ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of change in vegetative /forest cover of forest-savannah transitional zone in Ghana between 1990 - 2013 using remote sensing and GIS.

Forest ecosystems in West Africa including Ghana has a lot of endowments, for instance wood and non-wood forest products, with regulating services like climate, for economic development and sustainable livelihoods. Ghana's forest and woodland resources provide diverse economic products and environmental services. However, anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, mining, deforestation and construction and other modification of the landscape have had an intense effect on the natural environment. Since land-use practices can dramatically affect soil condition as well as water quality and supply, Ghana faces difficult choices if it is to support rational and optimal use of the remaining forest resource. The study hopes therefore to drum home the major changes in the forest cover of the forest savannah transitional zone of Ghana over the past two decades (1990-2013), its causes and impact and propose approaches to address the seated/ or root cause of the problems using multitemporal Remote Sensing (RS) data and Geographic Information System (GIS) based techniques. The key findings include a big decline in forest and moreover, there has been a big change in the state of forest between 20 years ago and now. And over 80% of respondents believe that the main cause of the deterioration of the forest is anthropogenic in nature. It is proposed that effective forest and sustainable environmental friendly policies should be in place through inclusive participatory stakeholders' planning.

Source: UG
Assessment of coastal and marine ecosystems in West Africa: The case of Ghana

Coastal and marine ecosystems, as integral component of social, ecological, and economic systems, are critical in providing essential ecosystem services that underpin human activities, including fishing and mining. Effective management of these ecosystems is paramount to safeguarding their vital contributions. This study adopts a socio-ecological framework, “Drivers (D) of human activities (A), associated Pressures (P), State change in coastal and marine environments, Impact (I) on human welfare (W) and Response (R) as measures (M) of management, (DAPSI(W)R(M)),” to analyse the complexities of coastal and marine ecosystems in the Ghanaian context. The study identifies various drivers of anthropogenic activities, such as fishing, oil and gas production, and waste disposal. These anthropogenic activities create significant pressures, including selective extraction of living and non-living resources, as well as habitat degradation through substratum loss and pollution. Conse quently, these pressures have led to changes in fish biomass and habitat quality, among other ecological s

Source: UG
Assessment of coastal communities’ vulnerability to floods using indicator-based approach: a case study of Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Coastal towns along the coast of Africa are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts such as flooding and sea level rise. Yet, because coastal conditions in many parts of the region are poorly understood, knowledge on which population groups are at the most risk is less known, particularly in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) of Ghana, where the capital city Accra is located. Without adequate information about the risk levels and why, the implementation of locally appropriate adaptation plans may be less effective. This study enriches our understanding of the levels of flood risks along the coast of GAMA and contributes knowledge to improve understanding of place-specific adaptation plans. The study uses data from a 300-household survey, stakeholder meetings, and interviews with local community leaders to construct an integrated vulnerability index. The index includes seven components made up of: dwelling type; house and house environment; household socioeconomic characteristics; experience and perception of flood risk; household and community flood adaptation strategies; house location, and physical characteristics. Our findings show that exposure to floods, particularly from local flash floods is relatively high in all communities. However, significant differences in sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the communities were observed due to differences in location, socioeconomic characteristics, and perception of risks to flooding and sea level rise. The complexity of factors involved in the determination of local-level vulnerability requires that the implementation of adaptation strategies needs to involve cross-sectorial partnerships, involving local communities, in building a comprehensive multi-risk adaptation strategy.

Source: UG
Assessment of coastal flood risk scenarios on infrastructure in the Keta municipality in Ghana using a GIS approach

Coastal flooding and erosion, caused by climate change-induced sea level rise, pose significant threats to low-lying coastal areas worldwide. The African continent, including Ghana, has experienced severe impacts from these hazards, affecting the socio-economic development of coastal communities. This research focuses on the Keta municipality in Ghana. The Keta mu nicipality is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding and erosion due to its low elevation and the construction of the Akosombo hydroelectric dam. This research aims to predict the impact of coastal flooding on infrastructure in the Keta municipality using different flood scenarios. It also fills the existing knowledge gap in understanding how future flood risk can impact on critical infrastructure and consequently on other vital socio-economic sectors in the coastal community of Keta. The study utilizes a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach, combining various datasets, including topographic data, administrative shapefiles, field survey points, and infrastructure data. Two flood scenarios were considered to assess areas at risk: a 2.5-m sea level flood scenario representing potential climate change events and a worst-case 5-m sea level flood scenario. The findings reveal that 3.3 km2 (9 %) of coastal land area, 3.9 km of roads, and 69 structures are at risk under a 2.5m sea level rise scenario, increasing to 7.1 km2 (19.4 %), 13.6 km of roads, and 667 structures under a 5m scenario. The study highlights the urgency of addressing these risks to protect coastal communities’ socio-economic development and livelihoods. Rec ommendations include implementing appropriate coastal management strategies, improving infrastructure resilience, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. By understanding and addressing the future impact of coastal flooding, decision-makers can mitigate climate change’s adverse effects on coastal areas and ensure the region’s long-term sustainability.

