Town In Ghana Research Articles

Assessment of toxic elements in selected fish species in the marine water at Jamestown, Ghana

Fish is an excellent source of low-fat protein. Fish contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin). The daily consumption of contaminated food, especially fish, is among the primary cause of heavy metals pollution to human health. The aim of the research was to determine the concentration of heavy metals in selected species of fish from the Gulf of Guinea at James Town in Ghana. In tandem with the study's objective, samples of different forms of fish, Cassava fish, Flatfish, Redfish, Kingfish, and Silverfish, and sediment were obtained and analyzed for the presence of heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrometer (PerkinElmer®, PinAAcle 900T). The analysis indicated a high concentration of Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations in fish gills, muscles, and sediment. High lead concentration in Silverfish gills (5.9 mg/kg) and Flatfish gills (2.29 mg/kg) above WHO levels. Cadmium was found in all fish species and sediment except Kingfish. Chromium concentrations were high n Cassava fish (3.10 mg/kg) and Silverfish (4.01 mg/kg) and copper concentrations were absent in the fish species. Arsenic and mercury were also not detected in all fish species and sediment. Manganese concentrations were found in fish and sediment. High cadmium target hazard quotient (0.17–11.60 for adults and 0.24 to 16.24 for children) and cancer risk (0.00–0.04) values in fish samples indicated potential health concerns. The Hazard Index (HI) for the analyzed samples ranged from 0.00 to 12.48 for adults and 0.00 to 17.47 for children. The study suggests that eliminating pollution and other sources of waterbody pollution is crucial to protecting the marine environment and the health of seafood consumers.

Variation in the intestinal morphology and biometric characteristics of <i>Sardinella</i> <i>aurita</i> and <i>Sardinella</i> <i>maderensis</i> at James Town in Ghana

This study investigated the biology of <i>Sardinella</i> <i>aurita</i> (flat Sardinella) and <i>S.</i> <i>maderensis</i> (round Sardinella) at James Town in Ghana. A total of 40 round and flat Sardinella samples each were evaluated each month. The results showed significant difference between round and flat Sardinella with respect to intestinal weight (p=0.020), liver weight (p=0.002) and body weight (p=0.005). Intestinal weight of the round and flat Sardinella ranged from 86.5-113 g and 79-92 g respectively. Intestinal weight of round Sardinella was significantly higher than the flat Sardinella. Liver weight of flat Sardinella was significantly lower than the liver weight of round Sardinella. Mean intestinal content of round and flat Sardinella were 46.1±16.30 and 9.65±0.33 respectively. Relative gut mass for round Sardinella ranged between 0.022 and 0.120 whilst that of flat Sardinella ranged between 0.020 and 0.933. Relative gut length was similar for flat and round Sardinella. Mean Zhilers Index for flat and round Sardinella were 0.0752±0.004 and 0.091±0.005 respectively. Mean gonadosomatic index, Hepatosomatic index and Relative content mass recorded for flat Sardinella were 5.735±0.495, 0.346±0.034 and 0.006±0.000 respectively. This work recommend further study comparing catches from artisanal and semi-industrial vessels to obtain a broader knowledge of the growth and maturation of the species.
 Key words: relative gut length, zhilers index, intestinal content, body weight, liver weight

Spatial assessment of intermediate urban towns in Ghana using geospatial technologies: a case study of urbanization and sustainability

Spatial assessment of intermediate urban towns in Ghana using geospatial technologies: a case study of urbanization and sustainability

Heavy Metal Content and Health Risk Assessment of Some Selected Medicinal Plants from Obuasi, a Mining Town in Ghana

Medicinal plants represent an important class of traditional medicines. This research was conducted to assess the levels of selected heavy metals in some medicinal plants from Obuasi, a mining area in Ghana. Twenty different medicinal crops were sampled for this study. The levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) after wet digestion. The concentrations (mg/kg) of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Pb were 1.092 − 0.206, 1.341 − 0.253, 6.603 − 2.005, 0.045 − 0.001, 282.798 − 20.583, 4.967 − 1.676, and 26.410 − 0.629, respectively. Some concentrations of Cr, Cd, As, Mn, and Pb analyzed in all 20 medicinal plant samples exceeded WHO permissible limits for medicinal food while concentrations of Ni, As, and Hg for all the samples were below the WHO permissible limit. The estimated dietary intake (EDI) was compared to the tolerable daily intake recommended by WHO/FAO. Results obtained from hazard indices such as the hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk show that the medicinal plants are not likely to cause cancer if they are consumed over a prolonged period of time.

