Ga East Municipality Research Articles

Classroom Assessment Practices of Junior High School Social Studies Teachers in Ghana: The Case of Ga East Municipality

Classroom Assessment Practices of Junior High School Social Studies Teachers in Ghana: The Case of Ga East Municipality

If They Cannot Pay for Everything: Overcoming Barriers to Accessing and Utilising Formal Rehabilitation for People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) in Ga East Municipality, Ghana

If They Cannot Pay for Everything: Overcoming Barriers to Accessing and Utilising Formal Rehabilitation for People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) in Ga East Municipality, Ghana

Enhancing the Creative Arts Skill of Generalist Teachers in the Ga East Municipality, Ghana

The objective-based curriculum previously in use was replaced by a standards-based curriculum for the 2019–2020 school year, bringing a fresh approach to the fundamental study of visual arts. However, the current curriculum places greater emphasis on art history and cultural practices, presenting challenges for generalist teachers in the Ga East Municipality who lack significant training or experience in creative arts. This study aimed to explore the impact of different levels of educational leadership on enhancing the teaching skills of generalist teachers in creative arts education. Employing a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed. The study collected a total of 210 questionnaire responses and conducted interviews with 3 participants. The respondents included 185 generalist teachers, 25 headteachers, and 3 municipal education officers, selected through purposive sampling. The study held importance for the practical ability of generalist teachers to navigate complex artistic concepts through adaptability and flexibility in their teaching methods. The findings demonstrated that implementing innovative intervention strategies, such as collaborative projects, professional development training, integration of online resources, and pre-service education into the curriculum, while equipping generalist teachers with enhanced skills, can effectively inspire and engage students. Additionally, it highlighted the necessity for generalist teachers to exhibit passion, enthusiasm, instructional prowess, and imaginative skills to foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in students through creative arts, ultimately influencing the quality of future art education.

Comparative analysis of clinical characteristics of COVID-19 among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in a major treatment facility in Ghana.

To compare clinical characteristics of COVID-19 among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in a major treatment facility in Ghana. A retrospective study drawing on data from COVID-19 patients' records visiting the facility from March 2021 to December 2021. Ghana Infectious Disease Centre, Ga East Municipality, Greater Accra Region, Ghana. In-patients and outpatients who reported to the facility from 1st March 2021 to December 2021 were included in the study, and patients with missing data on vaccination were excluded. underlying conditions, symptoms, case management information, hospital service rendered (OPD, HDU or ICU), length of hospital stay, treatment outcome. The study included 775 patient records comprising 615 OPD and 160 hospitalised cases. Less than one-third (26.25%; 42) of the patients hospitalised were vaccinated compared to almost 40.0% (39.02%; 240) of the patients seen at the OPD. Vaccinated individuals were nearly three times (aOR = 2.72, 95%CI:1.74-4.25) more likely to be managed on an outpatient basis as compared to the unvaccinated. The death rate among the vaccinated group and the unvaccinated were (0.71%; 2) and (3.45%; 17), respectively, with a significant reduction in the risk of dying among the vaccinated compared to the unvaccinated (aOR = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.028 0.554). Less than half of the in-patient and OPD patients were vaccinated. Mild infections, fewer days of hospitalisation, outpatient treatment and higher chances of survival were associated with being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Prudent measures should be implemented to encourage the general public to take up SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. None declared.

