Ghanaian Market Research Articles

Factors Associated with Improved Knowledge of Metabolic Syndrome in Female Market Traders.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered to be a clustering of cardiometabolic diseases and is emerging as a public health concern. There is little evidence of this disease in market traders, and so the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and knowledge of MetS. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometry, blood pressure and bloods were collected using standardized methods to detect the prevalence of MetS using the harmonized method in a cohort of female Ghanaian market traders (n = 338). A questionnaire documented the knowledge of MetS. Linear regression was used to investigate the factors associated with knowledge and was reported as adjusted β values. Forty-two percent (n = 142) had MetS. The overall knowledge of MetS was low, driven by education (β = 0.22, p = 0.0001), low levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (β = −0.15, p = 0.018) and affiliation with the Ewe cultural group (β = −0.19, p = 0.0004). As females working in a sedentary occupation, market traders are vulnerable to MetS. Our findings indicate the urgent need for culturally sensitive education to promote healthy behaviours.

A Micro-assessment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Realities on Small-Scale Vendors in Ghana: China as a Leveraging Resource

Since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, international relations (IR) literature on the pandemic’s implication on global politics has generally increased, while studies on small businesses and human developmental consequences in the developing world have lagged. In this context, through a micro-level analysis, this article investigates the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic affects the economically bottom-class citizens and their businesses, focusing on small-scale vendors in Ghana. It utilises content analysis to examine 384 small-scale vendors in four cities/towns (Accra, Tema, Sunyani, Ho) in Ghana between August and October 2021. We show that the pandemic has negatively affected economic life and ordinary living conditions by increasing poverty among economically bottom-class citizens, likely to have dire long-term consequences nationally. Further, we contend that the small-scale vendors and entrepreneurs recognise leveraging the increasing Chinese global economic influence. Thus, China provides an exit point through which the people can navigate themselves out of the COVID-19 predicaments. Our study is novel for its first-level—individual—analysis of the impact of COVID-19 in the Ghanaian market space from an IR perspective. It also provides policy relevance.

Presence and risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in dietary plant supplements as elucidated by a combined DR CALUX® bioassay and GC-HRMS based approach

Plant-based dietary supplements may contain undesirable contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) due to the sources of raw materials or processing methods used. The presence of these contaminants in a series of herbal supplements sold on the Ghanaian market for improving sexual performance was examined using the DR CALUX® bioassay in combination with GC-HRMS analysis. Overall, cell responses at 4 and 48 h exposure to extracts prepared without an acid-silica clean-up were relatively higher than the responses obtained from extracts prepared with an acid-silica clean-up. This indicated that the 40 supplements contained only low levels of stable aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists like polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dl-PCBs, while some contained substantial amounts of less stable AhR-agonists. Ten supplements selected for confirmation with GC-HRMS analysis contained PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.19 pg toxic equivalent (TEQ)/g only, while the level of the sum of 4 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ4PAHs) representing less stable AhR agonists, ranged from not detected (ND) to 25.5 ng/g. These concentrations were in line with the responses observed in the DR CALUX® bioassay. The concentration of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs corresponded to estimated daily intakes (EDIs) ranging from 0.01 to 1.20 pg TEQ/day, or 0.001 to 0.12 pg TEQ/kg bw/week for a 70 kg bw consumer, which was below the established tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 2 pg TEQ/kg bw/week, thus indicating low concern for consumers’ health. Similarly, the EDIs based on the detected Σ4PAHs in supplements ranged from 7.2 to 111 ng/day, or 0.1 to 1.6 ng/kg bw/day, which corresponded to MOE values above 10,000, indicating a low health concern.

