ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The economics of lumber and charcoal production from logging residues

Studies were conducted to determine the economics of conversion of logging residue into lumber and charcoal from December 2000 to May 2001. For lumber, the study was carried out at the workshop of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, Kumasi while for charcoal the study was conducted in the Pra-Anum Forest Reserve at Amantia, Eastern region from where the logging residue were obtained. The specific objectives of the studies were to determine (i) lumber recovery from logging residues of eight timber species using a petrol-operated horizontal mobile bandmill known as a “wood mizer” (ii) the efficiency of lumber production from logging residues and (iii) the profitability of converting logging residues into lumber and charcoal. The experimental setup was Completely Randomized Design and the eight species were Antiaris toxzcarza Engl. (Kyenkyen), Terminalia superba Engi. & Diels. (Ofram), Albizia frrruginea Benth. (Albizia), Nesogordonia papaverifera (A. chev.) R. Capuron. (Danta), Entandrophragma angolense (Weiw. Ex C. DC) (Edinam), Celtis mildbraedii Engi. (Esa fufuo), Pterygota macrocarpa K. Schurn. (Koto) and Turraeanthus africanus (Weiw. C. DC) (Avodire). Tapered bole-shaped residue recorded the highest input volume while the lowest was from the residue with triangular-pyramid shape. In descending order, the input volumes obtained from the four shapes was tapered bole> buttress flanges> central core stump> triangular pyramid. Among timber species, tapered bole residue had about 84.6% more input volume than triangular pyramid. While A. toxicaria had the significantly (P≤ 0.05) highest input volume and sawn lumber volume while the least was from P. macrocarpa. Antiaris toxicaria had the highest percent volume yield (64.5 %) among the different log shapes while the least was from A. ferruginea (31 .3 %). The rest of the species were in the range of 45.5-59.1 %. Several linear relationships were observed in the study which included input volume and lumber recovery, lumber recovery and volume yield, wood density and fuel consumption, frequency of saw wear and production rate per unit time. Generally, the less dense the species, the higher the rate of lumber produced per hour. Furthermore value yield was related to both lumber recovery and quality of the lumber. The study also showed that revenue from lumber was more related to quantity of lumber produced, a reflection of the wood density, rather than the market price. Conversely, charcoal revenue was related to both quantity produced and market price. Results also showed that the higher the wood density used in charcoal production the higher the calorific value of the charcoal obtained. The profitability analysis showed that the benefit-cost ratio was higher for lumber (2.78) than for charcoal (1 .89), an indication that it was more profitable to convert logging residue into sawn lumber than charcoal.

Source: KNUST
Economic viability of solar photovoltaic electrification system in households in Kumasi

Ghana faces its fourth energy crisis which started in 2012. This energy challenge and the rising concern of climate change have led to consideration of renewable energy sources for electricity generation in the country. The discrete choice experiment was used to determine the economic viability of solar photovoltaic systems in households in Kumasi as a means of helping reduce the impact of the energy crisis. The conditional logit model in R software was used for the analysis. The effect of prices on the choices of respondents, and their maximum willingness to pay for various types of solar photovoltaic systems were assessed. The findings revealed that households in Kumasi preferred solar photovoltaic systems that powered as many of their appliances as possible at affordable prices. Although willing to pay more for each additional appliance, prospective customers appeared to have a pre-conceived price beyond which maximum willingness to pay was slightly offset. Solar photovoltaic systems are economically viable but require some form of financial assistance to deploy them in Kumasi.

Source: KNUST
The economics of natural gas liquids (Ngls) fractionation- A case study of the gas processing plant of the Ghana National Gas Company.

This project work was done to ascertain the economic viability of separating NGLs into individual components as oppose to mix product such as LPG using the Ghana National Gas Company Processing Plant as a case study. The process flow diagram of the gas processing plant was reviewed to incorporate a depropanizer to recover propane and a butane splitter to recover isobutane and normal butane. The depropanizer and the butane splitter were sized using the procedure recommended by the Gas Producers and Suppliers Association and cost- benefit analysis conducted using Net Present Value approach the results of which showed that the project was viable. It was recommended that the material balance and the design parameters obtained should be confirmed by the use of a process modeling software and sensitivity analysis be conducted on the cash flow.

