ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Environmental audit of a sawmill industry (a case study)

A high standard of living and a safe environment have become critical areas of concern for all nations. Therefore efforts to protect and maintain a sustainable environment calls for the integration of environmental audit into industrial production processes in order to save the environment from irreparable damage. As a result, an environmental audit was therefore conducted for Logs and Lumber Limited (L.L.L.), in Kumasi to establish pollution and waste generation levels in the company’s operations and also to assess the company’s environmental controls. The audit was carried out through desk study, questionnaires, fieldwork and laboratory analyses to ascertain information on Production, Environmental History, Energy, Waste Generation and Management Commitments as well as Health and Safety and Personal Protective Equipment. The audit revealed that the company offers direct employment to about 1,114 people. The main types of solid wastes generated by the company are sawdust, which constitutes 9.56% of the total log volume processed and off-cuts, trimmings, edgings and barks, which form 41.71%. These solid wood wastes are used as fuel for the boilers to generate steam energy. Only a small fraction of the produced sawdust is virtually thrown away as waste at a dumpsite at Daban. Thus, the Management of L.L.L. has integrated waste minimisation as an integral part of their general management practice. The study further revealed that the company discharges some petroleum liquid waste containing grease and oil with the amounts ranging between 10.0 and 55.0mg/l into the Nsuben River. These amounts are above the limit of 10mg/l set by EPA Ghana, for discharge of liquid effluent into natural water bodies. The smoke emissions and the soot from the company’s chimney systems seem to contribute to air quality deterioration in the surrounding areas. The respirable particulates in air recorded were between 40.5972μg/m3 and 127.5917μg/m3. The milling yard and the immediate areas around the cyclones were found to have values above the permissible level of 70 jig/rn3 set by EPA, Ghana. The noise levels measured at the work locations and the machine centres ranged from 73.2 to 107.4dB (A). The entire site seemed noisy with most of the operational areas recording noise level values above 85d (B) A, which is the maximum noise level to be perceived by a worker for a period of 8-hour shift per day. Management provides medical services at the factory’s clinic for all employees. However, the incidence of respiratory, eye and skin diseases recorded by the company for 1998 was quite high compared with the records from the Kumasi Metropolitan Health Directorate Annual report for 1998.

Source: KNUST
Environmental and Health impact of Agrochemicals usage in Tomato (Vegetable) Production in the Offinso-North District

The study was undertaken to investigate the possible impacts that agrochemicals through their usage can have on the environment, farmers and consumers. Data were gathered through questionnaires administered to 210 farmers in three communities (Akomadan, Nkenkaasu, Afrancho) where vegetable cultivation especially tomato is predominant and the use of different classes of agrochemicals is high. Ten agricultural extension agents and ten agrochemical dealers were also interviewed. Farmers in the area use banned agrochemicals such as Heptachlor, DDT, Dieldrin and Lindane. Symptoms suggestive of agrochemical exposure such as dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and skin irritations were recorded among farmers who use agrochemicals in the three communities. The data gathered shows some levels of agrochemicals that the farmers and environment are exposed to. There is a strong indication from the data gathered of a probable bioaccumulation of agrochemicals in the environment and on tomato as laboratory analysis of tomato fruits revealed eleven (11) organophosphates and fourteen (14) organochlorines and synthetic pyrethroids residues in the samples collected from the three study communities. The residues detected included DDT and its derivative DDD which is highly toxic and environmentally persistent. Most of the detected residues on the tomato samples from the area were below the FAO/WHO codex alimentarius set Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) except Heptachlor which exceeded its MRL. Most detected residues did not pose long term health risk to consumers when estimated. However, chlorfenvinphos, heptachlor (banned) and dieldrin posed long term health risks to consumers when the health risk associated with them was estimated. Agrochemical dealers in the study area who are the major suppliers of agrochemicals to the local farmers sell agrochemicals in repackaged containers exposing themselves, farmers and also compromising the chemical potency of the agrochemicals.

