ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Water Consumption and Its Variations in Koforidua

The study determined water consumption and its variations in Koforidua based on data from three hundred and eighty (380) metered domestic customers and seven (7) metered second cycle educational institutions out of the eight thousand three hundred (8300) customers of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in Koforidua, Ghana using data from 2008 to 2012. The study found that consumption of water supplied by GWCL two years after an increase in production was 72 l/c/d which represented a changed of 48% when compared to what pertained two years before the increase in production. Those in the middle income groups consumed 37% more of the water than those in the low income groups. Some customers were found to rely on other sources of water to supplement their water demand. January had the highest monthly demand with a peak factor of 1.07 while June had the lowest monthly demand with a peak factor of 0.91. The study found some significant differences in the water bills of customers between periods when they had functioning water meters installed and periods when they were given flat (estimated) rates even after the new plant. Whereas the average consumption of the former was 76 l/c/d, the average consumption of the latter was 112 l/c/d, a difference of 49%. Finally, the study recommended a regular review of the flat rates given to customers during periods when they do not have functioning water meters installed to measure their consumption so as to keep their estimated bills within reasonable range and further recommended the need for customers to be sensitized on water management and awareness practices as only few customers were found to engage in such practices.

Source: KNUST
Water diffusion coefficients of selected cereals and legumes grown in Ghana as affected by temperature and variety

The kinetics of water absorption by six newly released maize (Abrohemaa, Omankwa, Abotem,Abeleehi, Dorke SR and Akposoe), two cowpea (Tonaand Nhyira) and two soybeans (NagbaarandAnidaso) hybrids of cereals and legumes grown in Ghana were studied by a gravimetric method during soaking at four temperatures of 30, 40, 50 and 60ºC to determine their moisture diffusivity. The results showed that the absorption kinetics followed Fick's law of diffusion during the first hours of soaking and the water absorption patterns were dependent on temperature and variety. The estimated values for water diffusion coefficients varied from 2.54 x 10-10 to 4.89 x 10-10 m2/s, 4.36 x 10-10 to 6.28 x 10-10 m2/s and from 2.90 x 10-10 to 6.75 x 10-10m2/s for maize, cowpea and soybean varieties respectively. An Arrhenius-type equation described the strong temperature effect on the diffusion coefficient with activation energies ranging from 7.04 to 9.09 kJ/mol for maize 7.73 to 8.56 kJ/mol for cowpea and 5.51 to 8.14 kJ/mol for soybeans

Source: KNUST
Water footprint of Ghana with respect to some selected commodities and services

The water footprint concept was developed in order to have an indicator of water use in relation to the consumption pattern of people. The water footprint of a country is defined as the volume of water needed for the production of the goods and services consumed by the inhabitants of the country. Due to the bulky nature of water, it is not in its raw state a tradable commodity though it could be traded through the exchange of goods and services from one point to the other. Closely linked to the water footprint concept is the virtual water concept. Virtual water can be defined as the volume of water required to produce a commodity or service. The international trade of these commodities entails flow of virtual water over large distances. The water footprint of a nation can therefore be assessed by quantifying the use of domestic water resources, taking out the virtual water flow that leaves the country and adding the virtual water flow that enters the country. This research focuses on the assessment and analysis of the water footprints of Ghana with respect to some selected commodities and services considering only the consumptive component of the water footprint. In addition to livestock, 13 crops were considered, 4 of which were cash crops. Data was analysed for the year 2001 to 2005. The estimated water footprint of Ghana was 24.84 billion m3/yr. The use of domestic water resources accounts for 22.65 billion m3/yr (91.2 %) of the estimated water footprint. And 2.19 billion m3/yr was from foreign water resources. The majority of the water that is consumed is embedded in food. Based on this the average water footprint of a Ghanaian was obtained as 1145 m3/cap/yr in respect of commodities and services considered.

