Upper East Region Research Articles

Comparative analysis of the performance of male and female students in physics for the West African examination council examination in Zuarungu senior high school in the Upper East Region, Ghana

This study conducted a comparative analysis of the performance of male and female students in physics at the West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination scores over five years in Zuarungu Senior High School in the Upper East Region of Ghana with a sample size of 419. Historical data was obtained from Zuarungu Senior High School, and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0. The findings revealed fluctuations in performance trends over the years, with females generally showing a slightly higher count in the A1-C6 and D7-E8 grade categories, while males had a higher count in the F9 grade category. These disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote gender equity in physics education. Recommendations include implementing gender-sensitive teaching practices, promoting diverse role models, and creating inclusive learning environments. Overall, the study contributes to the existing literature on gender differences in physics performance and provides insights for educators and policymakers to address these disparities effectively.

Survey of rice (Oryza sativa L.) production ecosystems in northern Ghana confirms low risk of exposure to potential toxic elements from local grain consumption

Expanding local rice production to meet consumer demand is a priority action under the Government of Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. While studies on yield-enhancing interventions abound, fewer studies focus on food safety issues (e.g., the potential toxic element status of the production ecosystems). This study was, therefore, conducted to bridge the knowledge gap. Chemical analyses were conducted on water, soil, and rice grain samples from different production ecosystems in the Northern and Upper East regions of Ghana. Statistical analysis of the data showed that soil and rice grain arsenic concentrations were significantly higher ( P < 0.001) in the Upper East region. In the Northern region, mean cadmium concentration in rice grains from the irrigated lowland fields (0.023±0.003 mg/kg) was significantly higher than in grains from the rainfed fields. All recorded concentrations of rice grain arsenic, cadmium, and lead were, however, within permissible limits, indicating a low risk of dietary exposure. The observed differences in concentrations within and between regions suggest that soil texture and other geogenic factors could influence the potential toxic element status of the rice production ecosystems. Regular monitoring is, therefore, recommended to maintain the safety of Ghana’s locally produced rice for human consumption.

Risk factors for anaemia among pregnant women: A cross-sectional study in Upper East Region, Ghana.

Anaemia in pregnancy (AIP) is a public health concern due to its devastating effects on women and their unborn babies, resulting in increased maternal and neonatal deaths in developing countries. Despite several Ghanaian health policies to combat AIP, AIP is still on the rise. It becomes imperative to identify geographic-specific factors for developing appropriate interventions for the management of AIP. However, Kassena Nankana West District (KNWD) in the Upper East Region of Ghana lacks a study on anaemia risk factors, therefore, this study estimated the prevalence and risk factors for anaemia among pregnant women in the district. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2023 in the KNWD. Approximately 376 pregnant women in their third trimester were randomly selected from 10 health facilities by utilizing the antenatal register as the sampling frame. Anthropometric, obstetric, sociodemographic, and health facility resource characteristics were collected using structured questionnaires and from antenatal records. Mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify independent factors of anaemia at 95% confidence interval. Prevalence of AIP was 53.9% (95%CI:48.5%-58.8%). Mild, moderate, and severe anaemia prevalence was 16.9%, 35.3%, and 1.7% respectively. Malaria infection during pregnancy (aOR = 1.64; 95%CI:1.03-2.62) and accessing health facilities without trained laboratory personnel (aOR = 5.49; 95%CI:1.67-18.00) were associated with increased odds of AIP. Belonging to the major ethnic group (aOR = 0.52; 95%CI:0.28-0.85), accessing health facilities without laboratory services (aOR = 0.14; 95%CI:0.04-0.47), and accessing health facilities without sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine drugs (aOR = 0.22; 95%CI:0.06-0.86) in KNWD were also associated with decreased odds of AIP. KNWD has a severe burden of AIP. Maternal and health facility-related factors were associated with AIP in the district. These factors are preventable. Therefore, the provision of functional laboratory services with dedicated technical personnel, regular supply of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine drugs to the health facilities, and enhanced community education on malaria prevention are recommended for anaemia control in the district.

Synergistic Interactions of Soil and Vegetation in Agroforestry Systems in Mitigating Climate Change in Upper East Region, Ghana

Synergistic Interactions of Soil and Vegetation in Agroforestry Systems in Mitigating Climate Change in Upper East Region, Ghana

Perceptions of healthcare workers on linkage between depression and hypertension in northern Ghana: a qualitative study.