Source: KNUST
Environmental audit of Prestea Gold Resources, Prestea

An Environmental Audit of the Prestea Underground Mine was undertaken to verify their environmental practices and operations, and identify areas of limitations for redress. The underground environment has been studied as well as the general operations of the mine to assess their impact on the environment. Effluent discharge to the Asuo Kofi stream has been studied extensively. Effluent samples were taken from the plant discharge and along the Asuo Kofi stream and catchments and analysed. Results were compared both with the national guidelines prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Drinking water samples were also taken around the mine to verify any possible pollution. Comparison of results was made with Ghana Water Company (GWC) guidelines and WHO standards. A walkthrough audit was also conducted at the various sections and support services of the mine. Recommendation and mitigation measures have been provided. The survey showed that with the exception of the conductivities and the Mg levels, physicochemical pollution of the effluent and stream discharge are generally low. Cyanide levels were high at 160 ppm, dwindling in concentration along the Asuo Kofi stream down to the Ankobra River at 10 ppm. Drinking water was found to be amply wholesome for consumption though with some appreciable levels of iron above Ghana Water Company guidelines and WHO standards in most of the water samples. Water abstracted from underground was considerably polluted with parameters recording values above WHO standards. The only bacteriological parameter analysis also recorded 550 for total coliform (per l00ml) above WHO standards for the water abstracted from underground. At the 150 feet retreat during mine blasting, noise levels recorded indicated 65 dB (A) below standard of 75dB (A). However noise generated during drilling without earplug was high at 95dB (A). Noise level during drilling with earplug was 70 dB (A). There was no available equipment to measure vibrations at the 150 feet retreat, however a personal direct feel indicated a low vibration response. The potential environmental impact of the mine has been identified to be the pollution of the Asuo Kofi stream and finally the Ankobra River, with large deposits of plant tailings both past and present estimated to be about 16 million tons.

Source: KNUST
An Environmental audit of Suame Magazine

The environment of Suame Magazine has been audited. Notable among the characteristics of Suame Magazine is the high level of ingenuity exhibited by the over 4000 artisans who work there. The audit took the form of a general survey of environmental practices prevalent at Suame Magazine. The audit sought to determine the extent to which Ghana’s environmental laws and standards were being adhered to at Suame Magazine. It also sought to determine the suitability and efficacy of health and safety measures adopted by the authorities at Suame Magazine. Lastly, attention was focused on environmental management practices with the aim of determining how well the authorities were preserving the integrity of their environment. Methods adopted for the study included site visits, documentation of observations and conducting interviews with the artisans. Samples were also taken from the Suame Magazine stream for chemical analysis. The aim was to examine the pollution load of the stream and identify the sources of pollution. The audit revealed that less than 5% of the artisans at Suame Magazine had been educated beyond middle school form four. Environmental concerns did not play a major part in the problems of the artisans and residents of Suame Magazine. It was realized that obsolete vehicles, obsolete machinery, and human solid waste were major sources of pollution at Suame Magazine. Siting of rubbish dumps along the banks of the Suame stream was seen as very unhealthy. Corrosion was observed as a common feature at Suame Magazine. The product of corrosion and other chemicals such as oil and acids were constantly washed by rain into the stream. Noise, dust, vehicle exhaust emissions, metal vapour and poor architectural and spatial design were identified as other sources of environmental problems at Suame Magazine. The artisans were found to have very little knowledge of environmental legislation. They seemed to believe it was the duty of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Ghana National Association of Garages to keep the larger environment clean. Theirs was to keep their immediate surroundings tidy. Suame Magazine was found to be a dirty place. Health and safety standards simply did not exist at Suame Magazine. However, no major symptoms or diseases were identified as peculiar to Suame Magazine. Management practices were found woefully inadequate. The attitude of management was almost entirely indifference. The pollution load of the Suame stream was too high and unacceptable. The major pollutant in the stream was human solid waste and oil. The stream was therefore a major source of pollution of the Owabi reservoir. Better architectural and spatial planning were seen as a means of addressing some of the environmental problems at Suame Magazine. Education of the artisans and management is also crucial.

Source: KNUST
Environmental audit of small hospitals: a case study at the Aninwaah Medical Centre, Emena-Kumasi

The management of medical waste is of importance due to its infectious and hazardous nature that can cause risks on the environment and public health. The study was conducted to evaluate the medical waste management practices, to determine the amount of waste generated and to prepare an Environmental Action Plan (EAP) for the Aninwaah Medical Center, Emena, Kumasi. The survey was conducted at the Aninwaah Medical Center since its waste management practices were not so clear to some staff. To examine the medical waste management practices, the study employed a range of methods including questionnaires survey which targeted 100 randomly selected health care workers and ancillary staff, formal interviews with facility managers, field observations and literature reviews. Compliance with EPA-Ghana guidelines and other recommended used as standards to assess the hospital waste management practices. The waste management practices were analysed for a week to capture the daily management practices. It was observed that medical waste generation rate at the Aninwaah Medical Centre ranged from 0.126-0.157kg/patient/day. About 95% of the waste generated was general/non-infectious waste and sharps. The audit also revealed that segregation procedures the wastes generated were not constantly followed. The hospital workers are not given the proper training and insufficient protection. It was revealed that there are no laws in Ghana on how medical wastes are managed. In view of that, hospitals are not obliged to strictly follow any laws or procedure in the management of medical waste.

