ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Planning for water resource development for agriculture in Ghana - the case of the Western Dagomba District Council Area

Various government of this country has recognised the agricultural potential of the study area and the region in general. However, lack of water constitutes a major drawback in the exploitation of this potential to the full for the agricultural needs of the country. The problem then is how to ensure that there is adequate water supply in this area for agricultural development. Thus the objective of the study is to establish the fact that there is inadequate water supply for agricultural development in the study area and to offer proposals for water resource development in the area. The study relied on primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data which were obtained from field survey were used for drawing conclusion on the study. The secondary data on the other hand which were from literature review served as the analytical base of the report. In pursuance of our objective two of the dams namely, Bunglung and Libga that have been constructed for irrigation to help solve the problem were evaluated. The evaluation proved that in terms of the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and the Socio-economic impact study the projects were viable. The study revealed that even though rainfall is seasonal and inadequate there is a high potential of water resource in the study area for agricultural development if only the water available could be well harnessed and managed. The evaluation also identified some problems which should be solved if the potential is to be realised. These are: 1. failure to involve the people in the whole process f planning, development and of these projects, 2. Failure to integrate irrigation into •the regional development plan, 3. lack of properly defined role for the Irrigation Development Authority (IDA) between construction and management of irrigation projects, and 4. Specifically to the projects we have problems of improper planning, development and management, input supplies, marketing, and plant diseases. To offset these problems the following are recommended: (i) that planning should be integrative and must take cognissance of community participation in overall national development process, (ii) that there should be the provision of agricultural, infrastructural and social support services and (iii) that there should be the establishment of a semiautonomous organisation for planning and management of irrigation activities. In the opinion of the writer the setting of such an organisation could provide the basis for the solution of much of the problems confronting the irrigation projects, because of its power to take decisions and be able to act on them decisively. In considering these proposals it is hoped that the very little water that is available in the study area can have greater impact on agricultural development if properly harnessed.

Source: KNUST
A planning strategy for food crop marketing in Techiman District, Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

Like many other developing countries, agriculture assumes a dominant status in the economy of Ghana today. Its development is therefore crucial to bring about growth and expansion in other sectors of the economy. In order to have a deeper understanding of the production and marketing systems, a household survey, market survey and traffic counts were conducted in five settlements. The study revealed two major stumbling blocks in the agricultural economy. First, farmers do not have effective access to productive inputs and services. Input delivery, extension and credit services hardly ever venture into the hinterland. Secondly, farmer’s initiative to produce more is being frustrated by lack of access to markets. This is further explained by poor road system, high transport costs, inadequate motor fleet, poor pricing system, lack of up to date market information and so on. The effect of lack of effective access to productive inputs and markets has manifested itself in declining productivity, falling farm income and consequently, deteriorating standard of living. A planning strategy is proposed to correct the deficiency in the system of production and marketing. The strategy recognises a high degree of community participation, accelerated use of local resources and sectoral and spatial co-ordination of activities. The strategy contains such projects as construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of feeder roads, provision of extension services, training of farmers, construction of improved silos and so on. At the end of the day, the road, storage, pricing, market information systems should improve. Easy access to markets will stimulate farmers to produce more for the market. This will result in increased income, high savings and further investment in agriculture.

Source: KNUST
Planning, controlling and managing placer gold exploration using project evaluation and review technique (PERT)

There are many placer gold deposits in Ghana, the exploitation of which, when carefully and systematically planned and managed, can contribute immensely to the economic development of the nation. However, placer gold exploration undertaken by many Ghanaian small companies have been characterized by poor planning, haphazard scheduling and coordinating of activities, as well as ineffective control and management of the exploration personnel The difficulties encountered in undertaking a sound exploration programme to adequately test and evaluate the resource before exploitation have forced many financiers to become disillusioned with placer gold projects and left wondering if any is ever viable. This negative trend of events is discouraging many Ghanaian mining entrepreneurs as their investments are not yielding the expected returns. This study discusses the various activities involved in placer gold exploration, identifies the major lapses in the management and control of the exploration personnel, provides guidelines for effective planning, controlling and coordinating of the activities using Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). The study also suggests: I. appropriate measures to be adopted for scheduling activities and resources when the same resource is needed on more than one activity; and 2. cost-effective means to organize and control the exploration personnel for successful placer gold exploration.