Formaldehyde Levels in Fabrics on the Ghanaian Market

Background: Formaldehyde is a chemical used in several textile production processes, such as hardening of fibers and antimold finishing. However, it has varying effects on humans, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, wheezing, chest pains and bronchitis. In the midst of COVID-19, individuals are using various fabrics for face mask production, which may be con-taining levels of formaldehyde that can negatively affect their health. Methods: This study investigated formaldehyde levels in fabrics on the Ghanaian market to de-termine compliance to standards set by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) with the aid of ex-perimental procedures. Thirty-two (32) different brands of fabrics were selected for the investiga-tion. Formaldehyde levels were determined using a spectrophotometer (DR6000). Data were ana-lyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) for Windows version 22. The mean performance attributes and the formaldehyde levels of the sampled fabrics were determined before and after washing. Inferential statistics (Analysis of Variance and Paired Samples t-test) at 0.05 alpha levels were used to determine significant differences between and among the groups involved. Results: The fabric samples tested positive for formaldehyde before and after washing, with some exceeding the standard limits set by the GSA before washing. Significant differences exist-ed between and among the samples with regard to formaldehyde levels as well as weight and weave types of the samples and formaldehyde levels. Conclusion: Washing significantly reduced the formaldehyde levels in the fabrics. It is recom-mended that Ghana Standards Authority takes a further look at the fabrics on the Ghanaian market to ensure manufacturers comply with set standards and consumers are also advised to wash their clothes at least once before use to reduce the level of impact formaldehyde resin may have on them.

Dietary Exposure to Aflatoxins in Some Randomly Selected Foods and Cancer Risk Estimations of Cereals Consumed on a Ghanaian Market

Aflatoxins have gained so much reputation among all mycotoxins due to their notoriety in causing countless adverse health effects on humans as well as animals. It continues to be a major concern in food safety globally. In this study, total and constitutive aflatoxins levels as well as the carcinogenic risks posed by 110 food and feed samples (55 cereals, 20 nuts and oils, 18 animal feed, and 18 fruits and vegetables) collected from the Ho Central market in the Volta region, Ghana, were assessed. Using high-performance liquid chromatography connected to a fluorescent detector (HPLC-FLD), levels of total aflatoxins (AFtotal) and aflatoxins constituents, namely, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2, were analyzed. By using the model prescribed by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), the risks posed by the food and feed samples were determined. The degrees of toxicity were in the ranges of 0.78–234.73 μg/kg, 0.47–21.6 μg/kg, 1.01–13.75 μg/kg, and 0.66–5.51 μg/kg, respectively, for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. Out of the samples analyzed for AFtotal, about 51 (46.4%) exceeded the limits of GSA and were in the range 10.63 ± 1.20–236.28 ± 4.2 μg/kg. While for EFSA, 71 (64.54%) exceeded and ranged between 4.72 ± 0.28 and 236.28 ± 4.2 μg/kg. Furthermore, estimated daily intake (EDI) of 27.10–283.70 ng/kg·bw/day, margin of exposure (MOE) of 1.409–14.76, average potency of 0–0.00396 ng aflatoxins/kg·bw/day, and cancer risks with a range of 0.107–1.122 cases/100,000 person/yr were observed. Taken together, it could be concluded that consuming cereals pose adverse effects on human health regardless of the age of the consumer.

Quality and Safety Assessment of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements on the Ghanaian Market

Quality and Safety Assessment of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements on the Ghanaian Market

Tensile Strength and Micro-Hardness Properties of Common Roofing Sheets in Ghana.

Background: The request for housing in Ghana is great and as a result the selection of durable roofing sheets have become very significant as roofing plays a vital role in building construction. This study examines some mechanical properties of the most common locally-produced and imported roofing sheets in the housing industry in Ghana to inform decision-making when it comes to roofing. The roofing sheets chosen were One Star Galvanized Japan (G1*Jap), Galvanized Coated (GC), Aluzinc three star galvanized (AlZn3*), One Star Galvanized Indi (G1*Ind) and Aluminium (Al) due to their popularity and wide availability on the market. Samples from these were cut into specific dimensions and placed in a Tinius hydraulic Universal Testing Machine (Model 602) for testing. Results: The results showed that AlZn3* had the highest Young’s Modulus of Elasticity of 18.21MPa, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of 50.27 MPa; Aluminium (Al) recorded the highest Percentage Elongation of 28% and Breaking Energy 7956600 MJm-2 with G1*Jap recording the least UTS of 26.6 MPa and Breaking energy of 55378 MJm-2 whiles G1*Ind showed the least Young’s Modulus of Elasticity of 7.6 MPa and Percentage Elongation of less than one percent (0.5%). Conclusion: These numbers lead to the conclusion that AlZn3* roofing sheet is generally the best roofing sheet. Based on this it was concluded that AlZn3* is the best roofing sheet on the Ghanaian market due to its unmatched mechanical strength.

