ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Environmental effects of sand winning activities in the Ahanta West District: a case study of Adjua and Funkoe

Environmental issues are now high on the agenda of all governments worldwide. This is the result of the realization that development and the environment are inseparable and that utilization of resources to satisfy man’s needs should not be done without ecological considerations. However in two settlements - Adjua and Funkoe in the Ahanta West District, the inhabitants have subjected the coastline to very intensive and unprecedented sand winning activities. This has resulted in serious environmental damage to the coastline. This study examines the whole sand winning industry by examining the operations of the industry, identifying the costs and benefits as well as the beneficiaries of the activity. It also examines the perception of the inhabitants on adverse environmental effects of sand winning in the two settlements. To achieve the above objectives, data were assembled from both documentary sources and interviews with representative sample of individual sand winners, Chiefs and Elders, Town Development committees (TDC5) of Adjua and Funkoe. Data were also gathered through interview guides from the Environmental Protection Council at Takoradi, the Mines Department and the Ahanta West District Assembly. The study revealed that sand winning is an important economic activity which gives sustenance to over 40 percent of the inhabitants at Adjua and Funkoe. In addition, proceeds from sand winning activities are used to finance community projects. However 73.4 percent of the income earned from sand winning activities goes to contractors whilst the Community gets only 26.6%. Pronounced coastal erosion and the washing away of buildings and coconut trees were seen as a direct effect of the sand winning activities. The study also revealed that the rate of replenishment of sand from the sea is less than the rate of extraction, the difference manifesting itself in pronounced coastal erosion. In response to both the positive and negative effects of sand winning, it is proposed that the activity should be continued but with ecological considerations. It is proposed that awareness campaigns be instituted now whilst alternative sites are found for the activity. Another proposal is the alternation of the Sand winning activities along the coast to minimize damage and allow the sea to replenish the lost sand. It is also proposed that the whole sand winning industry be institutionalized with the District Assembly at the centre of operation. In the long run, it is proposed that District Environmental Committees be set up to streamline all activities on the environment whilst making efforts with other bodies to reclaim and rehabilitate the Adjua and Funkoe Beaches. The study concludes that if the recommendations are acted upon, maximum benefits would be obtained from Sand winning which will become sustainable in the long run with ecological considerations at the background.

Source: KNUST
Environmental impact of accelerated development on West Gonja District — a case study in Northern Ghana

West Gonja which is the study area is located in the northern region of Ghana. Mole National Park which is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Ghana is also located in the district. Currently the potential accelerated development project may prove detrimental to the natural resources7 ultimately threatening the sustainability of such development. This study aims at identifying the major environmental effects of accelerated development that are noticeable or anticipated in the study area. Assessment of such impact; an examination of government institutional arrangements and recommendations to provide solutions to these issues have been made. Many environmental issues affecting communities and sectoral agencies in the district have been discussed. Such observable changes as deeline in the animal species diversity and. forest cover are stressed and. reasons for such degradations interpreted. Increase in temperature, wind speed and increasing unreliability of precipitation have boon analysed. The present agroforestry, and change in land use practices have been discussed. Bush fires their causes, effects and community feelings have been keenly taken into account to form the backbone of the study. Problems related to water based diseases have been highlighted. The effect of the Akosombo dam and the presence of the two Voltas (Black and White Valta rivers) have been taken into account seriously. Current resettlement programmes along the two rivers and in Damongo have been examined. The interlinkages of those developments, how they catalyse and influence one another in development have been elaborated. The possibility of integrating environmental issues (natural resource assessment and environmental considerations) given the existing policies and decentri1isition trend has been evaluated. The importance of economic-cum-environmental consideration in development planning, community participation and informal environmental education has been underscored. At the end, the study concludes with recommendations to check the fast deteriorating environmental conditions in the district.