Source: KNUST
The economics of small-scale mining of precious minerals in Ghana

Since 1990, Small-Scale Mining (SSM) of gold and diamonds has made significant contribution to the economy of Ghana and has offered jobs to many unemployed people including 2500 retrenched workers from some of the old established large-scale mines. Improvements in Ghanaian SSM have been and will continue to be made for the following reasons: a considerable area of land for gold and diamond mining is available; favourable investment climate exists in Ghana; markets for the precious minerals are available; technical services are available from several established small-scale mining centres; and both skilled and unskilled labours are available. Unfortunately, despite these favourable conditions and contributions, several small-scale mines have folded up in recent years due to economic and organisation problems. The application of some basic economic principles will go a long way towards removing some of the pitfalls associated with SSM and make their operations more efficient from economic and technical points of view. In this thesis, the nature and economics of SSM in Ghana have been described. It has also analysed the economic problems of their operation. Subsequently, preferred strategies and guidelines to improve and sustain the gains of SSM of precious minerals in Ghana have been provided.

Source: KNUST
Ecopharmacovigilance in practice: design of an intervention - the drug disposal flow diagram

Ecopharmacovigilance has been said to describe the science and activities associated with the detection, evaluation, understanding and prevention of adverse effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment. Disposal practices utilised by consumers and players in the pharmaceutical value in dealing with unused and expired products contribute to having pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water sources and other environmental media. A number of strategies have been implemented in different parts of the world to tackle the presence and persistence of pharmaceuticals in the environment. In order to effectively implement successful strategies in any setting, the context of the community in which the strategy is to be implemented is important. This study explores the disposal methods used, assesses the role of regulation on disposal practices and seeks to introduce a new tool, which incorporates the relevant context, to be utilised in the implementation of EPV in Ghana. The study found that there are gaps in the legislation governing the disposal of pharmaceuticals; the methods used for disposal result in pharmaceuticals in the environment; and the Drug Disposal Flow Diagram is a cost effective method of tackling the problem of pharmaceuticals in the environment.

Source: KNUST
Economics of technological change in rice production in the Ejura-Sekyedumase and Atebubu-Amantin Districts, Ghana

Globally, technological change in rice production has ushered in an era of agricultural transformation and has increased economic incentives for farmers. However, such gains appear to be unevenly distributed among farmers. This study, therefore, examined the economics of technological change in rice production in the Ejura-Sekyedumase and Atebubu-Amantin Districts of Ghana. Specifically, the study established whether the improved variety increases the cost of production and returns than did the traditional variety. It also evaluated the nature and magnitude of rice productivity due to the shift from the traditional to the improved rice varieties. Further, the study isolated the sources of productivity differences between the two varieties. The study was largely descriptive using the survey method. The study sampled 208 rice farmers from the two districts using a three-stage stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. The independent samples t-tests, Cobb-Douglas production, and a modified output decomposition analyses techniques were used to analyse the data. The study found that the per hectare cost of production, gross returns, and gross margin of the improved variety were statistically higher, compared to the traditional variety. Second, the magnitude of the impact of the improved variety on rice productivity was 47%. The nature of such productivity increase was largely of the non-neutral type. Third, the estimated productivity difference between the two varieties was 39%, of which a greater share (46%) was contributed by the differences in technology. However, the differences in input use level contributed negatively (-6%) to the productivity difference between the two varieties. Among technical change, non-neutral technical change contributed the greatest share of 45% while neutral technical change contributed about 1%. Finally, the study found that rice farmers who used fertiliser and herbicide as well as accessed extension services and credit facilities were more likely to have higher yield gains than those who did not. The study, therefore, concludes that the technological change in rice production was largely non-neutral and had highly favoured adopters with higher economic incentives such as productivity and returns because they were resource-endowed. The study recommends that technology promotion activities must be integrated with effective input supply and credit systems. Further, mechanised technologies should be developed to reduce the overreliance on manual labour

Source: KNUST
ECONOMICS OF SMALL-SCALE SEED YAM PRODUCTION IN GHANA: IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMERCIALIZATION

This study evaluated the economics of seed yam production in four major yam producing Districts in Ghana. The analysis was based on primary data collected from seventy (70) seed yam producers selected through snowball sampling technique. The data covered seed yam production activities during the 2009 cropping season. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and gross margin analysis was used to assess the profitability of seed yam production. On average, a typical seed yam producer cultivated 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) of seed yam and the yield was estimated at 8,319setts/acre. Average variable cost incurred on an acre of seed yam farm was estimated at GH¢685.68 and planting material costs constituted about 44% of this cost. The gross revenue obtained from seed yam sales was estimated at GH¢1,518.22 per acre and the corresponding gross margin was found to be GH¢832.54 per acre. Evidence from the study suggests that seed yam production is a profitable venture. However, the gross margin of seed yam production varied markedly across yam producing Districts, primarily due to differences in yield and price of seed yams. The two most important production constraints were identified to be inadequate capital and high labour cost. The paper has demonstrated that seed yam production has bright prospects in Ghana and presents an opportunity for private investors to diversify their investment portfolios.

