ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Procurement Practices of Ghacem Company Limited: A Case Study of Sekondi-Takoradi Factory

The main objective of the study was to find out procurement practices in GHACEM in Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana. The study was to find factors that affect procurement practices in the company. The study employed the use of descriptive survey method. The target population comprised all workers of GHACEM Company Ltd and suppliers of Ghacem in the Takoradi metropolis. The accessible population for the study was workers of the Procurement Unit, Audit, Account Units and suppliers. Stratified random sampling technique and interview guide was used to select the units. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. The sample size for the study was 75. This comprised 20 staff of Audit, 25 staff of Account, 25 staff of procurement unit and 5 major suppliers. The study employed the use of questionnaire and interview guide. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and summarized into percentages and frequency tables. The findings of the study suggested that not all procurement issues were brought to the Department to be addressed. In addition, it was found out that there was no representation of “Procurement Manager” at strategic managerial level” to advice on procurement issues. It was recommended that Heads of user departments should strictly follow procurement policies in their daily transactions so as to channel all procurement matters to the Procurement Department for redress. Further recommendation was that there should be representation of procurement manager at strategic managerial levels to advice on procurement issues.

Source: KNUST
Procurement practices in the Ghanaian building sector: the implementation challenges to the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663)

Academically, Public procurement in the building Industry has been an over looked area of study even though public procurement specialists and governmental entities have persistently attempted to enhance public procurement practices. This study ascertains common elements of public procurement knowledge and information through a brief analysis of literature and provides analysis on the bigger picture of the ongoing Procurement Practices in the Ghanaian Building Sector as well as some Implementation Issues /Barriers to the Public procurement Act, 2003(Act 663). The study adopted a quantitative research method with a sample size of 68 from some selected Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region yielding a response rate of 100 percent. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was basically used in processing the data and key statistical tools such as the mean value test, chi-square test, and the Relative Importance Index (RII) were used in analyzing the data. The study presented the major barriers or challenges confronting the implementation challenges to the public procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as; Corruption related issues, Political interference, Delays in payment of contractors and suppliers, Low salaries of procurement personnel, Compliance issues with some requirements of the law and Overpricing of goods, works and services by tenderers. This study has provided an excellent and solid information on the procurement system in the building industry and is of great benefit to consultant and contractors, project sponsors and investors in infrastructure developments the international and domestic lending agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations interested in developing the economy through the Building Sector.

Source: KNUST
Producing and marketing made in Ghana goods in the face of trade liberalisation: a case study into selected clothing and footwear industries

Liberalisation is a global policy that every nation cannot ignore. It aims to assist local industries to be able to compete on the global market. A look at the global economy reveals that market oriented thinking has become the order of the day. The Eastern European economic power has resulted from their being able to organise their internal and external trade to increase the net worth of their manufacturing sector through trade reforms. Ghana, recognising the advantages that can be derived from increased participation in external trade adopted a liberal trade policy from 1983. The purpose was to allow local and foreign firms to compete so that over protected and inefficiently operating manufacturing firms could adjust and also become efficient. However, due to weaknesses in Ghana’s supply capabilities and industrial structure, there has been an excessive influx of new and used clothing and footwear into the country to satisfy existing and latent demand. This study has been purported to investigate into the factors militating against the growth and survival of the clothing and footwear sub-sector in the face of trade liberalisation. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of trade liberalisation on local production and marketing of clothing and footwear and hence suggest ways of improving production and sales in the sub-sector. The methods used in data collection for this study include interviews, questionnaires, policy documents, textbooks and information from the journals. Findings from the survey conducted on a sample of the producers in both industries revealed that poor quality products and the inefficient use of marketing tools like the 4- P’s, market segmentation and targeting, product positioning are some of the reasons behind the poor performance in the sub-sectors. Others are inadequate supply of raw material, negative consumer perception, production bottlenecks like use of obsolete machinery and technology, government policy on taxation are the main factors accounting for the low market share and growth of local clothing and footwear industries. Feasible recommendations to address the problems identified have been made with a view to improving the state of affairs in the sub-sectors.