The Study of Flood Effects on The Environment and Livelihoods in Ghana

Purpose: This study investigates the repercussions of flooding on the environment and the livelihoods within the Haatso community and its immediate surroundings, situated in the Ga East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana.
 Design/ Methodology/ Approach: We employed purposive sampling to conduct household-based interviews with 61 individuals across five residential areas. We used semi-structured questionnaires to collect their perspectives on the 2022 flooding situation within the Haatso communities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze disaggregated data such as demographic characteristics and other relevant themes directly bearing on flooding and flood vulnerability.
 Findings: The Haatso community and its immediate environs would continue to experience floods recurring annually due mainly to drain-related and unplanned infrastructure issues. Hence, the detrimental consequences of floods on infrastructure and businesses, resulting in hardships in the community are expected to persist.
 Research Limitation/Implication: The approach utilized in this study can be adapted for similar endeavours aimed at mitigating the effects of flooding on both the environment and livelihoods within various communities and their immediate environs.
 Practical Implication: The causes, rate of occurrence, and adaptive and coping mechanisms of floods ought to be known to provide additional knowledge on combatting floods.
 Social Implication: Providing early warning alerts increases survival schemes and hence decreases the direct and indirect losses caused by annual floods on communities.
 Originality/Value: This research submits a more pragmatic, holistic, and realistic survival strategy for the Haatso community and its immediate environs as compared to generalized studies, which did not consider directly local settings.

Urban sprawl and microclimate in the Ga East municipality of Ghana

Climatic elements such as temperature and rainfall provide great and unquantifiable benefits to human health. However, rapid urban sprawl has the tendency to undermine these health consequences. The relationship between urban sprawl and microclimate in the Ga East Municipality has been assessed to present the extent of sprawl that inhibit temperature and rainfall in recent times. Methodologically, satellite imagery and meteorological data (minimum and maximum temperature and rainfall) from 1990 to 2020 were used. The results indicate that rapid urban sprawl in recent times has significantly undermined the local climate through land use and land cover changes. There was strong statistical relationships between temperature and built-up areas (p < 0.05), grass/shrub cover (p < 0.04) and all vegetation cover (p < 0.03). There was also strong statistical relationship between rainfall and built-up areas (p < 0.03), grass/shrub cover (p < 0.04) and all vegetation (p < 0.02). Thus, expansion in built up areas and reduced grass/shrub cover led to increases in temperature, rainfall and surface water run off while reduction in all vegetation led to increase in both temperature and rainfall. These changes in climate brought about by urban sprawl will affect crop production, increase cataclysmic floods as well as growth of some harmful insects. There is the need for the amalgamation of urban growth and climate change into spatial planning through an all-embracing approach.

Relationship between Parenting Styles, Television Viewing Habits and Academic Performance of Students in Ga-East Municipality, Ghana

This study examined the relationship between parenting styles, television viewing habits, and academic performance of second year students in Ghanaian junior high schools in the Ga-East Municipality. The study was a cross-sectional correlational study using 310 samples drawn from a population of 1700 students. Using a five-point Likert’s scale, Buri's Parental Authority Questionnaire (α =.619) measured parenting style in this study. Students Grade Point Average (GPA) in four subjects (English, Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies) represented academic performance scores, while self-constructed TV viewing instrument (α = .71) was used to gather data on students’ television viewing habit. ANOVA, t-test, and multiple regression were used to test four hypotheses. Results indicated that authoritarian and permissive parenting styles correlated negatively with academic performance while authoritative parenting style affected students’ performance positively. The study also discovered that time spent watching TV significantly and negatively influenced academic performance of students. Again, time spent viewing television, did not differ significantly on the basis of age. The study concluded that authoritative parenting style is significant for a better academic grade, and that age is not a factor in regards to time students spent watching TV programmes. Based on the outcome of the study, it was recommended that the Municipal Counsellor should organise career guidance programmes for the students to encourage them to be more focused on their studies and also to reduce their TV viewing time. In addition, parents must be encouraged to regulate the TV viewing habits of their children.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Practices on Rabies Disease in the GA East Municipality, Ghana

