ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Total-Mercury in Different Tissues of Fish Eating Birds along the Volta Lake, Ghana.

The distribution of Total mercury (THg) concentrations was determined in ten (10) different tissues of four different species of fish-eating birds from the Volta Lake, Ghana. The four species of fish-eating birds analysed in this study were Yellow billed kite (Milvus migrans parasitus), Squacco heron (Ardeola rolloides), Little egret (Egretta garzetta) and Grey heron (Ardea Cinerea). Elevated levels of total mercury were found in all the tissues studied and were found to increase with body weight/age of the birds. Correlation analysis showed a very high positive relationship between concentrations of total mercury found in the tissues and weight/age of the birds. Highest total mercury concentrations were found in the liver, kidney and feather tissues of all the birds and they appeared to be the most preferred organs for mercury accumulation in the birds analyzed in this study. The order of mercury accumulation in the tissues obtained was as follows: lungs < heart <brain < gizzard < intestines < flesh < blood < kidney < liver < feather. Total mercury concentrations in the tissues of Little Egret, Yellow Billed Kite, Squacco Heron, and Grey Heron ranged from 0.91-1.78 µg/g; 0.43-2.14 µg/g; 0.85-1.92 µg/g and 0.77-2.86 µg/g respectively. The highest mean concentration of total mercury (1.84 ± 0.40 µg/g, range 1.40-2.86 µg/g, n=10 ) was found in Ardea cinerea, followed by Ardeola ralloides (1.40 ± 0.15 µg/g, range 1.19-1.65 µg/g n=10 ) , Egretta garzetta (1.38 ± 0.10 µg/g, range 1.24-1.58 µg/g, n=10 ) and milvus migrans parasitus (1.32 ± 0.19 µg/g, range 1.00-1.78 µg/g, n= 10). The highest mean concentration of mercury found in the grey herons (Ardea cinerea) suggests that they feed at a higher trophic level and prey on bigger fishes. Although the study reported elevated levels of total mercury concentrations in the tissues of the birds, they were however far lower than the threshold level (25-60 µg/g w.w.) known to be detrimental to the health of the birds and humans and as such the Volta Lake has not been impacted so heavily as far as mercury pollution is concerned.

Source: KNUST
Distribution of Total Mercury in Fish, Water and Sediments from the Densu Reservoir at Weija, Accra, Ghana

Mercury is toxic and its ubiquitous nature makes it a global pollutant. Total mercury (THg) concentrations were determined in fish, sediments and water from the Densu Basin at Weija. Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CVAAS) technique using an automatic mercury analyser was used to determine total mercury after digestion of the samples. One hundred and sixty-five (165) fish samples comprising six (6) species; eighty-four (84) sediment samples and thirty (30) water samples were collected and analysed for total mercury. Mercury concentration in fish muscles ranged from 0.001 to 0.420 μg/g. Hemichromis fasciatus recorded the highest level of 0.420 μg/g whilst the lowest Hg concentration of 0.001μg/g was recorded in Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus. Mercury concentration (μg/g wet weight) in the muscle tissue of fish ranged from 0.014 to 0.420 (mean = 0.125±0.111) for Hemichromis fasciatus, from 0.022 to 0.385 (mean = 0.155±0.098) for Tilapia zilli, from 0.001 to 0.342 (mean = 0.096±0.094) for Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus, from 0.021 to 0.378 (mean = 0.181±0.115) for Tilapia mariae, from 0.010 to 0.367 (mean = 0.114±0.109) for Clarias batrachus, from 0.056 to 0.330 (mean = 0.114±0.076) for Clarias gariepinus. Mean mercury levels in sediment and water from Weija are 0.055±0.023μg/g and 0.0169±0.0077ng/L respectively. There was a significant correlation between Hg concentration in fish muscle and fresh weight of fish for Hemichromis fasciatus (r2 = 0.5739). A good correlation between Hg concentration in fish muscle and total length of fish was also observed for Hemichromis fasciatus (r2 = 0.6301). All the rest of the fish species showed poor correlation between Hg concentration in muscle and total length and fresh weight. Correlation between Hg concentration in fish and in sediment as well as fish and water was not significant. No correlation was observed between the total Hg concentration in the sediment and water. All the fish samples studied showed mercury concentrations below the World Health 6 organization (WHO) limit of 0.5μg/g wet weight. The results obtained from this study therefore showed that fish from the Densu River are unlikely to constitute a significant mercury exposure to the public through consumption. Levels of Hg in sediment and water suggest a relatively clean environment with regards to Hg.

