ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Community perceptions of Artesunate Amodiaquine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Anakyin in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The most important drawback to successful control of malaria is the development of resistance by Plasmodium species to commonly used antimalarial drugs. To enhance effective treatment, many African nations including Ghana changed its malaria treatment policy from monotherapy to combination treatment with Artesunate + Amodiaquine (AS+AQ). The policy specifies AS+AQ as the first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. There has been public outcry due to the perceived side effects of the drug. The study was carried out to assess community’s perceptions of AS+ AQ for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The study was carried out in Anakyin community in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess views of the respondents on AS+ AQ. A quantitative descriptive design was employed using semi-structured interviews. Two hundred and sixty (260) people out of the total population of 860 were interviewed using Kirk scale. Adherence to the three-day treatment regimen of AS+AQ was very high (81.5%) in this study and 60.4% of the respondents believed artesunate + amodiaquine is good. Respondents were of the view that AS+AQ is efficacious in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. However, the respondents reported some side effects (drowsiness and weakness). Further, there is high awareness among the respondents of the new policy. It is however recommended that, there must be an intensive education to disabuse the minds of the general public on the perceived adverse effects of AS+ AQ.

Source: UCC
Community perceptions of human excreta as fertilizer in peri-urban agriculture in Ghana

Although human excreta contain the necessary nutrients for plant growth, local authorities in Ghana spend huge sums of money to dispose them as waste. Reusing excreta for agricultural purposes saves expenditure for chemical fertilizers, improves soil fertility, reduces poverty and ensures food security. People’s attitudes and perceptions about excreta vary between cultures and even within specific cultures. This study aimed to explore attitudes and perceptions among a peri-urban agricultural community towards sanitized human excreta and its use. The study adopted an exploratory design and collected data from 154 randomly selected households using questionnaires and focus group discussions. It was found that there is a general negative attitude to fresh excreta and the handling of it. However, the residents accept that excreta can be used as fertilizer, but they are not willing to use it on their own crops or consume crops fertilized with excreta. The study recommends open discussions in the community for a successful implementation of ecological sanitation

Source: UCC
Community Radio And The Sustainability Of Artisanal Fishing In Elmina, Ghana: The Case Of Benya Fm

The development of media outlets like radio has increased the fishing industry‟s access to cutting-edge marketing strategies while reducing its reliance on intermediaries. The fishing sector does, however, encounter significant difficulties, such as a lack of coordination between authorities and fishermen regarding the requirements and regulatory processes. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution(s) of radio (programs on radio) in sustaining artisanal fishing in Elmina, Ghana. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) theory and the Agenda Setting theory provided the theoretical foundation for this study. The case study design of the Qualitative research paradigm was employed. Using a semi-structured interview guide, a total of twenty (20) participants were interviewed. Additionally, the data were arranged into themes in accordance with these objectives using thematic coding and content analysis. The study discovered that conscious music aired on the radio serves as a kind of teaching and learning tool for fishers in addition to radio programs. Also, despite several objections, the study found that radio has a favourable impact on fishers. Further, the findings also suggest that most fishermen listen to radio. The findings also revealed that Benya FM interacts with Elmina‟s artisanal fishers through phone ins, messages, and outdoor broadcast. The study discovered that the fisheries program serves as a forum for fishermen to discuss their concerns before the government takes action to address them. Last, the study brought to light some methods that a radio stations can adopt to sustain the artisanal fishing industry. These included getting fishermen‟ attention and educating them about the importance of fishing responsibly, bringing important issues to the notice of the appropriate authorities, broadening their media, and lowering the cost of fishing equipment.

Source: UCC
Community support for girl-child education in the Dormaa municipality of the Brong-Ahafo region, Ghana

The research was an attempt to find out the extent to which communities in the Dormaa Municipal area support girl-child education. The sample for the study consisted of one urban community, two peri-urban and two rural communities. In all 134 participants (some of whom were purposively selected and others randomly chosen) participated in the study. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested at Cronbach Alpha value of 0.678. The SPSS computer software was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that parents generally had positive attitudes and perceptions about female education, and that they wanted higher educational levels for their girls so they could acquire better jobs. They perceived girl-child education as equally important as that of boys. The support the communities provided for girl-child education included: guidance and counseling, provision of school uniforms, financial support and enrolment drive. However, it was found out that the support provided by the communities was inadequate. The problems they faced in supporting girl-child education also included financial difficulties, sexual relations that lead to teenage pregnancy, lack of community support, peer pressure/influence and others. The study recommends that the municipal assembly should establish a fund to support needy girls. Also bye-laws should be passed and enforced to deal with men who have sexual relations with school girls.