Source: KNUST
Water governance in rural communities of the Sekyere Central District of Ghana

Water plays a pivotal role in sustainable development, including poverty reduction. The importance of governance for sustainable development has been recognised for some time but within the water and sanitation discipline, for a long time there was little recognition of its centrality. Experts (particularly the Global Water Partnership and the United Nations Development Programme) have agreed that water crisis in the developing world and a rural African community in particular, is a crisis of governance not necessarily a crisis of water scarcity. The introduction of governance into the water sector is an emerging concept particularly in the developing world. This has therefore raised a myriad of questions, which are of great importance to this special study. Some of the questions are: Who are the key actors in water governance at the local level and how effective they have been in playing their respective roles? What are the challenges of water governance at the local level? This study has investigated the extent to which water governance can be made effective in the Sekyere Central District of Ghana. To be precise, the specific objectives of the study include to; identify the key actors in water governance and how effective they have been in playing their respective roles at the local level and identify the challenges of water governance at the local level. The study was carried out in four rural communities in the Sekyere Central District of Ghana. Various institutions and bodies involved in water governance have also been investigated. iv The study revealed that there are various customs and beliefs that relate to access to and management of water resources and water facilities at the community level but they are not documented. All the communities recognized water as a God given resource and that every person has the right of access. The study revealed that about 74 percent of community members do not consider themselves and the government as partners committed to a shared vision of better water service provision. Again the analysis shows that majority (71%) of community members were not aware of water related laws in the country. As a recommendation, institutions involved in water governance need to intensify awareness campaigns on the policy changes and the legal framework governing access to and control of water resources and water facilities. Moreover, there is the need to evaluate, document, and promote the good traditional practices that relate to the access and management of water resources/facilities. In order to operate as a legal entity, it is suggested that the WATSAN Committees need to be assisted to develop their own policies, systems and procedures as well as rules and regulations. Finally, the study concludes that good governance and for that matter good water governance requires that all policy decisions are transparent so that communities can easily follow the steps taken in policy formulation.

Source: KNUST
Water quality assessment of hand dug wells at Kokoteasua and Abompekrom in the Obuasi Municipality in Ghana

Ghana is one of the most densely populated countries in West Africa with about 80% of all diseases in Ghana caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. Thus, a five month study was conducted at a gold mining area in Ghana at Abompekrom and Kokoteasua in the Obuasi Municipality to ascertain the water quality of hand dug wells popularly used by the locals. The study showed elevated levels of pH and dissolved oxygen from the samples analyzed. The concentrations of cations such as magnesium, calcium and zinc were within the WHO limits. However, the concentrations of iron and manganese of the groundwater at Abompekrom had values above WHO limits. The study further revealed that, the concentrations of cadmium and lead exceeded the WHO standards while concentration of anions such as nitrite, nitrate, sulphate and phosphate were within the safe WHO limits. Consequently, it is concluded that the quality of groundwater supplied by the wells was contaminated with both faecal and total coliforms, which were also above the WHO standards, but E. coli was not present. Therefore, most of the groundwater samples from the study areas are not potable and good for human consumption on the basis of the higher concentrations of heavy metals like cadmium, iron and lead and significant counts of coliform bacteria that exceed WHO standards. Consequently, it is recommended that liquid and solid waste disposal facilities should be located at the outskirts of the town at lower points for wells by the local authorities. Communities in the municipality should observe good sanitation and waste disposal. Engineers and Technologist should consider drilling deeper boreholes through the aquifer zones which might be free from contaminations unlike the shallower wells.

Source: KNUST
Water quality deterioration in piped water and its effect on usage and customers’ perception: case study of Adum- Kumasi, Ghana