Background: Rabies is one of the neglected tropical zoonotic diseases caused by a virus. It belongs to the Rhabdoviridae [1]. It is a disease that is commonly found in animals but can easily effect human [2]. Where there are animal reservoirs, rabies is commonly spread. The general objective of this study to evaluate differences in knowledge, attitude and perception about rabies, among the residence in Ga East.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was used in this study using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by interviewing study participants using OKD Collection and also STATA version14.2 was used for data analysis&#x0D; Results: A total of 475 respondents were involved in the study with 354 (74.53%) males and 121(25.47%) as females. Of this, majority of the participants (93.47%) own a dog against 6.53% who did not own a dog. Dog is own in the community basically for security purposes (77.25%). Few own dog for leisure. The study document less than 50% of the respondents [186 (39.16%)] resort to local drug stores drug store for first aid following a dog bit. Seeking veterinary attention (12.84%) and properly clearing of wound (8.84%) was not a common practice. Participants were of the opinion that tetanus vaccination should be done first (29.05%). Most of the participants have heard about rabies (96.42%) and showed various degree of knowledge on source of rabies, common animals associated with rabies, symptoms of rabies. Among some other practices, any identified rabid dog is killed as indicated by majority of the participants (52.63%). Most participants (71.58%) knew that rabies vaccination serves as preventive measures against rabies and further perceived all dogs must be vaccinated (38.32%). Of the total respondents, most (63.74%) never sent their dog for routine medical check-up nor vaccinated their dogs (70.95%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The study revered that dog owners do not provide adequate care for their dogs. In addition to low coverage of dog vaccination and human anti rabies vaccination in the community which poses a greater threat to the lives community, the potential for increased spread of the diseases is high due to inadequate level of knowledge, poor perceptions, and attitudes towards rabies.

Basic school pupils' food purchases during mid-morning break in urban Ghanaian schools.

Unhealthy food vending can expose children to malnutrition and other diet related challenges such as obesity. This study sought to describe types and sources of food in basic schools in urban Accra, and to describe food purchases by pupils. This was a cross-sectional study of five basic schools (3 public; 2 private) and 644 pupils in the Ga-East Municipality in Ghana. Check-lists were used to document available sources of foods during school hours. Pupils were intercepted after making purchases during breaktime and the type, cost and sources of foods purchased documented. Energy content of foods were read from labels when available or estimated using the Ghana Food Composition database when unlabelled. Frequencies and crosstabs were used to compare food type by source and school type. Foods were purchased from school canteen, school store, private stores, and 'table-top' vendors. Meals were most frequently purchased (38%) although single purchases were sweetened drinks, savoury snacks and confectioneries. About 53% of retailers located within the schools sold relatively healthier food options. Similar foods with comparable energy content were purchased within and outside of school. Basic schools in urban Ghana provide ready access to energy dense food options, which are purchased by pupils both within and outside of school premises. Timely interventions inclusive of school food policies can encourage healthier diets among pupils.

How Do They Cope: Traumatic Impact of Broken Homes on the Academics of the Children Living in Ga East Municipality, Ghana

The purpose of this study was to explore the living conditions of school children from broken homes in the Ga East Municipality and to assess its impact on their academic performance. This study was intended to examine the coping strategies of the children in handling their traumas of divorce. The descriptive survey design was adopted in this study. The purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 60 children from schools and in various communities in the municipality to take part in the study. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data from these respondents. The study found that the living conditions of majority of the respondents were not good after the divorce of their parents. It also came to light that the academic performance of most of the respondents was either very good or good before the divorce but after the divorce, most of the respondents had poor or very poor academic performance. It was observed that most of the respondents coped with the challenges of the divorce by spending more time with friends at school or with their relatives. From the present study, it could be concluded that when children are not given a conducive environment at home to have enough time to study due to parental divorce, it can impact negatively on their academic performance.

The Impact of Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (Leap) on Its Beneficiaries in the Ga East Municipality in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

The purpose of this study was to find the impact of Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) on its beneficiaries in the Ga East Municipality in the Greater Accra Region. The explorative and descriptive research designs were used in this study. Data was collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The multi-stage and snow ball sampling methods were used to select 90 respondents for the study. This study found that the program had captured more than 1,000 individuals from 207 households onto the LEAP program. Some of these beneficiaries had relatives who were indirectly benefiting from the amounts that they received every two months. It was also found that there were 300 additional relatives of the 90 respondents who were indirectly benefiting from the LEAP as they were either being taken care of or their fees were paid by the beneficiaries. The LEAP money was used by the beneficiaries for trading activities, paying the school fees of their children and the orphans who lived with them, and others used the money solely for feeding. It was concluded that the implementation of the LEAP in the Ga East Municipality had helped in improving the conditions of the beneficiaries even though few shortcomings like delays in payment of the LEAP money were encountered by the. The study recommends among others that officials of LEAP at the Municipal level should ensure that the beneficiaries get the information of their payment dates in time and subsequently get their LEAP money at the right time without any delay.