Source: KNUST
Planning, implementation and management of agricultural extension services in the Nkoranza district of Ghana

In the Nkoranza district of Ghana where agriculture engages 95 per cent of the population, productivity ox most crops fall far below achievable levels, major causes of which include heavy field losses, insufficient agricultural financing, declining soil fertility and poor access to extension services. As agricultural extension is considered one of the support services and mode of intervention vital to the development of agriculture, it follows that the lot of the people in the district could be improved if the agricultural extension delivery system in the district is improved. The main objectives of the study are to examine the planning, implementation and management aspects of extension delivery in the district, identify areas in the delivery system that require improvement and to make recommendations for improvement. The multistage and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select farmers and extension staff for interviews. Data was collected from field surveys, key informant interviews and secondary sources. Descriptive statistical techniques were used for the analysis of the data collected. Findings indicate that although planning is done, various Components of the planning process are dictated from headquarters, and no replanning is done. The majority of farmers do not receive extension services, and logistics for extension staff are inadequate. Other findings include weak research-extension--farmer linkages, poor control and supervision of staff due to the large number of subordinates and poor motivation for staff especially with the D.A.E.S., and inadequate training for both extension staff and farmers, but especially for the L.D.C. staff. Farmers were observed to have several sources of information, the most useful in terms of adoption being the extension worker. Some innovations were observed to be readily adopted, others only partially adopted, and a good number completely rejected. On the basis of these findings, recommendations made include the use of data collected in the local determination of programme goals, objectives, content and methods, and the selection and phasing of project. There is also the need for the use of evaluation results for the replanning of extension programmes. Recommendations bearing on implementation of extension programmes include the recruitment of more staff for the D.A.E.S., provision of more logistics, greater use of the mass media for message dissemination, expansion of farmer training, laying more emphasis on innovations that yield visible benefits but with little or no extra expenditure by farmers, and the strengthening of extension research linkage. To improve upon management, recommendations include reducing the number of subordinates controlled and supervised directly by the D.A.E.O., intensification of staff training, staff motivation, and making effective use of results of monitoring and evaluation,

Source: KNUST
Planting date and plant density effects on flower abortion, fruit yield and seed quality of two varieties of chilli pepper (capsicum frutescens l.) in Ghana

Field and laboratory experiments were carried out between April 2014 and March 2015 to evaluate the effects of planting date and density on flower abortion, fruit yield and seed quality of two chilli varieties. The field trial was laid out in 2x3x3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The factors studied included two chilli varieties (Shito Adope and Legon-18); three planting dates (May 12, 2014; June 13, 2014; and September 29, 2014); and plant spacing at three levels (60 cm x 30 cm; 70 cm x 30 cm; 80 cm x 30 cm). The field study was conducted at the Crops Research Institute-Kwadaso Station, Kumasi, Ghana. Growth, yield and seed quality parameters were evaluated during the study period. Legon-18 exhibited higher performance than Shito Adope for parameters such as plant height (53.9 than 44.9), branch numbers (9.6 than 5.9), canopy width (42.67 than 39.30), fruit yield (3.33 than 2.86), number (73.40 than 60.21) and weight of seeds per fruit (0.37 than 0.33). In contrast, Shito Adope took fewer days to attain 50% flowering (30.07) and fruit set (33.97). Shito Adope also recorded higher flower drop (14.60). Dates of planting significantly affected growth and seed quality parameters with seedlings planted in May and June recording taller plants (52.6 and 54.9), more branches (8.8 and 7.7), wider canopies (44.3 and 43.9), and higher fruit yield (3.70 and 3.35). Early flowering and fruit set, higher germination and vigour percentages were attained during the same period; while flower drops were more prevalent during the first and third dates of sowing with values of 14.90 and 15.80, respectively. Higher seed yields were recorded during the September planting. Plant density showed no iv significant effect on all parameters studied except plant height, with the widest spacing (80 x 30) recording the tallest heights (49.94). Six fungal species were identified; with Collectotrichum graminicola recording the highest pathogen incidence (282). Seeds planted in May, 2014 recorded the highest fungal pathogens occurrence. The results indicate that for quality seed production, chilli should be cultivated during periods with moderate rainfall to avoid higher disease infection; however, periods with extremely high temperatures should also be avoided as they tends to increase the rate of flower drop.