Source: KNUST
Distribution of Human Papillomavirus(HPV) genotypes and associated cervical disease in an unscreened population of women in Kumasi, Ghana

Cervical cancer is the commonest gynaecologic cancer and second leading cause of all cancers in Ghana. High-risk human papillomavirus infection is a necessary cause of cervical cancer and pre-cursor lesions. However, little is known about the risk of human papillomavirus infection and potential benefit from available vaccines in Ghana. We designed a cross-sectional descriptive study to establish the distribution of genital HPV genotypes among an unscreened population of women recruited from three cervicare centers in Kumasi, Ghana. Cervical swabs were available for 593 eligible women from May 2012 to November 2014. Cervical swabs were carried in DNA Guard solution according to the manufacturer’s instruction until DNA extraction using the QIAamp DNA Mini kit. Purified DNA was stored at -70oC in duplicate. A nested multiplex PCR (NMPCR) assay that combines degenerate E6/E7 consensus primers and type-specific primers was utilized for the detection and typing of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes 6/11, 16,18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. Cervical smears were also prepared and examined independently by two cytotechnologists and confirmed by a pathologist. Participants were required to answer some questions relating to their sexual and reproductive habits as well. HPV E6/E7 oncogenic DNA was detected in 37.2% of all cervical swabs tested. The prevalence of HPV among women with normal and abnormal cytology was 35.7% and 62.9% respectively. High-risk HPV was detected in all suspected cancer cases (SCC), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). Overall, the commonest HR types detected were HPV 52, 56, 35, 18, 58, 68, 51, 39, 45 and 16 in decreasing order. The commonest HPV genotypes detected among women with ASCUS were HPV-18, 52 and 68 (25% each of ASCUS); among women with LSIL were HPV-52

Source: KNUST
Distribution Strategies in the Telecommunication Industry [A Case Study of Vodafone]

The formulation and implementation of appropriate distribution strategies is a major key to success, in terms of maximizing sales and profit for product-focused companies. Unfortunately, many of these companies often fail to establish or maintain the most effective distribution strategies which in most cases militate against their business fortunes. In today’s highly competitive business environment, especially, in the telecommunication industry, the more available your offering are, to the reach and convenience of your customers, the likelihood of gaining competitive advantage. The study sought to identify the distribution strategies being pursued by Vodafone, the challenges associated with the strategies and how effective and sustainable those strategies practiced by Vodafone have impacted on their corporate performance. The sources of data for the study were both primary and secondary. Primary data was collected by the use of structured questionnaires and the secondary data were extracted from relevant reports/articles, bulletins and documents published by Vodafone and National Communication Authority. The target population was estimated at 5,250 with a sample size of 100 selected for the study. The study established that, Vodafone is using different distribution strategies to reach its customers. These strategies are either by direct method or indirect method. The direct distribution is used to acquire new customers unto their network and the indirect method is used to sell airtime credit through distributors to the retailers and to the final consumer. It is therefore recommended that Vodafone sets up more mobile offices to address customers complains on the streets and with the open markets to improve customer service delivery in order to increase company’s market share.

Source: KNUST
Distribution, bioaccessibility and human health risks of toxic metals in peri-urban topsoils of the Kumasi Metropolis

The occurrence of heavy metals in urban soils is of great environmental concern due to the unwanted health effect associated with their excessive exposure. The study assessed levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, and Zn) in peri-urban communities of the Kumasi metropolis and evaluated sources and potential health risk associated with exposure to these metals. Soil samples collected from topsoils at a depth of 0–10 cm were subjected to x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy analysis for total metal quantification. The XRF results were then confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Soil pH, conductivity, and total organic carbon were determined using standard procedures. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of metals were As (10.11), Cd (12.91), Cr (77.97), Cu (20.20), Fe (23031), Pb (18.60), Mn (158.68), Ni (29.33), Sn (8.83), V (78.21) and Zn (49.27). The pH and electrical conductivity were in a range of 6.5 - 8.5 and 153 - 8990 μS/cm respectively. The mean total organic carbon was 8.85%. Pollution indicators such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, and pollution load index all showed that soil in the study area is of low degree of contamination. The potential ecological risk index projected a low-risk effect. In contrast, the hazard index and carcinogenic risk index indicated no significant human health risk associated with exposure to the metals presently. However, to regulate bioaccumulation effects, constant monitoring is essential.

Source: KNUST
The distributional impact of fertilizer subsidies on rural farmers in Ghana

The Government of Ghana instituted a country-wide subsidy on 50kg bags of four types of fertilizer in an effort to mitigate the effect of rising food prices. This study sought to fill the knowledge gaps related to the implementation of the intervention with respect the distributional profile of subsidized fertilizer, the impact of subsidized fertilizer of the market, the impact of subsidized fertilizer on fertilizer use and the impact of subsidized fertilizer on farm productivity...

