Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology Research Articles

Phenotypic characterization and analysis of genetic diversity between commercial crossbred and indigenous chickens from three different agro-ecological zones using DArT-Seq technology.

Indigenous and were used to study genetic diversity and population structure analyses. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.0 to 0.5, with 21,285 SNP markers (35%) being in the lowest PIC value range (0 to 0.15) while 13,511 (commercial chickens have developed unique adaptations to their environments, which may include nutrition, pathogens, and thermal stress. Besides, environmental pressures and artificial selection have generated significant genome-wide divergence in chickens, as those selection pressures contribute a considerable evolutionary force to phenotypic and genotypic differentiation. Herein, we determined genomic diversity of indigenous chickens from semi-deciduous rainforest (SDR), coastal savannah (CS) and Guinea savannah (GS) agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Ghana and commercial crossbreds (CC) reared at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). We generated SNP markers from 82 chickens (62 indigenous chicken ecotypes and 26 commercial crossbred ecotype) using DArT-Seq technology. A total of 85,396 SNP markers were generated and after filtering the data, 58,353 markers 21%) were in the highest PIC value range (0.45 to 0.50). The CC were more genetically diverse than the indigenous birds, with the highest expected heterozygosity value of 0.220. Between the commercial crossbreds population and the indigenous ecotypes, pairwise FST values were estimated to be 0.105 between CS, 0.096 between SDF, and 0.133 between GS. Furthermore, PCA analysis showed that the CC, SDF and GS chickens clustered together and are genetically distant from the commercial crossbred. We herein show that chickens from the AEZs studied can be considered as one population. However, due the abundance of agro-byproducts in the SDR compared to the CS and GS, chickens from the SDR AEZ had better growth compared to their counterparts. It is suggested that the genetic diversity within the local ecotypes could form the basis for genetic improvement.

Fragments and Stitches of Ghanaian Idioms: A Catalogue of the Life and Works of Kwaku Asaku-Gyapon, An African Modernist Sculptor

This study sought to explore the practice and philosophical foundation of Kwaku Asaku-Gyapon (1932 – 2018), an artist educationist of the African modernist stock, from the 1960s to the 1980s that shaped the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) artistic traditions and generally the Ghanaian sculptural representation. The study seeks to contribute to existing literature on African modernism, following up on karî’kachä Seid’ou’s “J. C. Okyere’s Bequest of Concrete Statuary in the KNUST Collection: Special Emphasis on “Lonely Woman” which sheds light on the artist’s ethos and practice in the midst of seeming erasure and wrong attributions. The study looked at the artist’s three-decade practice, in mainly concrete statuary, terra cotta, wood, and metal (rarely), as part of mid-20th century Ghanaian nationalist repositioning. This is part of the African art that evolved by blending foreign materials and techniques with native African concepts in which artists used revolutionary tools and methods, along with indigenous storytelling practices, to tell their stories in various forms. The study adopted archival research and interviews of the artist as well as descriptive-analytic research methods of the qualitative approach. The study revealed that the artist’s concepts and themes emerged from his personal experiences, sociocultural environment, and political events of his era. It also shows the artist’s practice as commission-dependent in which personal explorations of materials (cement, metal, terrazzo, wood, clay) and techniques in life modelling, casting, and carving were prioritized. The Authors conclude that Kwaku Asaku-Gyapon was a prolific but less exposed Ghanaian modernist artist educationist, in the light of how he adopted the indigenous Asante storytelling approaches through the application of traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques. Keywords: Asaku-Gyapon, Ghanaian Idiom, Artworks, African Modernist Sculptor, Indigenous Storytelling

The psychosocial experiences of pregnant women in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective qualitative study.

Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable and suffer the most during pandemics, according to earlier studies. Pregnant women had to seek healthcare for both themselves and their unborn child(ren) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was unprecedented. Pregnant women's psychosocial experiences during pandemics are crucial since they both directly and indirectly affect the course of pregnancy and childbirth. The study therefore sought to explore the psychosocial experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this retrospective qualitative study, 15 nursing mothers who were attending a postnatal clinic at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) hospital in Ghana were recruited. Individual interviews were conducted with mothers who were pregnant between March and December 2020. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed into themes. Nursing mothers were aged 25-30 years and had infants ranging from 5 months to 15 months. Thirteen (13) were married and two were single. Two (2) major themes and five (5) subthemes emerged from the study. The unpleasant feelings connected to the potential for contracting COVID-19 and experiencing stress were described by the theme, "Fear and Stress". Participants' social experiences (support from significant others), alterations in daily routine and the economic impact because of the pandemic were presented as the "Socioeconomic impact". Pregnant women go through several challenges during pregnancy such as perceived stress and anxiety. These are likely to heighten during a pandemic, as presented in the study. They therefore need emotional and psychosocial support in such uncertain times to improve outcomes of pregnancy.

'Digitising health protection schemes in Ghana': An enquiry into factors associated with the use of a mobile phone-based health insurance contribution payment system among tertiary students.

In 2018, Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) introduced a mobile money payment system for membership renewal and premium payments to enhance enrolment and retention rates. However, the adoption of such innovations depends on various factors, including personal traits and public perceptions. This study aims to explore the determinants of NHIS membership renewal and premium payment via the mobile renewal system. Conducted at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, the study used a survey design to gather data from 951 KNUST students. Employing logistic regression analysis, the study identified key factors influencing the use of the NHIS mobile renewal service. The findings revealed that individuals aged 19-21, 25-27 or above 27, without mobile money accounts, and those with no history of online purchases were less likely to adopt the mobile renewal system (P < .05). Conversely, those perceiving the system as useful and easy to use were more likely to utilise it for NHIS membership renewal (P < .05). In conclusion, policymakers should prioritise system quality, accessibility, perceived ease of use, and usefulness to facilitate the adoption and usage of the NHIS mobile payment system. These findings contribute valuable insights for enhancing the effectiveness of health insurance innovations.

Traditional Wood Carving and Contemporary Wood Sculpture in Ghana

Traditional wood carving and contemporary wood sculpture are amicable in the world of art and have coordinated their working ways in shaping the wood art traditions. The study, comparatively, assesses Ahwiaa traditional wood carving and contemporary wood sculpture in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana based on their materiality, forms and functions. The study adopts descriptive research design using observation, interviews and photography to gather data from twenty (20) purposively sampled experts in the study area. Data collected for the study were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis tool. The outcome of the study shows that Ahwiaa carvers used locally produced tools for carving while KNUST contemporary carvers employ sophisticated equipment in their carving activities. However, both traditional and contemporary wood practices in the study area used wood as the common material to produce carvings that impact Ghanaian cultural heritage, social progress and artistic practices. The study therefore concludes that traditional and contemporary woodcarving practices in the study area are two interconnected forms of wood art that have the potential to inspire, challenge, and complement each other when collaboration and interdependence exist between them. The study calls for collaboration and interdependence between Ahwiaa traditional wood carvers and KNUST contemporary wood sculptors to inspire and open up exciting opportunities for artistic exploration, adventure, innovation, cross-pollination of ideas and expertise for the growth of wood art in the study area.

Tropical Modern Architect

Professor John Owusu Addo is a Ghanaian tropical modern architect and a pioneer in architectural education and practice in the nation-building of Ghana and other Commonwealth countries. His contributions to the modern architecture discourse seem to be overshadowed by the cohort of architects of both Western and Socialist origin who practiced in Africa during the decolonization era. The Community Center at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus in Kumasi-Ghana was designed by him; it represents a classic example of ‘unknown’ heritage within the narrative. This short essay examines both primary and secondary data, including unpublished interviews, master series events, articles, and papers to contextualize Prof. Owusu Addo as an exemplary protagonist to be explored for the benefit of tropical modern architects, especially in African settings.

