Volta Region Research Articles

Bi-level goal programming model for simultaneous microgrid investment and tariff design: A case study in the Volta Region of Ghana

The use of microgrids for remote rural electrification in developing countries requires solutions to technical and financial constraints involving variability in renewable generation and electricity demand, budget limitations, and underlying electricity tariffs. While previous research has evaluated a subset of these problems, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no attempt has been made to design an optimal tariff structure that promotes an isolated microgrid’s business case for rural electrification. This work presents a new goal-oriented bilevel optimization model capable of simultaneously optimizing the microgrids tariff design–to offer full revenue recovery for the investor while also ensuring equitable electricity prices for low-income households–as well as optimizing the physical microgrid design. A case study of an off-grid island on Ghana’s Volta Lake demonstrates the efficiency of the new tariff design over the existing policy. For a remote rural village, a 6kW solar PV, 5kW wind and 11kW diesel microgrid provide the highest lifecycle electricity supply adequacy at the lowest investment cost. Through scenario analysis, we demonstrate the implementation of an optimal tariff design capable of offsetting a 39 % revenue shortfall compared to an existing tariff structure while ensuring equitable electricity prices for low-income households.

Digital Media Practices: Exploring the Challenges of Graphic Design Students in Senior High Schools in Ghana

The development and introduction of digital technology for the past three decades have affected every aspect of human life. Since the introduction of digital technology in schools and colleges, most Graphic Design(GD) students have had difficulties making use of these digital technologies for their various artistic expressions. Therefore, exploiting the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the visual arts classroom has been rather challenging for students. This study thus set out to explore the challenges of Graphic design students in Senior High Schools (SHS) in Ghana. The study was conducted quantitatively. It employed the purposive sampling methodology to select four Senior High Schools where Visual Arts is studied in the Ho Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana. The simple random sampling method was used to select 400 students from the four schools to answer the designed questionnaire. The result revealed that GD students do not involve computer applications in design knowledge to enhance creativity in the Visual Arts class because they were not taught how to use the computer application software for their practical work. It is recommended that there is a need to investigate to know the factors affecting the proper integration of ICT in the learning of Visual Art at the SHS level. Secondly, students should be trained to use ICT software to do Graphic Design work in the classroom. Keywords: Graphic Design, Digital Technology, Visual Art Education, Computers.

Challenges and Durability of Local Development Plans for West African Rural Communities Based on a Case Study of Tafi-Todzi Settlements (Volta region, Ghana)

Challenges and Durability of Local Development Plans for West African Rural Communities Based on a Case Study of Tafi-Todzi Settlements (Volta region, Ghana)

The Impact of Musculoskeletal Pain on the Quality of Life of Farmers in the Volta Region of Ghana

The incidence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among farmers in Ghana is high. In the Volta Region, where the proposed research was conducted, MSK pain is among the top three most reported cases at the Ho Teaching Hospital. While the number of cases is known and treated at the hospital, the root causes are not. The proposed study investigated the effects of MSK pain on the quality of life (QoL) of farmers in the Region, to determine whether the age and sex of farmers in the Volta Region have any relationship with QoL, and to determine whether their knowledge about MSD and QoL was adequate to inform on its management. A total of 212 farmers were selected for the study without any particular order. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted to obtain the demographic and socioeconomic status of the participants. Both qualitative and quantitative statistical methods were used to determine the impact of MSK pain on QoL, the relationship between age/sex and QoL and if the farmers in the Volta Region think they have enough knowledge about their MSDs and are confident in managing them. The study found that the QoL among the farmers was very low. The farmers' QoL was below the average grouped quality of life and about 26.5% can be said to be clearly above the average grouped quality of life. MSK pains have had a huge toll on the quality of life of Volta Region farmers affecting about 73.5% of the respondent farmers. Keywords: DALY, HRQoL, NMQ, MSK-HQ, MSK, Musculoskeletal pain, Quality of Life, Farmers in Ghana.