Radical Equality in Ghanaian Market Fiction for Children

This article situates Ghana’s popular market fiction for children in relation to British colonial and official Ghanaian children’s literature and, following Rancière’s model of the ‘ignorant schoolmaster’, presses for an expectation of intelligence from the rowdy genre, toward ‘radical equality’. Joshua Kojo Sey’s Wonders Shall Never End (c. 2017) serves as a central case of how a text that may seem to lack control over its own abundance of ideas offers up vital imaginary constructs.

Review of Ghana’s food environment: Drivers of availability, barriers to healthy food access, and impact of interventions and policies

Food environments exert a significant effect on population dietary choices and health outcomes. Policies that influence the food environment, can have a significant impact on individual and population dietary choices. This rapid review assessed the nature and interaction within the Ghanaian food environment, and the impact that existing school, workplace, and national food policies have on dietary intake and nutritional outcomes. Online databases and university repositories were searched for relevant articles and documents. A total of forty articles and documents were included in the review. Majority of the reviewed papers (85%) used a cross-sectional design. The findings show that traditional outlets (open markets) constitute the main food source among the Ghanaian populace, while convenience stores serve as an important source of processed foods. Prepared local foods are often consumed outside the home and are mainly sourced from street food vendors. Street foods are perceived as less expensive, convenient, and delicious. The food environment was found to influence dietary acquisition, intake, and nutritional outcomes. Although most nutrients provided by the School Feeding Programme (SFP) are below recommended intake standards, the SFP contributes positively to improved diets and nutrition status of school-age children. Children attending SFP-implementing schools experience higher intakes of protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, folate, and have higher haemoglobin, and lower prevalence of stunting, underweight, and thinness than children in non-SFP implementing schools. Availability of a private room for breastfeeding mothers improved breastfeeding frequency. Ghana’s fatty meat restriction policy has reduced the availability and sale of fatty meat on the Ghanaian market. Reported drivers and barriers to healthy foods consumption include socio-economic factors, media information, food storage facilities, cultural perception, fruit seasonality, knowledge on the nutrient value of fruits and vegetables, safety profile of fruits and vegetables, and contribution of household production to dietary intake. In conclusion, the food environment review reveals the drivers of availability, barriers to healthy food access, and impact of interventions and policies on the Ghanaian food environment. Key words: Ghana, Food environment, policies, nutritional impact, health impact

Improving fire risk communication between authorities and micro-entrepreneurs: A mental models study of Ghanaian central market fires.

This study conceptualizes how fire management authorities can empower nonexpert public to participate in fire risk communication processes and increase their own responsibilities for managing fire preventive, protective and recovery processes effectively. Drawing narratives from 10 disaster management experts working at government institutions and nine micro-entrepreneurs operating self-sustaining businesses in different merchandized lines in Ghana, we analyzed the data thematically and explored new insights on mental models to generate a two-way fire risk communication model. The findings suggest that fire management authorities planned fire disasters at the strategic level, collaborated with multiple stakeholders, disseminated information through many risk communication methods, and utilized their capabilities to manage fire at the various stages of fire risk communication, but the outcomes were poor. The micro-entrepreneurs sought to improve fire management outcomes through attitude change, law enforcement actions, strengthened security and better public trust building. The study has implications for policymakers, governments, and risk communication authorities of developing countries to strengthen their fire disaster policies to minimize commercial fire incidents and address the damaging effects of fire on people's livelihoods, businesses, properties, and environments. Our proposed two-way fire risk communication model is a new theoretical lens for experts and the nonexpert public to assess each other's beliefs about risk information and manage fire risk communication effectively at all stages.