Source: UG
Assessment of Collection Development Practices The Case of Valley View University Library, Ghana.

The focus of this study was on collection development practices at Valley View University (VVU) Library in Ghana. The study was set out to find out if there exists a collection development policy at VVU library. The population of the study was stratified into two main categories namely users of the library and the library staff .In s electing the students, simple random sampling technique was employed to select the students from four departments out of seven. The total population for both library staff and faculty members were used . Therefore sample size for the study was three hundred and two ( 302) made up of 210 students, 74 faculty members and 18 library staff . Data for the study was collected through questionnaires. The SPSS was used to analyze the questionnaire. The findings of this study indicated that VVU library stock both print and non - print materials for their users

Source: UG
Assessment Of Communication Messages Used In Adolescent Reproductive Health Education

The adolescent being a primary agent of socialization, the communication can exert a strong influence on adolescent sexual behaviour. Reproductive health is a vital aspect of growth and development throughout our lives, especially among the adolescence. Therefore, to aid in the design and implementation of effective prevention programmes, it is important to assess the communication messages used in adolescent reproductive health education among school-going adolescents. The study used a survey methodology that involved self-administered questionnaires to solicit data from 190 SHS students from the Kwahu-South District. Data analysis was done using SPSS and results presented using tables and charts. In this study, significant discoveries have been made. It was found out that the sources of adolescent reproductive or sexual health education included school and media. About (72.9%) of males and 52 (67.5%) of females indicated mothers as those who normally give education. The most identified channel of communication was the inter-personal form. The Levene's Test (t=-3.077, Sig. = 0.002) revealed a significant difference between the opinion of males and females toward frequency of facing of sexual health problems. The findings of this study suggest that prevention programmes that seek to educate Ghanaian school-going adolescents about sexual risk behaviour must strongly encourage communication

Source: UG
An assessment of determinants of adaptive capacity to climate change/variability in the rural savannah of Ghana

The varied stressors posed by climate change and variability to the livelihoods of agrarian societies in many developing countries call for an examination of the determinants of adaptive capacity. Data collected through a questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, is used to explain the determinants of adoption of five major adaptation strategies. The analysis reveals that while adaptive capacity in the northern savannah zone is generally low due to high levels of poverty and poor state presence, it varies spatially resulting from locational, individual and community socio-economic and institutional factors. Adaptive capacities are rooted in the nature of household and community assets as well as societal rules and policies. Both community level factors and characteristics of individual farmers condition the idiosyncratic variables defining the capacities to adopt specific adaptation strategies to climate change threats. Important farmer characteristics that determine critical adaptation strategies in the northern savannah include age, sex, assets, family size, size and type of land, skills/education, and perception of climatic changes. This paper recommends that local resilience building mechanisms be scaled up while modern mechanisms should be introduced for dealing with the impacts of climate change.

Source: UG
Assessment of diagnostic radiographers’ knowledge of work-related health problems and associated effects: A multicentre study in Ghana

a b s t r a c t Introduction: Work-related health problems (WRHPs) are health conditions peculiar to a group of people or occupations including radiography in a specific work setting. These WRHPs occur as a result of prevailing work conditions which predispose workers to risks of physical or psychological distress. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge of WRHPs among practicing radiographers in Ghana and evaluated the sources, causes, effects and preventive measures of WRHPs. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional design incorporating a quantitative data collection approach was used. A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and evaluate the effects of WRHPs among two cohorts of 31 practicing radiographers at a regional hospital (RH) and a teaching hospital (TH). Results: An average score of 4.2 (SD ¼ 0.4) out of 5 (84.8%) obtained on the knowledge scale indicated very good knowledge of WRHPs among the radiographers. Physical work demands, ergonomic issues, increased workload and stress levels on on-duty radiographers due to sick absence by colleagues, large numbers of daily cases, and extra work without incentives were reported as WRHPs effects mostly experienced by the radiographers. The study also showed no significant difference between gender groups (p ¼ 0.313), years of professional practice experience level (p ¼ 0.319), and academic qualifications (p ¼ 0.287) on knowledge of WRHPs. Conclusion: Radiographers working in some referral and teaching hospitals in Ghana demonstrated very good knowledge of WRHPs and identified several effects of WRHPs on professional practice. Implication for practice: The study concludes that WRHPs predispose radiographers to adverse health conditions, and administrative protocols are required to prevent or mitigate the burden. © 2022 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Assessment Of Diesel Fuel Quality