Source: UCC
Community support for girl-child school attendance in Ghana: The case of Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana

The study was intended to find out the extent to which the Winneba community support the girl-child school attendance. It was specifically designed to find out the attitude of the Winneba community towards girl-child education. The basic research question that guided the study was: How does the Winneba community perceive girl-child education and what kind of support does the community provide towards girl-child school attendance? Questionnaire and interview schedules were prepared and used to collect data from the community notable personnel such as the District Chief, Executive, Heads of government departments, Assembly persons , traditional rulers and leaders of the two Asafo groups as well as from a random sample of community members . In all 380 respondents were involved in the study. Two hundred (200) respondents were interviewed while 180 respondents answered questionnaire. The researcher used percentages sand frequencies to analyse the data collected. The findings of the study showed that: Respondents show positive attitudes towards girl-child education. Generally, parents have high educational aspirations for their boys. Most parents want education for their children for better jobs and earnings especially for their girls. Parental support for the girl-child education at Winneba is found to be quite high in the provision of school uniforms, payment of school levies and encouragement through guidance and counselling . Most parents also provide transport to and from school, early breakfast, and money for lunch to keep their girl-children in school. Some parents also provide academic facilities at home to facilitate the girl-child learning. Financial constraints prevent some parents from supporting their girl~child education. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that public education on the need for girl-child education be intensified in the Winneba community. There is a need for the strengthening of the special education fund by the District Assembly to support the education of children , particularly the needy girls in the Winneba community. The private sector should be encouraged to create jobs for parent to earn income and send their girl-children to school and to be able to cater for them. Family planning programmes should be intensified in the Winneba community, since with limited financial resources parents cannot support the education of their children especially the education of girls to any appreciable level, the children are capable of pursuing.

Source: UCC
Compact fiber-optic fluorosensor employing light-emitting ultraviolet diodes as excitation sources

A compact fluorosensor using three different ultraviolet light-emission diodes as excitation sources for fiber-optic recording of fluorescence spectra from samples is described. A compact integrated spectrometer with linear array wavelength recording is used, yielding a spectral resolution of about 8 nm. In two system implementations ultraviolet light-emitting diodes at 300, 340 and 395 nm, or at 360, 385 and 410 nm were used as excitation sources with typical emission half widths of 12 nm, each combined with a matching long-path colored-glass filter automatically brought into the fluorescence light flow for suppression of reflected light. Spectra from measurements on vegetation, human skin tumors and a rare-earth-ion-based thermographic phosphor were recorded to illustrate the system performance

Source: UCC
Company-community conflict resolution mechanisms in the mining sector: A study of Asutifi North District in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

The adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has been presented as a factor that improves the quality of financial reports. However, Ghana has not attained the desired levels of financial reporting quality after the adoption of IFRS in 2007. Lack of proper enforcement of these high-quality standards may result in limited compliance and thus, undermine the effectiveness of these standards in terms of resulting in high-quality financial reports. In addition, corporate governance mechanisms serve as an absorptive capacity in the IFRS adoption-reporting quality relationship. In line with this discourse, this study argues that the relationship between IFRS compliance and reporting quality of listed firms revolves around some corporate governance structures in every economy. Therefore, by using random effect estimation technique, this study found that the right corporate governance mechanisms will enhance the positive effect of IFRS compliance on reporting quality. Also, the study found that the right corporate governance mechanism in itself can enhance reporting quality. This study recommends that to gain an appreciable level of public confidence in the annual reports of firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, audit committee independence and board independence should be strengthened to ensure that management does not only adopt IFRS, but that the standards are actually complied with. Such efforts will yield better results if other corporate governance factors such board size, board gender diversity are checked and properly managed.

