ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of soil contamination through e-waste recycling activities in Tema Community One

The study investigated the level of heavy metal concentration in soils at e-waste recycling sites at Tema Community One. Two soil samples were collected from six different sites for laboratory analysis with a seventh location serving as a control. Heavy metals in soil samples were analyzed by digestion method and the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of Cadmium, Copper and Mercury were all higher at all the sites than those obtained for the control. The site that recorded higher concentration for copper was about 1200 times higher than the value for the control but statistically, there was significant difference between the concentrations of copper from the six sites (t = 5.168, p = 0.0036). Site 12 and Grand Mollen de Ghana site had concentrations which is 5 times higher than the control and there was significant difference between the concentrations from the six sites and the control (t = 10.39, p = 0.0001) for the cadmium. The mean concentration of mercury from site 12 was found to be 34 times higher than the control value, however, there was no significant difference between the concentrations from the six e-waste recovery sites and the control (t = 2.593, p = 0.05194). E-waste recycling has contributed to the heavy metal contamination of the soil at the recovery sites Workers safety in relation to these heavy metals is therefore worth researching in the future

Source: UCC
Assessment of solid waste management among households in New Juaben Municipality

The quality of living in a country can be compared with the standard of solid waste management. Efficient solid waste management must consider the cultural, social, and economic circumstances of a country while coordinating the efforts of the people on a local level. The study intends focused on New Juaben because of its relevance to the purpose of the study, regarding its huge population and also serves of the fasted developing area in the country. A total number of hundred and twenty (130) respondents were targeted and selected areas were stratified, systematic sampling and random sampling procedure was used to administer questionnaire to the respondents. Data collected was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) software. The study revealed that 43. 8 percent were in engaged in communal dumping disposal practices ,33.8 percent engaged in house to house collection,19 percent managed their waste by burning and communal dumping and 3.1 percent engaged in burning and burying. Also, most of the people in the municipality produced plastic waste (84.6%) ,13.8 percent produced was organic while 1.5 percent was fabric. The following key findings were established to be the factors affecting effective solid waste management in the Municipality. These are inadequate skip supply for storing waste, improper disposal of waste, poor of routine collection of waste produced and inadequate waste collection receptacles. In the light of these problems enumerated above, the research recommended the adequate supply of receptacles, regular collection of waste, organization of communal labour to work on dumping sites, use of proper management of the landfill and adequate resourcing of the waste management institutions.

Source: UCC
An assessment of solid waste management system in the Kumasi Metropolis

Waste products arise from our ways of life and it is generated at every stage of the process of production and development. It spans all stages of human activities, from manufacturing to consumption. The purposes of this thesis were to identify the solid waste management practices in KMA. This research is exploratory research. A sample size of 200 was used out of a total population of the study was 350. Questionnaire was the main data collection instrument used for the study. Quantitative data analysis technique (such as mean, percentages, frequencies and standard deviation) and qualitative data analysis technique (such as content analysis) were used to analyze the collected data. It was found out that all the seven solid waste management practices identified and tested, only two; waste generation practices, and transfer and transport practices were moderately done well. This means that the rest: onsite handling, collection, sorting, disposal, and energy generation practices are not been done appropriately. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that, the management of KMA should adopt appropriate waste management practices such as conversion of waste into energy

Source: UCC
Assessment of solid waste recycling as a means of improving environmental quality in Accra Metropolitan Area.

Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is unable to dispose off all the 2500 tonnes of solid waste generated daily in Accra Metropolis. AMA is also confronted with the problem of finding appropriate locations and dispose all the daily generated solid waste in Accra. Brainstorming to find solutions to the problems, AMA has identified solid waste recycling by some enterprises as one of the ways by which solid waste management could be addressed. This study therefore sought to assess solid waste recycling as a means of improving environmental quality in Accra Metropolitan Area. Survey research design was employed for the study and multi-stage sampling method was used to obtain 108 respondents and 3 keys informants who were purposively selected. Questionnaires, interview schedule and observation checklist were the instruments used to collect the data. The data were analysed using SPSS version 18, while content analysis was used for the key informant interviews. The results established that despite the benefits such as employment, production of household utensils, revenue generation and aesthetic environment that solid waste recycling provides in the study area, only 5 percent of the daily generated solid waste was recycled. It was further revealed that the low rate of recycling was due to few enterprises involved in solid waste recycling and most households not involved in this activity. It is recommended that the central and local governments implement the following measures: getting actively involved in solid waste recycling, encouraging households to participate actively through public education and motivation in order to reduce solid waste significantly in the Area Metropolitan Area.