Trading Trees for Concrete Blocks; The Developmental Path in Abokobi in the Ga East Municipality

The presence of tree life in the landscape of cities is a promising means to supporting life. In an urban community, many of the social, economic, and environmental problems such as health, water, and air pollution, can be attributed to the consistent imbalance between the natural environment, built and socio-economic environments. This paper examines the challenges and prospects of tree life in the face of urbanisation in Abokobi in the Ga East Municipality. Data was obtained using purposive sampling technique, cluster and systematic random sampling techniques to sample key informant interviewees and 120 property owners for the questionnaire survey. In examining the spatial trends of vegetation cover of the entire Ga East Municipality, the paper employed an ArcGIS 10.1 software. The study found that between the base year 2005 to 2017, the study area had experienced continuous depletion of vegetative cover. This has serious implications on human life and the ecosystem. Again, findings from this paper indicates the presence of existing policies vis-à-vis institutional arrangements governing tree life in the study area but lacks implementation. The paper therefore recommends a participatory planning process as an ideal development pathway for the study area, an all-inclusive review of the land tenure system and the augmentation of institutional coordination in enforcing building protocols. Keywords: tree life, urbanisation, land tenure system, sustainable development, Abokobi, Ga East Municipality, Ghana. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-7-09 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM AND THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF BASIC SCHOOL CHILDREN IN GHANA

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the relationship between current physical education curriculum of basic schools and the level of physical activity of children in the Ga East Municipality of Ghana. Method: A total of 201 children from selected schools (4 with physical education curriculum [PE] and 4 without physical education curriculum [NPE]) were included in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics and physical activity. Pearson’s Chi square test was used to evaluate the relationship between physical education curriculum and physical activity levels of school children. Results: Few of the children met the WHO recommendation for physical activity for the target age-group. The two groups did not differ with respect to the duration of physical activity of the children. Children attending public schools were four times more likely to engage in physical activities for at least 180 minutes per week compared to those in private schools. Conclusion: Current physical education curriculum was not related to the level of physical activity and nutritional status of basic school children in this study. PE lessons need to be restructured so as to meet the physical activity needs of children in basic schools. Article visualizations:

Dietary patterns and associated risk factors among school age children in urban Ghana

BackgroundUnderstanding dietary patterns in the study of diet-disease relationships is crucial for designing dietary behaviour interventions. This study aimed to determine associations between dietary patterns and background characteristics among school age children (9–15 years) in Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional sample of 487 urban-dwelling children age 9–15 years was recruited using simple random sampling from 24 schools (12 private and 12 public) in the Ga-East Municipality in Southern Ghana. A 7-day food frequency questionnaire was used to record children’s consumption of over 100 unique food items. Principal component analyses based on 14 food groups was used to describe emerging dietary patterns (DP). BMI-for-age z-scores segregated by sex were derived using WHO Anthro plus software. Linear regression was used to test associations between ‘diet factor’ scores, and weight status controlling for age.ResultsFour DPs were identified that explained 53.2% of variation in the diets of children: (1) energy dense; (2) starchy root staple and vegetables; (3) cereal-grain staples and poultry; and (4) fish & seafoods. Energy dense DP characterised by processed meat, fried foods, and sugary foods was associated with child overweight/obese status after controlling for age, sex, SES and school type [F(5, 484) = 6.868, p < 0.001]. Starchy root with vegetable DP was negatively associated with overweight/obese status, private school attendance and higher SES after controlling for age at bivariate level. However, relationship between ‘starchy root staples and vegetables’ DP and overweight/obese status lost significance after controlling for other covariates.ConclusionOur data identified energy-dense dietary pattern to be significantly associated with childhood overweight and obesity. Targeted dietary messages are required to address energy-dense dietary patterns among school-age children.