Source: UCC
A Comparative Analysis of Fabrics Used for the Ghanaian Basic School Uniforms

This study compared three brands of fabrics used for the production of Ghanaian public basic school uniforms based on selected performance characteristics to determine their suitability for the end-use in terms of the properties assessed. The parameters evaluated with the use of experimental procedures included yarn count, weight, colourfastness and shrinkage. The data collected were analysed with the use of the Predictive Analytical Software for windows version 22. Means and standard deviations of the fabric performance characteristics evaluated were calculated. Analysis of Variance at 0.05 alpha level and Pearson Product Moment correlation were also employed. The findings showed significant differences among the investigated fabrics performance characteristics. All the fabrics met the standard specifications for uniform fabrics indicated in the Ghana Standards Authority’s specification for uniform fabrics (GS 970, 2009) for the parameters colourfastness, weight and dimensional stability. However, just as these three parameters cannot be used to judge the overall suitability of the fabrics for the end-use. It is therefore recommended that further investigations are carried out on the fabrics to evaluate the other characteristics such as strength and absorbency which could help to establish the better suitability of the investigated fabrics for the end-use (uniforms).

Source: UCC
Comparative Analysis of Haematological Parameters in Hookworm and Plasmodium falciparum Co-Infected Individuals in Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana

Background: Hookworm and Plasmodium falciparum are endemic in Ghana, especially in the north-east and middle belt areas. Haematological parameters have been shown to predict the presence of these infections in patients. This study investigated the effect of hookworm-P. falciparum co-infection on haematological parameters among the patients. Methodology: Stool and blood samples from 984 participants in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana were examined for hookworm and Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Malaria parasitaemia was estimated by microscopy and Plasmodium falciparum-specific 18S rRNA gene by polymerase chain reaction. Hookworm eggs in faecal samples were analyzed using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Hookworm speciation was done by PCR. Estimation of haematological parameters was done by automated haematology analyzer. Tukey multiple comparisons test was used to compare continuous variables among the infected groups and Spearman’s rank correlation test determined the relationships between variables. Results: The overall mean (SD) age of the study participants was 22.8 (17.4). Mean lymphocytes and eosinophils counts were higher while mean neutrophil and monocytes counts were lower in the co-infected individuals compared to the single infections. The mean red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb) levels were higher in the co-infected individuals than in those with malaria only infection. However, white blood cell count and platelet counts were not statistically significant among the groups. There was a significant negative correlation between malaria parasite density and Hb level (r = - 0.239, p = 0.001) Conclusion: Hookworm and Plasmodium falciparum co-infections showed an increased in lymphocyte, eosinophil count and Haemoglobin levels, but a decrease in neutrophil and monocyte levels compared to malaria only infection. The possible mechanisms accounting for the variations in haematological levels remain to be elucidated.

Source: UCC
Comparative analysis of technical efficiency of listed and unlisted Banks in Ghana

Financial institutions are the main intermediation channels between saving and investment in a country. Bank efficiency allows for mobilizing of savings from diverse sources and allocate it to more productive activities for economic growth. This study carries out a comparative analysis of technical efficiency for listed and unlisted banks in Ghana. Using panel annual financial data from eleven (11) banks starting from 2009 to 2013, the study employed the Stochastic Frontier Approach to estimate technical efficiency of the listed banks and the technical efficiency of the banks not listed. The study found that on the average, banks not listed on GSE are more efficient than listed banks. Foreign banks were more efficient than domestic banks. Bank-specific factors like the liquidity ratio, assets tangibility and profitability had a direct effect on both listed and unlisted banks. Increase in money supply will lead to increase in the efficiency level of both categories of banks. The study proposed that Bank of Ghana should consider reducing the banks required reserves with the Bank of Ghana to increase money supply and improve efficiency of banks. Bank managers are advised to maintain high level of liquidity in their operations to improve the efficiency of banks.

Source: UCC
A Comparative Analysis of Universal Primary Education Policy in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda

Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy in the form of fee abolition has become popular in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) since the mid 1990s in order to achieve Education for All (EFA). Even after learning from the past, the current UPE policy is devoid of analytical studies on its impact and challenges beyond school enrollment. This paper is an attempt to make a comparative analysis on UPE in four countries, namely, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda, to identify common and unique themes and to examine how these seemingly similar policies are responding to the capacity and needs of each country. The results show that effective policy implementation would require considerable consultation with key stakeholders and a baseline survey that will enable systematic implementation and consideration of equity. Mutual accountability and a responsibility mechanism between the government and parents/communities is also a key to the sustainability of the UPE policy.

