Southeastern Ghana Research Articles

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Amoebiasis among Asymptomatic School Children in the Ho Municipality, South-eastern Ghana

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Amoebiasis among Asymptomatic School Children in the Ho Municipality, South-eastern Ghana

Integrating Biochar with Solar Drip Irrigation Technology for Smallholder Vegetable Farming in South-eastern Ghana Yields Profitable Returns

Ghana's agricultural sector faces significant challenges, characterized by low productivity and a heavy reliance on unpredictable rainfall and outdated farming practices, with limited use of modern agricultural inputs. This research investigates the potential profitability of integrating biochar and solar drip irrigation technologies for smallholder vegetable farming in Ghana, a country with sub-Saharan African agricultural conditions. The study employs gross margin and net farm income approaches to estimate profitability, providing a robust financial analysis of the proposed agricultural innovations. The results reveal a substantial mean gross margin of GHȼ35,021.25 and a net farm income of GHȼ48,786.50 per ha across the study area during the dry season from 2017-2020. These findings underscore the economic viability of biochar and solar drip irrigation, demonstrating significant financial benefits for smallholder farmers. The study concludes that adopting these technologies can markedly enhance agricultural productivity and profitability. It is recommended that smallholder farmers adopt biochar and solar drip irrigation to improve their farming outcomes, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development in the region.

How do sensemaking and climate change education affect climate engagement at the grassroots level? A study of five communities in Southeastern Ghana

This study aims to explore how climate change education and sensemaking can lead to climate engagement and adaptive behavior at the grassroots level. The research focuses on five rural communities in Ghana and seeks to answer three key questions related to how people understand and respond to climate change issues. One strength of the study is the use of sensemaking as an organizing framework, which allows for a nuanced understanding of how people at the grassroots level make sense of complex environmental issues like climate change. The study findings suggest that sensemaking was a critical factor in how people noticed and made meaning of the climate crisis, and that deliberative tools like storytelling, conversation, and listening were important tools for facilitating this process. We also found that climate educators needed to address existing misconceptions before framing climate change issues in terms of science and impact on livelihoods. Linking climate change to rural livelihoods resonated more with people than science, and a strategy of guiding communities to recognize the need for adaptive behavior through individual and collective sensemaking was important. The emphasis on linking climate change to rural livelihoods rather than science is an important finding, as it suggests that approaches that emphasize the impact of climate change on local communities and their ability to adapt may be more effective than purely scientific arguments.

The Christian Faith in Context: A Reflection on the Question of the Ontological Dilemma of a Pure Ga and True Christian

Abstract The Ga people of southeastern Ghana were the first to receive a sustained and impactful mission in the then Gold Coast. Recently, however, Ga Christians are rediscovering the essence of their native Kpele religion and culture. There is the dilemma of how a true Ga could ever be a true Christian. This essay engages a theological correlational analysis of a true Ga Christian confronted with two distinct natures of true Ga and true Christian in one personality. The reflection shows that true Ga identity is an aspiration that is hinged on love and faith. And, fragmented as it is, true Ga identity could be realized fully only by uniting with God through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God at the end of the cosmos.

Assessing health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes accessing healthcare in two public hospitals in south-eastern Ghana: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Diabetes is a significant contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, strokes, lower limb amputation, blindness, and other complications that negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study assessed the HRQOL and clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes accessing healthcare in south-eastern Ghana. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptivestudy conducted in the Ho Municipal and Ho Teaching Hospitals in Ghana among patients with type 2 diabetes who were seeking healthcare at both hospitals for at least 12months. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 310 respondents out of the total sample size of 326 patients with type 2diabetes and data were collected using diabetes-39 questionnaire. The data were analysed using STATA 16.0. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Differences between proportions were tested using Chi-square to identify predictors of poor HRQOL and Pearson correlation for association. The p < 0.05 was considered significant. Out of 310 respondents, 171 (55.0%) had poor HRQOL. The predictors of poor HRQOL were age (p < 0.008), education (p < 0.028), employment (p < 0.001), residence (p < 0.01), duration of diabetes (p < 0.002), diabetes education (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.005), and glycaemic control (p < 0.001). Energy and mobility (63.2%), anxiety and worry (53.9%), and diabetes control (49.6%) dimensions were the most prevalent of poor HRQOL. Diabetes education, complications, being diabetic for 16years and above, earning income, resident in rural area, being married, being pensioner and national Service Personnel, and diabetes comorbidities were significantly associated with HRQOL. More than half of the respondents had poor HRQOL. Clinical and public health efforts should focus on effective control and screening measures for the individual patients and general population.

