ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Changing Trends in Adult Education in Ghana: Issues of Policies, Ideology and Learning

Since Ghana’s independence on 6 March 1957, the practices and policies of adult education have fluctuated due to the activities of governments, NGOs and university-based adult education institutions. In addition, adult education has had to grapple with a lack of clarity in its meaning and purpose. Governments have not helped to address this challenge owing to the absence of a national policy framework on adult education. In addition, even though a Non-formal Education Unit of the Ministry of Education responsible for the coordination of all non-formal activities in the country has been established, it has been unable to provide an umbrella body to assist other adult education organizations and institutions in Ghana in lobbying for the creation of strong adult education networks, and the funding and development of a national adult education policy.

Source: UG
Channel Structure and Conflict Management among Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in Ghana

The research seeks to gain qualitative insights into channel structure and conflict management of leading multinational companies operating in Ghana. A case-study approach was adopted for this study. Data was gathered and analyzed qualitatively through interviews of managers of five multinational firms in Ghana. The companies were found to be practicing a three-level channel system, a combination of exclusive and intensive distribution strategies and a partial integration, thus limiting their control of the chain of distribution. The managements of the case companies have adopted some measures to mitigate the conflict-prone zones, which, in most cases, are not yielding the desired result of consolidating their channel operations. This research may have limited generalizability to all multinationals. The major contribution of this paper is that it helps in drawing out key issues of channel structure and conflict management in a developing economy context.

Source: UG
Characterisation and Identification of Local Kaolin Clay from Ghana: A Potential Material for Electroporcelain Insulator Fabrication

The aim of this work was to evaluate two kaolin clays from the southern part of Ghana, Assin-Fosu and Kumasi clays, as source clays for the fabrication of electroporcelain insulators. X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, chemical analyses and scanning electron microscopy observations showed the fired clay minerals have broadly similar characteristics, but with significant differences in their chemical composition. The alumina contents were determined to be 35 ± 2 wt% and 22 ± 2 wt% respectively for the two kaolins and the silica contents 49 ± 3 wt% and 58 ± 3 wt% respectively. It is concluded that Assin-Fosu kaolin is a reliable local source material for electroporcelain fabrication, while Kumasi kaolin is more suitable for making wall and floor tiles.

Source: UG
Characterisation and quality assessment of surface and groundwater in and around Lake Bosumtwi impact craton (Ghana)

Conventional graphical methods have been used to classify water in Lake Bosumtwi and groundwater around the lake. The study also assessed the suitability of these water resources for agricultural use. Results indicate slightly acidic, moderately hard to very hard groundwater with alkaline earth concentrations exceeding alkali metals. In contrast, the lake water is alkaline, showing alkalis in excess over alkaline earth metals. Weak acids exceed strong acids in both lake/groundwater. Rock weathering largely controls groundwater and lake water chemical compositions, resulting mainly in Ca–Mg–HCO3 groundwater and Na–HCO3 lake water types. Thus, suggesting that there is no apparent incipient relationship, which benefts the primary aquifer system in terms of recharge. Water quality indices suggest groundwater of good to excellent quality for human consumption and other domestic use. An evaluation of lake/groundwater based on salinity, sodicity and bicarbonate hazard reveals that the groundwater is generally suitable for irrigation whiles the lake water is not suitable for irrigation. However, the lake water may be used in generous amounts on highly permeable soils and salt-tolerant crops under special soil and water management practices.

Source: UG
Characterisation and rare-metal potential of the Winneba-Mankoadze pegmatites, Southern Ghana: Evidence of two pegmatite fields

In southern Ghana, the region along the coast between Accra and Cape Coast hosts a large number of pegmatites mineralized in lithium, niobium-tantalum and tin. The pegmatites occur in many distinct groups, each extending over several kilometers. They intrude metasedimentary units of the Birimian Supergroup, and are associated with early to late orogenic granite intrusions which are metaluminous, sterile, and too old to be potential parental granites for the pegmatites. In this study, we characterized the Winneba-Mankoadze group of geographically coeval pegmatites, using field description, petrography, rare-metal mineralogy and accessory mineral geochemistry on micas, garnet and Nb–Ta–Sn minerals, in order to determine its rare-metal potential and to investigate its origin. The results indicate that the pegmatites are part of the albite-spodumene type of the Lithium–Cesium–Tantalum (LCT) family. The rare metal mineral assemblages are particularly complex and display relevant oxide species such as columbite- and wodginite-group minerals, tapiolite, microlite, cassiterite and rutile, which are evidences of an extremely evolved magmatic system. Based on mineral assemblages, whole rock geochemistry, and mineral geochemistry on garnet, micas and the CGM, two pegmatite fields are distin guished in the Winneba-Mankoadze group, and an anatectic origin is proposed. For the first time in West Africa, we fully describe a highly fractionated LCT-family pegmatite field comparable to the most evolved pegmatite bodies in the world.