Undergraduate Students’ Post-Covid-19 Experiences with E-learning Platforms at Selected Public Universities in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

The study investigated students’ post-Covid-19 experiences with e-learning platforms among undergraduate students of public universities selected in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study respectively drew 289 respondents from two public universities, i.e., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Business School, and the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) Business School in Ghana. Given that the population from the two public universities was fairly high, sampling had to be done. The overall population of the study was 480 students, randomly sampled from the two public universities, using the sampling ratio given by Alreck and Settle (2004). The population constituted 360 students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Business School, and 120 from the Kumasi Technical University Business School (KsTU). The study employed questionnaires as a data collection tool. The data gathered were 289 responses out of 480 questionnaires administered; therefore, the response rate was 60.2%. The data were analysed using pie charts, bar charts, percentages, and line graphs. Findings revealed that the e-learning platforms were still useful. However, the students used them on a weekly basis in the post-Covid-19 era, unlike during the Covid-19 era, when they were used daily. All other academic activities, with the exception of examinations, are still undertaken on the e-learning platforms; however, they are being underutilised in the post-Covid-19 experience. The study recommends that universities should invest in infrastructure development to enable all academic activities, most especially examinations, to be undertaken by using e-learning platforms to curtail future challenges.

Presence and levels of potential trace elements in lettuce and spring onion grown in Kumasi, Ghana

Vegetables are essential for human nutrition and health, and their consumption is increasing dramatically in every part of the world. However, irrigated water used in cultivation is usually not portable. The aim of the study was to determine the presence and level of potential trace elements in lettuce and spring onions grown and sold at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and its environs. The Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t XRF Analyzer measured the heavy metal concentrations in the lettuce and spring onions. The samples were taken from three farms on the KNUST campus. The heavy metals determined in the samples were arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, and lead. Most heavy metal concentrations determined in the vegetables were above the permissible limit of WHO/RML standards, except for Mn and Ni. However, Ni (88.22 mg/l) in Farm A was above the permissible limit (67.9 mg/l). The contamination of these metals showed a low degree of contamination of heavy metals in lettuce and spring onions from the various farms, except Nickel, which showed moderate contamination from Farm A (3.01 and 2.12 mg/) for lettuce and spring onion, respectively. The estimated daily intake (EDI), health quotient (HQ) and health index (HI) calculated generally indicated that most of the vegetables had low risk to human health, apart from those grown in Farm A, which had values above the permissible limit. However, long-term intake of these vegetables can be harmful due to accumulated effects.

Modelling the influence of socio-demographic attributes on students’ trip generation at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus

ABSTRACT This research investigates the influence of socio-demographic attributes on students’ trip generation on the campus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). A cross-sectional and mixed-method approach were employed, collecting primary data from 113 students through an online questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis and ordinal logistic regression explored the relationships between generated trips and socio-demographic attributes, including age, household size, vehicle ownership, educational level, income, and trip purpose. Age and household size were significant influencers of trip generation in the multiple linear regression. The ordinal logistic regression showed that, males are 2.40 times more likely to generate higher trip counts than females. Individuals aged 16–21 are 0.11 times less likely to produce more trips compared to older age groups. Single-occupant households have a 0.09 times lower likelihood of generating more trips than households with two or more occupants. However, individuals attending morning and afternoon lectures, only morning lectures, and morning and evening lectures among other activities have substantially higher odds of producing more trips, with odds ratios of 22.14, 15, and 567, respectively, compared to those exclusively attending evening lectures. Recommendations include improving shuttle services, pedestrian infrastructure, and promoting sustainable mobility solutions tailored to student demographics.

Students’ Satisfaction of Blended Problem-Based Learning: An Academic Experience at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Implementation of problem-based learning has been a challenge in most African institutions of higher learning including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) due to deficiencies in the secondary education system. This article seeks to investigate the effect of blended problem-based learning (BPBL) practices on students’ satisfaction at KNUST during the Enhancing Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability in Higher Education in Africa (EEISHEA) 2019–2022 project. In line with this objective, a survey instrument was prepared and validated and a multistage sampling technique with an effective sample size of 1,304 students (621 female and 883 males), 71 lecturers, and 16 technicians across the six colleges of KNUST were obtained. The generalized linear models, simple and multiple logistic regression, were estimated from the data to compare effect of teacher-centered and BPBL paradigms on students’ satisfaction. To prevent overfitting, a cross-validation was performed on the fitted models. Receiver operating curve and area under curve were employed to ascertain the predictive power of the models. Results indicate about 67.35% of students posited that lecturers have incorporated some problem-based learning (PBL) elements into their course delivery. About 72.13% of respondents submitted that the integration of the PBL ignited their self-directed and collaborative learning and improved learner’s problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the fitted models suggest that BPBL, gender, level of program, and college influence students’ satisfaction. The odds of satisfaction of an individual in the BPBL group is 7.4 times higher than respondents in the traditional group with a confidence interval for the odds ratio (OR), (OR 7.4, 95% CI: 4.31–13.16).

