Savanna Agricultural Research Institute), and its satellite station in Damongo in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study made use of nine genotypes including seven hybrids from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Mali and two local varieties (Kapaala and Mankariga). The objective of the study was to determine the yield performance and adaptation of sorghum hybrids in Northern Region of Ghana. The experimental design was a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in each location (Nyankpala and Damongo). Data was collected by recording observations on all plants from the three (3) central rows per plot in Nyankpala (site 1) and Damongo (site 2). They were subjected to analysis, using the Genstat Discovery Edition 4, and significant means were separated using the least significant difference (Lsd) at 5%. Genotype by environment interaction (GGE) bi-plot analysis was done, to evaluate genotype mean performance and stability between genotypes in the two target locations and to determine the discriminating ability and representativeness of the test environments. The results of the study indicated that considerable variability existed among the sorghum hybrids (genotypes), or among the two locations and the Genotypes by Environment interaction, in terms of seedling vigor, Plant stand, days to 50% flowering, days to 50% heading, plant height, number of harvested panicles, panicle weight, panicle length, grain weight, 100 grain weight, biomass yield, agronomic score ( overall desirability like panicle form, desirability of grain form, etc…) and also in terms of damage caused on panicles by birds, midges, and mold. These are the main characteristics used in the course of the study for the selection of the best hybrids. The hybrids such as Caufa (2764 kg/ha), Pablo (2666 kg/ha), and Mona (2496 kg/ha) produced higher grain yield than the others and the local varieties Kapaala (2181kg/ha) and Mankariga (294 kg/ha) at the two locations (Nyankpala and Damongo). Caufa, Pablo, Mona were the best high yielding hybrids that farmer could adopt to increase their yields significantly. By considering the mean scores given by the analysis of panicles appreciation, grain desirability, agronomic score, grain yield, at the two locations; the results showed the acceptance and preference to Soumalemba, Caufa, Pablo, Mona, and Yamassa. These hybrids could be candidates for release in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of HIV/AIDS patients’ adherence to the single molecular fixed-dose combination therapy of high active anti-retroviral therapy at the Suntreso Government Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

The study assessed the HIV/AIDS patients’ adherence to the single molecular fixed-dose combination therapy of High Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) at the Suntreso Government Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. A cross-sectional study design was employed. The study systematically sampled 322 PLWHIV/AIDS from the STI unit of the Suntreso Government Hospital. The respondents were patients attending clinic within the period of the study. The study relied on primary data which were collected with structured questionnaire. The questionnaire for the study was pre-tested in Kwadaso S.D.A Hospital in Kumasi. The study aimed at finding out the influence of condition-related factors, healthcare providers’ factors, patient-related factors and therapy-related factors on Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) ART adherence. It was concluded that HIV/AIDS patients at the Suntreso Government Hospital were anxious, had adequate information on FDC and perceived FDC as good for improvement of health status and they were not forgetful to take FDC as prescribed. HIV/AIDS patients were supported by their families but they were stigmatized. HIV/AIDS patients disagreed that they had guidance and counselling services at homes. The study revealed that HIV/AIDS patients had good interpersonal relationship with healthcare providers and that healthcare providers gave them adequate information on FDC but patients perceived healthcare providers as not trustworthy. HIV/AIDS patients perceived cost of medications as expensive but could afford cost of transport. It was realized that FDC was convenient to take but it had side effects. It was recommended that patients should freely disclose their status and take FDC as prescribed without focusing on the side effects. Healthcare providers should show care, love and respect through friendly relationship to encourage regular hospital attendance by HIV/AIDS patients in order to increase adherence to medications.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of human resource management practices in the polytechnics