Source: KNUST
District assemblies and rural development in Ghana: analysis of infrastructure provision in selected communities in the Sefwi -Wiawso Municipality

Many rural areas in Ghana are plagued with deficit in infrastructure. In spite of the effort of the government at providing those places with basic infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity and school buildings mostly through the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, the problem still persists. In the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality, this situation has been observed in which the Assembly’s effort at providing certain basic infrastructure so far has been urban-bias. The study had the object of analysing the rural-urban distribution of infrastructure and the factors that were considered in the process, as well as the level of participation of the people and the effect infrastructure provided by the Assembly has had on the living condition of the people. One hundred and forty-four (144) residents from four communities (two rural and two urban) and six staff of the Assembly were selected as respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using questionnaires, interview and focus group discussions whereas secondary data were obtained mainly from the Assembly's records such as Development Plan and Composite Budget, reports and publications. Percentages, frequency charts and cross tabulation using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel for Windows were used to present the findings. The study revealed that the distribution of infrastructure is skewed in favour of the urban settlements in the Municipality. Party political considerations, as well as low level of participation characterise the provision of infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity and school buildings in the Municipality. The study also revealed that infrastructure provided by the Assembly has had positive effect on the living condition of the people over the last decade. It was recommended that the Assembly should adopt policies that will ensure equitable distribution of infrastructure among urban and rural communities, do need assessment and create conducive environment for the people to participate fully in the activities of the Assembly.

Source: KNUST
District assemblies and rural development: a case of the Atwima Kwanwoma district assembly in the Hwediem community.

Ghana has pursued a decentralization policy since 1988 where District Assemblies (DAs) are responsible for the developmental efforts of the citizens in their jurisdiction. Newly created districts tend to encounter numerous challenges regarding the provision of developmental interventions. How do these newly-created districts operate, and what challenges do they encounter in trying to provide development interventions? This study therefore sought to assess the role of the newly created Atwima Kwanwoma district assembly in the development of Hwediem community. The study adopted a mixed method research approach with exploratory and descriptive research designs. A sample of 305 respondents comprising of 300 dwellers of the Hwediem community and 5 staff of the district assembly were selected to aid the study. Interviews and survey were carried out to gather data from respondents contacted with the help of both an interview guide and a semi-structured questionnaire. The analyses were done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings showed that residents of Hwediem in the Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly did not perceive the District Assembly to have the requisite human and financial resources to bring developmental projects to the district. The study also showed that development projects that the assembly was able to provide have no appreciable significant impact on the economic, occupational, infrastructural, health, recreational, educational and security needs of the people. Finally, the study showed that besides participation of their elected representatives in the assembly, direct participation by residents in decision making was limited. Based on the findings, the study recommended that Districts Assemblies find ways to improve their financial capacity to enable them embark upon more developmental projects and also increase direct public participation in decision making.

Source: KNUST
District Assembly Common Fund and Poverty Reduction In Rural Ghana; the Case of Asante-Akim North District

The study examines the utilisation of the District Assembly Common Fund by Assemblies in Ghana towards rural poverty reduction and its challenges to reduce rural poverty. One major problem facing local development is how to have a more reliable source revenue to develop the rural areas through an efficient local government administration. Poverty has been a serious developmental problem in Ghana for many years. The results of the Ghana Living Standard Surveys (GLSS) in 1987-88, 1991-92 and 1998-99 showed that poverty was more pronounced in rural areas than urban centres although urban poverty was identified. It was realised that the multi-dimensional nature of poverty needs a holistic approach which involves the poor in looking for appropriate interventions to reduce their poverty level. The introduction of the decentralization policy in 1988 and the subsequent establishment of District Assemblies’ Common Fund in 1994 were meant to reduce rural poverty through the provision of social services, credit facilities and people’s participation in the development process. The utilisation of the fund by the District Assemblies faces a lot of challenges. Key among them is inadequate social services, lack of involvement of the people, irregularities in contract awarding system, inefficient project monitoring, over-reliance on the fund, low capacity of both the staff and the members of the Assembly. These have undermined the Assembly’s effort to reduce poverty. The study draws on research conducted between 2006 and 2007, using the Asante-Akim North District as a case study. The study adopted qualitative type of research due to the multi- dimensional nature of poverty. The research procedure adopted for the study involved three levels of data collection and analysis. These are the national, district and community levels. The case study approach was identified as the appropriate methodology for the research. Focus group discussions, direct observations and interview schedules were particularly administered to the key staff members of the District Assembly and some decentralised departments including, health and education. Following from the findings, the study concludes that to ensure efficient utilisation of the DACF to effectively reduce poverty levels in the rural areas, there is the need to ensure increased people’s participation at the community level in policy making and implementation, regular capacity building, and the need for political and administrative commitment for judicious use of the District Assembly Common Fund.