Frailty syndrome and associated factors among patients with hypertension: A cross-sectional study in Kumasi, Ghana.

Frailty is a condition marked by accumulation of biological deficits and dysfunctions that come with aging and it is correlated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension. Hypertension continues to be a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and premature death globally. However, there is dearth of literature in sub-Saharan Africa on frailty syndrome among hypertensives on medication. This study evaluated frailty syndrome and its associated factors among Ghanaian hypertensives. This cross-sectional study recruited 303 patients with hypertension from the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. Data on sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Medication adherence was measured using Adherence in Chronic Disease Scale, and frailty was assessed by Tilburg Frailty Indicator. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 26.0 and GraphPad prism 8.0. p-value of < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant. The prevalence of frailty was 59.7%. The proportion of high, medium and low medication adherence was 23.4%, 64.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Being ≥ 70years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 8.33, 95% CI [3.72-18.67], p < 0.0001), unmarried (aOR: 2.59, 95% CI [1.37-4.89], p = 0.0030), having confirmed hypertension complications (aOR: 3.21, 95% CI [1.36-7.53], p = 0.0080), medium (aOR: 1.99, 95% CI [1.05-3.82], p = 0.0360) and low antihypertensive drug adherence (aOR: 27.69, 95% CI [7.05-108.69], p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of increased odds of developing frailty syndrome. Approximately 6 out of 10 Ghanaian adult patients with hypertension experience frailty syndrome. Hypertension complications, older age, being unmarried, and low antihypertensive drug adherence increased the chances of developing frailty syndrome. These should be considered in intervention programmes to prevent frailty among patients with hypertension.

Pharmaceutical Assessment of the Impact of the Method of Extraction on the Suitability of Pectin from Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Peels as a Suspending Agent in Oral Liquid Formulations.

Natural polymers such as pectin have gained increased utilization in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors because they are affordable, easily accessible, nontoxic, and chemically modifiable, with the potential to be biodegradable and biocompatible. Musa paradisiaca (plantain) peels make up 30-40% of the overall weight of the fruit. The extraction of pectin from these residues can therefore be viewed as a possible waste of wealth. This study, therefore, focused on evaluating the suspending properties of pectin obtained from Musa paradisiaca (plantain) peels (through acid and alkaline extraction) and presented an alternative suspending agent in the pharmaceutical formulation of suspensions. The unripe peels of Musa paradisiaca were acquired and authenticated at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. Pectin was extracted from the peels using both acid and alkaline extraction processes, respectively, characterized, and evaluated for its phytochemical properties. Different concentrations of the acid and alkaline pectin extracts were employed as a suspending agent in paracetamol suspensions, using acacia gum as a standard. The pectin yields obtained were 4.88% and 7.61% for the acid and alkaline extraction processes, respectively, while phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, tannins, saponins, and phenols in both extracts. The alkaline pectin extract recorded higher equivalent weight, degree of esterification, ash content, and crude content than the acid pectin extract, while FTIR identified similar functional groups in both acid and alkaline pectin extracts. The test suspensions reported significant differences (P < 0.05) in flow rates, ease of redispersion, sedimentation volumes, and rates compared with acacia gum. Moreover, when the acid and alkaline pectin extracts were compared, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in sedimentation rates and sedimentation volumes, suggesting that the extraction method may affect suspending properties. Ultimately, the alkaline pectin extract had better suspending properties than the acid pectin extract; however, they both can be used as an alternative to acacia gum as a suspending agent.