Development and Validation of an Ion-Pair HPLC-UV Method for the Quantitation of Quinoline and Indoloquinoline Alkaloids in Herbal and Pharmaceutical Antimalarial Formulations

Quinine- and cryptolepine-based antimalarials serve as valuable alternatives to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Ghana. Their use, however, is associated with adulteration and substandard quality challenges. An HPLC method targeting quinoline and indoloquinoline antimalarial alkaloids was developed, validated, and applied to evaluate herbal and pharmaceutical antimalarial formulations (HPAFs) and starting materials (APIs). The separation/quantitation of the alkaloids (including quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, cinchonidine, dihydroquinine, dihydroquinidine, and cryptolepine) was achieved on a Zorbax SB-CN column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), with an isocratic elution system of methanol: trifluoroacetic acid (0.1%, v/v) (15 : 85, v/v) at 1.5 mL/min and 223 nm. Method validation was according to ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. It was then used to assess the quality of APIs (n = 3) and HPAFs (n = 44) including quinine-based pharmaceutical antimalarial formulations (QBPAFs) (n = 23) and herbal antimalarial products (HAMPs). The method was found to be specific, selective, accurate, precise, and robust toward the alkaloids with linearity achieved within specified concentration ranges (r2 > 0.995 for all analytes). Analyte stability ranged between 6 and 12 hours. All the APIs contained quinine <99.0%–101.0%, with dihydroquinine and cinchonidine at levels compliant with the established acceptance criteria. The QBPAFs had quinine content ranging between 50.2% and 151.2%, with 43.5% (n = 10/23) of them complying with the acceptance criteria. The related alkaloids observed in the QBPAFs included quinidine (56.5%, n = 13/23), dihydroquinine (100%, n = 23/23), dihydroquinidine (21.7%, n = 5/23), cinchonine (17.4%, n = 4/23), and cinchonidine (95.7%, n = 22/23). For the HAMPs, 81.0% (n = 17/21) were adulterated with quinine (0.59 ± 0.04 mg/10 mL–86.03 ± 0.02 mg/10 mL). Cryptolepine was identified in 19% (n = 4/21) of the HAMPs with concentration ranging between 43.99 ± 0.43 μg/mL and 747.86 ± 0.34 μg/mL. In conclusion, the application of the ion-pair HPLC method targeting quinoline and indoloquinoline antimalarials has demonstrated the presence of quality and poor-quality HPAFs on the Ghanaian market.

Assessment of some quality parameters and chemometric-assisted FTIR spectral analysis of commercial powdered ginger products on the Ghanaian market

BackgroundZingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) rhizome is a global spice with marked pharmacological activities and industrial applications. The demand for the powdered spice soared in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The present study sought to assess powdered ginger products on the Ghanaian market for some quality parameters and compare their chemical composition via chemometric analysis of their FT-IR data. MethodsA survey was conducted in three major markets in Ghana to determine the commercially available powdered ginger products. These products were purchased and assessed for microbial load, heavy metals contents and ash values using official methods. Also, principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis, as multivariate algorithms, were applied to their FT-IR spectral fingerprints, using Z. officinale, Z. zerumbet and some dried ginger rhizomes from Nigeria as reference samples. ResultsSeven products were found in the survey: three local and four foreign. The local products failed to meet regulatory label requirements. The microbial load, heavy metals and ash values of all commercial samples were generally within specifications except for the aerobic bacterial counts of some local samples. Pharmacopoeial identity test and the chemometric analysis revealed all the products to contain Z. officinale. The reference ginger sample from Nigeria also demonstrated some level of similarity with Z. officinale. The variations in physical attributes and slight difference in chemical composition of the different products was presumed to be due to chemical changes arising from different processing methods and possible adulteration with other flours. ConclusionThe sampled ginger products on the market originate from Z. officinale and have quality attributes that make them suitable for food and medicinal applications. The observed deviations, however, suggest an urgent need for standardized processing methods to ensure consistency in quality indices, as well as regular quality checks by regulatory bodies.