The Prevalence and Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain among Farmers in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Cross Sectional Study

Musculoskeletal pain (MSK) disorder is considered one of the prime causes of severe long-term pain and physical disabilities acquired globally. Ghanaians especially, farmers have to go through vigorous physical farm activities to achieve desired output of farm activities. In the Volta Region, MSK pain has ranked among the top three reported cases at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Whilst, the quantum of reported cases is known, and treated at the hospital, the actual causes are not. Coupled with the fact that prevalence and probably the causes would differ from profession to profession the proposed research is aimed at addressing this among farmers. The overall goal of the study was to determine the prevalence and causes of MSK pain among farmers in the Volta Region of Ghana. 212 farmers were randomly selected for the study. Cross-sectional surveys were carried out to obtain the demographic and socio-economic status of the patients consenting to participate in the studies. Both, qualitative and quantitative statistical methods were employed to determine any association between the farming methods, tools used and the type of MSK pains. The most prevalent locations of MSK pain among farmers were the lower back, upper back, right and left knees. The possible causes of MSK pain reported by farmers in the Volta Region were by walking or by other transportation (riding bicycles and motorbikes) or using implements such as cutlass, hoe and spraying machine. Keywords: Ghana, Farmers, Farming practices, Lower Back Pain, Disability-Adjusted Life Years, Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder, Musculoskeletal pains.

Predictors for Uptake of Vaccines Offered during the Second Year of Life: Second Dose of Measles-Containing Vaccine and Meningococcal Serogroup A-Containing Vaccine, Ghana, 2020.

Understanding the drivers of coverage for vaccines offered in the second year of life (2YL) is a critical focus area for Ghana's life course approach to vaccination. This study characterizes the predictors of vaccine receipt for 2YL vaccines-meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) and the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2)-in Ghana. 1522 children aged 18-35 months were randomly sampled through household surveys in the Greater Accra Region (GAR), Northern Region (NR), and Volta Region (VR). The association between predictors and vaccination status was modeled using logistic regression with backwards elimination procedures. Predictors included child, caregiver, and household characteristics. Coverage was high for infant vaccines (>85%) but lower for 2YL vaccines (ranging from 60.2% for MACV in GAR to 82.8% for MCV2 in VR). Predictors of vaccination status varied by region. Generally, older, first-born children, those living in rural settlements and those who received their recommended infant vaccines by their first birthday were the most likely to have received 2YL vaccines. Uptake was higher among those with older mothers and children whose caregivers were aware of the vaccination schedule. Improving infant immunization uptake through increased community awareness and targeted strategies, such as parental reminders about vaccination visits, may improve 2YL vaccination coverage.

THE IMPACT OF MATERIALS MANAGEMENT ON WASTE MINIMIZATION ON GHANAIAN CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE VOLTA AND OTI REGIONS OF GHANA

Minimizing of waste of materials on the construction sites contributes greatly to the general cost of the building as a result of improper supervision on sites towards storage, handling and usage of materials. However, the cost of providing building materials required to complete any construction project is greatly high perhaps amounting to 55%-60% of the tender figure. The research was aimed at ensuring effective and efficient storage and handling of construction materials at construction sites in Volta and Oti Regions to ensure waste minimization harnessed with the needed productivity, in relation to construction material management. To effectively carry out this project, a survey method through the use of techniques such as questionnaire, observation and interviews were undertaken to actually determine what took place on the construction site in terms of material management thus, storage and handling on construction sites. Population for the study covered 25 construction companies in both Volta and Oti Regions. Quota sampling technique was adopted to distribute questionnaires to 200 respondents and stratified random sampling techniques for selection of 50 operatives on sites visited. Furthermore, interviews were carried out for 15 interviewees and also observed 35 operatives. The method used to analyze the data was descriptive statistics in percentiles through the use of tables and charts. The results showed that, building materials are not properly kept, space allocated for material storage was not enough, poor mode of material transport to site and lack of keeping adequate records among few. It is hereby recommended that Contractors, Site Supervisors and Storekeepers in the construction industries needed to be given sufficient education on the technical knowhow of material storage and handling on site. Prompt delivery of material on sites, good documentations and transport of materials, coupled with proper supervision during batching and mixing of building materials, and finally, appropriate Site layout plans mostly showing location of building and also space allocated for material storage should be applied on most Ghanaian construction.

Assessment of natural radioactivity, radon gas and soil characteristics along the Volta Lake in the Kpando municipality of Volta region, Ghana.