Assessment of drinking water quality is important for sustainable development. Safe water is the door way to health and health is the pre-requisite for progress, social equity and human dignity. A study on households’ drinking water quality in Western Accra of Ghana from the Weija head-works revealed that the supplied water at some locations did not meet the potable water quality standard. This being the case, the question then arises as to whether it is an isolated case, or that the situation may be recurring in other parts of the country. The main goal of this study was to determine the water quality deterioration in piped water and its effect on water usage and customers’ perception at Adum in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Republic of Ghana. The specific objective of the study were to determine the quality of the treated water at Barekese headworks, to determine the quality of water from the household taps in the selected study area and to investigate customer perception on the quality of water delivered and its effect on usage. Fifty (50) water samples were taken from the Barekese Headworks, Suame reservoir and households at Adum. The samples were analyzed for the following selected physicochemical and bacteriological parameters: pH, ammonia, residual chlorine, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, total hardness, magnesium, calcium, total iron, manganese, nitrate-nitrogen, turbidity, temperature, Escherichia coli, salmonella and faecal coliform. Consumer perception survey was used to examine the consumers’ perception of the water quality and how it affects their usage of the supplied water. The study revealed that the mean concentrations of all of the investigated physicochemical parameters in the drinking water samples were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO)/Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) drinking water quality guidelines. More than half of the water samples collected from the Barekese Headworks, Suame reservoir and households indicated minimal contamination by E.coli and other coliform especially. Many (86%) customers did not have problems with the taste of the water whilst 84% of the customers had no problem with the smell of the water supplied. Eighty (80%) of the customers were satisfied with the colour of the water. The major complaint (50%) was with the sediment content of the water which needs to be looked at. All the consumers complained about the quality of the water supplied immediately after interruption. Customers’ perception of the water taste, smell and colour affected their choice of the water for drinking. The consumers’ usage of the water for drinking was independent of the sediment content. Usage of the water for cooking among the respondents was not influenced by their perception about the aesthetic appearance of the water.

Source: KNUST
Water quality assessment and consumers' perception in Appiadu, Kumasi, Ashanti Region of Ghana

The provision of quality water supply to communities is critical in enhancing their health status. This study assessed the quality of water supplied to inhabitants of Appiadu in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Republic of Ghana, by the Appiadu Community Water Supply System. Water samples from the main reservoir and selected household taps were analysed for some physico-chemical and microbiological parameters using standard methods. A survey was also conducted to assess consumers' perception of the quality of their water supply. Results of the study showed that mean levels of total coliform, faecal coliform, total viable count and faecal enterococci in all the water samples far exceeded the WHO and Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) permissible limits for drinking water. Escherichia coli and Salmonella were, however absent in all the samples. It was also revealed that the mean concentrations of all of the investigated physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity and total hardness) were within the respective WHO / GSA permissible limits. Analysis of the survey results also revealed that majority of inhabitants at Appiadu had no concern about the physical properties (that is taste, smell and colour) of their water, and were satisfied with its quality, even though the microbiological analysis indicates a poor quality, and may pose a health risk to consumers. This study has help highlight the incident of coliform bacteria in the Appiadu Water System.

Source: KNUST
Water quality evaluation of rivers “Simampa” and “Chirimfa, the major sources of water for the Mampong Headworks

Urban areas in developing countries are faced with various environmental problems as a result of rapid urbanization. Of major concern is the contamination of water bodies which are increasingly becoming sinks for environmental pollutants. However, to date only little is known about the pollutant levels in the two major rivers that feed the reservoir that is used by Ghana Water Company to supplies water to Mampong Municipality and its environs. The main objective of the work is water quality evaluation of rivers “Simampa” and “Chirimfa, the major sources of water for the Mampong headworks. Water samples were collected from January, 2014 to April 2014 monthly and were analyzed for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. The mean of each of the parameter was calculated monthly for each river and compared with standards. Correlation coefficient (r) for each river for some parameters was determined. For River Chirimfa there was almost perfect correlation between total alkalinity (T-Alk.) and nitrate (NO3-) (r = 0.998) and no correlation between magnesium hardness (Mg-H) and nitrate (NO3-) (r = 0). For River Simampa there was almost a positive perfect correlation between pH and iron (Fe) (r = 0.998) and very poor positive correlation between magnesium hardness (Mg-H) and nitrate (NO3-) (r = 0.004). All the physical parameters considered were within the limits given by World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Water Company (GWC) except true colour, apparent colour and turbidity which were above the limits provided by WHO and GWC. All the chemical parameters considered were below the available standards provided except total iron which was above the standard provided. The bacteriological parameters considered (total coliforms and faecal coliforms) were all above the standard provided by WHO and GWC.