Multi-decadal shoreline changes in Eastern Ghana—natural dynamics versus human interventions

Human infrastructures, such as dams, seawalls, and ports, can affect both the sedimentary budget and nearshore hydrodynamics, enhancing and accelerating the loss or gain of coastal sediments. Understanding the processes and factors controlling beach morphodynamics is essential for implementing adequate adaptation strategies in coastal areas, particularly in those regions where coastal protection measures are scarce. This study analyzes shoreline changes in the Keta Municipal District, located in southeastern Ghana (West Africa). This area is characterized by the sedimentary input of the Volta River, forming a river delta situated to the west, i.e., updrift, of our study site. Following the construction of two dams (Akosombo and Kpong) on the Volta River in 1965 and 1982, groins and revetments have been built along the coast between 2005 and 2015 to reduce the high rates of coastal erosion in this area. Here, we explore the influence of these dams and the hard protection constructions on beach morphodynamics using historical maps and satellite images complemented by a shoreline survey undertaken with a differential GNSS in 2015. The multi-decadal evolution between 1913 and 2015 reconstructed for 90 km of shoreline suggests that local erosion rates in the region predate the construction of the two dams on the Volta River, indicating that these structures might not be the primary driver of coastal erosion in this area, as previously suggested. We emphasize that delta dynamics under conditions of high-energy longshore drift, modified by anthropogenic drivers such as sand mining, play a key role in the long-term evolution of this coast. Our results also show that the infrastructures built to halt coastal erosion result in localized erosion and accretion down-current along the coastline towards the border with Togo, highlighting the need for a transnational perspective in addressing the problems caused by coastal erosion.

Exploring the effect of early menarche on sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in southeastern Ghana: a longitudinal mediation analysis

Research from several high-income countries links early menarche with an increased risk for sexual violence. However, the role of early menarche in adolescent girls’ and young women’s sexual violence risk in sub-Saharan Africa, where sexual violence rates are high, is not well understood. The current study explores the association between early menarche and sexual violence in Ghana with secondary analysis of data collected from 700 adolescent girls and young women followed over three years. Logistic regressions were used to assess the cross-sectional association between early menarche and sexual violence. Generalised estimating equations were used to assess whether the association between early menarche and sexual violence persisted over time. Inverse odds weighting was used to test potential mediators of the association between early menarche and sexual violence. Sexual violence was fairly common in the study sample, with 27% reporting having experienced sexual violence at baseline, and approximately 50% at year three. Early menarche was associated with 72% greater odds of having experienced sexual violence at baseline (95% confidence interval: 1.01–2.93). However, the odds ratio attenuated and lost significance over the three-year study period, with a lower risk of sexual violence among girls with early menarche at year three. Neither child marriage nor early sexual initiation significantly mediated the association between early menarche and sexual violence. The findings suggest that early-maturing girls may be particularly vulnerable to sexual violence in early adolescence, thus necessitating prevention interventions around the time of menarche to reduce the risk for sexual violence.