Source: KNUST
Ecosystem restoration strategies in the mining industry: a case study of resolute Amansie Limited

This study sought to evaluate the Resolute Amansie Limited’s (RAL) reclamation efforts particularly its objectives, strategies, and impact on the restoration of the degraded forest ecosystems. The methodology involved field inventory focusing on species diversity, soil development within the concession as well as the socioeconomic survey in the fringed communities in assessing the success of RAL’s reclamation programme. The vegetation survey was conducted in nine — one hectare plots located in three different sites namely: waste dump, tailings dams and control sites. In all, 123 different species of plant were identified in the concession. Species composition at the three study sites however differed significantly (p = 0.0082) with the control sites where mining activities had been excluded being richer than the reclaimed sites. Species richness correlated positively with site soil fertility, age of site reclamation and site activity. Plant species found to be more prevalent on the concession were Acacia mangium, Senna siamea, Chromolaena odorata and Aichornea cordfolia. Dominance of these species resulted mainly from species utilization in reclamation activities and / or species invasiveness. Twelve different vertebrate fauna were also identified indicating that fauna niches and habitats are being established on the reclaimed sites. These results suggest that RAL’s reclamation strategies could impact positively on the recovery of pre-mining species composition. The success however is contingent upon efficient reclamation strategy in recruiting more native species as well as effective community involvement in the different phases of reclamation programme. Identification and provisions of more alternative sources of livelihoods in the fringed communities would play a critical role in the success and sustainability of RAL’s reclamation programme.

Source: KNUST
Editorial management policies and practices of three indigenous Ghanaian Publishing Houses

Editorial management plays a vital role in the book publishing industry. A good editorial policy, if adhered to, checks editorial flaws often seen in pages of printed materials, especially books. After going through some books published by indigenous Ghanaian Publishers, one gets the impression that either the books were not subjected to thorough editorial processes or that they were not taken through any at all. The research sought to identify editorial management practices in book publishing and determine whether indigenous Ghanaian Publishing Houses follow them. The research further sought to find out whether indigenous Ghanaian Publishing Houses had written editorial policies, and to evaluate the editorial standards and editorial management processes of indigenous Ghanaian Publishing Houses. Interviews were conducted with the heads of the editorial department of the three Publishing Houses: Afram, Adwinsa, and Woeli. This was followed by interviews with general managers of the three Publishing Houses. All three Publishers interviewed, claimed they follow strict editorial rules which made it impossible for errors to be seen in their books. To verify the truth of this claim, the researcher randomly selected two books published by each Publisher and analysed their content. The result revealed that all three Publishing Houses had similar editorial management processes they follow to assess submitted manuscript and these processes are no different from the ones used by Publishers outside the country. The result however showed that none of the three Publishing Houses had clearly written editorial policy. iv The result further revealed that all six books evaluated had problems with the handling of text and illustration. There were also typographical or grammatical errors in all six books. One major problem found in all six books was the handling of typography: type sizes and types used, maintaining consistency in text layout and word and line spacing. The research therefore recommended that indigenous Ghanaian Publishing Houses follow recognised publishing practices to the letter by having documented copies of these policies and practices. The research also recommended that indigenous Ghanaian Publishers should have clearly written editorial policy and follow them. It was further recommended that indigenous Ghanaian Publishers engage qualified editors, graphic designers, and book illustrators to help them in assessing and managing their books. The research also recommended that a body should be formed to regulate and maintain the quality of books published and to check the activities of indigenous Ghanaian Publishers. It was further recommended that Government Policy on Publishing should be reviewed. The final recommendation was that Publishers must focus on the editorial aspect of their business since that is the core of the publishing business

Source: KNUST
Educating the Deaf in Vocational Skills: Selected Schools for the Deaf in Focus

