ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment Of Solid Waste Compositon In Ejisu-Juaben Municipality

Globally there is lack of knowledge about waste generation and composition in rural areas because these types of studies have been conducted mainly in big cities. This leaves the local sanitation authorities without information to properly plan their operations. Solid waste composition analysis is fundamental to proper planning of solid waste management in an area. This study was undertaken to assess the solid waste composition of wastes generated in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. The Direct Waste Sorting Method which involves sorting and weighing directly from households where solid waste were generated was used. A total of one hundred and five (105) households with different socio-economic status over a two-month period was selected for the study. Results indicated that the average solid waste generation rate for Ejisu, Atia and Donaso were 0.481 kg/person/day, 0.4573 kg/person/day and 0.372 kg/person/day respectively with a total weight of 1806.351 kg, 342.54 kg and 140.553 kg respectively, expected to grow by 25% by the year 2022. Solid waste generation rates in the municipality which were biodegradable and recyclable in nature were dominated by food, yard and garden waste (67.49 %), plastics (3.57%), metals (2.41%), paper (1.88%), wood (2.48%), glass (2.11%), textile (1.03%), sand and ash (18.98%) suggesting that an integrated waste management approach supported by willingness to source-separation of wastes could be the best option for the municipality. Thus encouraging and formalizing recycling and composting would greatly reduce the amount of solid waste that has to be disposed hence reducing the cost that has to be incurred.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Solid Waste Management in Healthcare Facilities in the Offinso Municipality

The management of hospital waste creates a number of environmental and health challenges in most countries especially, developing countries including Ghana. Despite the possible health implications associated with hospital waste, much attention has not been given to its management. This study sought to assess the solid hospital waste management practices in the Offinso Municipality. Four hospitals were selected for the study. Waste quantification using a weighing scale, questionnaire administration, interviews and observational surveys were undertaken and data thereof analyzed. Differences in total waste generated over the period at the various hospitals was significant (P value < 0.0001).Means of total infectious (420Kg) and total non-infectious (2626.5Kg) waste for the period was 13.0% and 86.2% respectively. The study revealed that with the exception of few sharps (0.3%), segregation of solid hospital waste in terms of infectious and non-infectious materials was rarely done. It was revealed that lack of records (data) on the quantity of waste generated, non -segregation of waste, improper waste disposal and treatment method, lack of waste management department/ officer, lack of effective supervision, lack of hospital waste policy/legislation/regulation, inadequate and non-use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among others; were the main factors hindering proper waste management at the various hospitals studied. The study recommends effective and sustainable management of medical waste at the various hospitals to avoid its negative impact on the health of living organisms especially, humans and the environment.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Some Health Beneficial Constituents of Edible Portions of Four Underutilised Fruits

The surge in chronic diseases has necessitated the global call for increased consumption of diverse fruits and vegetables resulting in the need to study the potential health beneficial constituents of the underutilised. This research was aimed at assessing the dietary fibre fractions, proximate composition, antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of edible portions of four underutilised fruits viz., African mango (seeds and pulp), breadfruit (pulp), soursop (pulp) and sweetsop (pulp). Their total phenolic and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) contents were also determined. Samples for all determinations except proximate analysis were freeze-dried and stored: Some under refrigeration conditions for dietary fibre analysis, and the rest at - 20 oC. Proximate and phytochemical analysis was done by standard methods. The antioxidant activity and phenolics were determined by spectroscopy using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and the Folin-Ciocalteu protocol, respectively. The ascorbic acid content was determined by titrimetry and an enzymatic-gravimetric method employed for the dietary fibre determinations. Proximate values (% mean) ranged from 2.63±0.11 to 6.71±0.07; 2.44±0.07 to 4.00±0.03 and 2.60±0.41 to 13.90±0.58 for protein, ash and fat respectively. Generally, tannins, triterpenoids, saponins, sterols, cardiac glycosides, flavanoids and coumarins were detected. Antioxidant activity of the samples ranged from 63% (breadfruit) to 78% (African mango pulp) and the highest phenolic content was recorded in African mango seeds. Total dietary fibre contents ranged from 11.50 (soursop) to 22.70 (African mango pulp) g/100g while ascorbic acid contents of the fruit mesocarps ranged from 20.32 (sweetsop) to 62.52 (soursop) mg/100g. There were non-significant correlations (P < 0.05) between the phenolics, ascorbic acid contents and antioxidant activities. The study suggests significant composition of health beneficial constituents - dietary fibre, vitamin C and presence of an array of phytochemicals - as well as fairly high antioxidant activities of the stated fruits. Thus, the need to exploit them in seeking optimum health of the populace.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of some heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe) Concentrations in Raw Water, Sediments and Aquatic Macrophytes at the Barekese Reservoir