Management of used face/nose masks in a higher learning institution: Lessons from the developing world

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge in medical waste, including used masks, reaching record levels. This study assessed used face/nose mask management awareness, attitude, and practices of the students and staff of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The total and fecal coliform loads of used face/nose masks were also analyzed. Using a descriptive cross-sectional research design, the data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Total and fecal coliforms were estimated using the Most Probable Number technique which was followed by incubation on selective media. The findings of the study showed that plastic wastes are the most commonly generated waste in KNUST (75.0%). Awareness of solid waste management was significantly related to the study level of the respondents (chi-square value = 30.463, p-value = 0.002). A majority of the respondents (88.6%) dispose of their used masks in bins and only a few disposed of theirs using other methods; burning (3.6%) or on the street (2.1%). The study revealed that an individual's level of education was significantly associated with poor solid waste management (x2 = 26.433, p-value = 0.009), level of awareness of face masks (x2 = 30.463, p-value = 0.002), types of solid waste generated (x2 = 27.514, p-value = 0.001) and the types of used face/nose mask generated (x2 = 34.279, p-value = 0.000). The mean total and fecal coliforms count recorded were 9.24 × 106 ± 6.25 × 106 cfu/100 ml and 1.56 × 106 ± 9.86 × 105 cfu/100 ml, respectively. Establishing and implementing proper waste management protocols and infrastructure for handling the increased volume of used masks is crucial to ensure public health and environmental protection.

Work Environmental Factors and its Impact on Employee Productivity: The Mediating Role of Employee Commitment

Employee efficiency is vital to an organization’s success and sustainability. As such, the work environment can significantly influence employee productivity, either positively or negatively. Recognizing the importance of employees, top-performing organizations prioritize creating a supportive workplace, given that employees spend a substantial portion of their lives performing work-related tasks. Conversely, unsuitable, and unfavourable work environments can contribute to job-related stress. This study investigates the work environment factors that affect employee productivity and explores how these elements can boost employee performance. Data was collected through a survey of 300 randomly selected staff members from three tertiary institutions Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to test the conceptual framework. The findings revealed a positive relationship between the workplace environment and employee commitment, suggesting that employee commitment partially strengthens the impact of the workplace environment on employee performance. This study offers practical insights for academic institution management, emphasizing the need to enhance workplace environmental conditions to facilitate effective academic work within these institutions. Keywords: Work environment, employee productivity, employee commitment, employee efficiency

Comparative Review of Sculpture Programmes in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and University Of Education, Winneba

The desire for Ghana's economic liberation through skill-oriented education to raise the required human capital for economic transformation makes Sculpture or Art essential to the Education system of Ghana and around the world. However, the majority of students who graduate from or complete the Sculpture section of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Education, Winneba, deviate from practising Sculpture or Art into other fields. The effectiveness of any educational system in terms of learner academic performance is dependent on the quality of teaching and learning techniques, material resources, human resources, and the transition or history of the program or section. The study was designed to review the Sculpture programmes at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). Data elicited through questionnaires, interviews, and observation of the participants were mainly analyzed thematically and explicitly presented in percentages, tables, and photographs with detailed textual explanations. A total of 105 students, 7 lecturers, 3 non-teaching staff, and 2 heads of the department participated in the study. The KNUST Sculpture Programme has been run for 59 years and the UEW Sculpture Programme for 27 years in the same infrastructure inherited from colleges with considerably lower standards. The university administration and the government should come to an agreement to collaborate on improving the infrastructure, facilities, and equipment of both programmes.

A cross-sectional study of knowledge and practices related to sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in 'unrestricted environments' in Ghana: A policy implementation context view

Background: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is key to the growth and development of adolescents. Inadequate information exposes adolescents to some challenges. This becomes more pronounced as they move from restricted unrestricted environments such as pertains universities where there is virtually no control. It is importantto assess their knowledge of issues related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) needs and how that knowledge influences their sexual practices. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of adolescents in public universities across Ghana on their SRH needs. Study Participants: 672 adolescents from the three selected public institutions who met the inclusion criteria and consented to the study. Study Setting: The Study Setting was the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA); Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi; and the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, all in Ghana. Study Design: A cross-sectional study of adolescents in public universities across Ghana. Results: The study found that over 80% of university respondentshad high knowledge of ASRH issues. However, more than two-thirds (67%) of the respondents indicated that they had no knowledge that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could be transmitted through unprotected sex. Regarding their sexual practices, the study found that 70% of the respondents were sexually active however, the prevalence of contraceptive use among them was extremely low (7%). Conclusion: A high level of knowledge on SRH issues among a large proportion of sexually active adolescents does not correspond to levels of practising safe sex making themsusceptible to STIsand unplanned pregnancies. Knowledge was thus disproportionally associated with safe sexual practices among adolescents in the unrestricted environments surveyed. Implementing behavioural change interventions through sexual education and improved access to ASRH services could improve the situation. These findings are thus relevant for SRH policy reforms and implementation programmes.