Source: KNUST
Environmental impact of surface mining at BBGL

Concomitant with the favourable investment climate created by the government of Ghana for the mining industry, there has been a significant increase in surface mining activities in the country. The intensified mining activities, however, have their environmental implications which are a matter of concern to both the inhabitants of the mining towns and villages and the government. Billiton Bogosu Gold Limited (BBGL) is one of the newly established surface mines in the tropical rainfall belt of West Africa, within the Western Region of Ghana. The concession of BBGL lies close to the township of Bogoso. The gold bearing ore deposit is of both the suiphide and oxide types. Environmental issues associated with mining and processing of such ores are well known. Daily production of ore and waste is presently about 21,000 tonnes. The plant has the capacity to process approximately 190 tph of oxide ore or 150 tph of suiphide ore. Since the start of production in Nov. ‘92 to the end of Dec. ‘94, the mine has produced 3,004.4 kt of ore and 13,428.5 kt of waste. The company produces about 9,500 oz of gold/month. This research work analyses the socio-economic aspect of the surrounding area to determine how the mine impacts on the inhabitants of the local community with respect to standard of living, farming, hunting, water management, etc. It also highlights techniques employed by the mine to minimise contamination of surface and ground waters and the method used to reduce air pollution of gasses from roasting. The results show that the impact on surface and ground water, particularly from arsenic and cyanides, are within acceptable limits. However, mine pit suiphide waste management practice needs critical attention to forestall a future Acid Mine Drainage problem. Useful suggestions have been offered through analysis to guide the company in the management of the deposit to optimise production and minimise environmental impact.

Source: KNUST
Environmental Impacts of Construction Aggregate Mining in the Greater Accra Region (A Case – Study of Amasaman in the Ga West Municipal)

Aggregates production from mining operations contributes significantly to the Ghanaian economy. New construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure require aggregates at an economically acceptable cost. However, environmental impacts from construction aggregate mining yield a significant effect on nature. Aggregate mining in Ghana involves the extraction of unconsolidated sand, gravels, river stones, and crushed stones mainly for road and building construction. Stone quarrying activities like blasting, crushing and site clearance; sand and gravel mining activities like transportation, excavation, and site clearance are identified to have the most significantly severe environmental impacts. These activities give rise to atmospheric pollutants which degrade air quality and result in serious health consequences. Diesel fumes, fugitive dust blowing from construction aggregates, and increased traffic are identified as the major potential cumulative impacts from aggregate mining in Ghana. Health hazards arising from such impacts to mine workers, nearby residents, and the general public are identified as cold and catarrh, respiratory disorders, and asthma. Erosion of exposed areas, sedimentation associated with the use of heavy machinery, and loss of wildlife and plant habitats also identified to result in significantly severe ecosystem impacts, whilst noise, vibration and dust constitute significantly severe “public nuisance” effects. An exploratory study was conducted using structured questionnaire to identify the main environmental impacts of aggregate mining in Ghana, and measures to mitigate such impacts. The study used the random sampling method to select mine operators, nearby residents, and the general public for the study. Quantitative analyses were adopted for the environmental impacts and mitigating measures. Aggregate miners in Ghana have no major reclamation programmes for degraded areas, and such areas are currently being used as landfills sites, refuse dumps, or are left for natural regeneration. Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) which have the primary authority for regulating aggregate mining operations should issue local permits and require performance bonds or some other form of financial assurance in order to ensure the enforcement of hours of operation, noise and dust mitigation measures, and reclamation programmes.

Source: KNUST
Environmental implication of urban land development: a case study of waterlogged areas in Kumasi (Aboabo and Anloga)

Based on field research from two settlements, namely Aboabo and Anloga, with identical environmental problems ranging from population density, nature of housing and levels of education in the Kumasi Metropolis, the study investigates environmental implication of Urban Land development amidst increase in population and development on the nature reserves in the Kumasi metropolis. It employs personal observation; oral interviews the use of questionnaire and reference from project works of some past students to examine the environmental implication of such changes on the communities, and the city as a whole. In recent years the attempt by the state to increase areas of land and aquatic resource into protected areas by imposing restrictions on the use of nature reserves by the local inhabitants, apart from causing poverty and social conflicts, also causes environmental degradation. The study examines the extent to which the nature reserves are managed by the Metropolitan Authorities in Ghana in general and in Kumasi in particular. It also takes a critical look at environmental hygiene problems, notably garbage handling along our nature reserves, particularly the waterlogged areas adjacent to the Aboabo and Sisal streams. The method of random sampling was used to collect data and the data was analysed by the use of percentages and proportions. It is found that these areas are usually occupied by the marginal sector squatter settlers who are the poorest of the poor; old labourers, divorced wives, handicapped persons, beggars and rag pickers who have little sources of income. They eat barely one meal a day. Such people need special care through the provision of shelter, health care and economic support. It is necessary for policy makers to recognize that squatter settlers will continue to remain as long as rural-urban caring differentials persist in the country. This leads to the continuous disobedience of law, and uncontrolled Urban growth resulting in conflicts in Urban land use. The author therefore made some suggestions which can help find lasting solutions to the numerous problems.

