ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Musical Experience and Prophetism in Ghanaian Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity: A Study of the Mount Calvary Cross Ministry

Music and religion are closely linked as seen in the use of music in many religious practices. Since the introduction of Christianity to sub-Saharan Africa, it has undergone several renewals with the current wave being Pentecostal/charismatic Christianity (P/c), which has been described as the fastest growing form of Protestant Christianity. Considered as experience-oriented, P/c presents the platform for exploring the experiential dimension of worship through music in the Ghanaian context. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of music in P/c ritual and to investigate the link between music and prophetism through the collective and individual lived experiences of members of the Mount Calvary Cross Ministry, a Ghanaian P/c church located in Accra. The ethnographic approach was employed. Fieldwork was undertaken between 2019 and 2021. The observation, interviews, and documents yielded over 30 prophecies/revelations related to music, and 13 shared religious/musical experiences. The data was analysed thematically and interpreted in relation to the theory of embodiment and Pentecostal/charismatic spirituality. The findings are that, music aids prophetism but it is not always a requirement in the performance of prophetic functions. The lived experiences of music and prophetism affirm the religious potency of music to trigger religious experiences when music-making is approached from the spiritual dimension through total engagement of both the material and immaterial aspects of the music-maker’s personhood. Health and wellbeing are benefits of P/c music-making as adherents encounter hierophany via prophetism. Thus, the grooming of church music-makers should encompass the technical and spiritual dimensions in order to achieve the therapeutic effects of music in worship.

Source: UCC
Muslim community participation in basic education in the Techiman municipality of Brong Ahafo region

The researcher sought to find out the extent to which the Muslim Community of the Techiman Municipality participates in the development of basic education. The population for the study comprised heads and teachers of basic schools, chiefs and elders, parents, as well as education officers of the Techiman Municipality. The distribution of the sample for the study included 100 parents, 40 basic school teachers and heads, 5 municipal education officers, and 30 chiefs and elders, making a total of 175 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to select heads, education officers, and chiefs and elders. Teachers were randomly selected. Parents were also randomly selected through their wards in the Islamic basic schools. Questionnaires were the main instruments used for gathering data. The questionnaires consisted mostly of open-ended and a few closed-ended items. The instruments were pilot-tested in the Wenchi District in the Brong Ahafo Region; as it has similar characteristics as the Techiman municipality. The findings of the study showed that the Muslim communities in the Techiman municipality participated in basic school development by sending their children to school. They attend communal labour to help provide school infrastructure, take part in decision-making through the PTA and raise funds to support community school projects. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended, among others, that Ghana Education Service need to constantly organize massive education campaign and seminars to the community members on the need to participate in the development of basic education.

Source: UCC
Muslim ‘Priesthood’ in Dagbon: in Search of a Definition

Dagbon refers to the geographical area occupied by the Dagomba ethnic group in the Volta Basin in Ghana’s administrative region called the Northern Region. The Dagomba are a predominantly islamised people whose social, economic, cultural, economic and political life is largely shaped by Islam. The people who serve as guardians of the Dagomba’s Islamic identity and heritage are called Afanema (singular, Afa). However, there has always been controversy in Dagbon as to who qualifies to be called an Afa. These disagreements have often led to bloody conflicts between supporters of people who claim to be qualified as Afanema as against those they claim are not qualified to be designated as such. This paper traces the historical and etymological derivation of the term Afa and attempts an accurate definition and portrait of the guardians of Islamic lore in Dagbon. This paper contends that Afanema in Dagbon are the disseminators of Islamic heritage and knowledge. They are mostly teachers of Islamic lore, mainly through the Qur’an schools and also through tafsir, the mass education method where the meaning and interpretation of the Qur’an is made known. They are also professional prayer men, whose prayer is deemed efficacious in the solution of problems. They may or may not be engaged in the art of divination.

Source: UCC
Mycochemical Screening and Antioxidant Properties of Some Potential Medicinal Mushrooms in the Central Region of Ghana