Influence of Antecedent Beliefs on Digitized Financial Services Adoption among Customers in Rural and Semi-urban Towns in Ghana

This paper reports results of an investigation into modelling factors that influence customers’ attitude and decisions to adopt digitized financial services (DFSs) in rural and semi-urban towns in Ghana. Quantitative cross-sectional research approach was used. Seven hundred and twenty-seven (727) rural customers were randomly selected from a semi-urban town and three adjoining rural communities in Ghana to test the applicability of technology acceptance model (TAM) within such a context. Structural equation modelling was employed to assess stated hypotheses. The results of the study suggest that perceived usefulness, trust in bank and security and reliability positively influence DFS usage. DFSs can play a positive role in financial service outreach and can increase the participation of rural population in formal financial activities. Hitherto, little academic attention has been given to digitization of financial services in semi-urban African towns. The study contributes to filling this research gap.

Digital financial service adoption decisions of semi-urban Ghanaian university students – implications for enterprise development and job creation

PurposeThis paper reports results of an investigation into semi-urban Ghanaian university youths' attitude to digitized financial services (DFSs) and the determinants of their adoption decisions.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative cross-sectional research approach was used. Three hundred and seventy-five (375) university students were randomly selected from a semi-urban town in Ghana to test the applicability of technology acceptance model (TAM) within such a context. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess stated hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate a high penetration of digital financial services among the students, which confirms the applicability of TAM for such studies. The results further suggest that DFS provides a pathway to financial inclusion and can stimulate small enterprise development and job creation in Ghana's semi-urban communities.Originality/valueHitherto, little academic attention has been given to digitization of financial services in semi-urban African towns. The study contributes to filling this research gap.

Co-occurrence of multiple kdr mutations (F1534C, V1016I, V410L) in Aedes aegypti from coastal areas in Ghana and assessment of the role of mosquito coil in causing pyrethroid resistance

The rapid spread of knockdown-resistance (kdr) mutations in Africa calls for monitoring and investigation into the cause of pyrethroid resistance to inform management strategies. This study investigated the pyrethroid resistance profile of Aedes aegypti from coastal towns in Ghana and the impact of mosquito coil, a popular household pyrethroid-based anti-mosquito tool, on the development of pyrethroid resistance. Susceptibility to deltamethrin and the presence of kdr mutations was determined in adult female mosquitoes reared from larvae. Furthermore, the LT50 of a mosquito coil (0.08% meperfluthrin) against a laboratory colony was determined, and the value was used as a sublethal dose in an experimental study. The laboratory colony of Ae. aegypti was exposed to the sublethal dose of the coil once per generation for six generations (F6). The susceptibility of the exposed colony to deltamethrin (0.05%) was determined. The Ae. aegypti populations from the coastal towns were resistant to deltamethrin with co-occurrence of F1534C, V1016I and V410L kdr mutations. In the experimental study, the LT50 (95% CI) of the selected colony against the coil rose from 8 minutes (95% CI; 6–9) at F0 to 28 minutes (95% CI; 23–34) at F6. Nonetheless, deltamethrin caused similar mortalities in the selected and control colonies. The mutant allele frequencies of 1534C and 410L were similar but 1016I was higher in the selected colony (17%) than in the control (5%). However, the increased tolerance to the coil and high mutant allele frequency of 1016I in the selected colony did not affect the mosquito's resistance level to deltamethrin insecticide. Further study is needed to elucidate the role of pyrethroid-based mosquito coils in the development of insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors.

Solid waste motor tricycle operators in Kumasi, Ghana, harbour respiratory pathogens; a public health threat.