Assessment of radionuclides, indoor radon (222RnI), radon exhalation (222Rnex), and soil characteristics in the coastal part of Kpando has been studied using HPGe, CR-39 and sieving techniques. Statistical analysis between radionuclides, radon levels and soil characteristics was done using Pearson's correlation. The mean radionuclide concentration, radon levels and soil characteristics were obtained as 226Ra (23.1±1.4Bq per kg), 232Th (34.6±2.9Bq per kg), 40K (187.1±13.7Bq per kg), 222RnI (64.70±2.7Bq per m3), 222Rnex (7.9±0.5 μBq per m2h), sandy (45.9±3.9%), silt (40.7±3.1%), clay (13.5±0.8%), porosity (0.6±0.1) and moisture (7.6±0.8%). Radiological effects estimated were within recommended limits. The maximum positive and negative coefficients exist between 222Ra/222Rnex (1.0) and 222Rnex/MC (-0.9), respectively. Radon exhalation correlates better with soil characteristics. The statistical analysis indicated that soil characteristics have significant effects on radionuclides and radon levels in soils and dwellings.

Under-reporting of adverse drug reactions: Surveillance system evaluation in Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana.

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) can occur with all medicines even after successful extensive clinical trials. ADRs result in more than 10% of hospital admissions worldwide. In Ghana, there has been an increase of 13 to 126 ADR reports per million population from 2012 to 2018. ADR Surveillance System (ADRSS) also known as pharmacovigilance has been put in place by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to collect and manage suspected ADR reports and communicate safety issues to healthcare professionals and the general public. The ADRSS in Ho Municipality was evaluated to assess the extent of reporting of ADRs and the system's attributes; determine its usefulness, and assess if the ADRSS is achieving its objectives. We evaluated the ADRSS of the Ho Municipality from January 2015 to December 2019. Quantitative data were collected through interviews and review of records. We adapted the updated CDC guidelines to develop interview guides and a checklist for data collection. Attributes reviewed included simplicity, data quality, acceptability, representativeness, timeliness, sensitivity, predictive value positive and stability. We found a total of 1,237 suspected ADR during the period, of which only 36 (3%) were reported by healthcare professionals in the Ho Municipality to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC). Only 43.9% of health staff interviewed were familiar with the ADRSS and its reporting channel. Staff who could mention at least one objective of the ADRSS were 34.2%, and 12.2% knew the timelines for reporting ADR. Reports took a median time of 41 (IQR = 25, 81) days from reporter to NPC. Reports sent on time constituted 37.5%. Fully completed case forms constituted 77.1% and the predictive value positive (PVP) was 20%. About 53% of ADRs were reported for female patients. Up to 88.9% of ADRs were classified as drug related. Anti-tuberculosis agents and other antibiotics constituted (40.6%) and (18.8%) of all reports. The ADRSS was not integrated into the disease surveillance and response system of Ghana's Health Service and so was not flexible to changes. A dedicated ADR surveillance officer in regions helped with the system's stability. Data from Ghana feeds into a WHO database for global decision making. There was under-reporting of ADRs in the Ho Municipality from January 2015 to December 2019. The ADR surveillance system was simple, stable, acceptable, representative, had a strong PVP but was not flexible or timely. The ADRSS was found useful and partially met its objectives.

Overview of Respiratory Tract Infections among Children under Five Years in Ghana

It is well-documented that respiratory tract infections, especially in children, have the highest incidence and mortality rates in developing countries. Infections of the sinuses, throat, airways, and lungs are collectively referred to as Respiratory Tract Infections by the National Health Services (NHS). According to the statistics, in Ghana, the seasonal patterns of reported paediatric cases were different in the Northern sector than in the Central and Southern sectors. Hospitalization rates for children in the Volta Region showed clear seasonal trends, with most ailments being more common during the dry seasons than the wet ones. The purpose of this study is to examine respiratory tract infections among children under five years in Ghana. This will give readers and policy makers the nature and the condition of RTIs among children in Ghana. The study used the systematic review method to achieve this objective. The type of systematic review method used was the rapid review, which uses existing research documents and data to draw new findings.
 The study found that, there is high rate of respiratory tract infections among children in Ghana. This is attributed to many factors. Poor breastfeeding and supplemented eating in early life may lead to childhood wasting, the leading cause of mortality in under-5s with poorer RTI worldwide. Severe acute malnutrition is one of numerous socioeconomic variables that have increased pneumonia, diarrheal illness, and malaria prevalence and severity. Other variables that have contributed to this rise including low birth weight, under-vaccination, parental smoking, early childhood respiratory impairment owing to indoor air pollution, other diseases, and overcrowding.
 This study recommends that, much attentions should be given to children in Ghana. Prevention strategies for RTIs include frequent nutritional programs, campaigns, and education in the district to address stunting and underweight in children younger than five, as well as correct complementary feeding. Further population-based study in different parts of Ghana might strengthen these results.