Assessing malaria staining practices with Giemsa for malaria microscopy; a case of selected laboratory facilities in the Ashanti region of Ghana

BackgroundMicroscopy remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis globally, especially where quality Giemsa stain is used. However, several Giemsa stains products have flooded the Ghanaian market which may not meet the required standard. In this study we report on the efficacy of Giemsa stains used for malaria detection in selected medical laboratories in Ashanti region. MethodologyA questionnaire was administered to obtain data of staining practices among participants. Thick and thin blood smears with standard parasite density of 300,000 parasites/ul ± 25,000 was given to facilities for staining. The stained slides were examined for their staining characteristics of the white blood cells, malaria parasites and parasite density by certified malaria microscopists. ResultsLess than 40% of the participant had parasite density within the expected range (225,000-375,000/ul). Forty percent (40%) also scored less than 7 out of 10 on the staining characteristics of the white blood cells. Additionally, 73.3% of participating laboratories used tap water for preparation of Giemsa working solution which affected parasite negatively. A statistically significant association was observed between immediate preparations of working solution and the morphological changes of neutrophils (p<0.0001). ConclusionThe study found that a less than half (40%) of Giemsa products used in Ghanaian medical laboratory facilities were adequately effective in detecting in malaria parasites optimally. This poses a great threat to malaria diagnosis in Ghana.

To build or not to build, that is the uncertainty: Fuzzy synthetic evaluation of risks for sustainable housing in developing economies

Sustainable housing development is essential for achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. However, amid increasing housing deficits, investing in sustainable housing is widely perceived as a risky venture among policymakers and potential developers. This study explores the risk factors that hinder sustainable housing in developing economies using Ghana as a case study. Through a comprehensive literature review, a list of 30 risk factors was established and categorized into five thematic groups. These factors and groups were used to conduct a questionnaire survey among professionals in the Ghanaian housing market to assess progress on achieving sustainable development goals in housing and the risk factors that affect these. Fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) analysis conducted on risk factors revealed that ‘financing-related’ is the most critical risk category followed by ‘procurement-related’, ‘design and construction’, ‘operation and maintenance’ and ‘political-related’ risk factors. By prioritizing the risk categories, the findings apprise policymakers and practitioners of the risk factors that require more attention to achieve sustainable housing development. Additionally, the study stipulates measures for mitigating critical risks and for promoting efficient eminent domain on land, energy efficient retrofitting, transparent procurement, effective contractual strategies and efficient co-production and co-designing for sustainable housing development.

Evaluation of symmetries and asymmetries on barriers to sustainable housing in developing countries

For effective policy development and implementation for sustainable housing, the perspectives of professionals (i.e., suppliers of housing facilities and services) and households (i.e., consumers thereof) must be assessed concurrently. However, with sparse studies examining both the supply and demand-sides of sustainable housing development simultaneously, policymakers are plagued with unbalanced information. Consequently, eclectic and specific policies cannot be formulated for implementation. This study presents a concurrent evaluation of sustainability challenges from both perspectives towards identifying symmetries and asymmetries on sustainable housing barriers. Four categorizations of barriers were developed from extant literature, viz: ‘economic’, ‘social’, ‘environmental’ and ‘institutional’ barriers. Primary data was gathered using a structured questionnaire that was distributed via a non-probability purposive sampling technique to both professionals working in formal/regulated institutions of the Ghanaian housing market and household occupants. A test of significant difference on underlying barriers was conducted using Mann-Whitney U test. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) technique was also employed for dealing with subjectivity in responses attributed to differences in respondents' aim, motivation and experience for an objective evaluation of a multivariate factor (i.e., category of barriers). The study's findings revealed significant differences among some underlying barriers rated by the two respondent groups. Likewise, there were significant differences supported at p < 0.05 at a Z-value of −2.24 and p < 0.05 at a Z-value of −1.48 on the social and environmental categories of barriers, respectively. Practically, results on the test of significant difference are indicative of barriers that require all-inclusive and specific policies. Moreover, the FSE indices provide allocative purpose by directing resources from policymakers towards more critical barriers for sustainable housing.