Assessment of water quality in boreholes from Tagrayire (Magazine) in Wa Municipality

ABSTRACT This paper reports a study of the water quality of different boreholes used for drinking water by auto mechanics in Wa Municipality, Ghana. Eight boreholes and two dugouts labelled AW, BW, CW, DW, WW and AD, BD, CD, DD, WD were sampled for analysis at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The results showed that all the heavy metals and pH values were above the WHO-recommended threshold, but temperature, NO3- and PO43- were all below the WHO thresholds except CW (xx) and DD (xx) for EC, and AW (xx) and WW (xx) for DO, respectively.

DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN GHANA

This study examined determinants of psychological health-seeking behaviour among students of selected public universities in Ghana. Specifically, the study investigated whether locus of control, stigma and culture have effects on the health-seeking behaviour of the respondents. The target population comprised 5,369 regular undergraduate students in four public universities in Ghana: University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University for Development Studies (UDS) and University of Cape Coast (UCC). A sample of 588 respondents were selected from the four public universities for the study which adopted the mixed methods research design, employed questionnaire and interview for data collection. Locus of control, stigma, culture and attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help short form (ATSPPHS-SF) scales were employed to explore the relationship between health-seeking behaviour and locus of control, stigmatization and culture. Frequencies and percentages were the statistical tools used for the data analysis. Findings revealed that, each of the three independent variables (locus of control, stigmatisation and culture) had significant effect on the health-seeking behaviour of the respondents. These findings call for counsellors to focus on anti-stigma campaigns, while paying critical attention to the cultural orientation and the personality profiles of their clients.

Basic School pupils’ perception of Entrepreneurship: A study of University Junior High School pupils

The study aimed at evaluating the interest and attitude of Junior High School (JHS) learners in the entrepreneurial skills topic taught as part of the Social Studies subject, which is one of the common core subjects newly introduced for basic 7 to 10 levels of study. Data was collected from 103 JHS students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Basic School. Data collection was done using both questionnaire and interview guide. Data and information collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the study revealed that the respondents had shallow knowledge on the entrepreneurial topic, citing a lack of practical training and experience on the part of the teachers. The respondents believed that well trained and experienced practitioners should be used in teaching the entrepreneurial skills topic. The study concludes that schools have fundamental roles to play in ensuring effective entrepreneurial education for the youth since entrepreneurship education in Ghana is seen as one of the best ways to solve the graduate unemployment situation in the country. The study recommends the need to review the curriculum on entrepreneurship to cover the development of student’s knowledge, skills and practical abilities. In addition staff should be supported and exposed to industrial experience on the topic, to enable them teach the practical aspects of the entrepreneurial content. The study further recommends that efforts should be made to involve experienced practitioners in teaching the subject.

Intrapersonal Experiences and Suicide Ideation of University Students: The Case of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

There have been rising global reported cases of suicidal behaviors in schools and universities. In this qualitative study, the authors sought to explore how self-directed thoughts and emotions of intrapersonal experience that come from school performance precipitate suicide ideation among university students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to solicit self-reported information on self-directed thoughts and emotions of intrapersonal experience among 40 students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi-Ghana. Two counselors from the Guidance and Counseling unit of the same institution were also interviewed. Theoretically, the paper employed Weiner’s motivational theory. This study used a six-phase thematic analysis. The study noted that intrapersonal experiences of self-directed thoughts, particularly unachieved expectancy of success and self-directed emotions of pride, guilt, and shame emanated from poor academic performance. From the data, the authors discovered that prayer, institutional support, for instance, the Guidance and Counseling Unit of KNUST and off-campus extracurricular activities mediated in curtailing or reducing the burden of suicide ideation with the eventual act of suicide. In conclusion, this paper has established that intrapersonal experience is complementary to the interpersonal experience of university students in the study of suicide ideation to holistically comprehend the internal and external factors that generate suicide ideation. This study recommends that the judicial system of Ghana should rethink decriminalizing suicide and attempted suicide if students are to acknowledge their state of suicide ideation for the necessary intervention. Keywords – Intrapersonal experience, suicide ideation, university students, Ghana, academic performance