Volta River Authority Research Articles

An Overview of Scientific Production of Renewable Energies in Ghana

Ghana is experiencing an increase in energy demand as a result of increased industrialization activities. Nonrenewable energy sources, such as combustible fuels like petroleum, are the primary source of energy. Nonrenewable energy resources are associated with a number of issues, including environmental pollution. Renewable energy is a sustainable source of energy that is critical to the energy sector and the economy’s progress. Hydropower, biomass, solar energy, and wind energy are among the renewable energy resources available in Ghana. In Ghana, key institutions are responsible for the management and development of energy sources in the renewable energy sector. Among these institutions is the Ministry of Energy, which is responsible for the formulation and implementation of laws and policies, for instance, the Renewable Energy Act of 2011. Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Grid Company (GGC), and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) are among the institutions under the Ministry of Energy. There are also regulatory agencies established by parliamentary act to ensure that all actors in the sector are working properly. Among these are the Energy Commission, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PUR), and the National Petroleum Authority. Active nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), research institutes and universities, and industry are also involved in renewable energy activities.

Spatial variation of the Akosombo hydroelectric power dam and its effects on downstream water quality, people and living organisms

AbstractThe Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Plant (AHPP) is one of the largest man‐made lakes in the world. The impact of the dam after its construction on living organisms and people is not known. This paper offers new insights into our understanding of how the lake affects water quality for living organisms and people living downstream of its tailrace at different spatial levels. Water samples were collected to determine physicochemical and bacteriological parameters at fifteen strategically chosen sampling points. The data were analysed in the laboratory for certain physicochemical and biological parameters. About 95 questionnaires were also administered at Abume to households to ascertain their concerns with the water from the dam. The results indicated that the operation of AHPP has statistically significant effects on pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), faecal coliform and total coliform. The DO and total coliform did not rejuvenate by the 1km tailrace distance of the study. However, pH rejuvenated at a distance of 750 meters. The people also point out that the quality of the river at Abume is not safe for drinking and living organisms. The study concludes that water from the AHPP downstream is a satisfactory source of raw water that can be treated for domestic use. The water can also not support large fish species like tilapia. The study recommends that cage fishing should not take place close to the tailrace. The Volta River Authority and the government should provide potable drinking water to the communities affected by the construction of the dam and new sustainable turbines should be employed to manage the dam.

Self-Care Practices and Drivers of Anti-Diabetic Type 2 Medication Non-Compliance among Patients Accessing Healthcare at a Health Facility in Ghana

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic chronic disease affecting a majority of adults with associated complications. The non-compliance to the anti-diabetic medication has become a global challenge to achieving optimal glucose control among Diabetes Type 2 patients. This study, therefore, sought to determine the self-care practices and drivers of anti-diabetic type 2 medication non-compliance among patients accessing health care at Volta River Authority Hospital in Akosombo of Ghana.
 Methods: A quantitative study and descriptive cross-sectional design employed a simple random sampling technique to recruit 220 diabetes type 2 patients by administering a structured questionnaire face to face to gather data. Data were analysed with the help of Stata 16. A descriptive and inferential statistic was conducted to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables at a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statically significant.
 Results: The study found that non-adherence to anti-diabetic medication was 45.5%. Most of the participants had inadequate (52.3%) self-care practices. Age of participants (40-49) years [p=0.0001], Female [p=0.004] significantly influenced non-compliance. Being Single [p=0.001] and presence of comorbidity [p=0.001] also associated with medication non-compliance.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that a significant proportion of diabetes type 2 patients do not comply with anti-diabetic medication and this was influenced by inadequate self-care practices, age, female, comorbidity and being single. The study recommended the intensification of awareness creation on complications of non-complying to anti-diabetic medication and education on self-care practices through mass media. Further studies are required to identify the possible predictors of inadequate self-care practices that influence anti-diabetic medication non-compliance.