The methanol extract of eight matured mushroom samples, Tyromyce chioneus, Polyporous alveolaris, Trametes hirsute, Trametes versicolor, Trametes gibbosa, Chlorophyllum molybdite, Auricularia auricular judae, and Ganoderma spp., were mycochemically screened using standard methods for the presence of secondary metabolites. Their total phenolic contents (TPC) using Folin-Ciocalteu method with gallic acid standard and total flavonoid contents (TFC) by aluminium chloride method using quercetin standard were determined. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and free radical scavenging activities were also evaluated using phosphomolybdenum method with ascorbic acid as standard and DPPH method with gallic acid standard respectively. The mycochemical screening results revealed the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenes saponins, and reducing sugars in all the extracts of the samples. Steroids were found to be absent in Chlorophyllum molybdite, Auricularia auricular judae. Phlobatannins was found to be present in only Polyporous alveolaris and Trametes hirsute. The TPC was highest in the extract of Trametes gibbosa (8.99 mgGAE/g) followed by that of Ganoderma spp (7.44 mg GAE/g). The extract of Ganoderma spp had the highest TFC (5052.00 μg QE/g), followed by Trametes gibbosa (4318.66 μg QE/g). Trametes hirsute (29.91 mg AAE/g), Polyporous alveolaris (28.89 mg AAE/g) and Ganoderma spp (28.17 mg AAE/g) showed appreciable amount of TAC. Extracts of Polyporous alveolaris (80.66 g/mL) and Ganoderma spp (94.37 μg/mL) displayed strong scavenging activity against DPPH as compared with the gallic acid standard (84.01 μg/mL). This study revealed that, most of the investigated mushrooms could be utilized in diet to promote health, taking advantage of the additive and synergistic effects of all the bioactive compounds present.

Source: UCC
Myeloid‑derived suppressor cells and myeloid regulatory cells in cancer and autoimmune disorders (Review)

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were originally described as a heterogeneous population of immature cells derived from myeloid progenitors with immune-suppressive functions in tumor-bearing hosts. In recent years, increasing number of studies has described various populations of myeloid cells with MDSC-like properties in murine models of cancer and autoimmune diseases. These studies have observed that the populations of MDSCs are increased during inflammation and autoimmune conditions. In addition, MDSCs can effectively suppress T cell responses and modulate the activity of natural killer cells and other myeloid cells. MDSCs have also been implicated in the induction of regulatory T cell production. Furthermore, these cells have the potential to suppress the autoimmune response, thereby limiting tissue injury. Myeloid regulatory cells (Mregs) are recently attracting increasing attention, since they function in pro inflammatory and immune suppression in autoimmune diseases, as well as in various types of cancer. Currently, research focus is directed from MDSCs to Mregs in cancer and autoimmune diseases. The present study reviewed the suppressive roles of MDSCs in various autoimmune murine models, the immune modulation of MDSCs to T helper 17 lymphocytes, as well as the pro inflammatory and immunosuppressive roles of Mregs in various types of cancer and autoimmune diseases

Source: UCC
N2O emission and mineral n release in a tropical acrisol incorporated with mixed cowpea and maize residues

A laboratory microcosm incubation was conducted to study the influence of mixed cowpea-maize residues on N2O emission and N mineralization in a tropical acrisol. The soils were incorporated with different ratios of cowpea: maize mixtures on weight basis: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100, and a control treatment in which there was no residue incorporation. The results show that N2O and CO2 emissions were higher in the sole cowpea treatment (100:0) than the sole maize treatment (0:100) and the control. However, cowpea-maize residue mixtures increased the proportion of N lost as N2O compared to the sole treatments. This interactive effect was highest in the 75:25 treatment. The 50:50 treatment showed moderate N2O emission compared to the 100:0, 75:25 and 25:75 treatments but with corresponding steady N mineralization and appreciable mineral N concentration. It is concluded that mixing cowpea-maize residues might increase the proportion of N lost as N2O in a tropical acrisol. However, compared to the other residue mixture treatments, mixing cowpea-maize residues in equal proportions on weight basis might offer a path to reducing N2O emissions while maintaining a steady N mineralization without risking good N supply in acrisols. The study therefore offers potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining soil fertility in tropical acrisols However, further studies under both laboratory and field conditions will be required to verify and validate this claim

Source: UCC
N2O emissions and inorganic n release following incorporation of crop residue and /or inorganic n fertilizer into soil

Nitrous oxide emissions are usually increased following incorporation of crop residues or inorganic N fertilizer into soil, but the effect of combining these inputs at different proportions on N dynamics and NO emissions has 2 yettobeadequatelyexamined.Theinteractiveeffectofcombiningcropresiduesbarley(Hordereumvulgare)and clover (Trifolium pretense) and inorganic N fertilizer (NHNO) on NO emission and mineral N dynamics under 4 3 2 controlledlaboratoryconditionsisreported.EmissionsofNOweresignificantlyhigherfromsoilsamendedwith 2 the low C:N ratio clover residues compared to the high C:N ratio barley residue treatments and was further increased, following combined application of crop residues and inorganic N fertilizer. Furthermore, the magnitude of emission was influenced by the proportions at which the residue-N and the fertilizer-N were -2combinedwiththe75:25fertiliser: clover treatment emitting the highest(P<0.05) amountof65mgNO-Nm 30 2-1 d. Incorporation of sole clover residues resulted in net N mineralization and addition of sole barley residues led to a net N immobilization. However, combined application of either residue with inorganic N fertilizer resulted in net N mineralization’s results from the study demonstrated that whilst there is the potential for NO emissionto 2 be controlled through varying ratios of residue: fertilizer input, the magnitude and direction of interactions between these N sources vary between different species as a result of their different qualities. This relationship should be verified under field conditions