The issue of human resource management has become paramount and complex as the polytechnics continue to expand their academic facilities and programmes. The research was an integrated study of the current HRM practices in selected polytechnics and focused on four staffing practices. Three sets of questionnaire were designed for three different groups of respondents. The findings confirmed the expected inadequacies with some modest satisfactory practices. Evidence pointed to the absence of established HR departments in the polytechnics, and majority of officers performing HR functions were non-HR 4 specialists. Short-term, ad hoc and exigency approaches were adopted to address the situation instead of establishing long-term strategic human resource planning. The institutions were further handicapped by lack of an HRIS and computerized skills inventory. On the contrary most of the polytechnics studied have well-established and documented recruitment and selection procedures. Reliance was more on external recruitment and promotions formed only a small proportion of internal recruitment. The findings however revealed that the current training and development activities do not go far enough. Training and development policies differed from one institution to the other, and in most cases the policies were not well defined. The results also indicated that there is a weak link between training and development and performance appraisal. Selection for training, in most cases, does not depend on performance appraisal but on other factors such as long service and qualification. Evidence also showed that not all the polytechnics practiced performance appraisal and that the system is flawed and ineffective in the institutions which claimed to practice it. The recommendations drawn are measures designed to harmonize and improve the HRM policies and practices in all the polytechnics in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of I.C.T Situation in Senior High Schools, a Case Study in Lower Manya Krobo District

The use of ICT has impacted to some extent on almost every facet of our daily activities be it health, education, sports etc. Children of today grow up with an array of technology, both at home and at school. Educators and governments have also devoted huge resources to the provision of technology in the learning environment. Despite the increase in ICT tools in Ghanaian Senior High schools, most of the schools seem to be teaching ICT literacy instead of a complete integration of the ICT tools in the curriculum to enhance the teaching and learning process. The general objective of the study was, to assess whether ICT tools are really being used to assist and enhance students’ knowledge in the teaching and learning process in four schools in the Lower Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region. A total sample of 154 teachers took part in the studies. The four (4) schools were considered as strata. Proportional allocation was then used in calculating the number of respondents to be selected from each school. With the help of the headmaster and his assistants the teachers of all the schools used in the study were called to their staff common room and with a simple random sampling the questionnaire was administed. SPSS version 17 was used in generating the various outputs for analysis. Microsoft Excel 2007 was also used in drawing some of the graphs. The main findings of the study were that most of the teachers lack training and knowledge about computers and have no previous experience in the use of computers. Also inadequate ICT infrastructure in the schools is the other major factors inhibiting the integration of ICT into the learning and teaching process. The study also revealed that in spite of the fact that the teachers had computers at their disposal; most of them are not making the best out of it. This clearly shows the negative attitude towards the attainment of the 21st Centaury Educational Goal. The study also revealed that virtually all the schools did not have the required number of computers for studies considering the total number of students. Finally it was revealed through the study that majority of the respondents considered the use of the ICTs as the preserve of the younger generation and that ICT should be taught as a subject on its own and not integrated into all the other subjects.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of illegal forest activities on plant diversity in Tano Offin globally significant biodiversity area (GSBA) in the Nkawie Forest District, Ghana

Biodiversity in all forms sustains tremendous socio-economic and cultural interests of millions of people all over the world. Increasing human population has resulted in proportional increase in the demand for natural resources for the sustenance of human development needs. It is based on this, that the study was conducted in the Globally Significant Biodiversity Area (GSBA) within the Tano-Offin forest reserve. The aim of the study was to assess the extent of human activities and its effects on the tree community in the GSBA, with specific objectives of measuring the quantum of human activities occurring in the GSBA, examine the effect of unwanted human activities on tree species richness, abundance and diversity in the GSBA, and also examine the impact of the unwanted human activities on tree species composition, basal area and relative dominance. The area was stratified into two, thus, disturbed and undisturbed areas. In each of the stratified areas, a total of 5km transects were established. On the transects, 20m x 20m plots were laid at every 200m, for 5km. The disturbed area was identified by unwanted human activities such as farming, chainsawing and charcoal production. Trees were enumerated at both areas. Moving in clockwise direction within a plot, all trees with diameter at breast height (1.3m from the ground) equal to or greater than 10cm (≥ 10cm dbh), were identified, measured and recorded. The diameter at breast height of each sampled tree was measured over bark with diameter tape. The mean number of trees identified and recorded in the areas affected by unwanted humans activities was 12.8 (SD=4.2, N = 25), while that of the undisturbed areas was 20.1 (SD=4.3, N=25), Mann- Whitney test shows that there was significant difference between the trees found in the disturbed and the undisturbed areas at p< 0.05 (U = 80, p = 6.749E-6). Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index indicates that the diversity of trees in the areas affected by illegal activities was 3.164 and that of the undisturbed areas was 3.194. The t-test shows that the diversity of trees in both areas were not significantly different (t =1.7985, p = 0.072674).