Forecasting Hydropower Generation in Ghana Using ARIMA Models

In this study, an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was used to forecast Ghana’s Akosombo dam level and hydropower generation by the end of year 2022. Data used for this study span from January 2010 to December 2019. Base on the final ARIMA model, power generation is forecasted to decrease from 398 Megawatts/hr in December 2019 to approximately 374 Megawatts/hr by December 2022. On the other hand, water level of the Akosombo dam is predicted to decrease marginally from 264.8 ft in December 2019 to approximately 255.19 ft by December 2022. The Volta River Authority (VRA) and managers of the electricity production in Ghana are encouraged to be proactive in expanding energy production by turning more to renewable energy sources. In the coming years, as they seek to provide sustainable electricity for their cherished customers, investment decisions should be directed towards protecting the volta river from drying up due to human and climatic activities as well as expanding energy mix.

Implementation of an E-Procurement System in Volta River Authority

Governments in both developed and developing nations have embraced the idea of using information communication technology to enable them enhance the quality of services offered by public sector institutions, increase access to information and public participation. The result of this is the emergence of e-procurement which has changed the way purchasing is done in the digital age. This paper therefore assesses the implementation of an e-procurement policy and emergent training needs of procurement practitioners - the case in Volta River Authority. The study adopted the descriptive research design and qualitative research approach. The purposive sampling strategy was used to sample 56 respondents from the population of 150 at VRA-NEDCO for the survey. Primary source of data was collected using semi-structured. Finding of the study revealed critical human resource and technical requirements for the implementation of e-procurement at VRA-NEDCO. Technically, quality IT infrastructure, standard data harmonization, adequate data management and messaging strategies were required while professionalism, high internal regards for procurement, adequate and skilled procurement specialists were the opportunities for the implementation of e-procurement in Volta River Authority. Also, VRA-NEDCO provides advanced computer literacy programs (Microsoft office, excel and notepad), advanced effective communication programs to create staff awareness of e-procurement, workshop on the public procurement Act of Ghana, Basic hardware training and Data management and supplier integration skills before the implementation of the Oracle e-procurement system. In examining the major challenges associated with the implementation of e-procurement, the study found the following as challenges VRA faces in the implementation of e-procurement; technology challenges such as data system hacking and cracking, unreliable internet and technology incompatibility and integration of external systems. Some process challenges also include; unwillingness to re-engineer process, challenge of supplier adoption and initial high cost of introducing e-procurement solution. The human resource challenges to e-procurement implementation at VRA include, issues of professionalism and training requirement, availability of e-procurement experts and resistance to change management.

Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam Project: story of a major collaborative project

The Volta River Authority is starting this year the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam Project (PMDP) on the White Volta River across the Upper East and Northern regions of Ghana with the aim to foster economic development in several ways: (i) developing the irrigation potential of the White Volta plains, (ii) mitigating the flood impacts downstream of the dam, (iii) improving Ghana’s power system and (iv) generating secondary benefits through related activities such as fishery and domestic water supply. This project, studied by Tractebel since the early 1990s, was always governed by the principle to balance the benefits between antagonistic objectives. Dedicated operation rules have been defined to improve the overall benefits. Limitation of the extent of the reservoir and its related environmental and social impacts have also been taken into account to define the final design. This paper aims to present how all these benefits have been estimated and compared to lead to the final design under implementation.

Review of the main sources of organisational resistance and how such resistance could be managed: Critical Analysis of Volta River Authority and Ghana Maritime Authority