Transforming the educational experiences of marginalized students in Ghana through dialogic literary gatherings

Discrimination and educational inequalities continually affect lifelong learning opportunities among marginalized groups in the 21st century. In Ghana and many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, children from rural and urban poor communities, ethnic and linguistic minorities and those in displaced situations have experienced discrimination and marginalization in education for decades. However, few studies propose ways marginalized students in Ghana can transform their experiences in school. This paper explores how participating in a dialogue-based intervention named Dialogic Literary Gatherings (DLGs) transformed the educational experiences of marginalized students. An ethnographic-case study was conducted with 8th-grade students in a compulsory school in Southeastern Ghana. Focusing on the personal accounts of seven students, our findings show that the DLGs created affordances for marginalized students to engage in egalitarian dialogue, share their grievances while transforming relationships and attitudes with their peers and boost participants’ self-confidence, eventually transforming their educational experiences. This is relevant for practitioners and stakeholders seeking innovative strategies that potentially transform discriminated and marginalized students’ experiences and potentially keep them in school.

Seismic Soundoff: Uncovering the hidden history of Ghana

Cyril D. Boateng discusses his SEG field camp, “Investigating the slave trade in southeastern Ghana using integrated geophysical techniques.” He explains the concept behind “the archaeology of slavery” and describes the various geophysical investigations used across four communities. This conversation highlights the significant value that geophysics brings to a problem. It shows how SEG field camps are an invaluable tool for building the next generation of scientists and providing humanitarian benefits.

Eruditing from indigenous adaptation strategies for resilient and sustainable coastal erosion management in southeastern Ghana

Ghana is witnessing an increase in the construction of coastal flood defence walls on its coast but the effects of the coastal defence on people have not been well documented. This paper explores two issues: (1) indigenous strategies for preventing sea erosion and (2) the effects the modern coastal flood defence structures constructed along the southeastern coast of Ghana are having on the people. This study provides new insights into the understanding of indigenous methods that were used to address coastal flooding in the eastern section of Ghana and the effects the modern coastal defence structures are having on the people. Through multiphase sampling, a sample of 282 residents living in 17 communities affected by sea erosion in the Keta, Anloga, and Ada East District Assemblies where coastal defence structures were constructed were selected. Questionnaires were administered to these 282 respondents. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also held in three communities, namely Keta, Atorkor and Totepe where coastal defence structures were constructed. The planning officers of the 3 district assemblies, the chief fishermen in the 3 communities where the FGDs were held, leaders of salt winners and 3 elders in each community were the key informants. Using descriptive statistics, the study revealed that, indigenous strategies like filling the beach with sand, building away from the seashore, and raising the foundations of buildings were used to protect the houses and communities from sea erosion but these strategies are no longer working thereby forcing the government to construct ‘modern’ coastal flood defence wallson the coast. The ‘modern’ coastal defence structures are in some places protecting the people and the land since they no longer experience sea erosion on a large scale. However, in places where armour rocks are used to protect the land, people now see them as preventing them from enjoying the natural beach as they used to and as a hindrance to their livelihoods of fishing. It is recommended that, as far as possible, soft engineering strategies like beach nourishment or sand dunes which are in line with the indigenous methods be used since they can lead to easy adaptation for sustainability.

Sources of agricultural extension information and farmers’ willingness to pay for the information: Evidence from small-scale pineapple farmers in south-eastern Ghana

This paper examines sources, preferred format and language of agricultural extension information and the willingness of pineapple farmers to pay for the information. It is based on analysis of data collected using the structured interview schedule method administered on 132 small-scale pineapple farmers randomly selected from 14 communities in the Akuapem South District of south-eastern Ghana. Agricultural extension agents (96.7%), cooperative societies (83.3%), colleague farmers (70%) and platforms offered by workshops and training sessions (63.3%) were identified as predominant sources of agricultural extension information. Besides, the study showed that 40.9% of farmers were willing to pay for such services, with 28.8% expressing their unwillingness. The results of a chi-square analysis showed a significant relationship between pineapple farmers’ willingness to pay for agricultural extension information with respect to sex, age, educational level, household size, years of experience, farm size, and position in the society. However, marital status and membership of cooperative societies of pineapple farmers were not significant (at ρ ≤ 0.05) and therefore did not affect the pineapple farmers’ willingness to pay for such services. The paper makes a strong case for policy direction that deepens private sector participation and supports a more balanced public-private-partnership arrangement for extension delivery. This may stimulate pluralistic extension delivery, introduce a lot more diversity and enhance farmer acceptance of the need to invest in extension information. This study represents the first-ever study in Ghana on willingness to pay for extension information that focuses exclusively on producers of a horticultural commodity (small-scale pineapple farmers) with their distinguishing characteristic features.