Source: KNUST
An assessment of income tax compliance of firms in the informal sector in mampong municipal assembly

The study looked into the assessment of income tax compliance of firms in the informal sector in Mampong Municipal Assembly. A case study approach was used for the research which employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Simple random sampling, purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Two (2) sets of Questionnaires were used for data collection on One Hundred and Three (103) taxpayers and five (5) tax officials in the Mampong Municipality. The study revealed the following: The DTRD of GRA does not apply the approved sanctions, inadequate tax education by DTRD, capacity constraints, lack of logistics, taxpayers inability to file returns annually, high tax rates compliance cost outweighed taxpayers obligations, taxpayers do not understand the procedures in filing tax returns, large size of tax districts and government inability to use tax revenue judiciously. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that, there were inefficiencies and deficiencies concerning tax education which has resulted in a greater proportion of the informal sector not complying with the tax laws and also, tax officials faced a lot of challenges in discharging their duties. It was recommended that, regular tax education should be conducted, also, logistical support base must be expanded, tax revenue should be utilized judiciously, taxpayers should be mechanized into a single data base, and sub tax offices should be located at strategic locations.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Hygienic Food Practices in Street Vended Foods

The thriving street food vending sector in developing countries have made it imperative to ensure that food provided by this sector is safe for human ingestion. A large number of these street food vendors have knowledge on basic hygienic practices in food preparation and vending. They however, do not understand the impact of these practices on the safety and quality of the food they provide for the populace. This study therefore sought to assess the level of hygienic practices among street food vendors and also establish the relevance of education, in- service training and professional training in the delivery of safe food by street food vendors. Using a cross sectional survey method, the study was conducted in the Ho municipality of the Volta region of Ghana. Structured questionnaires, interviews and observations were used for the study involving 300 street food vendors who were randomly selected. The questionnaires, interviews and observations sought to identify the safety and hygienic practices employed by the respondents. The findings from this research indicated that, majority of the vendors are women and every vendor had at least primary education. A high percentage of them had no professional training; they however attend in-service training and workshops in their numbers. There exist no significant association between the level of formal education and most of the hygienic food practices. However there exists a significant association between most of the hygienic food practices and in-service training as most of the vendors who attend in-service training and workshops adhere to hygienic food practices. Similarly there was statistically significant relationship between professional training and most of the hygienic food practices that were studied. Per these findings, the role of in-service and professional training as well as formal education cannot be underestimated in the delivery of street foods which are safe for human consumption.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of inbound supply chain management in Guinness Ghana Breweries limited.

Supply chain management is a network of suppliers, customers, the organisation made up of procurement and manufacturing teams, wholesalers and retailer. For an organisation to function, raw materials, spare and equipment would have to be sourced from suppliers by procurement team processed by manufacturers and then distributed to final customers either through wholesalers and retailers or directly. The inbound supply chain has to do with procurement team selecting right suppliers, evaluating their performance with respect to the organisation’s goals and objectives and sustain the relationship by paying suppliers when due. The study showed the impact of inbound supply chain management on the performance of Guinness Ghana Breweries limited (GGBL) using the annual reports and financial statements. From the analysis GGBL’s turnover increased by 60% from 2003 to 2007 indicating that adequate purchases of raw materials, spare parts and equipment were acquired leading to the increase in growth. However, 47% of GGBL employees disagree that procurement pays suppliers on time after correct and complete receipt of invoice. Also, 48% of suppliers from the survey likewise indicated that there are delays in payment. This has serious implications in that a purchase order once generated is a binding document, which can lead to legal dispute by the aggrieved supplier, in case of delays in payment. To resolve this challenge a committee made up of stakeholders from the various departments and procurement needs to be formed to supervise all purchases (from budget) such that unwanted purchases are not encouraged to increase GGBL debts and also management must be committed to settle all payment issues as scheduled.

Source: KNUST