Change has become inevitable in this global world making it imperative for organisations to change. Whatever form the change takes the individuals affected must be willing to accept the change. This research paper analyses resistance in two public organizations i.e. the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority which occurred between 2003 and 2018. This paper dwells on Lewin's force field analysis of driving and restraining forces, and identifies reasons why resistance occurred in these two organizations during the period identified. Theories of Resistance identified as cognitive dissonance, the depth intervention, violation of the psychological contract and/or dispositional resistance in the form of inappropriate management style and leadership (Burnes, 2017) are discussed,. It has been found that Resistance to change is not uniform among human beings. Reasons for resistance are identified and strategies to overcome resistance are proposed. Lewin's three step model of Unfreeze, Change, and refreeze are revisited and Kotter's six ways of overcoming resistance are reviewed. Evidence gathered indicate that resistance occurred in these organizations mainly because of inappropriate leadership style. Transactional leadership is unlikely to establish a good psychological contract inside businesses during the change management process, which will reduce morale and performance. Transformational leadership, on the other hand, is likely to emphasize relationships, trust, commitment, and involvement, which may be required to keep employee loyalty and stimulate creativity. Transformational leadership style is therefore recommended in periods of change. Transformational leaders will rely on Kotter's eight step model to bring about change. Change must not be imposed in public organizations as it will definitely meet resistance. The focus of any change effort must first be to change attitudes. Communication is also very important in changing attitudes. A communications strategy should be linked with the broad stages of a planned change as well as the associated information requirements (Klein, 1996). Before implementing the change, personnel should be educated about it through one-on-one talks, group presentations, or memoranda and reports. Regular and effective communication may minimize employee uncertainty while involving them increases their commitment (Burnes 2017). Incentives might also be provided to active or potential resisters, such as providing a union a higher salary rate in exchange for a change in work rules. Manipulation, co-optation, and coercion are not viable strategies for bringing about change in public institutions. The resistance will have risen as a result of their use. Managers should, according to Lewin, first minimize the opposing forces before boosting the driving forces (Lewin, 1947).

Impact of Mass Drug Administration on Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Eight Riverine Communities in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, Ghana

Background: The incidence of schistosomiasis in Ghana and more specifically in the Asuogyaman District had become a noticeable record following the creation of the Akosombo Dam in the early 1960s. This has inevitably since placed an enormous burden on the health service delivery systems in the geographical area. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of Praziquantel has been used worldwide as a preventive and treatment intervention measure for the disease, and the study area is no exception. The study, therefore, aimed to assess the impact of MDA on the prevalence and associated risk factors of schistosomiasis in eight (8) selected riverine communities within the district.
 Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 896 respondents with ages ranging from 2 to 82 years and a mean age of 17±13.78 years. Data were obtained from the Volta River Authority (VRA) Public Health and Environmental Department. Pearson’s chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to assess the association and predict the relationship between variables.
 Findings: Out of the 896 respondents, 93 (10.4 %) tested positive for Schistosoma haematobium. Proportionally, the Nyameben community had a high prevalence of 25.8% while Mami-Waterkope, and Mangoase both had a low prevalence of 3.2 %. The average uptake of Praziquantel was 41% across the study area. From the bivariate analysis, the respondents’ community of residence was noted as the only statistically significant variable contributing to infection. Respondents aged 13-39 were 1.68 times more likely to be infected compared to their younger counterparts after controlling for all other covariates in the predictive model.
 Conclusion: Mass Drug Administration had a tremendous effect on reducing the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis to the present level of 10.4%. However, some “hotspots” like the Nyameben community will require special attention to reduce the high prevalence disease rate. Communities with low uptake of Praziquantel had a relatively high prevalence of schistosomiasis.

Design and Optimisation of a Microgrid for Improved Efficiency of the Volta River Authority (Navrongo) Solar Power Plant

In ensuring proper energy mix and reducing the number of emissions from traditional thermal plants for power generation, the Energy Commission of Ghana built the Solar Power Plant at Navrongo. This was to help cut down the cost of crude fuel imports and also play a part in mitigating global warming which results from the continuous emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) at the thermal power. Over the years the plant has been faced with inconsistent power generation. This research paper sought to investigate the power losses at the Navrongo Volta River Authority (VRA) Solar Power Plant and come out with measures to improve its efficiency. Power production downtime and power transmission losses were identified as the major constraints of the solar power plant. General evaluation and review of the grid design and transmission system of the plant were considered and a microgrid technology was proposed to eliminate generation downtime and power transmission losses. The output of the proposed microgrid system was predicted using R-studio statistical simulations, also the plant was optimised to ascertain the gains in power generation and the merits of this system were discussed. Finally, conclusions and recommendations where made to ensure energy security and economic competitiveness of the plant.