The use of motor tricycles in transporting municipal solid waste (MSW) within urban and peri-urban towns in Ghana is on the increase. This activity often leads to the introduction of pathogen-containing bioaerosols into the environment, as well as to the tricycle operators. We sought to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of respiratory pathogens among solid waste tricycle operators. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 solid waste transporters who use motor tricycles using semi-structured interviews. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from participants and screened for respiratory pathogens using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Pathogens detected in participants were SARS-CoV-2 (n = 10, 6.5%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 10, 6.5%), constituting an overall prevalence of 12.9% and co-infection rate of 1.3%. The most common self-reported symptoms were cough (n = 67, 43.2%), sore throat (n = 44, 28.4%) and difficulty in breathing (n = 22, 14.2%). Adherence to the use of gloves (n = 117, 75.5%) and nose mask (n = 110, 71.0%) was high. There was a significant association between the detection of respiratory pathogens and the use of gloves, use of more than one PPE and exposure to other pollutants (p < 0.05). Individuals who were exposed to "other pollutants" significantly had lower odds of becoming infected with respiratory pathogens (Adj. OR (95% CI): 0.119(0.015,0.938). Although prevalence of respiratory pathogens is generally low, strict adherence to PPE use could further reduce its rates to even lower levels. Governmental health institutions and informal solid waste transporters should address challenges related to exposure to pollutants, use of gloves, and multiple PPE.

Valuing postharvest losses among tomato smallholder farmers: evidence from Ghana

Tomato is a major vegetable crop produced in most towns in Ghana, especially in the Offinso-North District of the country, and serves as a means of livelihood in terms of the income to the producers. To critically reduce postharvest losses to help increase the amount of food available for consumption, this study examined the value of postharvest losses among tomato farmers in Ghana. The data, which were obtained from 203 tomato producers, were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance as well as fractional response and Box Cox regression models. The results revealed the quantity and the financial value of post-harvest losses among the tomato producers to be 3506.3 kg and GH₵3598.7, respectively. We also find that the primary cause of postharvest loss was mainly rot and bruise. This occurred as a result of unavailability of reliable markets. In addition, the results of the fractional response regression model showed that level of education and unavailability of market have significant positive effects on the proportion of tomato lost. Finally, the results of the Box Cox Regression model showed that whereas the value of postharvest losses and transportation cost have negative relationships with the revenue generated from sales, quantity of tomato harvested exerted a positive influence on the revenue obtained. The study recommends the need for stakeholders’ intervention in the building and provision of storage facilities, good road networks, processing factories in tomato producing towns, ready markets, as well as dams to help supply water all year round for continuous tomato production.

Examining the socio-economic characteristics, fishing patterns and challenges of fishermen at James Town in Ghana

This study examined the socio-economic characteristics, fishing patterns and challenges of fishers in Ghana using James Town as the study location. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and socio-economic characteristics, Fishing patterns and characteristics, dynamics of expenditure and catch, Dynamics of distance to fishing grounds/area, catch and selling strategy/mode and practices, investment and financing of fishing activities as well as challenges of fishing from respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) using Stata version 17. The results shows that 4.0 ± 1.07 people are engaged in onshore activities for an average of 9.45 ± 2.19 h. Also, fishers averagely spend 3.09 ± 1.49 days at sea. Respondents who have not accessed loan over the last 12 months are 78 whilst 23 have accessed same. Similarly, 86 out of 101 respondents representing 85.14% have not insured their operations. Also, no transparency in distribution of pre-mix, high cost of equipment, high cost of premix and dumping of waste in the sea by foreign vessels are the major problems faced by fishers. The results also showed that boat size, repairs and maintenances of boats, household size, boat age and position of respondents on boat (captain or otherwise) are the factors that can likely determine the volume of fish catch among fishermen. The study therefore, concluded that socio-economic characteristics and fishing patterns of fishes are highly variable.

Human exposure to mercury in the atmosphere and soils in Konongo: an age-old mining centre in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

The dramatic upsurge of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities in Ghana has resulted in environmental degradation, water pollution and human exposure to mercury-the main hazardous element used in gold extraction. This study evaluated the degree of human exposure to mercury based on the concentrations found in the air and soil samples taken at a resolution of 1 km2 across Konongo, a historic mining town in Ghana's Ashanti Region. The highest atmospheric mercury concentration was 193ng/m3, which is much higher than the levels the European Union and Japan allowed, which are 10ng/m3 and 40ng/m3, respectively. The concentration in the soil was 3.6mg Hg/kg, which is around ten times higher than the background concentration in nature. Additionally, the soil concentrations were higher above the worrisome levels of soil contamination in agricultural land (4mg/kg) and industrial areas (16mg/kg), respectively. Soils are extremely contaminated with mercury at sites artisanal mining activities take place. The concentrations of mercury in the air and soils were significantly higher (p < 0.5) at locations of prominent mining activities compared to areas not close to mining sites. The inhabitants of the Konongo community are therefore exposed to mercury, most likely emitted from artisanal mining activities. A non-carcinogenic risk is posed to the people by inhaling mercury vapour through the air and vapourisation from the soil. Children are exposed to a higher risk than adults as they receive higher daily doses of mercury than adults.