Source: KNUST
Planning, implementation and operation of educational services in Mpohor Wassa East District of Ghana

The fundamental contribution of education and the role it plays in social and economic growth and development in Ghana and the world aver is, beyond doubt, considerably significant. In Ghana, the importance and the significance of education was realized and given emphasis on the very day of independence. Various post-independence governments tried to reform the education system in order to increase the number of enrolments and the quality of education in pre-university level for the development of this country. However, inspite of all the efforts to reform the education system, the quality of education at the pre-university level had continued to decline because of the wide range of problems, challenges and limitations that faced the education system. Among these problems, challenges and limitations that faced the education system were lack of trained teachers, shortage of textbooks, buildings, lack of furniture, and inadequate financial resources. Even the education provided was not geared to prepare young men and women for technical and vocational jobs. Thus, having realized the role of human resources development for sustainable economic growth and also having realized the problems faced by the education system during previous post- independence governments, the PNDC government came up with a Policy of educational reform since 1987 with the philosophy of achieving universal basic education, eradication of illiteracy, increased access to education, introduction of better management system and planning and ensuring that the education provided are preparing young men and women into technical and vocational fields. This study was, thus, carried out to study and assess the problems associated with planning, implementation and operation of educational services with particular reference to Junior Secondary School in Mpohor Wassa East District of Ghana. The results of the study were, essentially, that provision of educational services particularly in Junior Secondary Schools faces a wide range of problems, challenges and limitations. These include, among other things, lack of trained teachers, lack of infrastructure and facilities, and lack of financial resources. Recommendations in the form of intervention have been proposed. If well implemented, these proposed recommendations are expected to enhance and improve the provision of educational services in Junior Secondary School for the development of the District and the Nation at large.

Source: KNUST
Plastic surgery clinic Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi

The need for a Plastic Surgery Clinic (Centre) in Ghana has been echoed time and time again by various bodies, governments and organisations, But at no time as ever has the need been so pressing, when the shortage of qualified plastic surgeons is seriously affecting the health delivery system of the country. With the present remarkable demographic changes in the urban centres and the country as a whole, manifested in increasing urban influx, rapid population growth and coupled with changing medical technologies, the existing medical facilities are inadequate in coping up with the outlined needs and trends of the populace. Upon this realisation, one of the contributing factors toward achieving this reality is the concept of developing or establishing a new comprehensive Plastic Surgery Clinic (Centre) at this critical period to meet the user’s requirement and current trends in the health delivery system. Thus raising the hope of W.H.O’s declaration of “Health for all by 2000 A.D” It is also the realization of this need that as a contribution to the national development and to instigate the health authorities to capitalize on its potentials as a health centre it has been chosen to compile, analyse and synthesis requisite background information and present a design of such a facility for implementation as a design thesis for the Post Graduate Diploma in Architecture. The procedure used for the thesis was first to present a general background of the plastic surgery situation in the country, focusing on the Ashanti Region and Kumasi in particular. Feasibility studies were then undertaken to review the existing situation and to establish the need, viability of the project in the light of current economic, social and health conditions in the country. Special studies such as technical analysis of operating theatres, laboratories, x-ray department, special wards were critically carried out. With all the above studies culminating in a final comprehensive design brief to supplement the initial client’s brief.

Source: KNUST
Plasma osmolarity and haematological changes in diarrhoeal children at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Eighty-eight diarrhoeal children between 0-12 years were investigated before management at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. However, only 36 of them were available for investigation after management. Fifty healthy children, with comparable ages, were used as controls. The incidence was highest in the 6.96-10.98 month age group. Biochemical studies revealed a 50.0 % improvement in natraemic cases after diarrhoeal management and a modest improvement of 5.6 % among kalaemic cases. There was a significant improvement in osmolarity among the diarrhoeal patients to the modest value of 58.6 % indicating the relevance and effectiveness of osmolar monitoring in the management of diarrhoeal patients. Also biochemical studies revealed a 52.8% improved natraemic cases, 9 1.7% improved kalaemic cases and 86.1% improved isomolar cases in the controls. The study called for the need to determine electrolyte levels in Ghanaian children before and during diarrhoeal management. Haematological findings indicated a mean value of 10.2056 g/dl, representing 6.8 % improvement in the haemoglobin content of patients, after management. There was a weight gain among the diarrhoeal patients after management. This was a modest value of 2.0 %. The mean haemoglobin levels and mean weight were 10.0833 g/dl and 8.5056 kg respectively among the controls. These findings further suggest that diarrhoeal patients who are well managed during the episode will show a remarkable improvement. A mortality rate of 3.4 % was observed among the patients studied who incidentally also showed a significant mean white cell count of 15.8 x 109/l.