The Effect of Procurement Practices on Service Delivery: A Case Study of VRA, Ghana

This study was conducted to determine the effect of procurement policy, procurement planning and sustainable procurement on service delivery. The study employed a quantitative research approach and explanatory design. The target population for the study was staff and management of the Volta River Authority. Structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data. The study used SPSS version 32.0 for the data analyses. The study found that 73.6% variations in service delivery were explained by Procurement Policy, Procurement Planning and Sustainable Procurement. The study found that Procurement Policy (β = 0.623 ρ=0.000< 0.05) are significant determinants of service delivery thus a unit change in procurement policy will result in 62.3% change in service delivery. Procurement Planning (β = 0.027, ρ=0.080< 0.05) are significant determinants of service delivery thus a unit change in procurement planning will result in 2.7% change in service delivery. Sustainable Procurement (β = 0.39 ρ=0.000 < 0.05) are a significant determinant of service delivery. Thus a unit change in Sustainable Procurement will result in 39% change in service delivery. From the model estimation, procurement policy was the strongest predictor of service delivery followed by sustainable procurement and lastly procurement planning. The study revealed a strong significant positive correlation between procurement policy and service delivery. Moreover, the result showed a strong significant positive correlation between procurement planning and service delivery. Again the study found a significant positive correlation between sustainable procurement and service delivery. The study concludes that Procurement Policy, Procurement Planning and Sustainable Procurement significantly predict service delivery of VRA. The study recommends that the management of VRA must continuously invest in sustainable procurement, procurement planning and procurement policy to enhance service delivery to the public.

Key risk factors affecting renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) set-up projects in developing countries

Purpose Sustained access to efficient electricity plays an essential role in improving living conditions of people and contributes to the economic development of the nation as a whole. Volta River Authority (VRA) mainly manages the generation plants (hydropower sources and thermal plants) alongside independent power producers (IPPs). Power generation in the country has been influenced by myriads of factors. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the key risk factors affecting renewable energy of IPPs set-up project in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Empirical investigation was carried out using the survey approach. The likelihood of occurrence of the risk and the degree of impact of same motivated the use of risk significance index to analyze the data and make deductions from the results. Findings From the study, three key risk factors have high level of severity, which include long and complex procedures for authorization of project activities, stability of the policy environment and ease of obtaining rights to land. These risks could be found in the business/strategic risks and policy/regulatory risks categories, respectively. A total of 25 key risk factors had moderate level of severity and 12 key risk factors have low level of severity on renewable energy IPP set up projects. Practical implications Top-ranked risk factors require maximum attention. The identified risks should be alleviated with strategies to reduce levels of severity by targeting either the likelihood of occurrence or the level of impact. This will serve as a catalyze to promoting renewable energy IPP set-up projects in Ghana. Originality/value Key contribution of the paper to the body of knowledge is demonstrated by the empirical evidence of the risks IPPs are likely to encounter in setting up renewable energy plants in Ghana. The distinctive attribute of this study is further demonstrated by the fact that it focused on the set-up stage, which is a critical stage in the renewable energy provision value chain.

Safety Culture and Perioperative Quality at the Volta River Authority Hospital in Akosombo, Ghana.