Source: KNUST
District Development through Spatial Integration: Case Study of the Dangme West District

The development in many third world countries has not proceeded in a manner whereby the distribution of functions is equitable. As a result, there is a concentration of functions in one area, usually the largest metropolitan city, to the detriment of rural settlements. Consequently, there is the marginalization of rural economies and the creation of settlements whose functional characteristics are not sufficiently varied to stimulate economic growth. Much has been debated about the underdevelopment of small towns and cities. The evidence that small towns and cities can perform a wide variety of functions has been accompanied by indications that few of them that are able to promote growth and integration in rural areas actually do so. The explanation put forward is that the settlement system in rural regions is inadequately articulated. The reasons given are: an insufficient number of lo order central places, an inadequate distribution of functions and weak linkages among settlements in rural regions. The argument for developing small towns and cities is based upon the Central Place Theory. The theory states that widespread economic growth requires that an articulated and integrated system of settlements, comprising of towns and cities of different sizes and varied functions are created. An investigation based on the premise that a well-integrated system of rural towns provides central functions to their population and to the hinterland population was undertaken. The study examines the level of integration and its effect on the socio-economic development in a district. It determines whether the disintegration of the district economy is in fact due to an inadequately articulated settlement system. The place used as a case study for this investigation, is the Dangme West district, Ghana, formerly an economically active district that is now economically depressed. The data – gathering procedures that have been in this study included an individual as well as group effort. Relevant information was also derived from the Spring Programme (Workshop) 1990/1991 which performed a study of the Dangme West district for purposes of formulating a development plan. The individual effort required the administration of questionnaires and the review of literature provided by the District Assembly of the Dangme West district. The analytical procedures that were used determined the number of low-order central places, the distribution of functions, and the degree of linkages among settlements. The findings of the analyses justify the statement that the settlement system is not adequately integrated. A strategy of district development through spatial integration has been proposed to revitalize the economy of the Dangme West district.

Source: KNUST
District Hospital - Amasaman

Health which is defined as the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being of individuals is almost universally valued by man. Concern for health and for prevention and treatment of illness has been a part of all cultures throughout human history. The history of medicine itself is supposed to have dated back to hundreds of years before Christ and has passed through several civilizations. It is often said that the Greek Physician, Hippocrates born 460 BC, is the father of Orthodox medicine. The practice of medicine in these days gone by was based on trial and error and people who were versed in the art usually acquired their knowledge from their fathers of members of their families. The cause of disease was normally linked to spiritism, witchcraft, divinity or others. In this present day, medicine has moved from the realm of guesswork, spiritism, witchcraft and divinity in the causation of disease to scientific enquiry based upon systematic history-taking of the cause of disease and carefully conducted clinical examination with the support of ancillary services such as medical laboratory investigations, X-ray, ultra- sound etc. Modern medical services and technology however, seeks to meet to a large extent the demands of the people even-tugh they cannot be completely met. In Ghana, there had been a steady expansion of health services in the 1960s and late 1970s, but unfortunately this virtually grounded to a halt by the early 1980s. In hospitals and health centres, facilities were either lacking or bad rundown, drugs were not available and trained health staffs were leaving the country. Until 1983, Ghanaians had been used to a virtually free health services but the Provisional National Defence Council (P.N.D.C.) government introduced hospital fees as part of its economic recovery programme (E.R.P.). In 1985 the fees were increased. This idea was mainly to create a revolving fund to supplement the running cost of the hospitals. The main thrust of the E.R.P. was to reverse the decline of health infrastructure and to substantially improve service delivery in terms of quality and coverage. It is in this light that in 1988 the PNDC government instituted its law 207 which brought into being the formation of 110 Districts, with one of its main functions being to provide efficient health services and needs for its people. This background has therefore necessitated the design of a District Hospital for the Ga District which is one of the newly formed districts to be located at Amasaman, the Capital.

Source: KNUST
District Hospital For Dangme East

Disease is a universal phenomenon and therefore affects all people everywhere, but not always to the same degree or in the same way. This no doubt explains why health delivery becomes indispensable and without it socio-economic development shall be impaired. According to Susan Sontag, a hospital Architect, “illness is an unlikely, yet family, stimulus for metaphor.” According to her, illness is an issue of physiology net poetry; one’s physical trauma and culture reckons with disease and has little to do with each other. The procedure for the thesis has been first to present a general background information on the Dangme East District and for that matter in the macro sense of the Greater Accra. Flowing from this, feasibility studies were then undertaken to review some District Hospitals and need and viability of the project in the light of current Economic, Social and health conditions in Ghana.

Source: KNUST