Competition and Market Contestability in Ghanaian banking industry: A Panzar-Rosse Approach

The present study evaluates the market structure of Ghana’s banking industry and estimates the nature and degree of competition. This study uses non-structural methodology proposed by Panzar-Rosse Model known as “H-statistic” to empirically assess competitiveness in the Ghanaian banking market. The study uses 23 banks in Ghana from 2000 to 2019, compiled and reported by Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB). The study results show that banks in Ghana derive their revenue in conditions of monopolistic competition. Thus, Contestable markets theory and Chamberlainian competition theory are validated by the study results. Furthermore, the study results revealed that from 2000 to 2019, after various structural reforms including the implementation of the FINSAP, competition in the Ghanaian banking sector increased. Finally, when the dataset was decomposed into local and foreign banks, the results indicate that monopolistic competition market conditions are found for both local and foreign banks. Managerially, the presence of a monopolistic market condition adds to the call for managers of the banks to consider factor input prices in an attempt to generate more revenues. Second, to avoid negative consequences of competition, managers of these banks should not rely on a single income source but also indulge in non-intermediation activities. In terms of policy, pro-structural shift policies that have helped with the transition from a monopoly structure to a monopolistic competition free entry or contestable market structure should be rigorously pursued by the policymakers. Besides, policy directives that enhance greater consolidation in the banking sector shouldbe pursued rigorously. Finally, the results from this study could help policy-makers to fashion an appropriate optimal intervention and stability policies geared towards enhancing banking stability at different levels of bank competition.

SETTING THE FUTURE AFTER THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC THROUGH DIGITAL MARKETING PLATFORMS AND PURCHASING DECISIONS: EVIDENCE FROM GHANA

Businesses have been shaped by digital marketing platforms, which have prompted them to use technology that allows them to give high-quality service at a cheap cost. A key question now is with the new digital marketing clients entering the Ghanaian market every year, providing marketers with unique ability to present their items through digital marketing platforms how thus those platforms influence consumers purchase decisions? Digital marketing has been hailed as a cutting-edge marketing strategy that provides businesses with new alternatives. Due to a rising share of middle-income consumers. This is the first study of this type to investigate how digital marketing platforms impact purchase decisions among students during the Covid-19 era. The study seeks to look at a variety of digital marketing platforms in Ghana. A simple sampling strategy was used to select participants for the study while standard surveys or questionnaires were used to collect data. With the exception of missing surveys, 500 questionnaires were sent and 389 available responses were returned, indicating 77.8% response rate for all participants. Partially least square structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that a number of significant digital media outlets influence students buying decisions in Ghana. Customers use digital media platforms to purchase a variety of items, and digital marketing influences their shopping habits.

Microbial Contamination of Herbal Preparations on the Ghanaian Market, Accra.