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Assessment of different methods for staining helicobacter pylori in endoscopic gastric biopsies

The recent implication of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of gastritis-peptic ulcer syndrome and its relevance for the development of upper gastrointestinal malignancy warrant efficient methods for the detection and demonstration of the organism in biopsy specimens. We have compared 5 staining methods, namely, haematoxylin and eosin (H and E), immunohistochemistry (IHC), the silver staining HpSS, the alcian yellow- toluidine blue (Leung) method (A-Y) and Genta staining, for the demonstration of the organism in gastric biopsies taken from antrum, body and fundus of 118 patients who presented to our hospital with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. We found no significant differences in the efficacy of H and E, IHC, HpSS and A-Y in the demonstration of H. pylori in all 3 gastric sites. The least reproducible stain in our hands was the Genta stain. We conclude that H and E is adequate for the initial assessment of gastric biopsies in symptomatic upper gastrointestinal patients. This is because it is a well-tested, cheap and easy staining method, requiring a relatively short period of time to perform, with highly reproducible results. It has an added advantage of enabling simultaneous assessment of morphological changes accompanying H. pylori infection. When the density of the organism is expected to be low, we recommend addition of HpSS staining because of its high sensitivity and low cost. The disadvantages of the other staining methods (IHC, A-Y and Genta) are discussed.

Source: UG
Assessment of dual schistosome infection prevalence from urine in an endemic community of Ghana by molecular diagnostic approach

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Assessment of Ectoparasitic Infestation In Chickens (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) In The Sunyani West District, Ghana

Assessment of ectoparasitic infestation in chickens raised under intensive care system was undertaken to determine their prevalence in three poultry farms in the Sunyani West District of Ghana from December, 2011 to April, 2012. With the aid of a magnifying glass, various body areas of chickens were examined for the presence of ectoparasites. All matured chickens aged 72 to 82 weeks harboured lice species identified to be Menacanthus stramineus and Menopon gallinae. Co-infestations with chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, in 43.8% and 36.5% of matured chickens from Farms 2 and 3 respectively were observed. However, lower lice infestation in growers aged 24 to 40 weeks from Farms 1 (72%), 2 (62.7%) and 3 (73.3%), and no mite infestation were observed. All growers from the three farms had significantly higher prevalence in the ventral, wing, cloacal and tail areas compared with femoral, head and neck areas of their bodies. In Farm 1, the cloacal and tail areas of chickens had significantly higher prevalence than the head and neck areas (χ² (1) = 176.74, p< 0.001). The study revealed high prevalence of ectoparasitic infestation in chickens of all age groups in all the poultry farms. This threatens their health and productive potential as well as the viability of the poultry industry. Regular examination of the highly infested body areas may help poultry farmers detect and control ectoparasitic infestation or re-infestation early to maintain good health and increase the productive potential of chickens in the Sunyani West District.

Source: UG
Assessment of Emergency Medical Services in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Background: We aimed to assess the structure, function and performance of Ashanti Region’s emergency medical services system in the context of the regional need for prehospital emergency care. Design: A mixed-methods approach was employed, using retrospective collection of quantitative data and prospectively gathered qualitative data. Setting – pertinent data were collected from Ghanaian and international sources; interviews and technical assessments were performed primarily in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Participants: All stakeholders relevant to emergency medical services in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were assessed; there was a special focus on National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Ashanti Region healthcare personnel. Intervention: This was an observational study using qualitative and quantitative assessment techniques. Main outcome measures: The structure, function and performance of the Ashanti emergency medical services system, guided by a relevant technical assessment framework. Results: NAS is the premier and only true prehospital agency in the Ashanti Region. NAS has developed almost every essential aspect of an EMS system necessary to achieve its mission within a low-resource setting. NAS continues to increase its number of response units to address the overwhelming Ashanti region demand, especially primary calls. Deficient areas in need of development are governance, reliable revenue, public access, community integration, clinical care guidelines, research and quality assurance processes. Conclusions: The Ashanti Region has a growing and thriving emergency medical services system. Although many essential areas for development were identified, NAS is well poised to meet the regional demand for prehospital emergency care and transport.