In this study, the concentrations of five heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe) were determined in raw water, sediments and aquatic macrophytes from selected sites at the Barekese reservoir in Ghana over a 6 month period. The obtained results revealed that the mean concentration ranges for lead (0.04-0.25 mg/L) and iron (0.49-0.89 mg/L) in water samples exceeded the WHO (2008) guidelines for drinking water. The reservoir water is therefore unfit for drinking except after adequate treatment. To assess metal contamination in sediments several indices of contamination (contamination factor, degree of contamination and PLI) and the Numerical Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) were applied. Based on comparison with Numerical SQGs values, the sediment samples at the reservoirs intake were classified as heavily polluted with Pb and Cu. The values of the concentration factor (>1) confirmed the tremendous capacity of sediments to accumulate higher concentration of heavy metals as compared to water samples. Good information was also provided by analysis of whole plants and organs of passive aquatic macrophytes represented by four species: Typha domingensis, Ceratophyllum demersum, Pistia stratiotes and Lemna paucicostata. Metals in all the species were higher in their roots than their shoots. The Biological Accumulation Factor (the ratio of heavy metal content of the plant/water) for all plant species decreased in the order: Fe (279) > Cu (268) > Pb (259) > Mn (206) > Zn (143). The obtained values have elaborated the usefulness of aquatic macrophytes in biological monitoring of heavy metal contamination in water bodies. The overall concentration of the heavy metals in in the sediments was higher than those in the aquatic macrophytes. The raw water samples recorded the least concentration of heavy metals. The mean heavy metal concentrations in all the samples were however observed in the sequence; Fe > Cu > Mn > Pb > Zn.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of some heavy metals in sediment of Lake Bosomtwi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

It is important to monitor the level of heavy metal contaminants in Lake Bosomtwi, thus, assessing its suitability for domestic and agricultural use. In order to determine this, fifty (50) sampling points were selected using the Global Positioning System (GPS) for the collection of fifty 50 sediments samples from April to June 2012. Physicochemical parameters recorded mean values of 111.3±33.4, 2.4 ± 0.5 and 9.1±0.3 for EC, OM and pH respectively. pH recorded a mean value of 9.1 ± 0.3 indicating that the sediment was basic or alkaline in nature. Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd sediments were analyzed by Buck Scientific 210 VGP Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The heavy metals concentration in the sediment was of the order Ni > Pb > Zn > Cd > Cu, the highest mean concentration of 70.19 ± 27.87 μg/g, 63.80 ± 33.41 μg/g, 43.53 ± 19.18 μg/g, 2.01±4.27 μg/g and 0.93 ± 0.89 μg/g for Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu respectively. Significant spatial variation in concentration was observed for all metals. Correlation analysis showed that Zn content of sediment was partially controlled by organic matter. Pollution status was evaluated using geo-accumulation index and sediment quality guidelines. Based on geo-accumulation index, lake Bosomtwi sediment can be considered as unpolluted with respect to Zn, Ni, Cu and unpolluted to moderately polluted with respect to Pb and Cd . Mean concentrations of Zn and Cu were below the Continental Average Shale (CAS), Threshold effect level (TEL), Severe effect level (SEL) and Permissible limit (PL). However, the mean concentration of 70.19 μg/g, 63.80 μg/g and 2.01 μg/g for Ni, Pb, and Cd respectively were above the Continental Average Shale (CAS) and Threshold Effect Level (TEL) in the sediment at lake Bosomtwi. This implies that the waste assimilation capacity of the lake is high, a phenomenon that could be ascribed to dilution, sedimentation and continuous water exchange. This is an indication that an urban, domestic and industrial waste discharged into the lake has a significant effect on the ecological balance of the lake, ecosystem and human health.