Factors influencing use of analgesics among construction workers in the Ga-East municipality of the Greater Accra region, Ghana

Analgesics also known as painkillers are widely used for pain relief. There are severe health implications associated with excessive use of analgesics. This paper examines factors influencing the use of analgesics among construction workers in the Ga-East Municipality (GEM) of the Greater Accra region of Ghana. This is a cross-sectional study involving 206 construction workers randomly sampled from 7 construction sites in the GEM. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses on knowledge of analgesics, types of analgesics used and factors influencing the use of analgesics. Chi-square test analysis was used to examine factors influencing analgesic use. The majority of workers were aged between 15 to 44 years (89.8%) and 51.9 percent of respondents had completed Junior high school. Many respondents (68.0%) used Brand 1 a locally manufactured analgesic with paracetamol, aspirin and caffeine as the active ingredients and 31.6 percent of respondents had no knowledge of possible side effects of continuous use of analgesics. Chi square analysis showed that age was significantly associated with use of analgesics (p<0.01). Knowledge of the types of analgesics, dosage and side effects did not influence use (p>0.05). Television and radio advertisements influenced use of analgesics (p<0.01). Knowledge on analgesic use and knowledge of probable serious side effects was inadequate. Pharmacists and chemists involvement in education of clients of the side effects of analgesics is highly recommended to minimise misuse. The Food and Drugs Authority should regulate the proliferation of advertisements for analgesics in the media. None declared.

Evaluation of the measles surveillance system at Ga East Municipality (GEM), 2015

Introduction: measles, a viral disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among children globally. Ghana recorded 464 confirmed cases but no mortality between 2005 and 2011. Though an epidemic prone disease earmarked for elimination, is vaccine preventable. The key preventive and control measures are immunization and disease surveillance. The evaluation was done to detect whether the surveillance system was meeting its objectives and to assess its attributes.

Factors Contributing to Low Postnatal Coverage in Ga East Municipality

Factors Contributing to Low Postnatal Coverage in Ga East Municipality

School-Based Nutrition Education Intervention Improves Nutrition Knowledge and Lipid Profile among Overweight/Obese Children

Many children in Ghana do not meet the dietary and physical activity recommendations for their health due to several reasons including limited nutrition education intervention (NEI) programmes. NEI provides children with information on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) required to ensure proper dietary intake and physical activity. In this intervention study, we recruited eighty (80) overweight and obese students aged 11-15 years from two schools in the Ga-East municipality of Ghana. Anthropometric, biochemical, dietary and physical activity information were collected on the two groups before and after three months of NEI. Between group comparisons (test and control); before and after interventions were performed using student t-tests. It was shown that NEI improved nutrition knowledge (mean change = 5.13, p&lt;0.01), attitude (mean change = 2.75, p&lt;0.01) but not practice (mean change = -1.42, p&lt;0.05) in overweight and obese children. Although anthropometric indicators did not improve with NEI, serum lipid profile of participants improved as indicated by the following mean changes: TC [-1.22, 95%CI (-1.90 -0.55)] mg/dL, HDL-c [-0.19, 95% CI (-0.38, 0.00)] mg/dL, LDL-c [-0.90, 95%CI (-1.52, -0.28)] mg/dL and TG [(-0.66, 95%CI (-1.23, -0.09)] mg/dL. Our findings show that NEI undertaken within a relatively short period of time could have positive effects on lipid profile, knowledge and attitudes of school children, and in turn, promote the fight against childhood obesity, and improve the health and wellbeing of children.

In vitro Susceptibility Patterns of Typhoidal and Non-typhoidal Salmonella to Selected Anti-typhoid Herbal Medicinal Preparations Sold in the Ga East Municipality of Ghana

In vitro Susceptibility Patterns of Typhoidal and Non-typhoidal Salmonella to Selected Anti-typhoid Herbal Medicinal Preparations Sold in the Ga East Municipality of Ghana

Herbal Medicines Used in the Treatment of Typhoid in the Ga East Municipality of Ghana

Herbal Medicines Used in the Treatment of Typhoid in the Ga East Municipality of Ghana