Source: KNUST
Environmental audit on Bulk Oil Storage And Transportation Company (BOST) depots at Mami water and Akosombo

An Environmental Audit was carried out on the Mami-Water and Akosombo Depots of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST). It was aimed at verifying the extent to which the two depots were adhering to the Country’s Environmental Laws. It was also to ascertain whether adequate measures had been put in place to protect the environment from undue pollution that could be caused by the depots’ activities. The audit also examined arrangements put in place with regards to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues. It therefore considered every aspect of the depots’ operations ranging from the means by which the petroleum products were brought into the depots and the conditions under which they were being stored and distributed. The audit process went on further to consider how all these could impact on the health and safety of workers at the depots and inhabitants of neighbouring communities. One common feature that runs through all the results obtained was the absence of a monitoring regime for all aspects of the depots’ operations. Worker awareness in Environmental and Safety issues was also not satisfactory. Again the arrangements put in place with regards to Occupational Health and Safety was also found to be inadequate. It was also observed that copies of the company’s composite Environmental Management Plan (EMP) -which contains all the environmental plans and programmes- have not been given out to the individual depots (are being kept at the Head Office of the company). As a result of the above situation, provisions in the EMP were not known to the staff at depots who are suppose to be directly responsible for implementation The above omissions and anomalies, it was discovered, were affecting the smooth operation of the Company’s Environmental Management System which itself is an important prerequisite for sound environmental management. The audit report also includes proposals and recommendations aimed at addressing the defects and anomalies found.

Source: KNUST
Environmental Changes, Women and District Development - A Comparative Study of - Ejura-Sekyedumasi District - Ghana and Sodari District - Sudan

It has been suggested that women have a key role in promoting sustainable district development in developing countries including Ghana and Sudan. By not acknowledging women’s existing role as environmental conservationists and potential for district development, governments and international agencies risk losing valuable allies in the fight to conserve the environment and to achieve sustainable development. Some of the most successful examples of sustainable development to date have been built on women’s initiatives, for instance, the Chipko movement in India and the Green Belt in Kenya. Ghana and Sudan have to learn from these experiences. This study examined the complex relationship of environmental changes, women and district development. Essentially, the study was an attempt to come out with a conceptual model and recommendations to handle the environmental changes affecting women’s development activities and to strengthen women’s role in district development. The study is based on the hypothesis that environmental changes hamper women’s development activities and hence their contributions to district development. The case study strategy has been adopted for the research. Women’s perceptions, the causes and effects of environmental changes, women’s coping strategies, environmental related institutions and their support for women, women’s groups and their environmental conservation activities, have been selected as the framework for the comparison and were employed during the analysis. A cross-national comparison between Ghana and Sudan was made. The resulting socio-economic changes include the aggravation of environmental changes and further decline in social and economic status. The well-being, health, and quality of life of women in the two districts are being seriously affected. Environmental changes entail both physical and socio-economic process. It requires integrated analysis with particular emphasis on socio-economic dimension. Based on the results of the study, recommendations have been made in the short and long run for the two districts and for each district separately.

Source: KNUST
Environmental commitment and sustainability performance: The role of big data analytics and Sustainable supply chain management

The pressing issues of environmental degradation and sustainability challenges necessitate an understanding of how these factors interact and affect organizational outcomes, particularly for firms that operate within the supply chain context. The primary objective of the study is to explore the influence of environmental commitment (EC) and big data analytics (BDA) on sustainability performance (SP), as well as the mediating role of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). The theoretical framework of the study is anchored on theories such as the resource-based view and the Institutional theories. The methodology entails the use of regression analysis to test the relationships among the variables of interest, with data collected from several firms operating within diverse industries. The study unveils several key findings. Firstly, a positive relationship between environmental commitment and sustainability performance, and a likewise positive impact of big data analytics on sustainability performance are confirmed. The interaction effect of environmental commitment and big data analytics, however, shows a negative, albeit insignificant, influence on sustainability performance. Furthermore, the significant mediating role of sustainable supply chain management in the relationship between environmental commitment and sustainability performance is confirmed. Based on these findings, the study recommends that firms foster environmental commitment and harness big data analytics to enhance their sustainability performance. Additionally, the engagement in sustainable supply chain management practices is encouraged as it helps to bolster sustainability performance. The study holds significance for both academia and practice as it provides empirical insights into the underexplored area of the interplay between environmental commitment, big data analytics, and sustainability performance, while elucidating the mediating role of sustainable supply chain management.