Source: KNUST
Environmental Implication of Physical Developments in Unplanned Urban Fringes: a Case Study of Adweso Neighbourhood of Koforidua

This study was aimed at the examination of the possible effects physical developments have on the environment of unplanned urban fringes. The research was conducted in Koforidua, an urban centre and focused on the Adweso neighbourhood, which is a suburb of the Koforidua Municipal area. Adweso was chosen due to its unique position as a growing fringe community of the municipality. With descriptive research design, the study achieved the following specific objectives. These were to study the pattern of physical development, investigate the planning and development control measures available in the study area and finally to determine the implication of physical development on the environment in the Adweso neighbourhood. To facilitate the study and to achieve its set objectives, the study employed the use of personal observation of physical developments, the use of questionnaires and structured interview guides on stakeholders in the development planning and control as well as property owners in the area. Land use planning agencies together with sixty-five (65) property owners were interviewed for the study. The study revealed that developments within the area were done in a haphazard and disorderly manner as buildings were indiscriminately constructed anywhere. It was discovered that this phenomenon resulted from the fact that the area was not planned prior to the commencement of the springing up of physical structures. This pattern of development, through observation, has serious environmental consequences for the residents of the area. Conclusions were drawn to show how the current pattern of development has affected the environment of the neighbourhood. Specific environmental problems identified in the study includes lack of drainage facilities resulting in flooding during heavy rains, disruption of ecological areas such as river/stream courses and wetlands, destruction of the original forest cover of the area, poor sanitation and waste management practices as well as land degradation through the activities of sand winners. Apart from the environmental problems, other factors were found to be responsible for the nature and pattern of development of the area. Some of these include laxity in the implementation of planning laws and building regulations, inability of physical planning to outpace the rate of development, delays in the permit approval process, lack of effective supervision of building works and the general failure of developers to adhere to approved plans during the course of construction. From the conclusions drawn, recommendations were made which were aimed at finding solutions to the problems identified in the study.

Source: KNUST
Environmental pollutants in biological and sediment samples from the mining environs of Obuasi, Ghana

Drinking water from taps and deep wells, sediments of surface waters, fish, vegetables and cash crops were collected from Kwabrafoso, Wawaase, Kokoteasua, Nyamso, Dadwen, Pomposo, Diewuoso, Odurnase, Hia, Ayease, Domeabra, Akrofuom, Suhyenso and Ampunyase. The above-named samples were analysed for the levels of arsenic, sulphate, cyanide, selenium and mercury. Colorimetric methods were employed to determine arsenic, cyanide and selenium while turbidimetric and atomic absorption spectrophotometry methods were used to determine sulphate and mercury respectively. A’naiysis of the samples obtained from the above-named sites indicated that, the sediments, vegetables, oil palm fruits and fish contained high levels of arsenic, sulphate and selenium. At Kwabrafoso, cocoyam leaves have total arsenic level of 4.9-6.2mg/kg while sediments contain 132.4-269.5mg/kg. Cyanide levels in sediments collected from rivers carrying the effluent were also high. Levels in food crops and fish were however, within W.H.O. accepted limits. Cyanide levels in sediments were 13.0-30.0mg/kg at Kwabrafoso while garden eggs have a level of 1.3-3.9mg/kg. The analysis of food samples showed that the levels of mercury were all above the W.H.O. accepted limits as shown at Ampunyase with a level of 9.62-9.88 mg/kg in cocoyam leaves. The results also indicated that the levels of the pollutants decreased with increasing distance from the treatment plant. At Kwabrafoso, sulphate levels in sediments were 130.0-160.0mg/kg and 93.4-100.8 mg/kg at Ampunyase. The concentration of the pollutants increased during the rainy season; selenium concentration in oil palm fruits was 5.6mg/kg in December and 9.7mg/kg in June at Kokoteasua. Samples collected from villages in the prevailing wind direction however, showed higher levels of pollutants than those in the leeward side. Total arsenic levels in garden eggs were 1.5-4.3mg/kg in the wind direction and 1.2-1.5 mg/kg in the leeward side. The general water quality of tap and deep well waters showed that they were safe for drinking except the deep well at Kwabrafoso, which had arsenic level above the 0.O5ppm maximum limit of the W.H.O. Mercury levels in the borehole at Ampunyase and Nyamso were also higher than the W.H.O. maximum limit of 1.0ppb.