Hypertension and depression are increasingly common noncommunicable diseases in Ghana and worldwide, yet both are poorly controlled. We sought to understand how healthcare workers in rural Ghana conceptualize the interaction between hypertension and depression, and how care for these two conditions might best be integrated. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study involving in-depth interviews with 34 healthcare workers in the Kassena-Nankana districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. We used conventional content analysis to systematically review interview transcripts, code the data content and analyze codes for salient themes. Respondents detailed three discrete conceptual models. Most emphasized depression as causing hypertension: through both emotional distress and unhealthy behavior. Others posited a bidirectional relationship, where cardiovascular morbidity worsened mood, or described a single set of underlying causes for both conditions. Nearly all proposed health interventions targeted their favored root cause of these disorders. In this representative rural Ghanaian community, healthcare workers widely agreed that cardiovascular disease and mental illness are physiologically linked and warrant an integrated care response, but held diverse views regarding precisely how and why. There was widespread support for a single primary care intervention to treat both conditions through counseling and medication.

LEADERSHIP ROLES AND CHALLENGES AT THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL: THE PERCEPTION OF HEAD TEACHERS IN THE KASSENA NANKANA WEST DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

The purpose of the study was to find out the leadership roles and challenges facing Junior High School head teachers, as perceived by the head teachers in the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study used a quantitative research approach and a descriptive survey design. The population included all Junior High School Headteachers in the Kassena Nankana West District. A purposive sampling technique was employed to include all 34 Headteachers in the 34 Junior High Schools in the District. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. The study found that Junior High School Headteachers were not properly prepared before and after their appointments. It emerged from the study that Headteachers’ were generally satisfied with the performance of their roles and responsibilities, though these responsibilities were considered to be numerous. The study revealed some particular challenges that affected head teachers. Most prominent among these were: performing administrative work and teaching at the same time; inadequate infrastructure; lack of offices for heads and store rooms; late payment of capitation grant; late submission of teaching lesson notes for vetting; misuse of instructional time; lack of teachers’ accommodation; indiscipline among students; non-payment of responsibility allowance and lack of motivation. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the procedures employed by Ghana Education Service in appointing head teachers should be reviewed and clearly defined procedures be followed in appointing professionals with relevant knowledge and experience as head teachers and not merely those who have achieved academic success or are in the system for long years. The government and GES should supply teaching and learning resources as well as other incentives before the beginning of the academic year.

Coordinated response to anthrax outbreaks in the Upper East Region of Ghana; the role of the One Health approach

Coordinated response to anthrax outbreaks in the Upper East Region of Ghana; the role of the One Health approach

Impact of strategic procurement participation and role conflict on procurement performance: a perspective of municipal and district assemblies in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Impact of strategic procurement participation and role conflict on procurement performance: a perspective of municipal and district assemblies in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Perception of Agricultural Extension Agents Towards the Performance of Project-Based Extension Delivery on Food Security in Ghana

Agricultural extension agents in Ghana's Upper East Region relied on project-based extension delivery services during the Covid-19 period. Using the perspectives of extension agents, this research looked at the effect of project-based extension delivery services on food security. A sample size of 144 agricultural extension agents from three distinct zones in the Region participated in this research, which used a descriptive correlation survey approach. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, correlation coefficients, and regression were used to analyse the data. In terms of effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and economics, the project-based extension delivery service performed well. In terms of stability, food security was excellent. Food security and efficiency, relevance, and economics have a favorable and very significant association. Economy, efficiency, and age had 79% explanation for food security. On the perceived degree of food security, there was a substantial difference between male and female agricultural extension agents. The impact of project-based extension delivery services on food security was significant. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture should provide enough logistics, training, and incentive for agricultural extension agents to enhance information delivery.

Climate variability impact on crop evapotranspiration in the upper East region of Ghana

Ghana's agriculture is primarily rain-fed, making it vulnerable to the impact of climate variability and climate change. This study examined the trends and impact of climatic variability and evapotranspiration on the crop evapotranspiration of selected staple crops across three districts in the Upper East region of Ghana over a 19-year period. Data on agro-climatic conditions (rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, and sunlight) in the Upper East region were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) from 2000 to 2018. Given the non-conformity of the response variables to the normality assumption, the Quantile Regression (QR) was employed to examine the impact of climatic variability on different crop evapotranspiration scenarios (low = 10 %, typical = 50 %, and high = 90 %) of the selected crops. The analyzes disclosed a significant difference in crop evapotranspiration between the districts, except for maize, which remained consistent. There was an increase in crop evapotranspiration trend for all, but the maize crop informs the potential improvement of crop evapotranspiration notwithstanding the climatic variability. The study offers a vital insight into the complex dynamics of crop evapotranspiration in response to climatic variability and evapotranspiration. It is recommended, therefore, to consider advances in crop varieties through continuous investment in crop breeding research programmes to improve drought tolerance crops and develop regional water balance techniques.