Source: KNUST
Environmental hazards in Ghanaian cities: the incidence of annual floods along the Aboabo river in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area (KMA) of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Floods do occur annually in the Aboabo river basin. Floods occur when a body of water rises to overflow land which is normally not submerged. The Aboabo river basin is home to various communities namely Anloga, Dichemso, Aboabo and Amakom which were selected for this study. Flooding in the river basin affects life and property in many ways. The causes and socioeconomic effects of flooding in the Aboabo river basin have been investigated in this research. The cross-sectional research design was used in this study. Primary and secondary data were used. The purposive sampling method was used to choose a good sample to investigate the problem better. Related institutions were also contacted to give their own perspectives of the problem. It was found out that the causes of flooding in the Aboabo river basin are both natural and artificial. Climate change has contributed to the natural cause of flooding through rise in average temperatures and increase in annual and seasonal rainfall at least, over the last thirty years. Rise in temperature and increase in rainfall have led to increases in the discharge of the Aboabo river with the excess overflowing to inundate the flood plain. The man-made causes of flooding in the Aboabo include poor land use, unplanned development of settlements, indiscriminate disposal of refuse into and on the banks of the Aboabo river. The socioeconomic effects of floods in the basin include loss of life and property as well as financial and health problems faced by inhabitants of the basin. From the research, it was established that average temperatures and rainfall have generally been increasing over the last thirty years and the indiscriminate disposal of refuse into and on the banks of the Aboabo river have led to the annual floods in the Aboabo. Also, the actions and inactions of concerned institutions have encouraged the haphazard development of settlements in the basin. The resettlement of communities in the Aboabo basin and the enforcement of laws which protect the environment and its inhabitants as well as the proper disposal of refuse are recommended solutions to the problem.

Source: KNUST
Environmental Impact of Nsemmere Quarry Activities

The activities of quarrying involve drilling and blasting, loading and hauling, crushing and screening. The impact of these activities are dust pollution, noise, ground vibration air blast, fly rock and occupational hazards. The study focused on the environmental impact of quarrying activities on the communities near Nsemmere Quarry located in the Wenchi District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Site measurements and data collected at the quarry established that the operations impact on the environment particularly in the form of ground vibration, fly rock and dust pollution. It was found out that silicosis was an occupational disease at the quarry. Recommendations were made in respect of the use of an effective dust suppression system, the use of non-electric initiation system to reduce ground vibration and the need for the Environmental Protection Agency to do regular monitoring.

Source: KNUST
An environmental impact assessment on the hand-dye enterprise ( a case study of the Kumasi Metropolis)

The hand dying enterprise is one of the small-scale businesses that sustain the livelihood of many people in the Kumasi Metropolis. The dyes however exert adverse effects on the environment and the health of dyers, affecting the hand the most. This study was carried out to identify the various types of dyes used, methods used and safe card (guidelines) observed in the hand dye enterprise and the effects of textile dyes on hand dyers' health and the environmental effects of the on-site disposal of wastewater through questionnaires and personal interviews. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine pH of samples of dyes and soil sediments from receiving gutters. The conductivity of aqueous samples were determined using conductivity meter and the concentration of trace metals (including chromium, copper, zinc, and nickel) in the samples were , determined using AAS spectrophotometer. Females formed majority 331, (78%) of respondents. Average age of respondents was 26. Vat, Disperse, Reactive and Sulphur dyes were the main dyes, which were applied hot or cold in batiking, tie-dye and sprinkle or splash. Although majority of dyers have had basic education, they do not follow guidelines when hand dyeing. They also did not observe any safety rule, for example keeping of first aid box and wearing of protective gears, despite monitoring by the sanitary division of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA). The dyers refusal to observe safety rules has led to high level of accidents before and during the dyeing process and haphazard disposal of textile dye wastes into the environment. With the exception of pH, TDS, conductivity and Ni values that were generally higher than the EPA standards, values of all the other parameters determined were lower than the EPA standards.

Source: KNUST