Source: UG
Characterisation of Cassava Fibre for Use as a Biomaterial

In this study we investigate the cytotoxicity of de-starched cassava fibre granules and fine powder using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and examine changes in the composition of Simulated Body Fluid(SBF) resulting from immersion of cassava fibre samples. The purpose of the study was to characterise cassava fibre for possible biomaterial applications. Preliminary results indicate insignificant cytotoxic effects on PBMCs with cassava sample concentrations of 0.1g/ml, 0.025g/ml and 0.00625g/ml. Additionally there was little or no significant change in Na, K, Mg, Cl, Ca, Mn, and Cu concentrations upon immersion in SBF as observed over a one week period at a temperature of 37°C. These initial results suggest cassava fibre may be considered for biomaterial applications following more extensive characterisation.

Source: UG
Characterisation of CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms in a Ghanaian population.

BACKGROUND: Genetic influences on drug efficacy and tolerability are now widely known. Pharmacogenetics has thus become an expanding field with great potential for improving drug efficacy and reducing toxicity. Many pharmacologically-relevant polymorphisms do show variability among different populations. Knowledge of allelic frequency distribution within specified populations can be useful in explaining therapeutic failures, identifying potential risk groups for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and optimising doses for therapeutic efficacy. We sought to determine the prevalence of clinically relevant Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 variants in Ghanaians. We compared the data with other ethnic groups and further investigated intra country differences within the Ghanaian population to determine its value to pharmacogenetics studies. METHODS: RFLP assays were used to genotype CYP2C8 (*2, *3, *4) variant alleles in 204 unrelated Ghanaians. CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C19 (*2 and *3) variants were determined by single-tube tetra-primer assays while CYP2C9 (*3, *4, *5 and *11) variants were assessed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Allelic frequencies were obtained for CYP2C8*2 (17%), CYP2C8*3 (0%), CYP2C8*4 (0%), CYP2C9*2 (0%), CYP2C9*3 (0%), CYP2C9*4 (0%), CYP2C9*5 (0%), CYP2C9*11 (2%), CYP2C19*2 (6%) and CYP2C19*3 (0%). CONCLUSION: Allele frequency distributions for CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 among the Ghanaian population are comparable to other African ethnic groups but significantly differ from Caucasian and Asian populations. Variant allele frequencies for CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 are reported for the first time among indigenous Ghanaian population.

Source: UG
Characterisation of Fusarium and Neocosmospora Species Associated With Crown Rot and Wilt of African Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) in Ghana.

African eggplant (AEP) (Solanum aethiopicum group Gilo) is an important vegetable with considerable economic value in Ghana and tropical Africa. However, fungal diseases threaten its cultivation. Surveys conducted in 2021 and 2022 growing seasons across 35 commercial farms in five regions of Ghana revealed symptoms of crown rot and wilt affecting AEP. This study was undertaken to identify and characterise 36 fungal isolates causing these diseases in AEPs using morphological, molecular and pathogenicity assays. Morphological and molecular analyses of the Btub2, Tef-1α and Rpb2 sequences identified two Fusarium species (F. elaeidis and F.fredkrugeri) and three Neocosmospora species (N.falciforme, N.suttoniana and N.solani) associated with the plant diseases. F. elaeidis (14 isolates) and N.falciforme (14) were the most commonly isolated species from symptomatic plants. Specifically, F. elaeidis was found in wilting plants, while F.fredkrugeri and the three Neocosmospora spp. were more associated with wilting plants with crown rot symptoms than plants with only wilt symptoms. All identified species exhibited pathogenicity when inoculated onto AEP roots and stems, confirming field observations. F. elaeidis was the most aggressive in inducing wilt symptoms, while N.solani and N.suttoniana were particularly aggressive in inducing crown rot symptoms. This study is the first to document that F. elaeidis, F.fredkrugeri, N.falciforme and N.suttoniana are pathogens causing wilt and crown rot in AEP in Ghana. These findings provide essential insights for developing effective disease management strategies to reduce losses from these fungal species.