Source: KNUST
Product development of pawpaw (Carica Papaya) - solar drying of pulp and papaya ketchup preparation using gravity concentration method

Fresh ripe solos papaya varieties obtained from commercial papaya farm in Accra (red variety) and the Biochemistry Department. KNUST (yellow variety), was used for this study. The research was carried out to study the effects of slice thickness and drying time; effects of some pretreatment methods and the effects of packaging types and storage time on the sensory and nutritional qualities of solar dried papaya fruits and the effects of treatment levels; process types and storage time on the qualities of papaya ketchups prepared using gravity concentration method. The study revealed that drying time and slice thickness significantly (p < 0.05) affected moisture, ash, crude fibre, vitamin C and microbial load. The combined effects of drying time and slice thickness affected all monitored quality attributes. The study also showed that nutritional changes stabilised at 72 hours of drying and slice of 10 mm thickness was most suitable for solar drying of papaya fruits. Pretreatments significantly (p<0.05) affected all parameters monitored with the exception of crude fibre and certain nutritional and sensory properties were enhanced and/or maintained significantly as compared to control samples (no pretreatment). Though all pretreatments had significant effect (p<0.05) in maintaining nutritional and sensory qualities as compared to control samples, metabisulphite and ascorbic acid pretreatments were more preferred for solar drying of’ papaya fruits. The study also revealed that packaging material and storage time significantly (p<0.05) affected the moisture, ash, vitamin (S and microbial load during storage. High density polyethylene pack was more suitable for storing solar dried papaya fruits. No significant difference (p>0.05) existed between the two papaya varieties used on all the nutritional and sensory attributes monitored with the exception of vitamin C content and colour. Results of the papaya ketchup showed that increasing treatment levels significantly (p<0.05) affected moisture, ash, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), vitamin (S and some minerals. Protein, calcium and iron contents were not affected significantly with increasing treatment level. Process A (prior blanching) and process B (no blanching) significantly (p<0.05) affected only the vitamin (S and Potassium content of the Ketchups. Increasing treatment levels and processes had no significant effect on the sensory attributes monitored except for sharpness. Results of the ketchups also showed that storage time significantly (p<0.05) affected moisture, pH, TSS and vitamin C except titratable acidity. It can be concluded that the combined effects of pretreatment and solar drying can be used to preserve papaya fruits. Also Papaya can be used to produce wholesome ketchup with good sensory and nutritional qualities.

Source: KNUST
Product development from sweet potato and cassava: pasta and non-alcoholic beverage

The studies were carried out to establish the proportions of cassava and sweet potato flours that would produce good quality pasta, in composite with wheat flour. Up to 50% sweet potato and cassava flour substitutions were made. The sweet potato was also processed into non-alcoholic beverage flavoured with citrus lime and ginger. Two varieties each of cassava (Abasafitaa and Afisiafi) and sweet potato (Faara and Sauti) were used. The following parameters were investigated on the flours: starch yield, moisture, ash, fibre, protein, amylose content, water binding capacity, swelling power, solubility, viscosity, pH and minerals (P, K, Ca, and Fe). For the beverage, total titrable acidity, pH, total sugars, total solids, vitamin C and vitamin A were determined. Sensory evaluation was conducted to assess the acceptance preference of the products. The results showed that water binding capacity, solubility and swelling power affect th4e overall quality of pasta. Pasta made from sweet potato composite flour was too brittle and crumbled easily when pressed between the fingers. From the sensory analysis, no significant difference (P> 0.05) existed between pasta made from 100% wheat flour and that of 50% wheat/50% cassava (Abasafitaa) composite flour. Pasta from 50% wheat 50% Abasafitaa composite flour was the most preferred even though pasta from 100% wheat flour was the most firm. The quality of the beverage was within the acceptable range by Ghana Standards Board and had good consumer preference score with ginger flavoured being the most preferred. Up to 50% cassava flour has been successfully substituted for good quality pasta preparation and sweet potato tubers processed into non-alcoholic beverage with nutrient and sensory attributes comparable to already existing beverages.