Temperature and precipitation trend analysis using the CMIP6 model in the Upper East region of Ghana

Temperature and precipitation trend analysis using the CMIP6 model in the Upper East region of Ghana

Linen Quantity and Customer Satisfaction in Star-Rated Hotels in Upper East Region of Ghana

Linen Quantity and Customer Satisfaction in Star-Rated Hotels in Upper East Region of Ghana

Ritual Ecology and Sirigu Mural Paintings: Interrogating the Intersection of Art and Culture

This theoretical research study utilizes qualitative case study research methods to explore the intersection of art and culture in the context of Sirigu mural paintings, a unique art form found in the Upper East region of Ghana. Drawing on the concept of ritual ecology, the study investigates the cultural significance of these paintings and their role in local ritual practices. Through in-depth interviews with artists, community members, and cultural experts, as well as participant observation and visual analysis, the study examines the ways in which Sirigu mural paintings embody and reflect local cultural traditions. The study also analyzes the artistic techniques and materials used in creating the paintings, highlighting the importance of artistic skill and innovation in the production of cultural artifacts. Drawing on theories of cultural identity and cultural transmission, the study examines the ways in which Sirigu mural paintings are passed down through generations and how they contribute to the maintenance and preservation of local cultural practices. Again, the study explores the challenges and opportunities for sustaining cultural heritage in the face of globalization and modernization. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art and culture, and the ways in which cultural practices and traditions are embodied and expressed through artistic forms. Lastly, the study provides insights into the role of artistic innovation and intergenerational transmission in preserving cultural heritage, and the challenges and opportunities for sustaining cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world.

Challenges of Novice Nurse Educators’ Transition from Clinical Practice to Academia in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Background: The recruitment of experienced clinical nurses into vacant faculty positions is a global strategy for preparing, employing, and retaining competent nurse educators. As clinical nurses transition to academia, many struggle with unique challenges that affect their adaptation to the academic setting. Thus, understanding novice nurse educators’ transitional challenges is critical to addressing this threat. Aim: This study aimed to explore the challenges of novice nurse educators’ transition from clinical practice to academia in Ghana. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was employed for this study. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 12 novice nurse educators from three health training institutions in the Upper East Region of Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data through in-depth individual interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Results: Four themes emerged: poor administrative support, poor preparation, increased workload and stress, and role ambiguity. Novice nurse educators lacked formal orientation, formal mentorship, formal education in teaching, and post-graduate education. Novices were also challenged by increased workload and role ambiguity. Conclusion: Supporting novice nurse educators' transition from clinical practice would be better served by college administrators’ creation and implementation of formal orientation and mentorship programs.

Customer Preference for Electronic Payment Systems for Goods: A Case Study of Some Selected Shopping Malls, Bolgatanga

The transformation of payment systems in the digital age has reshaped the way customers interact with businesses. This study, conducted at Melcom Mall in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana, delves into ”Customer Preference for Electronic Payment Systems for Goods.” Through extensive surveys and analysis, this paper reveals critical insights into the electronic payment behaviors and preferences of customers. Key findings underscore the dominance of monthly electronic payment usage, with mobile wallets emerging as the preferred method. Customers exhibit high levels of satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly and secure payment solutions. Convenience and security play pivotal roles in shaping customer choices, while rewards and promotional campaigns also significantly influence their preferences. Despite the success of electronic payments, customers express concerns about hidden fees, technical issues, and the responsiveness of customer support. In response, we propose recommendations to enhance transparency, user education, technical infrastructure, payment options, security measures, tailored promotions, and responsive customer support. This paper serves as a valuable guide for merchants and policymakers in optimizing electronic payment systems, fostering customer satisfaction, and adapting to the evolving landscape of digital payment methods.

Overcoming the constraints of competitive clientelism? Explaining the success of Ghana's poorest region in reducing maternal mortality.

Maternal mortality remains a health challenge that many developing countries struggle to address. Drawing on 64 key informant interviews, this article shows how Ghana's most impoverished administrative region, the Upper East, emerged as a bureaucratic 'pocket of effectiveness' in reducing maternal mortality in a context where national political settlement dynamics are undermining progress in improving maternal health. At the national level, Ghana's progress in reducing maternal mortality has been disappointing because public investments are disproportionately directed to reforms that contribute to the short-term political survival of ruling elites. Competitive electoral pressures have contributed to greater elite commitment towards health sector investments with visual impact, while weakening elite incentives for dedicating resources to interventions that are necessary for enhancing the quality of health. The relatively better performance of the Upper East Region in reducing maternal mortality has been driven by a hybrid form of accountability that combines top-down pressures from the regional health directorate with horizontal forms of accountability that result in a competitive spirit among health workers. These findings show that even in contexts where resources are limited, the capacity of sub-national leaders in devising local solutions to local problems can lead to improved performance of health systems at the sub-national level. The findings also suggest the need for academic debates to go beyond the binary distinctions regarding the usefulness of top-down versus bottom-up accountability measures and focus on building effective and legitimate forms of accountability that run both top-down and bottom-up when seeking to improve health service delivery.