Effect of speed humps on injury consequences on trunk roads traversing towns in Ghana: A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundSpeed calming interventions have been employed globally as a road safety measure to curb outcomes of RTCs such as injuries and deaths. In Ghana, few studies have reported on the...

Assessing heavy metal contamination and ecological risk of urban topsoils in Tarkwa, Ghana

This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution, contamination levels, pollution degree and ecological risks of eight heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in topsoils of UMaT, Brahabobom, A'koon, Boboobo and Bogoso Junction (areas in Tarkwa, a mining town in Ghana). Eighty soil samples were collected, and metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results revealed that Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations exceeded the WHO/FAO (2001) standard in some areas. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) value of metals in soils under study revealed extreme contamination by Pb and Mn; however, Mn was in abundance due to the presence of Mn minerals in the study area. The study area was also moderately contaminated by Cd, Cu and Zn. Cd and Pb posed a considerable and very high potential ecological risk to the study area, respectively, especially at Bogoso Junction. The two metals were mainly from vehicular traffic and the activities of auto mechanics at Bogoso Junction. Nemerow's pollution index also revealed that about 20% of the study area was polluted, mainly from Cu and Pb concentrations.

"Our Work, Our Health, No One's Concern": Domestic Waste Collectors' Perceptions of Occupational Safety and Self-Reported Health Issues in an Urban Town in Ghana.

Domestic waste collectors face major public health hazards that result in injuries and morbidity globally. This study explored domestic waste collectors’ perceptions of occupational safety and self-reported health issues in a city in Ghana using a phenomenological qualitative research design. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with 64 domestic waste collectors from two waste companies. The transcribed data were imported into NVivo 11.0 software (QSR International, Burlington, MA, USA) for coding, and a content analysis was applied to analyze all the transcribed data using the processes of induction and deduction. The consensual views from the domestic waste collectors showed the waste-company employers’ non-interest in the domestic waste collectors’ occupational safety and health. Poor communication from employers to domestic waste collectors and huge workloads were identified as the causes of the poor implementation of occupational safety practices, which exposed the domestic waste collectors to occupational health hazards. The domestic waste collectors reported that they suffered from occupational injuries, psychosocial disorders, work-related stress, and frequent burnout. The domestic waste collectors adopted coping strategies, such as self-medication, to deal with these occupational hazards, since most of them were not covered by guaranteed health insurance. In addition, the study revealed the non-compliance and non-enforcement of occupational health and safety policies by the employers to guide health and safety training and practices among the domestic waste collectors. In conclusion, the findings suggest that DWCs are exposed to occupational safety and health hazards in their work. Waste-company employers should extend welfare benefits to DWCs, such as health insurance and social security benefits, to ensure their security, health, and well-being. The findings could inform the design of intervention programs and policies to guide training and practices for domestic waste collectors.

Adult unmet educational needs: Higher education options amongst adults in rural and small towns in Ghana

Access to higher education is often limited to adults because of their location. This is particularly challenging for adults who live in rural communities and small towns and can lead to unmet expectations. While policy makers have long recognised the potential impact of lifelong education for adults, the educational needs of adults have received relatively less attention. For adults residing in rural areas who rely, more often than not, on distance education, mostly in the form of blended learning there is usually limited access to public universities. For policy makers to respond effectively to the educational needs of the adult population in the rural areas, the first step is to understand the educational barriers of adults living in such areas, particularly as they are constrained with lack of minimal transportation and information communications technology. This paper reports on qualitative research exploring the educational challenges and needs faced by adults in rural areas of Ghana.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria, not Mycobacterium bovis, are a significant cause of TB-like lesions observed in slaughtered cattle in Ghana