Source: KNUST
Product Development of Sports Drink Using Coconut Water and Pineapple Juice

In this project a sports drink product was developed from coconut water and pineapple juice. In the formulations three different pineapples varieties grown locally were used in different combination with the coconut water. The pineapple varieties were smooth cayenne, MD2 and sugar loaf variety. Proximate, chemical and sensory properties of the product were analysed. From the sensory analysis there were no significant differences in all the formulations that were made so the sample that contained a high energy value, brix and a percentage carbohydrate that allows for easy gastric emptying was selected. With these criteria the formulation with the pineapple variety known as MD2 (55% coconut water: 45% pineapple juice) which is available throughout the year was selected. The final selected sports drink product contained a brix of 6.8, a percentage carbohydrate of 5.61%, and vitamin C content of 161.67 mg/100 ml. Statsgraphics software was used to model and predict the shelf life of the final product. The shelf life of the sports drink was 12 months with a pH of 3.80. The electrolytes contained in the sports drink was similar to that lost through sweating and these were potassium (837.67 mg/L), sodium (273.94 mg/L), phosphate (186.66 mg/L), magnesium (55.51 mg/L), bicarbonate (46.33 mg/L) chlorine (45 mg/L), calcium (28.00 mg/L) and carbonate (6.00 mg/L).

Source: KNUST
Production and storage of minimally processed chips from water yam (dioscorea alata).

Dioscorea alata (water or greater yam), which is the most widely distributed yam specie globally and the world’s most popular yam after the D. rotundata/ cayenensis complex in terms of consumption is less highly regarded in West Africa, because it is not suitable for the preparation of 'fufu'. Processing of the tuber into other forms either than flour and flakes would enhance its use. This study was conducted to select the best varieties of Dioscorea alata for the production of minimally processed frozen yam chips for French fries production. Fifteen varieties of Dioscorea alata samples were used for the study. French fried samples from all the fifteen samples were presented to consumer panelist to rank them in order of preference with respect to their sensory characteristics (color, appearance (sogginess), crispiness, flavor (smell and taste), mouth feel and overall acceptability). Two of the best four samples were selected at random, steam blanched (10mins.), French fried at different times (5, 10,15mins.) and analyzed for the effect of the blanching periods on the sensory parameters. Two of the best four samples were selected at random; steam blanched and frozen at a temperature of -18 oC for storage studies over a period of twelve weeks. Sensory evaluation by trained panelists, Instrumental texture analysis and microbiological evaluation of frozen French fried samples was conducted every four weeks for twelve weeks. Steam blanching time had no significant effect on the sensory characteristics of French fried chips. Samples TDa 98/01176, TDa /001168, TDa 291 and “Matches” were the best for fried chips. sensory characteristics of TDa 291 fries were similar to that of potato fries. The two yam samples were safe for consumption in terms of microbial load over the twelve week storage period.

Source: KNUST
Production inefficiency in water treatment at the Barekese headworks in Ghana

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the volume of water loss in the process of water processing at the Barekese Water Treatment plant, to estimate the water loss due to operational downtime and overused water for water treatment. The study also perform a trend analysis to understand the pattern in water loss over the years. To achieve these objectives, monthly time series data was obtained about the Barekese Plant from January 2000 to December 2014. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistical tools to analyze and answer the research questions. The study used t-test to compare the volume of water loss due to operational downtime and overuse of water for treatment. The study estimated that the plant or the nation at large loses about 12.3 and 54.1 Million Ghana cedis over the past 15 years due to overused water for treatment and operational downtime respectively. The study also found that, statistically, there was no significant difference between the volume of water loss due to operational downtime and overused water for treatment.

Source: KNUST
Production and handling practices of vegetables in the supply chain

Vegetables are consumed as part of a meal on a daily bases in almost every household in Ghana. Its consumption has increased as a result of education on the nutritional benefits of vegetables in recent times. Although the eating of vegetables is highly recommended, it is of a great worry how its consumption could pose a health risk to consumers. The study therefore was motivated by the desire to find ethical and unethical practices that exist in the supply chain of vegetables within the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis. An exploratory research design was used for this study. Purposive sampling and structured interview guide consisting of open-ended and close-ended questions were used as instrument in data collection alongside observations. Tables and charts were used for the purpose of facilitating easy classification and understanding. The study findings revealed that, no relationship existed between the players in the vegetable supply chain, which consist of farmers, suppliers, retailers and consumers. Farmers produce their vegetables with no loyal customer in mind. The vegetables are harvested anytime of the day; this affected the life span of the vegetables making it deteriorate easily. Sources of water for irrigation ranged from streams, drains and well water. Majority of suppliers and retailers of vegetables make decisions on who to buy from based on the price the farmers are ready to sell and not on factors such as where the vegetables were cultivated, the source of water used for irrigation among others. Containers for conveying vegetables from farm to the various selling destinations contribute to causing quick and easy deterioration of these vegetables. They included jute sacks, baskets and polythene bags. It was interesting to find out that although consumers eat a lot of vegetables for health reasons, most of them did not know how the vegetables they eat was cultivated, where it was cultivated and what might have been applied during cultivation. It can be concluded that, there exists certain practices in the vegetable chain of supply mainly because of lack of knowledge which emerge from lack of training. All the three main players in the chain have not received any training and this is seen as very unethical. It is recommended that Ministry of Food and Agriculture should educate these vegetable farmers on basic good agricultural practices while the Food and Drugs Authority should monitor these farmers, retailers and suppliers to ensure that good ethical practices are followed.