Unemployment is a major problem facing Ghanaian school leavers. This problem is sometimes more severe among school leavers who are deaf. This alarming trend is seen in the growing number of deaf persons turning into begging and other antisocial activities that degrade them and create negative reaction towards them by people who are not deaf. Information from Bechem Technical Institute for the Deaf in 2005 indicated that, eight out of ten students who graduate from the vocational centre in the school do not work with the vocational skills they have acquired in any gainful employment. This was linked to difficulties in the vocational education of the deaf and some social factors outside the school environment which limit the employment chances of the deaf. It was based on these that the study commenced to find out the underlining difficulties in vocational education of the deaf in Ghana and also to find out the reasons why those who undergo vocational education in schools for the deaf are not able to work with their skills either in self-employment or working in an existing venture. Books and other documents were read for information on the theoretical framework of school curriculum in Ghana, vocational education, attitudes towards the disabled with emphases on the deaf as well as empirical study relating to the topic. The study made use of qualitative research methodology in data collection, analysis and discussion. With three schools for the deaf in three regions of Ghana selected as a case study, the researcher employed observation, questionnaire and interview as data collection instruments. Data gathered were described with illustration. Photographic camera was also used to take pictures of selected artefacts made by students during the study. The main findings are that, vocational education faces multiple problems such as financing, unavailable up- to-date tools and materials and unsuitable syllabi and teaching/learning materials. Again, parental neglect, superstition and communication barriers were identified as the main problems that limit the employment chances of the deaf who have graduated with vocational skills. It is recommended that selection of teachers for vocational education in schools for the deaf should be based on adequate qualification in special need educational strategies. Moreover, stake holders in education should help in providing funds, infrastructure, suitable teaching and learning materials and tools. There should be a vigorous public education through the mass media aimed at eliminating all forms of negative attitudes, beliefs, superstitions and discriminations that hinder the employment chances of the deaf after leaving their schools' environment.

Source: KNUST
Education demand in tertiary institutions: an empirical assessment of international students’ demand in Ghana.

International students have proven to be essential for the progress observed in the major tertiary institutions of the world and acknowledged to have aided countries within which these institutions are situated to generate billions in export revenue. Owing to their significant contributions, majority of institutions and countries desiring to take advantage of their knowledge economy have been compelled to prioritize and explore issues in their education sector particularly those relating to the factors necessitating inbound mobility of students into their institutions/country. In Ghana however, attention has often been focused on explaining outbound mobility of students. This paper therefore diverted its focus by examining the responsiveness of international demand for tertiary education in Ghana, with respect to institutional and macroeconomic variables that have influenced demand in other countries. The logistic regression applied on the institutional and macroeconomic variables of interest established that, the influence of macroeconomic variables on international student’s education demand decisions outweighs that of institutional variables in Ghana. The study further found programme offered, institutional reputation and advertisement as significant institutional variables; and security and immigration procedures as the significant macroeconomic variables influencing international student’s demand for tertiary education in the country. Based on the findings, creation of immigration desks/offices in institutions, a review and restructure of programmes and courses towards computer-oriented, engineering and business related programmes and courses, and an adequate motivation for the immigration service and other security agencies in the country is recommended.

Source: KNUST
Educational and aesthetic values of “Tsiamitiwo” (spokesman’s/linguist staffs) from Abutia traditional area

The study seeks to have a glance at the historical background of the people of Abutia, the beliefs as well as the origin and symbolism of their Tsiamitiwo. A section also visits the meaning of the symbols and their importance to the chiefs, Tsiamiwo, Abutiawo as well as Ghanaians. The focus of this essay is also to instill in both the younger and older generation an aspect of the Ghanaian culture and for that matter that of Abutiawo. It aims also to uncover and serve as reference material to teachers, students and all Ghanaians so as to enhance the teaching and learning processes. The researcher restricted himself to the use of the staffs by the chiefs in Abutia Traditional Area with special reference to Teti, Agove and Kloe respectively. The research design used in the study was the qualitative method. It involves the description, recording, analysis, and interpretation of conditions that exist. The data collecting instruments the researcher used in this study were questionnaire. interview and observation to solicit the knowledge of respondents. Some major findings were that: The younger generations are not prepared/interested to learn some of these things from the elderly and knowledgeable ones in their communities. The traditionalists have the information but were chiefly transmitted orally from generation to generation and have not been documented for the younger generations to learn. Almost all the Tsiamitiwo were collapsible and joined/fitted together with a simple tenon and mortise joint some of which are screwed. Almost all the staffs were made of wood and decorated/covered with representational/geometric shapes. Some of the recommendations made were that: Other researchers or writers should research more into the other ethnic groups of Ghana than the Akans. The people of Abutia should do away with superstitions and reveal/release relevant information for the promotion of the Ewe culture where the need arises. Again, seminars, symposia workshops and photographic exhibitions should be organized periodically (especially festive times) to acquaint artists and the general public of most recent research findings. Besides film/video documentation could be properly utilized in both training of Art educationists and teaching in the institutions of learning.

Source: KNUST