Source: UCC
Assessment of some selected conventional diagnostic x-ray facilities at Cape-Coast in the Central Region of Ghana

The aim of the present paper is to assess some of the factors affecting on quality assurance of some conventional X-ray facilities such as reproducibility of tube voltage, dose output, X-ray tube consistency, accuracy of kVp, and half value layer. Examinations of these factors were studied using noninvasive kV meter of RMI 24A Multi-function meter. The quality assurance tests of X-ray diagnostic examination are measured and compared with the international tolerance. The half value layer of the radiation beam is an essential component of the assessment program. It is a measure of the beam hardness which relates to the type and thickness of shielding required in the facility and it also determines to a reasonable extent how much soft radiation is present in a beam. This soft radiation is absorbed in the surface tissue and results in unnecessary radiation being absorbed by the patient. In addition, it also contributes to unnecessary scatter within the patient which detracts from the desired image. The half value layer of a machine should not change for the lifetime of a machine unless someone removes the filter and as such it should be measured at least during the installation of a new machine

Source: UCC
Assessment of some water quality parameters of three coastal water bodies towards the culture of oysters in Ghana

Oyster culture as a supplementary livelihood for many coastal communities is a potential that is yet to be exploited in Ghana. Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, bacteria (coliforms and total bacteria) and heavy metal loads are among the key environmental factors that influence the physiological wellbeing (also known as condition index) of oysters. This study investigated these environmental parameters in three coastal water bodies in Ghana and their influence on the condition index (CI) of the resident oysters, as a means of determining the suitability of the water bodies for oyster culture. Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ with different measurement tools, whereas microbial load and heavy metal concentrations were determined in the laboratory using the pour plate method and atomic absorption spectrophotometer respectively. The environmental parameters fluctuated in similar patterns in the water bodies during the study period, with values within limits that indicated good ecological health of the water bodies. The bacterial loads generally exceeded the acceptable limits, but heavy metal concentrations were within permissible limits. A linear regression analysis showed that physicochemical parameters had variable influence on the CI of oysters from the water bodies, with temperature having the strongest influence. Bacterial loads in water had variable influence on CI, but total coliform load in oysters had a positive significant influence on CI. The heavy metal concentration in water samples also had variable influence on the CI of oysters. It is concluded that all the three water bodies could be considered as suitable sites for oyster culture provided efforts are made to limit activities responsible for the high microbial load.

Source: UCC
Assessment of spatial variability of heavy metals in soils under the influence of industrial soap and detergent waste water discharge

Soil heavy metals have been a very useful indicator of environmental quality worldwide. The present study was conducted to investigate the levels, sources, distribution and spatial variability of heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in soils in close proximity to an industrial area. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was applied to test the similarities between sampled elements based on nearest neighbor method. Mean concentrations (mg/L) of heavy metals in the sampled soils were as follows: Mn (19.90), Cu (15.23), Zn (9.06), Pb (6.19) and Cd (0.13). ANOVA showed that the concentrations of individual heavy metals in soils were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the background reference soils indicating that the effluent discharge from the industry has increased the heavy metal concentrations in these soils. A strong positive correlation was found between Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd whereas Mn was positively correlated somewhat less strongly to Zn and Pb. Mn was negatively correlated with Cu and Cd. The results indicate that the concentrations of all metals except Cd exhibited weak spatial autocorrelations (ratios ranging from 0.80 to 11.94) confirming that spatial variability was affected by the industrial effluent discharge. These results suggest the need to develop proper management strategies to contend with heavy metal contamination in industrial areas

Source: UCC
Assessment of staff performance appraisal system of Nyakrom rural bank limited in Agona west district