Source: KNUST
Environmental sensitivity criteria for screening agricultural projects within the environmental assessment framework of Ghana - case study of two districts in Ashanti Region

This study was designed to help develop screening criteria for agricultural projects proposed for hilly areas, within the EIA framework of Ghana. Two districts Ejura Sekyedumasi and Asante Akin’ North in Asante Region were used for the study. The criteria for selecting the districts were topography and ecological zone. One hundred and fifty (150) farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The farmers were both males and females and the questionnaire covered information that assisted in establishing linkages between farming practices and extent of problems encountered with reference to site characteristics. Informal discussions with experts including an agronomist, a soil scientist on linkages between slope characteristics and farming practices observed. Rainfall data from the Meteorological Services Department for two major observation posts (Ejura and Agogo) within the Districts was collated. Bimodal rainfall pattern with mean rainfall intensity of 1200mm could have significant negative impact on farm sites with slope gradient less than 7°, particularly when the site is under continuous cultivation and the soil have low organic content like in the transitional zone. Due to varying environmental conditions associated with different hilly areas and the different nature of agricultural activities, It would be appropriate for crop cultivation earmarked for hilly areas to undergo Special Preliminary Environmental Assessment Registration (SPEAR) The registration should take cognizance of slope characteristics among other factors in screening agricultural projects at hilly areas. It should gather information from the following. indicators: (i) Slope gradient; less than 7° or above 7° but less than 15°, (ii) Sitting of agricultural project; Transitional zone or Forest zone, (iii) Farming system or practice to be employed; e.g. Mixed farming, crop rotation. continuous farming, shifting cultivation or plantation or a combination of two or more, (iv) Soil characteristics; soil texture or aggregate stability and organic matter content, (v) Land area to be cultivated; small, medium or large. However, if the slope gradient is above 7° in the transitional zone or above 150 in the forest zone then a critical examination should be applied. This may require detailed level study, with a broader sample area and empirical weightings for key factors to determine their thresholds. What is proposed now could be a very useful guide for EIA practitioners and managers. It is also an improvement on the hither to blanket environmental sensitivity area criteria in the Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures of Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Environmental values from plantation forests: a study of Ghana’s modified Taungya System in Dormaa Forest District

Natural resources, such as forests are valuable assets because they yield flows of valuable direct and indirect services to people. Notwithstanding, forest in Ghana have progressively disappeared over the years. This could be attributed to the fact that forest management in Ghana focuses mainly on timber which has direct market benefits. Largely, environmental services (non-market values) of forests are not taken into account in forest management planning. This may be as a result of the lack of knowledge, understanding and estimation of the value of environmental services provided by forests. This study sought to bridge this information gap by estimating the values of environmental services of MTS forest plantation using choice modelling along with the identification of management options that impact the provision of these values. Each step of the research was built on the perspectives of respondents. From literature and reconnaissance surveys, environmental services (attributes) of forest plantation were identified, validated and ranked in order of importance in focus group discussions. The first four environmental services on top of the ranking were selected for the study. Conjoint analysis was employed to estimate the value of these services. SPSS orthogonal design was used to generate different combinations of attribute levels which were presented as choice profiles to respondents. Respondents ranked these profiles from most to least preferred. The payment vehicle selected for this study was direct payment to participating farmers. The results show that water regulation was the most influential attribute in the ranking of choice profiles from the study forest plantation. Increasing money values had no effect on how these choice profiles were ranked. The result of the ordered logistic models shows that those who are not married, respondents from Abonsrakrom community, those with no formal, primary and middle school education placed higher value on choice profiles made up of higher attribute levels. In all, farmers were willing to accept GH¢400/hectare/year as compensation for improving environmental services. The choice experiment technique allowed respondents to indicate the relative value they place on various environmental services from small holder plantations. The findings on the value of forest plantation environmental services have important implications for forest management. Careful management is required to ensure the continuous provision and flow of forest plantation environmental services. Paramount amongst identified management options was fire management strategies. To ensure effective governance of the established forest plantations, institutional arrangements need to be strengthened.

Source: KNUST