ObjectivesThe aim was to isolate and identify the species of mycobacteria causing tuberculous-like (TB-like) lesions in cattle in Ghana. MethodsBetween 2019 and 2020, 68 bovine tissue samples with TB-like lesions, identified during post slaughter examination, were obtained from four major abattoirs close to border towns in Ghana. The samples were cultured on Lowenstein–Jensen medium. Isolated bacteria were characterized by Ziehl–Neelsen staining and observation for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) under a microscope. DNA was extracted from AFB-positive isolates, and mycobacterial speciation was performed by line probe assay using GenoType Mycobacterium CM and also with mycobacterial 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. ResultsNo Mycobacterium bovis was identified; however 53 bacterial isolates were obtained, of which 41 were non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) strains and 12 were gram-positive bacteria. The predominant NTM species was M. fortuitum (43.9%, 18/41), with the rest being M. novocastrense, M. terrae, M. flavescens, M. holsaticum, M. cosmeticum, M. virginiense, M. intracellulare, M. mageritense, M. minnesotensis, M. duvalii, M. lehmannii, and M. koreense. ConclusionsIn cattle, NTM contribute significantly to lesions observed during slaughter examination and may be an important cause of zoonotic tuberculosis. A One Health surveillance of NTM in Ghana would provide insights into their clinical significance.

Sustaining Water Systems in Rural and Small Towns in Ghana: The Role of Traditional Authorities in the Krachi West District

The sustainability of water systems in rural communities and small towns in Ghana has been a major challenge that has engaged the attention of government, Non-governmental Organisations, and academics. There have been several attempts at developing models that will ensure the sustainability of water systems in Ghana. This study examined the role of traditional authorities in the management of water systems in rural communities and small towns in the Krachi West District in the Oti Region of Ghana. Using a qualitative research design, the study purposely selected and interviewed 69 respondents. The study revealed that traditional authorities play critical roles in ensuring the sustainable management of water systems in rural communities and small towns in Ghana. It also revealed that respondents want a community management model that has traditional authorities as members of an official advisory board to the Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs). It further revealed that the traditional authorities and the WSMTs have a cordial working relationship. The study, therefore, recommends that traditional authorities should officially be recognised and their roles spelled out in the community management model of water systems in Ghana.

Heavy Metal Content and Health Risk Assessment of Some Selected Medicinal Plants from Obuasi, a Mining Town in Ghana

Heavy Metal Content and Health Risk Assessment of Some Selected Medicinal Plants from Obuasi, a Mining Town in Ghana

Exhuming and highlighting the nearly forgotten Gold Coast intelligentsia: The life and times of Prince Kwamin Atta Amonoo V

The name K. A. Amonoo sits in the Roll of Honour in the entrance hall of Queen’s College, Taunton, Somerset, England together with the names of other former pupils who served in the First World War. In recent times, focus on K. A. Amonoo has been on his palatial residence, which he built in Anomabo, a coastal town in Ghana, in colonial Gold Coast, as Micots (2015 and 2017) have sought to emphasize in terms of the architectural design of his residence. Therefore, what this paper seeks to do is to bring to light a historically significant narrative of who Amonoo was, as a case study to examine and foreground the contributions of some of the nearly forgotten African intelligentsia of coastal Ghana. Through close analysis, the paper also places a central gaze on his activism within colonial Gold Coast and Calabar in colonial Nigeria as subtle moves to counter the growing authority of the British administration. Utilizing a set of key biographical prompts, the paper reflects on thematic issues such as class and status, modernity, and resistance to British colonial hegemony.

“You Have a Lot to Answer For”: Human Rights, Matriliny, and the Mediation of Family Conflicts at the Department of Social Welfare in Ghana

AbstractScholars have argued that the implementation of legal reforms in African settings has largely failed because of the persistence of norms and values that privilege collective interests over individual rights. With a focus on the work of the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) in a matrilineal Asante town in Ghana, this article reflects on the potential for state institutions to implement a human rights perspective through family dispute resolution processes. In this context, the key factors that influence the work of institutions such as the DSW, which has a human rights mandate, include the long history of family legal contests outside the lineage and the principle of economic separateness in the context of marriage. The effect of these developments is that the opportunity continues to exist for individuals, in this case women, to advocate for their rights as mothers even in a supposedly collective social setting. The evidence supports the position that “culture” is not always the impediment to human rights that it is often made out to be. [legal pluralism, human rights, matriliny, Ghana, marriage]