This study set out to determine the mode of staff performance appraisal at the Nyakrom Rural Bank and how the system of appraisal can be improved. Factors that could influence the appraisal system of the bank were considered. For the purpose of this study, stratified random sampling was applied, therefore information was collected from the various levels of the organisational structure made up of top management team, branch managers and the junior employees. Five people from the top management team, five branch managers and forty-nine junior staff were selected to respond to structured questions bearing on the issue. The Bank’s appraisal forms were also examined. The results of the study reveal that performance appraisal is practised at the Bank but the problems identified need the Bank’s attention. The immediate bosses conduct the appraisal once a year. Purposeful interviews are an exception rather than the rule. Subordinates are only asked to read through, fill their portions and sign. The appraisers are not given training on how to assess subordinates. Subordinates often find it difficult to understand the principles underlying the appraisal as training on appraisal procedures for them are rare. The setting of performance standards is done by the Board of Directors and Top Management team and imposed on the employees. It is therefore recommended that management should make sure that the criteria for assessment are clear and known to all employees. Knowledge of the criteria used in assessing employees enhances cooperation, understanding and acceptance of the assessment.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Staff Personnel Services in Public Junior Secondary Schools in Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana

The increasing complexity of schools in terms of new reforms and what constitute the school environment have made the task of head teachers even more demanding. Head teachers of basic schools in the public domain have to perform various tasks for the smooth operation of their schools. Crucial among these tasks are staff personnel services. Performances of these tasks have positive impact on the development of their schools. This study was motivated by the desire to assess the extent to which head teachers in public Junior Secondary Schools in the Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana provide staff personnel services to teachers in their schools. All schools in the municipality were purposively sampled for the study. Proportional allocation and the lottery methods were used to select the sample of 220 respondents, comprising 185 teachers and 35 head teachers. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data and were administered personally by the researcher over a period of three weeks. Data collected were analyzed partly using frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that teachers in public Junior Secondary Schools in the municipality were satisfied with the extent to which staff personnel services were provided in their schools. However, both teachers and head teachers expressed low satisfaction in the areas of salaries, allowances and basic amenities like accommodation for teachers and head teachers as well. These were however, beyond the tasks of head teachers at the school level. Perhaps, a holistic approach to address these conditions of service for teachers by higher authorities would go a long way to boost teachers' level of performance in their schools.

Source: UCC
An assessment of staff training and development monitoring and evaluation mechanism: A case study

This paper is the result of an empirical study that was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the mechanisms used for monitoring and evaluating staff training and development programmes at the university libraries in Ghana. The study was necessitated by the need to scientifically assess the methods/mechanisms put in place for monitoring and evaluating staff training and development programmes at the university libraries in Ghana in order to make recommendations that will enable the libraries maximized the benefits of training. The study used the mixed methods research approach, thus a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The mixed methods were applied in data collection analysis and interpretation of the findings of the study. The study also adopted the survey research method. The findings reveal that even though the majority of the institutions conducted training needs analysis/assessment for library staff, the process was not properly done. The results also indicate that multiple methods were used in identifying the training needs of the library staff of the university libraries in Ghana. The findings further reveal that not all the institutions followed the Kirkpatrick model or any known training model of monitoring and evaluating reaction, learning, behavior.results and return on investment in training. The study recommends that, monitoring and evaluation should be done by all the stakeholders namely, trainers, trainees, supervisors, co-workers and managers and the feedback of the evaluation should be shared with the stakeholders to help improve upon future staff training and evaluation programmes

Source: UCC
An assessment of staff training programmes offered by Tema metropolitan assembly (TMA)

This study assessed training programmes offered by T.M.A. to its staff members. The general objective was to assess the extent to which training programmes offered by the T.M.A. have influenced the output of staff. The population for the study was the 3500 staff members of T.M.A. who have been at post from six months and more. The sample size of respondents was 100 made up of 90 junior staff members and 10 management staff. Questionnaires were used to gather information from management staff and interview schedule was used to gather data from the junior staff members. The study falls in the category of descriptive, exploratory as well as explanatory research. The study revealed that majority of the respondents both from junior staff and management staff were of the view that, training objectives were met, because all training programmes conducted were based on needs of trainees assessed. The respondents also stated that they were efficient and effective because of the regular training they received from the T.M.A. Motivation for training and incentives were points of conflicts among staff and management, Most respondents from junior staff were strongly dissatisfied with the type of motivation and incentives provided for training within the T.M.A. Recommendation offered in the study were that management should involve the staff in planning training sessions, inform them about incentives, and should not make promises that cannot be redeemed. Trainees should be selected according to qualification and finally evaluation of training should involve more modern and innovative approaches