Source: UG
Characterisation of groundwater flow and recharge in crystalline basement rocks in the Talensi District, Northern Ghana

A numerical groundwater flow model, calibrated under equilibrium conditions to characterise the spatial variation of key hydraulic parameters and groundwater flow pattern in a crystalline aquifer in the Upper East Region of Ghana has been developed. The development of groundwater flow model was to provide the baseline information to assist in assessing the impacts of population growth and climate change scenarios on large scale development of groundwater resources for various uses. The results revealed an apparent dominant northeast– southwest flow pattern influenced mainly by the hydraulic conductivity field, with estimated values ranging between 0.001 and 58 m/day, and local flow systems which are controlled mainly by local variations in the topography in the area. The estimated average groundwater recharge from the calibrated model and chloride mass balance technique: 2.00% and 2.07% of the annual precipitation respectively has a direct positive correlation with elevation. The low recharge rate is evident in the high evaporation rates as revealed by stable isotope (δ2H and δ1⁸O) analysis of sampled water sources. The study also reveals the aquifer is being partly recharged by the White Volta River. This gives an indication that the area holds good groundwater fortunes for potential commercial groundwater development as predicted by scenario analysis which suggests that the aquifer can sustain increased abstractions by more than 100% of the current rate provided the current recharge rate is maintained. However, for the aquifer to sustain large scale abstractions beyond 100% of the current rate under conditions of reduced vertical recharge by more than 40% of the current rate, deliberate efforts would have to be made to enhance artificial vertical recharge to augment the natural recharge.

Source: UG
Characterisation of inflammatory cells in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Inflammation is a common finding in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and may be classified as acute, chronic active or chronic inactive prostatitis. The aim of the present study was to localise the different types of inflammatory cells in prostatic lesions to determine the sequence of events in the cellular reaction. We have carried out immunohistological characterisation of the inflammatory cells, using CD45RO and CD3 antibodies to detect T-lymphocytes, CD20 antibodies to detect B-lymphocytes, CD68 to detect macrophages, kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chains, and antibodies against prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate specific acid phosphatase (PSAP). Macrophages accumulated in the lumen and glandular epithelial layers of damaged prostatic glands and were found in the periglandular cuff of inflammatory cells in acute and chronic active prostatitis. Lymphocytes also accumulated in large numbers in the glandular epithelial layers and around the glands, indicating an association with macrophages. B-lymphocytes were scanty, if at all present, in acute and chronic active prostatitis, but were prominent within well-organised follicle centres in chronic active prostatitis. Cells positive for light chains were few and scattered in prostatic tissue, PSA and PSAP activity was lost in recently damaged prostatic glandular epithelium and reappeared only in regenerating secretory epithelium, indicating leakage as a result of damage. We suggest that the initial response to prostatic injury is cellular, and probably related to leakage into the periglandular tissues of PSA, PSAP and other antigenic molecules normally present in prostatic secretion. Macrophages respond, followed by recruitment of T-lymphocytes which participate in the inflammatory response and accumulate around the damaged glands. B-cell activity appears to be a late event.

Source: UG
Characterisation of local Ghanaian chickens: Growth performance evaluation based on Richards growth model and genetic size scaling

The Richards growth model was fitted to body weight-age data of local and SASSO T44 chickens to describe their growth performance. Males had higher (P < 0.05) asymptotic mature weights than females. Within the local chicken population, birds from the savannah zone had higher (P < 0.05) asymptotic mature weights compared to forest chicken which ironically had higher body weights at hatch. Male local chicken had lower maturing rates compared to the females. Female local chicken were superior to SASSO T44 females in terms of maturing rate. On the average, local chickens took relatively longer time (78.4-83.3 days) to reach the point of inflection than the SASSO T44 population (74.2-79.8 days). However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the age at inflection among local chicken populations. The shape parameter for SASSO T44 chicken (0.053-0.370) and maturation rate for local chicken (0.177-0.198) were the most critical parameters. Scaling the body weights into degree of maturity highlighted the degree to which genotypes matured over time. Female chickens had the highest (P < 0.05) degree of maturity at all ages. The local chicken populations were also metabolically older than SASSO T44 chickens. Results of this study provide an opportunity to develop breeding strategies for local chicken by modifying either management practices or their genetic makeup to positively affect their growth and productivity. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Source: UG
Characterisation of norovirus strains in rural Ghanaian children with acute diarrhoea.