Evaluating Junior High School Teachers’ ICT Competences for Technology Integration into Teaching and Learning in Akatsi South Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana

The study examined the level of Junior High School (JHS) teachers’ ICT knowledge and skills for ICT integration into teaching and learning in Akatsi South Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana. The study applied a primary cross-sectional quantitative survey research design approach with 164 participants to determine the level of JHS teachers’ knowledge and competences in the use of ICT for personal and instructional purposes. The questionnaire consists of 20 items which was used to elicit information from selected teachers. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that with regard to participants’ digital competences for personal tasks, 19.8% have extremely insufficient, 32.2% have insufficient, 38.5% have sufficient and 9.5% extremely sufficient. In relation to teachers’ knowledge and skills for ICT integration into teaching and learning, 24.5% have extremely insufficient, 36.8% have insufficient, 30.3% have sufficient, and 8.4% have extremely sufficient. In conclusion, majority of participants have insufficient knowledge and skills required for the use of ICT for performance of personal tasks and instructional activities and consequently cannot integrate ICT into teaching and learning or implement it effectively due to their very insufficient or insufficient level of knowledge and skills in the use of ICT.

Self-sampling and HPV DNA testing for cervical precancer screening in a cohort of nuns in Ghana: a cross-sectional cohort study

The need for cervical cancer screening has been emphasised in at-risk cohorts of women to reduce their risk of cervical cancer. Some women with decreased risk of acquiring human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, such as Catholic nuns, receive less attention and on occasion are missed in cervical cancer screening programmes. This study aimed to determine the high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) prevalence in such a cohort to emphasise the need for cervical precancer screening among all women. To improve compliance, we employed self-sampling. This descriptive cross-sectional cohort study involved the data of 105 Catholic nuns subjected to cervical screening using self-samples in the Greater Accra, Volta, and Central regions of Ghana between June 4, 2022 and June 30, 2022. hr-HPV testing was performed on self-samples using the MA-6000 HPV DNA platform. Screen-positive nuns underwent follow-up pap smears and EVA colposcopy. In addition to descriptive analysis, univariate and multivariable nominal logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between hr-HPV positivity and selected continuous and categorical factors. 105 nuns from three convents were screened with hr-HPV DNA testing (MA-6000). Twenty-five tested positive for hr-HPV (prevalence of 23.8% (95% CI, 15.7-32.0) [HPV 18 only (n=2, 1.9%), non-HPV 16/18 genotypes (others) (n=22, 21.0%), and mixed infection with HPV 16 and other genotype(s) (n=1, 1.0%)]. Pap smears for all 25 hr-HPV-positives came in as negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy, whereas EVA mobile colposcopy showed minor abnormal findings in two (8.0%; 95% CI, 1.0-26.0), both of whom were managed conservatively. Our findings suggest that the hr-HPV prevalence in this cohort of nuns is similar to that of the general population. To meet the World Health Organization's target for cervical cancer elimination, it is important that all women are given access to cervical cancer screening and preventative services. Further, increasing 'anonymity' and privacy among nuns through self-sampling may be crucial to expanding choice, coverage, and uptake of screening in support of their health rights. None.

Street-vended grilled beef sausages as potential vehicles of bacterial and fungal pathogens: An exploratory survey in Ho, the capital city of the Volta Region of Ghana.

Grilled beef sausage is a popular street delicacy in many countries, and Ghana is no exception. This study assessed street-vended grilled beef sausages as a potential vehicle of microorganisms that present food safety risks to the general public in Ho City. Twenty grilled beef sausages were obtained from various vended locations within Ho municipality by convenient sampling and were analyzed by standard microbiological protocols for food safety followed by statistical analysis with a test of significant difference at p < .05. Total aerobic bacteria count of the potential foodborne pathogens ranged from 2.75 × 104 to 1.85 × 107 CFU/g. The microbial species identified included Staphylococcus aureus with a load from 6.15 × 102 to 1.67 × 105 CFU/g, Escherichia coli from 4.2 × 102 to 3.9 × 104 CFU/g, Bacillus cereus from 3.05 × 102 to 7.1 × 104 CFU/g, and Salmonella spp. from 2.8 × 102 to 5.5 × 104 CFU/g. Total fungal counts also ranged from 0.0 to 9.83 × 103 CFU/g, and the species identified included Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp. all of which were within the acceptable limits of the International Commission for Microbiological Specification of Foods. However, for total viable bacteria, 75% of the samples were above the acceptable limits in the guidelines by the Ghana Standards Authority, indicating that the consumption of grilled beef sausages poses serious food safety and hygiene risks to consumers. Hygienic processing of the sausages under sanitary environments, proper handling and preservation procedures, and periodic follow-up visits to the vended areas should be employed to reduce the risk of occurrence of potential pathogens in the products.