Class dynamics and relationship between land-use systems and surface temperature in south-eastern Ghana

A fifty-year study of land cover changes in Ghana’s south-eastern region is conducted to identify major shifts and new avenues for justifiable growth and development. This study sought to assess the historical changes (1970–2020) associated with the region’s land use systems, topography and land surface temperature. It further investigated the relationship between some given remotely sensed variables using autocorrelation and geoinformatics. Findings proved socio-political and economic factors have caused massive shift in land cover and prevailing climatic conditions through increasing settlements and migration, the extensiveness of agriculture, poverty, unregulated and unreported logging of trees, small-scale mining intensification, and weak governance systems. We discovered that the natural vegetation had dramatically reduced (− 52.01%), whilst built-up (+ 406.05%), farmlands/shrubs (+ 86.47%), and waterbodies (+ 47.35) were faced with a drastic increase. Class contribution rates show built environment massively influenced land modification, compared to other surveyed classes. In light of the major influences observed, it can be concluded that dynamics in land-use systems caused a substantial drift in local temperature. Temperature and built-up index correlated strongly (R2 =0.959, p < .0001) , whilst depicting a negative association against vegetation (R2 =0.959, p < .0001) and water index (R2 = 0.958, p < .0001). Variance assessment proved that the linear correlation model for the understudied elements is suitable. The study provides policy guidance amid sustainability concerns on streamlining land use activities in development planning and preservation of forests and river ecosystems that protect flora and fauna to enhance biodiversity and sustainable use of land and water resources.

Identification of UHT Granulites in the Pan-African Dahomeyide Suture Zone in SE Ghana: Implications for Evolution of Collisional Orogens

AbstractThis study presents the petrology, geochemistry, U–Pb ages, Lu–Hf and oxygen isotope compositions of Adaklu mafic granulites (ADMGs), from the Pan-African Dahomeyide suture zone in southeastern Ghana. The ADMGs show mafic precursor with low-K tholeiitic affinity. They display convex rare earth and trace elements characteristics without any obvious anomalies of Eu, Ti, Nb and Ta. The geochemical characteristics of ADMGs mimic those of N-MORB. Zircon U–Pb dating on the ADMGs reveals granulite facies metamorphic ages of ca. 595–602 Ma. However, a few zircons yield relatively older apparent 206Pb/238U ages of ca. 620 Ma, representing prograde metamorphic age. ADMGs preserve mean zircon εHf (t) values of +7.0 to +9.7 and δ18O values of 6.1–8.0‰. Based on petrographic observations, geothermobarometric calculations using conventional thermobarometry, mineral equilibria modeling, Ti-in-zircon and Zr-in-rutile thermometers reveal peak granulite facies P–T conditions of 0.95–1.2 GPa/940–1000°C, and retrograde amphibolite facies conditions of 0.83–0.93 GPa/575–710°C. The prograde metamorphic stage is inferred to be amphibolite or eclogite facies metamorphism. Hence, a clockwise a P–T–t path is proposed for the ADMGs. The overall results indicate that ADMGs are ultra-high temperature (UHT) granulites, and the protolith is altered oceanic crust consumed during the Pan-African collisional events. Asthenospheric upwelling induced by lithospheric delamination in the earliest extension of the thickened orogen, or by slab break-off in the background of collision may have provided the additional heat for UHT granulite facies metamorphism.