Source: UCC
Comparative analysis of woody composition of farmlands and forest reserve Along Afram River In A Tropical Humid Savanna Of Ghana: Implications To climate change adaptation

Abstract Riparian forests (RF) composition is important for moderating climate change impacts on agricultural watersheds. However, they are under threat from deforestation of catchment areas. The study used remote sensing techniques and ﬁeld inventorying to assess woody species composition of RF on farmland (FA) and protected area (PA) along Afram river course in the humid savanna of Ghana. Analysis of Landsat images revealed a reduction in forest cover from 1986 (50 %) to 2014 (31 %) in the river catchment. Ground survey of 60 randomly selected plots (500 m2 per plot) equally divided between FA and PA along the river in a 50 m buffer zone showed a reduction in the number of woody species (diameter 5 cm) from PA (58) to FA (39). Shannon-Wiener Index for species diversity also reduced from PA (3.8 0.05) to FA (3.1 0.08). Diameter class distribution of species of both PA and FA showed a reversed J-shaped curve indicating successful regeneration. Reduction in species density per hectare from PA (545 18) to FA (277 13) is likely to increase the surface exposure of the riparian area in FA. This will heighten risks of climate disasters such as ﬁres and ﬂooding. Education of farmers on the importance of riparian forests may ensure their protection

Source: UCC
Comparative Antibacterial Activity of Stingless Bee Honey and Standard Antibiotics Against Common Eye Pathogens

Isolates of pathogens collected from infected eyes and their sensitivity to eight standard antibiotics used in the treatment of eye infections-and to stingless bee honey (SBH), used for treating eye infections in Ghana, was compared. Pure Meliponula bucandei honey and concentrations of 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% in distilled water were prepared. Twenty four patients with ocular infections who attended the Central Regional hospital and Christian Eye Hospital were selected for this study. Cultures of the collected specimens collectively revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated organism, representing 50% of the isolates, followed by Staphylococci aureus (31.25%). The least frequently isolated was Staphylococcus epidermidis (18.75%). In a disc diffusion method, pure SBH and concentrations of ≥60% produced the strongest activity on all three isolated pathogens. The isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa was totally resistant to the 20% and 40% concentrations of SBH. The standard antibiotics; Ampicillin , Tetracycline , Gentamycin , Erythromycin , Penicillin , Cloxacillin , Cefuroxime and Cotrimoxazole , used in concentrations of 10 μg/ml varied in their activity against the test microbes but was generally lower than the antibacterial activity of the pure SBH and its ≥60% concentrations (p < 0.05). SBH had more inhibitory effect on the test microbes than commonly used antibiotics although the activity against the Gram negative bacterium (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was limited. SBH therefore, can offer a suitable and better alternative in managing common eye infections in the event of therapeutic failure with standard antibiotic compounds.

Source: UCC
Comparative Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Female Secondary and Tertiary School Students in Ghana

Background. Breast cancer remains a serious public health problem globally. It is particularly increasing among adolescents and premenopausal women. Breast self-examination (BSE) is the most effective and feasible means of detecting breast cancer early in developing countries. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing knowledge of BSE among secondary and tertiary school students and at revealing their attitudes and practices about BSE. Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1036 female secondary and tertiary school students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Technology Senior High School. Data was obtained using a pretested questionnaire to access sociodemography, knowledge, attitudes, and practice of BSE among the students. Result. Most students were within the age of 15–24 years; 90.9% were aware of BSE. A high level of knowledge on BSE was found in 54.5% of the students. Knowledge was significantly higher in tertiary than secondary school students (p=0.002). 24.1% of the students thought BSE could be performed anytime; however only 8.1% of the students performed BSE monthly as recommended, whilst 41.8% had never practiced. Of these, more secondary students had never practiced BSE as compared to the tertiary students. 22.3% indicated they would wait for a change in a detected breast lump before seeking medical attention. 96.3% of the participants agree BSE is a good practice which must be encouraged. Conclusion. Teaching of BSE should be intensified beginning at the high school level, emphasizing practice and its benefits for early detection of breast cancer.

Source: UCC