Source: KNUST
An Assessment of sources And utilization Of Internally Generated Funds for public universities: A Case Study of University of Education, Winneba

This study discusses the role of Internally Generated Fund (IGF) as inevitable alternative funding for public Universities in Ghana. The study was conducted in University of Education, Winneba, 150 respondents were chosen using random sampling and administered the questionnaires within June, 2015. The study pulled available literatures to revalidate the inevitability of IGF as against Government subvention that fails to provide adequate funding for the universities‘ operating and capital needs. The study concluded that student fees and non-student fees income were the major sources of IGF. The result further reviewed that the University Council comes out with a formula to allocate funds to the various departments. It was further shown that 51.56% formed the University‘s IGF for 2015 total income Budget; hence, IGF has a very significant role to play as a source of critical funding for all categories of Universities in Ghana. The research therefore recommends that, in order to derive sustainable maximum contribution from IGF sources, the University of Education, Winneba‘s management should seek professional and more effective and efficient ways of developing its IGF initiatives. In addition, recommends that Universities should restructure to accommodate an IGF co-ordination office to ensure that creative revenue generating initiatives are not stifled by long bureaucratic problems. The study will be critically beneficial to all higher education managers in Ghana and beyond.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of stakeholder engagement practices of it projects: A case study of GCB Bank Limited Ghana

Stakeholder engagement is the process by which an organization involves people who may be affected by the decisions it makes or can influence the implementation of its decisions. Engaging stakeholders on projects is very crucial. Information Technology (IT) projects have become increasingly crucial to every organization wishing to achieve operational excellence (Badewi, 2016). In the Ghanaian banking industry, most heads of internal IT units as well as projects managers tend to focus more on the success criteria in terms of cost, schedule and quality of projects, neglecting the needs and expectations of stakeholders in the organization. Managers lack the right strategies for engaging the right stakeholders in IT projects. This study adopts standard stakeholder engagement practices that are mostly used by organizations especially in IT projects to analyze the strength of GCB Bank Limited in this regard. The purpose of this research is to explore the stakeholder engagement practices prevalent at GCB Bank Limited as well as analyze the effectiveness of same.This study adopted a quantitative approach, employing the use of questionnaires as the main tool for data collection. Staff and related parties with knowledge and experience in IT projects were sampled for this study. These included top managers, project managers, project team members, internal customers and vendor of GCB Bank Limited. Analysis of research data revealed that GCB Bank Limited has been progressive and effectual in its stakeholder engagement practices. It was recommended that project managers should pay close attention to the expectations of their stakeholders and more efforts should be put into conflicts resolution. Effective stakeholder engagement should be given priority right from project initiation.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of stakeholder involvement in the implementation of re-afforestation projects in Ghana

This study had investigated the nature of stakeholder involvement in the inplementation with regards to re-afforestation projects of the Forestry Commission in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study utilized mixed method research approach. Two hundred (200) participants were selected for the study. Primary data was the main source of information for the study. The study used structured questionnaire to obtain the primary data. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. The study found that institutional policy management, technical drivers and socio-economic drivers have strong influence on stakeholder’s involvement that is 67.3% variability in stakeholder’s involvement are explained by institutional policy management, technical drivers and socio-economic drivers. Secondly, the study found that stakeholder’s involvement has very strong predictive influence on sustainability of re-afforestation projects. The study found that 70.6% variability in sustainability of re-afforestation projects are explained by stakeholder’s involvement. Again, the study found that, participants were involved in the budgetary process of their organization including the control process. Respondents also indicated that they were always informed about the project wished to be undertaken in their organization during coordination process while others also showed that they were involved in the monitoring and evaluation procedure undertaken by the organization. This shows the participation of stakeholders in organizational activities. This research concludes that institutional policy management, technical drivers and socio-economic drivers have strong influence on stakeholder’s involvement. Also, the study found that stakeholder’s involvement has very strong predictive influence on sustainability of re-afforestation projects. The study recommends the need for strong stakeholder involvement in order to enhance re-afforestation project success and sustainability.

Source: KNUST
An assessment of stakeholder involvement on enterprise resource planning (ERP) project success in Ghana