Exploring the challenges of public health nurses in the management of infertility in Northern Ghana: a qualitative descriptive study

ObjectiveTo explore the challenges public health nurses (PNHs) face in managing infertility in rural settings of the Talensi and Nabdam districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana.DesignThe study adopted...

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Maternal Near Miss Events in the Upper East Region of Ghana

A maternal near miss (MNM) event is a severe life-threatening maternal morbidity that reflects quality of obstetric care. It is considered a proxy of maternal mortality and predictor of quality obstetric care. The major underlying causes of MNM are hypertensive disorders, obstetric hemorrhage, sepsis and abortion complications. MNM is a more frequent event than maternal mortality and share several features together. Inquiries intodeficiencies andcritical assessment of health care quality, identify health system deficiencies, and help develop robust strategies for maternal care. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to determine the prevalence and underlying causes of MNM. The study respondents were women aged 15 - 49 years with pregnancy experience in 2020 who had health facility care. Primary and secondary data were collected at households and health facilities respectively using electronic platform, KoBoCollect. STATA version 15.0 was used to analyze the data. The prevalence of MNM was 11.30%. The main underlying causes were complications of caesarean section, hypertensive disorders, anemia, obstructed labor, and antepartum hemorrhage. The main signal functions of emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) employed to avert death were parenteral antibiotics, blood transfusion, caesarean section, and magnesium sulphate. The prevalence of MNM in the Upper East region was high. The region can reduce severe maternal morbidity and mortality by strengthening health systems, improving access to high-quality obstetric care and training healthcare providers to prevent and treat the major underlying causes of MNM identified in this study. Keywords: Ghana, MNM, Mortality, Prevalence, Antepartum, Hemorrhage, EmONC.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Community Emergency Transport System for Maternal Care in Northern Ghana

Maternal mortality is a function of economic underdevelopment. Obstetric complications are the major cause of maternal mortality. Early detection, rapid transportation and prompt care utilizing Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) can help end preventable maternal mortality. However, poor referral transportation limits utilization of lifesaving EmONC in least developed countries. Korea International Cooperation Agency supported Ghana to implement a 5-year Primary Health Care project in Upper East region in 2016. This project had a Community Emergency Transport System (CETS) component. CETS was implemented using customized ‘motorking’ tricycle ambulances to strengthen maternal referral transportation. We conducted cost-effectiveness analysis to determine CETS’ value-for-money (VfM). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental net-benefit (INB) were estimated. The study perspective was societal. The comparator was traditional transportation system (TTS). The cost-effectiveness threshold was Ghana’s GDP for 2020 (USD2,254.15/GH₵11,045.34). The study respondents were women with pregnancy experience in 2020 within the project area who utilize a referral transport. Respondents were randomly selected from CETS and TTS areas. Primary and secondary data were collected at households and health facilities respectively. Data was analyzed with STATA 15.0. The ICER computed was GH₵559.69 (USD114.22). CETS was deemed cost-effective because ICER was below the cost-effectiveness threshold. The net-benefit was GH₵31,456.96 (USD6,419.79). The INB was less than zero (-2002.61) implying CETS was not cost-effective. There was a conflict between ICER and INB on VfM of CETS. Affordability should be considered in Policy adoption. Keywords: Community emergency transport system, Cost-effectiveness, Ending preventable maternal mortality, Northern Ghana, Traditional transport system.

Traditional and Western knowledge systems used by smallholders: Harnessing synergies for improved household food security in rural Ghana

ABSTRACT The discourse on knowledge integration persists in research and development practice. The need for traditional and Western knowledge systems to work together to achieve sustainable agricultural development in Ghana’s rural areas has become evermore relevant to achieve household food security in the context of changing climate, declining soil fertility, and labour challenges. The authors examined the role of knowledge integration in shaping the food security outcomes of socially differentiated smallholders’ households in Kassena-Nankana Municipal District and the Kassena-Nankana West District in the Upper East Region of Ghana, where food insecurity prevalence is very high. Using mixed methods approach, they found that most low resource endowed households that were unable to combine traditional and Western farming methods were more likely to experience food insecurity than were other households. Farmers with higher resource endowments integrated knowledges from both traditional and Western systems leading to better yield outcomes. However, combining both knowledge systems did not guarantee automatic success due to intervening factors. The authors conclude that different categories of smallholders’ resource endowment significantly impacts the smallholders’ food security status, and recommend that policy and development programming should promote integration of traditional and Western farming knowledge systems to achieve sustainable food crop production.