The incidence of calicivirus infection in Ghana and many other African countries is not known. Thirteen (15.9%) of the 82 diarrhoeic stool samples tested for caliciviruses were positive for noroviruses (NoVs). NoVs were present in all age groups and were detected only during the diarrhoea peak that coincided with the peak rotavirus season. Ten (76.9%) of the NoV detected were genogroup II (GII) NoVs and the remaining three (23.1%) genogroup I (GI) NoVs. The predominant GII detected was GII-4 (60%, 6/10). Three of the GII NoVs were determined to be recombinants of GII-8/GII-14 as deduced from the sequencing of the region spanning the Orf1/2 junction. The GII genotypes formed four clusters with published GII sequences. The data shown enhances understanding of NoV diversity in Ghanaian children and demonstrate the global spread of distinct common genotypes to African countries. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Source: UG
Characterisation of seasonal rainfall for cropping schedules

El Nino-South Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon occurs in the Equatorial Eastern Pacific Ocean and has been noted to account significantly for rainfall variability in many parts of the world, particularly tropical regions. This variability is very important in rainfed crop production and needs to be well understood. Thirty years of daily rainfall data (1976–2006 excluding 1991) from the Akatsi District in the Volta Region of Ghana were analysed to observe the variation of rainfall characteristics such as onset and cessation dates, seasonal rainfall amount and their temporal distribution with ENSO phase, namely El Nino, La Nina and Neutral. Using rainfall reference evapotranspiration relationships, the onset of rainfall during La Nina and Neutral seasons occurred within the same period, March 11–20, but about a month late (April 11–20) during El Nino. Without regards to ENSO phase, the long-term mean onset date of the rainy season occurred from March 11–20. Annual and major season (March–July) rainfall amounts decreased in the order of these ENSO phases; La Nina, Neutral and El Nino but showed an opposite decreasing order of El Nino, Neutral and La Nina during the minor seasons (September-November). The trend of variability of rainfall distribution during the major season was observed to be highest during El Nino years and least during Neutral years. The study also showed that the optimum planting periods on 10-day time scales during La Nina, Neutral and El Nino years were found to be March 13–22; March, 17–26 and April 20–29, with March 16–25 for the long-term situation. These observations seem to reveal that long-term or climatological observations alone are no longer sufficient for seasonal rainfall prediction to aid cropping schedules.

Source: UG
Characterisation of the opposing effects of G6PD deficiency on cerebral malaria and severe malarial anaemia

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Characterisation of Ultraviolet (Uv) Therapy Machine (Phototherapy)

Ultraviolet radiation therapy machine as applied in dermatology treatment has been characterised using Microsoft Excel and Surfer 8 software. The irradiance of the device was measured in both 2-dimensions and 3-dimensions. The average temperature recorded during the measurements was 210±10C. The highest irradiance measured on the 200L device was 10.00 ± 0.31 mW/cm2, and the lowest was 5.00 ± 0.44 mW/cm2. On the 180L device, the highest was 6.00 ± 0.40 mW/cm2 and the lowest was 3.00 ± 0.57 mW/cm2. The radiation intensities varied across the surface of the device with the highest values measured on top of the lamps while the lowest values were measured between the lamps. Both surface and contour maps were constructed to interpret the data, and significant variations of the intensities were observed. The results indicate that dirt on lamps, and aging lamps show varying irradiances along each tube, with the potential causes of erythema and burns on the hands and feet of patients. This suggests that, instead of using the average irradiance, of a couple of readings on the panel, as the mean dose for treatment, the maximum dose recorded should be used instead, and where the tolerance of the measured irradiance is ±10% along a tube, and, or among the tubes, the defected tube or the whole set of tubes should be replaced with new ones. Regular checks on UV lamps should be encouraged, as per local rules and the manufacturer’s manual, to avoid erythema and patient discomfort.

Source: UG
Characterisation of urban environment and activity across space and time using street images and deep learning in Accra

The urban environment influences human health, safety and wellbeing. Cities in Africa are growing faster than other regions but have limited data to guide urban planning and policies. Our aim was to use smart sensing and analytics to characterise the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of features of the urban environment relevant for health, liveability, safety and sustainability. We collected a novel dataset of 2.1 million time-lapsed day and night images at 145 representative locations throughout the Metropolis of Accra, Ghana. We manually labelled a subset of 1,250 images for 20 contextually relevant objects and used transfer learning with data augmentation to retrain a convolutional neural network to detect them in the remaining images. We identified 23.5 million instances of these objects including 9.66 million instances of persons (41% of all objects), followed by cars (4.19 million, 18%), umbrellas (3.00 million, 13%), and informally operated minibuses known as tro tros (2.94 million, 13%). People, large vehicles and market-related objects were most common in the commercial core and densely populated informal neighbourhoods, while refuse and animals were most observed in the peripheries. The daily variability of objects was smallest in densely populated settlements and largest in the commercial centre. Our novel data and methodology shows that smart sensing and analytics can inform planning and policy decisions for making cities more liveable, equitable, sustainable and healthy.

Source: UG