The Volta River Authority Hospital (VRAH) is a district hospital associated with a large public works project in Akosombo, Ghana, that has developed a reputation for high-quality care. We hypothesized that this stems from a culture of safety and standardized processes typical of high-risk engineering environments. To investigate this, we evaluated staff and patient perceptions of safety and quality, as well as perioperative process variability. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys were used to evaluate staff and patient perceptions of safety. Perioperative general surgery and obstetrical procedure observations generated process maps, which were analyzed for variability and waste. Thirty-one SAQs were administered. 83% of workers held a positive perception of teamwork, and 77.4% held a positive perception of safety culture. Fifteen HCAHPS surveys of surgical inpatients showed a median hospital rating of 10 [IQR 8.5-10] on a ten-point scale. 90% gave maximal scores for pain management and 84.4% for nurse communication. Ten general surgery and obstetrical procedures were observed for which process map analysis was notable for no consistent waste steps and 100% adherence to the World Health Organization Safe Surgery Checklist. Surveys suggest an institutional commitment to safety with strong teamwork culture and patient communication. Perioperative process mapping supports this culture, with low levels of variability and waste, and is useful for evaluating standardization of care. VRAH demonstrates the feasibility of delivering high standards of perioperative care in a low-resource setting.

Analyzing the Relevance of VRA Resettlement Trust Fund as a Benefit Sharing Mechanism

The Volta River Authority Resettlement Trust Fund’ (VRA RTF) was established by the Ghanaian Government, with some threshold of assistance the VRA outfit. More than thirty years after the dam’s construction project got its finality, a scheme was subsequently introduce to ensure that earnings emanating from the dam’s activities would be of immense relevance to the deranged folks by providing socio-economic amenities like water and sanitation, infrastructural developmental projects among others. However, financing deficiencies appear to be an indispensable and integral setback as far as the pursuance of the Trust’s mission is concerned. The study set out to analyze the relevance of VRA RTF as a benefit sharing mechanism in Ghana, specifically, using the employees of VRA RTF in conjunction the resettlers belonging to Senchi Ferry Township (VRATFCs). Among other objectives, the study determined the distinctive relevance of RTFs to affected individuals, identified the key monetary and non-monetary benefit sharing mechanisms (BSMs) adopted by project developers for displaced individuals, in addition to the critical challenges confronting the smooth functioning of RTFs in Ghana. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of research was adopted for the study. Convenience sampling using questionnaire instrumentation was used to collect data from the staff of VRA RTF and chosen Senchi Ferry Township resettlers. A 5-Point Likert scale which was later fine-tuned into the Relative Importance Index (RII), SPSS Version 22.0 and Microsoft Excel were used for the data analysis. The results indicated the 6 distinctive relevance of RTFs at VRATFCs as water and sanitation, educational enhancement, health improvement, improvement of agricultural projects, community development via socio-cultural activities. To add to this, the 5 key monetary and non-monetary benefit sharing mechanisms as revealed by the participants’ were as follows: revenue sharing, development funds, property taxes, equity sharing as well as livelihood and restoration enhancement. More so, with reference to the critical challenges confronting the smooth functioning of RTFs at VRATFCs, 6 bottlenecks realized were as follows: improper costing of relocation packages (ineffective budgeting), inadequate compensation of displaced individuals, inactive involvement of the displaced individuals in the decision making process, insufficient grant allocation to the fund, clarity of rules and policies relating to fund disbursement, vis-à-vis questionable timing of the resettlement processes. It is recommended that the management of VRA RTF, well-informed resettlers and policy-makers at VRATFCs in Ghana and beyond strictly adheres to the establishment of project specific development funds, accountability and transparency regimes, active involvement of resettlers in the decision making process, increment of grant to the RTF, adequate compensation of displaced individuals, effective costing of relocation packages. This strategic initiatives will inadvertently go a long way to manage the issues identified during the study.

Newly independent nations and large engineering projects: the case of the Volta River Project

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explicate how newly independent nations combined local and international resources to plan and build large engineering projects aimed at enhancing economic development. It discusses the key factors and issues related to the planning and building of the Akosombo Dam and related townships from 1962 to 1967.Design/methodology/approachThe assessment is based on the archival information from the Volta River Authority together with other archival government data and interview transcripts before, during and after the completion (from the 1950s to the 1960s) of the Volta River Project (VRP).FindingsThe paper presents insights from the VRP in newly independent Ghana and demonstrates how multiple international firms combine with host country stakeholders to usher in one of the most important engineering projects in post-colonial Africa. It also highlights how poor bargaining power and weak integration of the project outcome to future development objectives, with negligence by succeeding political actors, could inhibit the full achievement of intended long-term project outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the conclusions are drawn from a single project within one country and would need to be supported by additional multi-country research. The study also presents an opportunity to explore how lessons learnt could influence policymaking in new, large and complex infrastructure projects.Originality/valueThe paper reviews antecedents, processes and outcomes of a major post-independence infrastructure project in a sub-Saharan African country.