Source: UCC
Assessment of students behavioral risk to environmental hazards in academic institutions in Ghana Edward Kweku Nunoo Eric Twum

This paper used a multi-staged analytical approach and the hierarchization matrix method to identify and evaluate scientific information on the most affecting and most sensitive elements in an academic environmental management system (AEMS) and assessed students’ behavioral tendencies likely to invoke risk. The hierarchization matrix analysis used, identified university administrators and students as the most affecting and sensitive human elements(MSHE) respectively. Correlation was established between behavior ral instincts, adherence to safety nets and risk minimization as the likelihood of fire outbreak in a lecture hall or fighting in a parked canteen (Food plaza) both registered high-risk levels (4.5 and 4.2 respectively) on the scale. Some members of the MSHE (68%), sampled from three universities (n=325), were found to be ignorant of activities strongly perceived to predispose them to environmental hazards and risks (EHRs), and ‘Always’ or ‘Sometimes’ indulged in them. The paper also confirmed some members of the MSHE to be highly at risk due to motivations behind some choices made and concluded on the need for institutionalizing EHRs and safety culture, rolling out a comprehensive environmental management systems’ manual in the AEMS and embarking on an effective EHRs knowledge dissemination campaigns

Source: UCC
Assessment of Students’ Skills in Protective and Sighted Guide Techniques: Evidence from Schools for the Blind in Ghana

The purpose of this paper was to assess the effective usage of protective and sighted guide techniques as key orientation and mobility (O&M) skills in the two main schools for the blind (Akropong and Wa Schools for the Blind) in Ghana. We used the qualitative research design through the case study approach, where 25 students with visual impairment (15 for Akropong School for the Blind, and 10 for Wa School for the Blind) were selected through purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through a semistructured interview guide. The data was manually analysed thematically. Our findings show that students of the Akropong and Wa Schools for the Blind did not use the protective and sighted guide techniques effectively. However, students at Akropong School for the Blind used the sighted guide technique slightly better than their counterparts at the Wa School for the Blind. We conclude that students in both schools are experiencing challenges with the use of the protective and sighted guide techniques, and this might have resulted in their ineffective use. We recommend that the Special Education Division of the Ghana Education Service though the Ministry of Education, and non-governmental organisations should provide adequate training in the use of protective and sighted guide techniques for students, so that they will acquire the necessary skills to effectively use the techniques in accessing their environments

Source: UCC
Assessment of supervision in public basic schools in the Cape Coast metropolis

The study was concerned with supervision in public basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview guide for head teachers, circuit supervisors, teachers and prefects in public basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The sample was made up of 125 teachers, 25 headteachers, 5 circuit supervisors and 45 prefects. Interview guide and the questionnaire were the instruments used for data collection. The instruments were pre-tested in 10 schools that did not form part of the main study. Data collected were analysed according to the research questions that guided the study. The main findings were: Firstly, supervision of basic public schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis was not effective. Secondly, lack of logistics and motivation has caused ineffective supervision as head teachers, circuit supervisors and all teachers needed motivation before they could supervise effectively. Thirdly, head teachers, circuit supervisors and teachers agreed there was the need for logistics, motivation and regular visits by higher officials to enable them function effectively to improve teacher performance. It is recommended among others that circuit supervisors and head teachers should make supervision a regular affair which could make teachers become familiar with supervision and the modern supervisory skills of circuit supervisors to improve teachers’ performance in public basic schools. Again, circuit supervisors should be able to issue supervisory reports and also discuss observations with head teachers after supervision to enable them become aware of their teachers problems and help them to improve upon performance.

Source: UCC