Source: KNUST
Production of Activated Carbon from Palm Kernel Shell for Gold Adsorption Using Leachates from Cocoa Husk Ash (Crude Potash) As Activating Agent

Activated carbon, a porous amorphous industrial adsorbent used extensively in gold mine operations in Ghana was prepared from the agricultural waste, palm kernel shell using crude potash leached from another agricultural waste; cocoa husk ash as the chemical activating agent. The effect of impregnating ratios (I.R.), impregnating temperatures (room temperature and 85°C) and carbonisation/activation temperatures (600°C - 800°C) on the quality of the produced granular activated carbon was investigated. The produced activated carbons of particle sizes between 1190μm and 2380μm recorded a mean fresh carbon activity of 91.67% for samples impregnated at 85°C and activated at 800°C at an I.R. of 1.0. An ash content of 2.95 - 6.68% was obtained for the produced GAC impregnated at both room temperature and 85°C. The apparent density of the samples ranged from 0.22 – 0.69g/mL. The quality of the activated carbon was not affected to any significant degree by impregnating temperatures.

Source: KNUST
Production of alcohol from cocoa pulp juice: an assessment of the relevance of cocoa by-products in Ghana.

The participation of women in politics has been thoroughly discussed in line with efforts ofachieving democratic governance. As it is in most developing countries in Africa and other parts of the world, women in Ghana are yet to find their bearing in politics of the country. The study sought the interest of women in politics, determined the challenges militating against the participation of women in politics as well as measures put in place by various organizations to tackle these challenges. It is a descriptive and exploratory survey. The study adopted a sample of 300 women using the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires and focused group discussions. The quantitative data which involved the use of questionnaires, were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages and the chi-square test of significance. Data obtained from focus group discussion with women involved in politics were analysed with themes . The study found that the participation of women in politics is low. To buttress it, it was revealed that , since 1992 till date, only 35.5 percent of women out of the over 51 percent population of Ghana participate in the district assembly politics. It was also revealed that women who participate in politics are faced with varios challenges such as stigmatization, financial problems, competition etc. These problems exist from time to time. It was concluded that, Women have low interest in political participation especially in local governance in the political processes of Ghana. It is very essential for women to let go off the belief that politics is meant for men and rather realize that they are very important. The study identified the challenges militating against women participation in politics as lack of funding, lack of support from party members and unsupportive media. It was also established that women in politics find it difficult combining their family roleswith politics. Recommendations such as adhering to the implementation of the affirmative action, encouraging adult education were also made so as to improve the participation of women in politics through government and women advocacy groups.

Source: KNUST
Production of alcohol from cocoa pulp juice: an assessment of the relevance of cocoa by-products in Ghana

The problem of not making good use of cocoa by-products by farmers has come to the fore in recent times following research by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. This has raised the question of why farmers and other key stakeholders in the sector are not able to maximize the benefit that is derived from the cocoa by-products. This study set out to introduce the socio-economic importance of the cocoa sweating to the cocoa farmers through the technology of extracting and distilling of cocoa sweating into alcohol. Farmers’ knowledge, perception and attitude toward the technology were investigated. The challenges as well as the benefits of the technology were explored. Guided by the research questions, the study employed a mixed-method using focus group discussions and structured questionnaires to obtain data from farmers in 5 communities in the East Akim Municipality in the Eastern Region. Findings from the study concluded that farmers had adequate knowledge on the technology after the training. Only few had knowledge about the technology before it was introduced to them. The study also found financial constraint as the principal challenge inhibiting the technology’s adoption. However, regardless of the challenges, the study concluded that the technology was beneficial for those who adopted. The study recommends the need for farmers and other stakeholders to adopt the technology as an avenue for revenue generation for cocoa farmers.

Source: KNUST