Key Factors that Predict Students’ Mathematics Competence in a College of Education in Hohoe, Volta region of Ghana

This study investigates the demographic factors, including gender, age, program of study, and financial background, that predict students' mathematics competence in a College of Education in Hohoe, Ghana. A quantitative research predictive design was employed to examine the relationship between these demographic factors and mathematics competence. The study population consisted of 80 Science and Mathematics major students enrolled in a College of Education during the 2023 academic year. A simple random sampling technique was used to obtain 69 participants who successfully filled their questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using several predictive models. Evaluation metrics such as Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Coefficient of Determination (R²) were utilized to compare the performance of these models. Among the models compared, Boosting Regression demonstrated the best overall predictive performance. Random Forest Regression ranked as the second-best model, while RLR, KNNR, and NNR had poorer performance. The findings indicate that gender and program of study are consistently important factors in predicting students' mathematics competence. Additionally, age showed a weak positive association with mathematics competence, while financial status was inversely associated with performance. The results provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers, facilitating the development of targeted interventions to enhance students' mathematics competence.

Efficacy of Probiotics to Control Ammonia in Oreochromis Niloticus Fishponds in Volta Region, Ghana

Current intensification of aquaculture where the organic loads with toxic compounds like NH3 and H2S shoot up beyond the level where naturally occurring bacteria cannot decompose the wastes has necessitated the use of probiotics. Objective. The objective was to use five different probiotics to treat ammonia and analyze the effects on water quality and changes in it in fishponds. Methods. Five different probiotic compositions were used, and the water quality was measured, mainly for ammonia concentration. Results. 5 different ponds located in the village of Agortha, Volta Region, Ghana, were treated with 5 different products simultaneously for 3 months. The concentration of ammonia has come to zero in 2 ponds with pH equal to 8. Conclusions. The results revealed that probiotics addition was efficient in decreasing the ammonia concentration in fishponds.

Why district assemblies disburse resources to district health systems for service delivery at district level in the context of decentralization: a comparative study of two districts in the Volta Region of Ghana.

To explore why the District Assembly disburses financial and other resources to the District Health System. Multiple case study with a single unit of analysis (holistic) using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection involving a desk review, analysis of routine health management information system data and key informant interviews. Two districts in the Volta Region of Ghana. Twelve key officials of each district assembly and the district health system (24 total) who had worked in the district at least a year or more. None. Both District Assemblies had moderate decision space which was influenced by their capacity, power and contextual factors like politics, economics, legal and situational factors. Disbursement of financial and other resources to the District Health Systems was influenced by financial capacity, use of power by stakeholders, context and the decision space of the District Assembly. Political actors appeared to have more power in resource disbursement decision making than community members and technocrats in a context of resource constraints and inadequate funding. The funding available was used predominantly for capital investments, mainly construction of Community Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds. It is important to make policies that will regulate the relative power among the political appointees like the District Chief Executives (DCEs), public and civil servants in decentralized departments and agencies and Community members to make resource disbursement more sensitive to communities and decentralized departments.

Prevalence of yam nematodes in diverse soil communities, and their morphometrics in the Krachi-Nchumuru District of Ghana

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is susceptible to dry rot disease, which limits its yields in farmers fields in West Africa.The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence and characteristics of the plant-parasitic nematode (Scutellonema bradys) on yam from the Volta Region of Ghana. A survey was conducted in KrachiI-Nchummuru District in the Volta region in Ghana, using a semi-structured questionnaire in ten communities. Majority of the farmers (62%) were unaware of nematodes and their damage caused to yam. Most interviewees (84%) mentioned the ‘pona’ yam variety as the most susceptible genotype to rot, especially in storage. Twelve nematode genera were identified in soils, and eight under storage conditions. Soil samples had, for relative abundance, 31.5% of nematodes as Scutellonema bradys and 16.8% as Meloidogyne spp. On the other hand, relative abundances in yam peels for S. bradys, Meloidogyne spp. and Pratylenchus spp. were 88.4, 6.0 and 3.3%, respectively. Body lenghts of female S. bradys ranged from 747.3 to 861.9 um. There was a strong positive correlation between tail length and head region diameter (r = 0.81); and stylet knob height and vulva position (r= 0.68). Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) showed 5 major groups at a dissimilarity of 90%, with sub-groups formed at dissimilarity value of 50%. In-depth survey of communities in the Krachi Nchumuru district revealed that, Scutellonema bradys is a threat to yam production in this region, and results in considerable dry rot disease and yield losses.