Source: UCC
A narrative inquiry into women’s perception and experience of labour pain: A study in the western region of ghana

There is a general notion among Ghanaian women that the labour is a painful process that must be endured. Regardless of this notion, labour pain experience overwhelms most women. The aim of this study was to inquire into women’s perceptions and experience of labour pain and how women cope with pain. Using the narrative inquiry methodology, five low risk pregnant Ghanaian women; two nulliparous and three multiparas were purposefully selected. Tape-recorded conversations, writing of field notes and journals were used as the main source of data collection before delivery and within one week after delivery. The women’s perception of pain before and after delivery was used to construct narrative accounts from which the findings of the study were generated. To ensure credibility of each narrative account, the interim narrative accounts constructed by the researcher were sent to the women to read and respond to. The findings revealed that before the labour experience, women perceived labour as a painful experience expected to be endured. Antenatal education on labour pain management was inadequate. Additionally use of pain relief methods was lacking although women expressed need for pain relief. Furthermore the findings revealed inadequate physical and emotional support for women in labour to help cope with labour pain. In conclusion the researcher recommends that midwives in consultation with clients adopt a more active method of assessing labour pain. Also antenatal education on pain relief options must be provided. A more conscious effort to provide support for women in labour should be promoted.

Source: UCC
Narrative Mood in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Novels

Despite the growing attention being given to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s works, there is also a growing concern of the focus of this attention. Criticisms about the structure and narrative techniques she adopts are still marginal to the amount of critical reception she has received over the years. For a number of reasons, the bulk of criticism on her works has focused on thematic and ideological issues to the neglect of other equally significant concerns like narrative technique. This study, therefore, explores Adichie’s adroit use of narrative mood in her novels, Purple Hibiscus (2003), Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) and Americanah (2013) to highlight and intensify the diegesis of these narratives. By employing one of Genette’s narrative categories, mood (perspective and distance) as a methodology, the study explores the narratives’ particular use of methods of focalisation and how their several voices are merged to realise cohesion and coherence. By examining the characteristics and particulars of narrative mood, we can clarify the mechanisms used in the narrative act and identify exactly what methodological choices the author made in order to render her story. The study is also significant in that it has pedagogical implications. It will, among other things, serve as a material to facilitate the teaching of narrative analysis. In addition, the study will be a contribution to theory by demonstrating the extent to which Genette’s methodology is useful to the analysis of the African novel.

Source: UCC
Nasopharyngeal carriage, antibiotic susceptibility patterns and serotype distribution of streptococcus pneumoniae among children under five in Cape Coast, Ghana

The introduction of the 13 valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been reported to reduce nasopharyngeal carriage of vaccine types of the pneumococcal serotypes and the antibiotic resistant strains of the bacteria. However, studies conducted have revealed serotype replacement of the vaccine types. The goal of this study was to determine the nasopharyngeal carriage and serotype distribution of S. pneumoniae among children under five years in the post-vaccination era. A cross-sectional study was conducted where nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from 398 children in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Pneumococcal isolates were identified using optochin sensitivity testing and the presence of lytA and cpsA genes. Isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing against different classes of antibiotics. Multiplex PCR was done on the isolates to serotype and determine the presence of penicillin resistance genes such as PBP1a, PBP2b and PBP2x. The overall carriage prevalence was found to be 23.4%. About 51.6% of the isolates belonged to known serotypes. The most occurring serotypes were 6A/B (10.8%), 23F (8.6%), 14 (7.5%) and 19F (6.5%). All the isolates were susceptible to Levofloxacin whereas 60.2%, 87.1% and 64.5% were non-susceptible to oxacillin, co-Trimoxazole and tetracycline respectively. About 50.5% of the isolates were multidrug resistant. Most of the oxacillin non-susceptible isolates were vaccine serotypes. All the isolates contained at least one of the penicillin resistant genes. In conclusion, antibiotic resistant vaccine type serotypes still persist even though new non-vaccine serotypes were detected. This indicates the presence of newly emerged serotypes.