Evaluating the impacts of dredging and saline water intrusion on rural livelihoods in the Volta Estuary

ABSTRACTMany communities around the world are directly dependent on rivers. In Ghana the damming of the Volta River for hydro-electric power led to the development of a sandbar at the estuary, which disrupted salt water intrusion. Inadequate salt water intrusion also led to the proliferation of snail vectors of schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and growth of aquatic weeds. In 1990, dredging began at the Volta Estuary to address the identified problems. After more than 20 years, information on the impacts of the dredging activities remain scanty. In this paper, the socio-economic impacts of dredging activities being carried out by the Volta River Authority was investigated using interviews, analysing salinity data, sampling schistosomiasis snail vectors and administering questionnaires. The results revealed that sea water intrusion has improved. However average salinity at some points exhibited downward trends. No snail vectors were sampled at the estuary due to saline water intrusion at high tides. While the number of tourists visiting the area has increased, livelihood activities such as fishing and farming have declined. Hence while dredging at the Volta Estuary has helped to reduce some of the physical problems posed by the construction of dams on the Volta River it has failed to improve the livelihoods of local residents. The authors recommend alternative livelihood programmes to address poverty and well-being issues in the surrounding communities. It also advocates for understanding of the value systems and priorities of residents to ensure projects are integrated within the traditional governance structures and community priorities to minimize conflicts.

Development of black coating on filtering media and its effect on filter performance at Kpong headworks of Ghana

Kpong water Treatment plant is one of the two major Water treatment plants supplying the Accra/ Tema Metropolitan areas. The filtering media at Kpong water works has been observed to develop a black coating after three to four years of commissioning. This appearance results in more water than necessary being used for backwashing the filters. The source and toxicity of the black coating material as well as the possibility of it leaching into the treated water have not been determined. The main objective of this study was to characterize and investigate the development of black coating on the Kpong filtering media and its effect on the filter performance. Another focus of the study was to conduct water quality analysis of effluents from the riparian industries, and the raw water at strategic points within the study area in order to trace the source of the black coating material. The effect of the black coating on filter performance with respect to iron removal was investigated using a laboratory based batch reactor. The study showed the chemical components of the black coating of the Kpong filter media to be mainly iron, manganese, sulphates and sulphides. Other components like copper, lead, mercury occurred in trace concentrations. The blackening of the filter media at Kpong is probably due to occurrence of iron sulphates and sulphides, hydroxides and / oxides of iron and manganese ions in the raw water. The black coating has a limiting effect on the iron removal capacity of the coated (Kpong) filter media. The adsorption phenomenon on the coated media of the Volta River Authority and the fresh filter media was mainly chemisorption. Keywords : Filter media, black coating, filter performance, iron

Improved Electricity Supply: What Factors Determine How Much Domestic Customers are willing to Pay in Tamale Urban and Peri-Urban Areas?

The paper estimates households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved supply of electricity in Tamale Urban and Peri-Urban Communities. A contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to determine the stated WTP amount and its determinants. The results from the CVM indicate that households are willing to pay an additional amount of Ghȼ0.2232 (US$0.0698) for 1kWh of improved electricity. From the double-logarithmic econometric model results, education, residential ownership status, age of household head, household size, household’s monthly income, monthly blackout duration and monthly electricity bill are factors that significantly influence the WTP amount for uninterrupted supply of electricity. It is therefore important for the electricity service providers in the study area to improve their services and increase the electricity tariff by Ghȼ0.2232 (US$0.0698) per kWh since domestic customers are willing to pay such amount for quality services. Private organisations which have the capacity to provide reliable supply of electricity should capitalise on the poor services provided by Volta River Authority of Northern Electricity Department Corporation (VRA-NEDCo) and supply reliable electricity so as to enjoy the higher tariff that households are Original Research Article Ehiakpor et al.; BJEMT, 6(4): 323-334, 2015; Article no.BJEMT.2015.065 324 willing to pay. Also, it is recommended that social intervention programmes which aim at increasing the level of household incomes should be implemented to help them increase their WTP amount.