Local Indicator-Based Flood Vulnerability Indices and Predictors of Relocation in the Ketu South Municipal Area of Ghana

Certain communities along the coast of Ketu South Municipality in south-eastern Ghana, remain vulnerable to coastal flood events from storm surges, high tidal waves, lagoon overflow, and heavy rainfall. However, the local conditions that make these communities vulnerable are poorly understood and knowledge on which communities are most vulnerable is lacking. This study improves the conceptual understanding of different dimensions of vulnerability that exist across the communities and the various levels of vulnerability that each exposed community exhibits. The study surveyed 354 household heads from selected flood-prone communities including Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina. The survey collected data on demographic, social, economic, physical, exposure, and adaptive capacity to flood hazards. The data was then used to construct composite vulnerability indices at community levels. Results from the study demonstrate that the communities have different levels of vulnerability as a result of differences in their exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity levels. The willingness to relocate as an adaptation strategy was determined by household flood duration, number of livelihoods, and sea defence preference. These results are relevant to flood disaster management programs and the adoption of effective adaptation measures that take into account local knowledge. The findings imply that interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability should take into account household characteristics, as well as flood exposure, and adaptive capacity factors.

Flood vulnerability assessment in the Accra Metropolis, southeastern Ghana

Floods in Ghana have become a perennial challenge in the major cities and communities located in low-lying areas. Therefore, cities and communities located in these areas have been classified as potential or natural flood-prone zones. In this study, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the Accra Metropolis was used to assess the drainage density and elevation patterns of the area. The annual population estimation data and flood damages were assessed to understand the damages and population trend. This research focused primarily on the elevation patterns, slope patterns, and drainage density of the Accra Metropolis. Very high drainage density values, which range between 149 and 1117 m/m2, showed very high runoff converging areas. High drainage density was also found to be in the range of 1117–1702 m/m2, which defined the area as a high runoff converging point. The medium and low converging points of runoff were also found to be ranging between 1702–2563 m/m2 and 2563–4070 m/m2, respectively. About 32% of the study area is covered by natural flood-prone zones, whereas flood-prone zones also covered 33% and frequent flood zones represent 25%. Areas in the Accra Metropolis that fall in the Accraian and Togo series rock types experience high floods. However, the lineament networks (geological structures) that dominate the Dahomeyan series imply that the geological structures in the Dahomeyan series also channel the runoffs into the low-lying areas, thereby contributing to the perennial flooding in the Accra Metropolis.

Rock fracture characterization and discrete network modeling and its implication for groundwater flow in crystalline rocks of south-eastern Ghana

Rock fracture characterization and discrete network modeling and its implication for groundwater flow in crystalline rocks of south-eastern Ghana

Health professionals' overestimation of knowledge on snakebite management, a threat to the survival of snakebite victims-A cross-sectional study in Ghana.

According to the World Health Organization, snakebites, a common occupational hazard in developing countries accounts for an annual loss of between 81,000 and 138, 000 lives following 5 million bites of which 2.7 million results in envenomation. Since snakebite-associated morbidity and mortality are more prevalent in agricultural economies such as Ghana, health professionals should be optimally knowledgeable on how to manage the incidence of snakebites. Lack of knowledge or overestimation of a professional's knowledge can affect heath delivery especially for emergencies such as snakebites. The three rurally situated Tongu districts in South-Eastern Ghana with agriculture as the major source of livelihood for their inhabitants, are prone to snakebites. This study, therefore, brings up the need to assess whether the health professionals in these districts are well-equipped knowledge-wise to handle such emergencies and whether they can rightly estimate their knowledge with regards to snakebite management. Data was collected using a de novo semi-structured questionnaire administered through google form whose link was sent via WhatsApp to 186 health workers made up of nurses, midwives, physician assistants, medical doctors, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. This data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. Association between variables was determined using the appropriate tools where necessary, using a confidence interval of 95% and significance assumed when p ≤ 0.05. This study found male health workers significantly more knowledgeable about snakebite management (11.53±5.67 vs 9.64±5.46; p = 0.022) but it was the females who overestimated their knowledge level (27.9% vs 24.1%). The medical doctors exhibited the best knowledge on snakebite management with the registered general nurses least knowledgeable. Although most professionals overestimated their knowledge, the registered general nurses were the worst at that (53.7%). Overall knowledge of health care professionals on snakebite management was below average [10.60±5.62/22 (48.2%)] but previous in-service training and involvement in the management of snakebite were associated with better knowledge. Respondents who had no previous training overestimated their knowledge level compared to those who had some post-qualification training on snakebite management (38.1% vs 7.5%). The greatest knowledge deficit of respondents was on the management of ASV associated adverse reactions. Health workers in rural Ghana overestimated their knowledge about snakebite management although their knowledge was low. Training schools, therefore, need to incorporate snakebite management in their curriculum and health authorities should also expose health workers to more in-service training on this neglected tropical disease.