Source: UCC
The National Commission for Civic Education and Ghana's democracy: A case of the Cape Coast metropolis

Educating individuals on their rights and responsibilities is an essential ingredient for developing and consolidating democracy in the world, especially in developing countries. This study sought to find out the impact of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana’s democratic dispensation in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Essentially the study explored the awareness of people about the NCCE and its activities, challenges and effective ways of disseminating government policies and programmes as well as how the NCCE can improve its activities. Basically the descriptive sample survey design was used in the study. In all, 220 participants were used for the study comprising 20 officials from the NCCE District Office in Cape Coast and 200 participants from the general public in Cape Coast. The multistage sampling procedure was used to select the participants for the study. The main research instrument for the research was the questionnaire for the NCCE’s staff and interview schedule for the general public. Frequencies and percentages as well as percent rank were employed for the data analysis. The study established that the NCCE was constrained mainly by the inability of personnel to upgrade their skills for the operation. It was evident that the NCCE was constrained namely by the inability of personal to upgrade their skills and poor logistics for their operation. Based on the findings, it was recommended that regular in-service training should be organized for NCCE personnel and adequate logistics provided for the day to day activities.

Source: UCC
National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) in a District General Hospital, Northern Ireland

Emergency laparotomy Audit is the facility that helps to take care of patients in their adverse conditions with the help of advanced medical facilities and tried to cure them every aspect. Aim: We measured our patient outcomes regarding 30-day mortality rate and morbidity post emergency laparotomies performed in Daisyhill Hospital, Newry and compared it to NELA (National Emergency Laparotomy Audit). This is to identify the reasons in our DGH (Daisyhill Hospital) for the better or worse outcome performance to improve patient care. Methods: This audit is carried out over a two years duration from August 2015 to August 2017. Data were collected from the theatre log, surgeons log, secretarial operation notes log and Northern Ireland Electronic Care Record. Inclusion and exclusion criteria of patients were met as set out by NELA. Results: Total number of patients included in the audit is 112. Out of 112, 53 patients are female, and 59 are male. The median age is 65.5-year-old with a range from 19 to 87 years old. The 30-day mortality rate is 7.1% (n=8) which is 1.5 times lower than the national 30-day mortality rate. 90-day mortality rate is 0.9% (n=1). Conclusion: Our unit is performing well compared to NELA patient outcomes regarding 30-day mortality rate post emergency laparotomy. We would recommend detailed data collection including the time of day of operation, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist) grading and p-possum score.

Source: UCC
National health insurance scheme in Ghana: experiences and challenges of Wassa West health insurance scheme

The Wassa West Health Insurance Scheme (WWHIS), a district health insurance scheme in the Western Region, provides insurance cards to subscribers in the district to access affordable health care from accredited health facilities. The study was carried out to find out the extent to which health care is accessible and affordable to the people and to determine the sustainability of the scheme. Ten communities in the district were purposively selected. These communities cut across the entire district; these include both urban and rural settlements. The study adopted the descriptive survey design using the case study approach focusing on accessibility, affordability and sustainability of the health insurance scheme. In all, 120 participants were selected for the study which included scheme managers, health service providers and subscribers comprising opinion leaders, community leaders and community members. Data were collected using semi-structured interview and interview guide. Responses were coded and analysed. Findings showed that the government and the Wassa West District are committed to the implementation of health insurance policy and provide improved health care in the district. The study recommends a strong collaboration based on understanding among the scheme management, the health service providers and the subscribers in order to achieve a successful, affordable, accessible and sustainable health care. Scheme managers are urged to make the insurance more attractive, create enhanced communication channels to promote transparency in their operations.

Source: UCC
National health insurance, women’s autonomy and maternal healthcare utilisation in Ghana

The effectiveness of health insurance and women’s autonomy in removing barriers to the utilisation of maternal healthcare in order to curb maternal mortality especially in developing countries is gaining ground. However, in assessing the effects of health insurance on choice of delivery facilities, studies either put all facility-based delivery services together and compare with home care or fail to address endogeneity problem. Moreover, the connections among health insurance, autonomy and maternal healthcare has not been established while the age of data used for such analysis in Ghana may not tell convincing stories. This study used pooled data from the 2014 and 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys. With a sample of 8,805 women, demand for national health insurance scheme (NHIS) before and after 2008 was analysed using multivariate logistic regression. The study also employed multinomial endogenous treatment effects model in Conditional Mixed Process framework to examine the effects of NHIS on the choice of facility-based delivery services relative to home care with a sample of 6,319 women. Finally, Structural Equation Modelling was employed to study the effects of women’s autonomy on desired maternal healthcare and analysed the mediation. It was found that NHIS enrolment increased significantly after 2008. Moreover, the NHIS variable is endogenous, has varied effects on the use of facility-based delivery services relative to home care and it also mediates autonomy and maternal healthcare. It is recommended that means of registration at health facilities for expectant mothers be provided. Moreover, when assessing the effects of health insurance on maternal healthcare, researchers need to separate types of health facilities and consider the endogeneity of health insurance.

Source: UCC