Utilization of ICT in Knowledge Management at the Ghana Volta River Authority

This study investigates the use of ICT tools in Knowledge Management in the Ghanaian state organization, Volta River Authority (VRA), in achieving set goals. Knowledge Management seeks to develop a strategy for capturing, sharing, distributing, using and transferring knowledge across an organization in order for it to improve efficiency and increase competitive edge. A Knowledge Management system creates an enabling environment to foster better knowledge and experience sharing, so that the organization can leverage its collective knowledge. The adoption and use of ICT has raised the need for organizations to come out with new methods, policies, tools and techniques to develop frameworks, processes and technologies so as to promote effective management of knowledge. Our research uses the SECI model for knowledge creation and sharing as its conceptual framework. Our findings show that the concept of ICT in Knowledge Management is still a relatively new at VRA, even though ICT tools are widely used. VRA management would, therefore, have to adopt a Knowledge Management policy, framework and governance and integrate the concept into its strategic plan in order to enhance meeting the organization's goals of competitive advantage.

BUILDING THE CITY OF THE FUTURE: VISIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF MODERNITY IN GHANA'S AKOSOMBO TOWNSHIP

ABSTRACTAkosombo Township, designed by the Greek urbanist Constantinos Doxiadis, is the model city at the foot of the hydroelectric Akosombo Dam, Ghana's largest development project. The article explores different visions of high modernist planning for Akosombo and juxtaposes it with the desires for and imaginations of modernity among its residents. Officials of the Volta River Authority, the agency in charge of the township, promoted specific ideas about housing, husbandry, and hygiene, while residents engaged with and resisted this kind of social engineering. These tensions came to the fore, when the squatters of Combine struggled to remain in the township. In conversation with residents, VRA officials produced a form of ‘high modernist local knowledge’.

Prevalence of Snail Vectors of Schistosomiasis in the Kpong Head Pond, Ghana

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma sp. became a serious public health problem in Ghana after the Volta River was dammed in Akosombo in 1964. The formation of the Kpong head pond, about 25 km below the Akosombo dam, as a result of a second dam built at Kpong became an active schistosomiasis transmission site. The Volta River Authority (VRA) recently began an initiative of combining manual clearing of aquatic vegetation with chemotherapy as a way of managing the disease. However, no scientific monitoring of the effect of aquatic weed clearing on the vector population is being conducted. The study was initiated in the Kpong head pond to provide baseline data for subsequent monitoring and impact assessment of the initiative. It involved sampling of the banks of the head pond for aquatic snails at six different sampling sites of 1 m2 each, chosen at 100 m interval along the shoreline. Physicochemical factors which affect aquatic snail population were also determined. Aquatic snails sampled were Bulinus truncatus, Bulinus globosus, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Melanoides spp, Physa waterlotti and Pila sp. where the first three are intermediate host of the schistosoma parasite. The study revealed B. truncates as the most frequent occurring vector (71.0%), followed by Biomphalaria (12.0%) and B. globosus (6.1%) The mean numbers of vector snails sampled per m2 were B. Truncates 61/m2, B. globosus 5/m2, and B. pfeifferi 11/m2. The presence of aquatic weeds and favourable physicochemical conditions of the water were found to provide a conducive environment for the vectors to thrive and hence sustain schistosomiasis transmission in the head pond. It is, therefore, recommended that a 5-year period of studies be undertaken to assess the impact of manual clearing of aquatic weeds on the snail population.