Litter Fall, Leaf Litter Decomposition, Soil Microfungi and Nutrient Content in Cocoa and Food Crop Agroforest Farmlands in Southeastern Ghana

This study is a comparison of the litterfall, litter decomposition and soil microfungi species diversity in cocoa and mixed food crop agroforest farmlands. The study was carried out in the Atewa and Fanteakwa districts of the Eastern region of Ghana. A total of thirty six sampled plots size of five 25 m x 25 m were randomly demarcated in cocoa agroforest, mixed food crop agrorest and the natural forest reserve. Data collected on litterfall mass and leaf litter decomposition at monthly intervals for a period five months. Soil microfungi species diversity was analyzed from soil samples collected at two depths 0-5cm and 0-10 cm respectively using pour plate method. The reduction in mass of cocoa leaf litter was significantly negatively correlated with the number of days of decomposition. The rate of release of NPK was positively correlated with litter mass. Litter mass production significantly declined in the cocoa agroforest and mixed food crop agroforest farmlands. Initial rate of litter decomposition was generally slow in the cocoa and mixed food crop farmlands than in the natural forest. Soil microfungi species diversity was high in natural forest and low in the cocoa and mixed food crop agroforest farmlands.

Cocoa Pods and Seeds Characteristics of Different Hybrid Varieties in Southeastern Ghana

The purpose of the study was to determine cocoa seed and pod characteristics of different cocoa hybrid varieties. We obtained the hybrid cocoa pods between the months of July and August, 2020 from Seed Production Division, of the Ghana Cocoa Board. We determined the characteristics of the cocoa pods and seeds using three clonal varieties namely C 67, C 85 and PA 150. The research method was a survey and descriptive method. The observed parameters were number of cocoa seeds per pod, pod diameter, pod length and fresh seed weight. We selected the cocoa pods, weighed and grouped into large size, medium size and small size cocoa pods. The number of seeds per pod was high in clone PA 150 in large cocoa pod size. Average fresh seed weight was high in clone 67 while length of pod of cocoa was high in medium cocoa pod size in clone 85. Average pod diameter was high in clone PA 150. The relationship between the number of seeds per pod and pod length was significant and positively correlated. For a successful cocoa production, analysis of the physical characteristics of cocoa pod and seeds should be encouraged in order to provide useful information for future breeding strategies, on-farm selection and conservation efforts.

West African Polyrhythm: culture, theory, and representation

In this paper I explicate polyrhythm in the context of traditional West African music, framing it within a more general theory of polyrhythm and polymeter, then compare three approaches for the visual representation of both. In contrast to their analytical separation in Western theory and practice, traditional West African music features integral connections among all the expressive arts (music, poetry, dance, and drama), and the unity of rhythm and melody (what Nzewi calls “melo-rhythm”). Focusing on the Ewe people of south-eastern Ghana, I introduce the multi-art performance type called Agbekor, highlighting its poly-melo-rhythms, and representing them in three notational systems: the well-known but culturally biased Western notation; a more neutral tabular notation, widely used in ethnomusicology but more limited in its representation of structure; and a context-free recursive grammar of my own devising, which concisely summarizes structure, at the possible cost of readability. Examples are presented, and the strengths and drawbacks of each system are assessed. While undoubtedly useful, visual representations cannot replace audio-visual recordings, much less the experience of participation in a live performance.