Source: UG
An Assessment of Entrepreneurial Disposition and Culture in Sub-Saharan Africa: Some Lessons from Ghana

This paper assesses the impact of Ghanaian culture on the entrepreneurial disposition of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates of Accra Polytechnic from 2007 to 2012. Since the turn of the millennium, there has been more attention given to job creation than job seeking, especially among the youth, to address unemployment in developing countries. This is because of governments’ inability to match the growing number of job seekers to job creation across the globe. One way to address this deficit in Ghana is the introduction of courses in entrepreneurship in almost all tertiary institutions, coupled with the setting up of institutions such as Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Development Agency (GYEEDA), National Youth Employment Program (NYEP), Youth Entrepreneurship Agency (YEA), Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES), among others. Reporting on 2015 data from Accra, the main finding was that collectivistic culture has negative effects on capital accumulation, human resource management and the urgency the unemployed graduates attached to self-employment. Therefore, this paper calls for some ways to address the issue of graduates’ inability to be enterprising. Keywords: Culture; entrepreneurial disposition; Ghana; Polytechnic; sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: UG
Assessment of Exploited Population Dynamics of African Butter Catfish (Schilbe mystus) in Stratum VII of Lake Volta, Ghana

The current study aimed to assess the population status of Schilbe mystus in stratum VII of Volta Lake, Ghana, based on length-frequency data collected throughout 2021. Individual fish samples, ranging from 5.5 to 22.0cm with a mean length of 11.5± 0.17cm, were analyzed using FiSAT II. The study revealed a mean condition factor of 0.36, indicating the fish's overall health. The growth pattern, estimated at 3.1 suggested positive algometric growth. The growth rate (K) was determined as 0.25 per year. Length at infinity (L∞), length at first capture (Lc50), and length at first maturity (Lm50) were calculated as 24.7, 10.27, and 16.47cm, respectively. The growth performance index was recorded at 2.58. The total mortality rate (Z) was calculated as 2.09 per year, with the natural mortality rate (M) at 0.78 per year and the fishing mortality rate (F) at 1.31 per year. The exploitation rate was 0.63, indicating overexploitation of S. mystus in Stratum VII. To sustain the stock size of the S. mystus fishery in Lake Volta, we recommend reducing fishing efforts, regular status assessments, and enforcement of fisheries regulations

Source: UG
Assessment of farmers readiness to adopt maize hybrid varieties for high productivity in Ghana

The adoption of maize hybrids is essential to contribute to maize productivity and ensure selfsufficiency and food security. However, the adoption of improved varieties hybrids technology including in Ghana is very low. Farmers’ socio-economic characteristics in relation to the adoption of maize hybrids, farmers constraints and readiness to adopt maize hybrids were assessed using a cross-sectional survey of 173 farmers in four regions in the forest-savannah agro-ecological zones in Ghana. The percentage of farmers that used hybrid seed in 2019 and 2020 were 32.4% and 22.5%, respectively. Of the four hybrids varieties grown, none was locally produced and over 83% of the farmers indicated readiness to adopt maize hybrid seed. The empirical model reveals that farmers readiness to adopt maize hybrids is positively influenced by gender, age, high yield and constraints variables such as high cost of production and pests and diseases.

Source: UG
Assessment of farmers’ decision to add value to cassava roots in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Cassava production and processing are major livelihood activities of most households in Ghana. This study examined the relationships between cassava farmers and processors on one hand, and a intermediary High Quality cassava flour processor (Amasa) on another hand. The study also ascertained the profit levels of farmer who sell the cassava roots to the intermediary processor as compared to when they process the roots into grits, agbelima and gari. It was found that farmers make higher profit when they process the cassava roots into grits, agbelima and gari. However, selling cassava roots to Amasa enables the farmers to get ready and bulk cash, extension services, improved planting materials and credit facilities during land preparation. It was concluded that farmers who decode to add value to their own cassava root need additional support extension services, improved planting materials, better processing, practice and business skills to contribute meaningfully in the higher value cassava markets.

Source: UG