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have gained popularity in Ghana in recent times due to enormous benefits organizations derive from successful implementation of the system. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of stakeholder involvement on ERP project success in Ghana. The study employed the case study approach and selected the Teachers Fund of GNAT Oracle system implementation. To achieve the aim of the study four objectives were set which were: to assess the level of stakeholder involvement in ERP project implementation in Ghana, identify the challenges militating against the implementation of ERP projects in Ghana, identify the critical success factors of ERP project implementation in Ghana and access the effect of stakeholder involvement in project success. A structured questionnaire was administered to 75 staff of Teachers Fund sampled by the researcher to solicit responses for the study. The questionnaires were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science. The findings made by the researcher were that, there was high level of stakeholder involvement in ERP projects in Ghana. The top five challenges militating against the implementation ERP implementation are poor IT infrastructure, improper planning, organizational culture, lack of technological knowledge and complexity of system. The top five factors that are critical for successful ERP implementation are top management support, user involvement, project management, data accuracy and hardware and software suitability. The study also found a positive and significant relationship between stakeholder involvement and ERP project success. The study recommends that stakeholders in ERP projects should be seen as not just beneficiaries but part of the implementation at every stage. The major limitation of the study was the researcher’s inability to make time to sample all stakeholders of Teachers Fund, a clear case of time limitation. Hence, the focus on Teachers Fund staff and not considering the views of other stakeholders.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of strategic management practices on the performance of firms: a case study of Techiman small taxpayers office of Ghana revenue authority.

In recent times, globalization is playing a significant impact on the survival of organizations and is having a significant contribution to organizational change. In the wake to ensure equitable growth and development in Ghana, the Public Service departments have encountered significant changes. The changes have led to the adaptation of several processes which have modernized functions, legislation, structures, and resources. The government is still findings it difficult to deliver and maintain quality service delivery to the citizens despite the changes. Extant studies have however argued that strategic managerial practices are useful in enhancing the competitive advantage of organizations and ensure quality service delivery. This purpose of this study was therefore to assess strategic management practices and its implications on performance in Ghanaian public sector. The exploratory survey research involving cross-sectional design was adopted. The population includes staff and management of Techiman Small Taxpayers Office of Ghana Revenue Authority, Techiman. The targeted population includes staff and management of the company excluding auxiliary staff such as security, and cleaners. From the target population of the study, total population sampling which is a method of purposive sampling technique was used in selecting all the thirty-four (34) staff and management members of the company for the study. The type of data sought for in this study was quantitative data. Information was solicited using both primary and secondary data. Strategic management practices at the Techiman Small Taxpayers Office of Ghana Revenue Authority was noted to positively correlate with employee’s wellbeing and performance and ensuring existence of proactive business continuity planning. The findings showed that strategic management practices have a significant positive association with corporate performance (as depicted with competitive advantage, employee’s wellbeing and performance and ensuring the existence of proactive business continuity planning). The study concludes that there is practically significant positive association existing between the dimensions of strategic management and organizational performance. The study recommends that manufacturing companies should allocate sufficient resources to support and augment their strategic management policies and practices.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of storage facilities for cocoa beans in the Asante Mampong cocoa district in the Ashanti Region

This study assessed storage facilities for cocoa beans in the Asante Mampong Cocoa District of the Ashanti Region. Fifty employees with the relevant technical, operational and functional backgrounds who were involved in the handling and transportation of cocoa beans were sampled from Licensed Cocoa Buyers using snow ball sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were administered to them and personal observation was also made. Storage facilities were sampled in twenty-three communities in the district for the study. Storage problems identified were insect infestation (80%), rodent attacks (16%) and mouldiness (4%). The problem with moldiness according to the respondents was managed by drying of cocoa beans and proper sanitation in and around the storage rooms. The results of the regression test value R= 0.118 showed that there was a weak relationship between the management of storage facilities and storage problems which ultimately affects quality of cocoa beans. On the cut test, good beans recorded from the shed storage condition (50) was significantly higher than the amount recorded from the store storage condition (38.3), t (28) = 9.619, p<0.001. However, purple bean recorded from the store storage condition (22.52) was significantly higher than the amount recorded from the shed storage condition (15.1), t (28) = -5.993, p<0.001. Similarly, waste bean recorded from the store storage condition (35.47) was also significantly higher than the amount recorded from the shed (32.3), t (28) = -2.439, p<0.05. Regarding chemical test, the mean free fatty acid recorded from the shed was 1.65% and the amount recorded from the store was 2.35%. The mean free fatty acid in the cocoa beans kept in the store was significantly higher than those kept in the shed, t (28) = -5.402, p<0.001. Aspergillus tamari, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp, Rhizopus spp, Colletotrium spp, Curvularia spp,were found on the samples, but that of the store had higher presence of the fungi than the shed. This indicated that, generally, when cocoa beans are kept in shed, the occurrence of moulds could be prevented than when they are kept in store rooms.

Source: KNUST