Field Measurements of Longshore Sediment Transport along Denu Beach, Volta Region, Ghana

Field measurements of longshore sediment transport have been performed in the surf zone along Denu Beach, located in the Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa. This study consisted of measuring sediment transport rates by the deployment of modified versions of Kraus streamer traps on a cross-shore distance, which was about half the average surf zone width. In addition to the measured transport rates, data on waves, longshore currents, and other morphological parameters were collected with simple and low-cost instrumentation. In total, about 22 datasets were obtained through several days of data collection spanning a period of 5 months. Mathematical formulae proposed by CERC (1984), Kamphuis (1991), and the new van Rijn (2014) were used to compute theoretical transports for the entire surf zone, which were validated by measured data. Applying the CERC equation with a K-value of 0.39, the theoretical transports were about one order of magnitude higher than the measured rates. The rates computed by the Kamphuis formula were slightly higher than those yielded by the van Rijn equation. They produced values that were, on average, about 3.5 and 2.9 times higher than the measured rates, respectively. This study then confirmed the capabilities of both the Kamphuis and van Rijn equations to provide closer estimates of longshore sediment transport on Denu Beach. It especially sheds light on the new van Rijn formula, which has not been used extensively in LST quantification across the world. We, therefore, concluded that both the Kamphuis and van Rijn equations could be particularly useful to local engineers in the prediction of LST prior to the design of coastal protection structures. Further long-term studies employing available cutting-edge technologies were also recommended to provide more information on longshore transport not only in Ghana but also in the entire Gulf of Guinea and for the establishment of a reliable sediment budget for the country and the entire region.

Role of Administrators in Promoting Positive School Environment For Tutors and Student Well-Being: A Case Study of Some Schools in Ghana

Creating a positive school environment that promotes the well-being of students is an essential aspect of education. Teachers and administrators are instrumental in shaping this environment. The study investigates the role of administrators in fostering a positive school environment and supporting teachers and students at schools in Ghana's Volta Region. The study was underpinned by the theory of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) theory helps teachers and administrators understand their role in fostering a positive school climate and student well-being. Social and emotional skills are crucial to academic and personal success, according to this view. The study employed a case study approach as its research design. Interviews were conducted with 10 informants who were carefully selected from the basic to the tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study findings indicate that creating a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration among students, teachers, and administrators is essential for fostering a positive school environment. Teachers and administrators can promote student well-being by offering emotional and psychological support, promoting healthy habits and lifestyles, and fostering a secure and supportive learning environment. The study emphasises the significance of ongoing professional development for teachers and administrators to equip them to effectively promote a positive school environment and support the well-being of students.

Knowledge and perception of asymptomatic malaria in the Volta region of Ghana.

The control of asymptomatic malaria is considered a key aspect of malaria control. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of asymptomatic malaria among people in Ho municipality of the Volta region. A descriptive cross-sectional study involving questionnaire administration was conducted among randomly sampled residents of the Ho municipality of the Volta region of Ghana. Using SPSS version 25 statistical software, frequency distributions and proportions were computed for sociodemographic variables while knowledge and perception about asymptomatic malaria were computed into percentages and categorized into three levels based on Bloom's cut-off for further analysis. Findings with p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Among the 200 participants, 197 (98.5%) were aware of malaria. The majority (116 [58.0%]) of the study participants agreed to the possibility of asymptomatic infection, but most (133 [66.5%]) of the community members did not know that asymptomatic individuals can still transmit infections. The majority of the participants (184 [92.0%]) showed interest in getting further education on asymptomatic malaria and a significant majority (180 [90.0%]) expressed a willingness to take treatment after testing positive without showing any symptoms. Asymptomatic malaria control can be achieved through a mass testing and treatment strategy, therefore improving the knowledge and perception about asymptomatic malaria might improve malaria control.