Source: KNUST
Water quality of boreholes and hand-dug wells at Pakyi No. 1 in the Amansie West District of Ashanti Region of Ghana

The study looked at the water quality of selected boreholes and hand-dug wells which serve as the main sources of drinking water to the inhabitants of Pakyi No1 township in terms of microbial and physicochemical parameters. Water samples were collected and analysed monthly for four months from November, 2012 to February, 2013. The results were compared to World Health Organisation standards. The physicochemical parameters were within WHO standards except PH of some hand-dug wells which were slightly acidic but still within the WHO limit. The nutrients such as NO-3 and NO-2 were higher in hand-dug wells than the boreholes. Faecal coliforms, E.coli and Salmonella were also recorded at some points which were higher above recommended level for drinking water by WHO. It was recommended among others that frequent checks should be carried on the borehole areas to identify early incidence of contamination to take action and the surroundings of boreholes should be kept clean by educating the inhabitants.

Source: KNUST
Water Quality of the Major Streams Serving: the Owabi Reservoir

Water samples from five streams namely, Owabi (Kronum), Akyeampomene, Pumpunase, Sukobri and Owabi (Atafoa), which are the major streams feeding the Owabi Reservoir from December 2006 to April 2007, were analysed for various pollution indicators, using standard methods of World Health Organization (WHO) and the America Public Health Association (APHA). Physical parameters such as, temperature, pH and conductivity were found to be within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization and Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana except Pumpunase and Sukobri which had conductivity 4 eve Is aboVe the standards. All the streams also showed turbidity and colour concentrations above the WHO and EPA - Ghana limits of 5 NTU and 5 PtCo; and 75 NTU and 15 PtCo respectively. Nutrients levels were, generally, low and did not show any clear variation at sample locations except phosphate whose concentration was above WHO and EPA-Ghana recommended limits. Dissolved oxygen was extremely low in all the streams, which were evident in high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) above the permissible WHO, and EPA - Ghana limits. Ionic concentrations in all the streams were generally low with a general ionic dominance contrast to that of fresh water. Grease and oil were found to have polluted all the stream waters with concentrations above the permissible WHO and EPA - Ghana limits of 10 mg/L. Heavy metals were generally low suggesting low metal pollution of the streams. However, the microbial quality of the stream water was poor, rendering it unsafe for domestic purposes without prior treatment. The streams have an appreciable self-purification capacity which is stressed by persistent pollution overloads caused by expanding human activities within the catchment. Cluster analysis performed on the data to determine pollution patterns between the streams depicts that Owabi stream was less polluted; Akyeampomene and Sukobri were moderately polluted whiles Pumpunase stream was the most polluted.

Source: KNUST
Water resource management for socio-economic development. a case study of Pru and Atebubu-Amanten Districts, Ghana

Water is life and it is universally acclaimed as the most important natural resource. The end use of water is essential for every inhabitant and for a wide range of economic and informal sector activities Pollution of water bodies through the use of toxic chemicals by fishermen, farming near and in river beds, higher temperatures and other anthropogenic factors have negative effects on water resources thereby limiting their economic potentials towards sustainable socioeconomic development. There are regulations regarding the sustainable use of water resources in Ghana. However, these regulations are not being adequately adhered to. Given the current trend of population growth and increasing demands both in quantity and quality, the issue of water resource management has become more sensitive than any time previously in the history of Ghana. In view of the effects of climate change on water resources, it is necessary to ensure that water resources are sustainably managed to avoid the adverse effects of climate change. Therefore the research sought to assess the level of application and adherence to water resources regulations for sustainable socio-economic development in the Pru and Atebubu-Amanten districts of Brong Ahafo region. The study employed case study approach to carry out the research. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources and was analysed by the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results from the study indicated that, about 86% of the people in the study area derived their livelihoods either directly or indirectly from water resources in the area. The Water Resource Commission is the agency authorised under the Water Resource Act to regulate and control the use of water resources through granting of water rights and water use permits. The major laws that guide the regulation and management of water resources in Ghana are the Water Resource Commission Act, (No 522 of 1996) and the Water Use Regulation, Legislative Instrument (LI 1692 0f 2001). The granting of Water Use Permit is considered a tool to regulate water abstraction and control pollution of water bodies in Ghana. With emerging water problems, it has become increasingly important that governments develop and implement clear policy priorities and establish enabling framework in the water sector to address under-development, water shortages and pollution, and to allow equitable and efficient access to water.

Source: KNUST