Source: KNUST
Plastic Recycling Plant, Dompoase [Kumasi].

Kumasi metropolis is faced with sanitation problems although it is described as the “Garden City” of Ghana. It is estimated that the metropolis produces 1,500 tonnes of solid waste daily of which 3.52% (54 tonnes) forms the plastic component. The non-degradable nature of low density polyethylene makes it more devastating as the plastic could be there for months and years without degrading thereby prqlonging these sanitation problems. Recycling and reuse then means less dependence on petroleum. However, concerns over the volume of plastic waste generated have created growing interest in recycling efforts. This thesis seeks to undertake research leading to the design of a plastic recycling plant in an effort to define the role of architectural design in the waste management sector of development. The designed will meet the needs of all users of the facility in a harmonious atmosphere by the use of modern technology and machines which are environmentally friendly to users together with well designed landscaping to link zoned units.

Source: KNUST
Plastics Recycling Plant - Tema

Accra, the capital of the nation has been grappling with the issue or menace of plastic waste. Over the years, government has tried to rectify this problem through disposing the city’s waste at dump sites and landfill sites. This situation in no uncertain terms has led to no avail since government is unable to find a stable location for dumping the city’s waste due to poor planning or zoning of various areas over the years. There exists a clear manifestation of inappropriate siting of industrial facilities close to residential areas among others which pose long term effects on the inhabitants. A trip to areas found with a lot of plastic waste such as some streets, markets and lorry parks clearly shows the increasing need for government to take a closer look at this menace. Statistics have shown that in the next 20 years, the waste collected will shoot up from the current 1500 tonnes this year to 3166 tonnes per day cum an increase in the population from the current close to 2,000,000 people in 2009 to 4,523,203 in 2030. With the current population growth rate of 3.4 percent and an average waste generation rate of 0.7kg/cap/day, it is estimated that the waste generated in a few years will exceed the rate of collection. This has raised concerns by the current government on how to solve this situation. Research conducted in countries such as Finland and Norway have shown that recycling our waste, to be specific plastics which are the burgeoning sanitation menace in Accra and nationwide is not a choice but a necessity to resolve this predicament. In lieu of this, my design seeks to serve as the bridge to support the need for a total change in paradigm and status quo; as such opting for recycling of plastics. In line with the worrisome statistics, my design seeks to employ current trends in technology and equipment to ensure an efficacious plastic recycling system, hence blazing the trail for more private and public sector initiatives and support to help keep Ghana clean.

Source: KNUST
Plastic bags waste management using the knapsack model case study: trashy bags, Accra

Plastic waste is a big issue in Ghana, but the amount of recycled plastic in Ghana is still low due to the high investment and operating cost. Hence, the rest of plastic waste are burnt, sent to the landfills or left on the streets. In order to be financially viable, recycling companies need to use effective and efficient ways in selecting items to be produced from a lot of items given a fix or limited amount of money to achieve optimal use of the money. The knapsack problem is a problem in combinatorial optimization, which derives its name from the maximization problem of the best choice of essentials that can fit into a bag to be carried on a trip. Given a set of items, each with a weight and a value, determine the number of each item to include in a collection so that the total weight is less than or equal to a given limit with a maximum value. The problem often arises in resource allocation with constraints. The practice of selecting items to be produced from a lot of items to generate the maximum revenue given a fixed amount of money is a clear case of Knapsack Problem. In this thesis, we shall explore ways of effectively and efficiently selecting items to be produced from a lot of items given a fix or limited amount of money to achieve optimal use of the money in order to maximize revenue in Ghana, using the classical 0-1 knapsack problem with a single constraint. This work will also serve as reference material in the libraries and the internet for students who wish to undertake research into the piled-up problems of items to be made. The project may also serve as a guide for policy makers and the general public.

Source: KNUST