In developing countries, an estimated 80% of the population use traditional herbal medicines as part of their primary health care. As the market for herbal medicine expands in many African countries, partly due to their use in the treatment of COVID-19, there is the need to address all the associated safety issues. The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbial contamination of locally prepared, as well as imported foreign herbal products sold in Accra. Standard microbiological methods were employed in the enumeration of coliforms and the identification of pathogenic microbes in 60 herbal preparations that were sampled. A larger proportion (76.7%) of local herbal preparations was contaminated with bacteria as compared with imported ones (63.3%). Bacillus species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the predominant bacteria obtained from foreign and locally manufactured herbal preparations, respectively. A proportion of 36.7% (11) of the local samples were positive for coliform and the coliform counts ranged from 3.0 × 101 cfu/ml to 2.0 × 104 cfu/ml. Two foreign herbal samples (6.7%) were positive for coliforms; one had a count of 1.7 × 105 cfu/g while the other had 2 × 104 cfu/g. Herbal preparations sold in markets of Accra harbour several microbial pathogens; the risk is relatively higher for locally produced herbal preparations compared to imported herbal preparations. As a result, it is recommended that quality assurance in the production of local herbal preparations should be thoroughly monitored from the beginning of production to the final selling of the preparations. There is also the need to strengthen microbiological safety monitoring of imported herbal preparations.

Overconfidence bias and stock market volatility in Ghana: testing the rationality of investors in the Covid-19 era

PurposeThe paper tests the overconfidence bias and volatility on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) during the pre-Covid-19 pandemic and Covid-19 pandemic period.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs pairwise Granger causality to test the presence of overconfidence bias on the Ghana stock market as well as GARCH (1,1) and GJR-GARCH (1, 1) models to understand whether overconfidence bias contributed to volatility during pre-Covid-19 pandemic and Covid-19 pandemic period. The pre-Covid-19 pandemic period spans from January, 2019 to December, 2019, and Covid-19 pandemic period spans from January, 2020 to December, 2020.FindingsThe paper finds a unidirectional Granger causality running from weekly market returns to weekly trading volume during the Covid-19 pandemic period. These results indicate the presence of overconfidence bias on the Ghana stock market during the Covid-19 pandemic period. Finally, the conditional variance estimation results showed that excessive trading of overconfident market players significantly contributes to the weekly volatility observed during the Covid-19 pandemic period.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical findings demonstrate that market participants on the GSE exhibit conditional irrationality in their investment decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic period. This implies investors overreact to private information and underreact to available public information and as a result become overconfident in their investment decisions.Practical implicationsFindings from this paper show that there is evidence of overconfidence bias among market players on the GSE. Therefore, investors, financial advisors and other market players should be educated on overconfidence bias and its negative effect on their investment decisions so as to minimize it, especially during the pandemic period.Originality/valueThis study is a maiden one that underscores investors’ overconfidence bias in the wake of a pandemic in the Ghanaian stock market. It is a precursor to the overconfidence bias discourse and encourages the testing of other behavioral biases aside what is understudied during the Covid-19 pandemic period in Ghana.

Quality determinates of rice price in open bag markets in Sub-Saharan Africa

PurposeWeaknesses in the grades and standards system in low-income countries across Sub-Saharan Africa undermine the transparency of agricultural markets. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana and Mozambique rice is predominately sold in open bags and if rice price does not reflect its quality, then inefficiencies may lead to consumer welfare losses. Importantly, it is possible that impoverished communities are priced out of the market due to inflated and inefficient prices. The objective of this study is to examine determinates of rice price by estimating the impact of selected rice quality attributes on rice prices in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Mozambique.Design/methodology/approachWe collected 363 rice samples from open air markets in Bukavu (DRC), Nampula (Mozambique) and across Ghana in 2019. Each rice sample was analyzed in a food science lab for the quality attributes: percentage of chalk and brokens, chalk impact, length and length-to-width ratio. We used multiple regression analysis to estimate if and to what extent quality attributes were the drivers of price.FindingsFindings suggest that there are irregularities in the Ghanaian market for broken rice and that regardless of quality, imported rice is priced higher than domestic rice. In the DRC and Mozambique, our results indicate price is driven by length and length-to-width ratio in the former and length-to-width ratio in the latter.Research limitations/implicationsRice samples were purchased from market vendors and thus consumer preferences for attributes were not revealed.Originality/valueThese results provide valuable insight to policymakers regarding the need for proper labeling and regulation of open bag rice sales in an effort to increase consumer welfare and improve food security.