Western Region Of Ghana Research Articles

Parenting Styles as a Predictor of Academic Achievement of Junior High School Students in Aowin and Suaman District, Ghana

The study examined the relationship between parenting styles and academic achievement of Junior High School students in the Aowin and Suaman District’s in the Western Region of Ghana. To achieve this, a descriptive design was adopted. A sample size of 400 Junior High School students were selected for the study using proportional allocation. Questionnaires were used to elicit responses from selected students coupled with their test scores. The data were analysed using inferential statistics (multiple regression and Pearson product moment correlation) and descriptive statistics (means and standard deviation).The findings from the study revealed that parenting styles correlate high with academic achievement and as such parenting styles have relationship with the academic achievement of students. Several recommendations were offered which include the fact that community and all the structures within it including schools, community heads, churches and media must help in ensuring that parents are more responsible towards their children. Keywords: Parenting styles, Academic achievement , Junior High School, Students DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-19-06 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

English

Ground water is the source of drinking water for many people around the world, especially in rural areas. A lot of parameters such as the concentrations of Arsenic, Copper, Zinc and other heavy metals in conjunction with other physico-chemical properties contribute to the suitability of water for drinking and for other purposes. This study was carried out in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District of the Western region of Ghana to assess the presence and the levels of selected heavy metals (As, Cu, Zn) pollution of boreholes from different villages in the study areas using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The result of the study revealed that, the mean concentrations of As, Cu and Zn in the analyzed samples were 0.00143, 0.0186 and 0.0329 mg/L, respectively. The analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in the Arsenic concentrations among the eight boreholes (F=4.078, P=0.033). However, the differences in the concentrations of Copper (F=1.592, P=0.264) and Zinc (F=0.741, P=0.647) from the eight boreholes were not significant. Concentrations of the selected heavy metals in analysed water samples were below the acceptable limits of World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA). The concentration of the selected heavy metals may be attributed to the activities of panners, improper disposal of sewage and solid materials containing toxic chemicals and the indiscriminate use of farming inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides which have impacted on the water quality of the selected boreholes in the study areas. Although the levels of the selected heavy metals in these water samples did not exceed WHO and GEPA permissible limits, it is necessary for residents in the study areas to be provided with potable water. Key words: Ground water, heavy metals, Arsenic, Copper, Zinc.

Crime Analysis and Conventional Policing Strategies: Evidence from a Community in the Western Region, Ghana

The study investigated the application of crime analysis at various police stations within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality in the Western Region of Ghana with the objective of understanding crime, crime analysis, crime control and crime information management and their implications on conventional policing strategies. Qualitative and quantitative research adopting the questionnaire and interview were conducted with crime analysts and specialized investigators/intelligence analysts through descriptive and explorative research design. The study had a dual purpose of generating operational crime management information in assisting crime prevention initiatives as well as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of current practices for improving performance, mainly focusing on the criminal activities of group offenders (organized crime related), repeat offenders and serial offenders.

α-d-Glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[6-O-(l-tryptophanyl)-β-d-fructofuranoside

The Mycobacterium sp. BRS2A-AR2 is an endophyte of the mangrove plant Rhizophora racemosa G. Mey., which grows along the banks of the River Butre, in the Western Region of Ghana. Chemical profiling using 1H-NMR and HRESI-LC-MS of fermentation extracts produced by the strain led to the isolation of the new compound, α-d-Glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[6-O-(l-tryptophanyl)-β-d–fructofuranoside] or simply tortomycoglycoside (1). Compound 1 is an aminoglycoside consisting of a tryptophan moiety esterified to a disaccharide made up of β-d-fructofuranose and α-d-glucopyranose sugars. The full structure of 1 was determined using UV, IR, 1D, 2D-NMR and HRESI-LC-MS data. When tested against Trypanosoma brucei subsp. brucei, the parasite responsible for Human African Trypanosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa, 1 (IC50 11.25 µM) was just as effective as Coptis japonica (Thunb.) Makino. (IC50 8.20 µM). The extract of Coptis japonica (Thunb.) Makino. is routinely used as laboratory standard due to its powerful antitrypanosomal activity. It is possible that, compound 1 interferes with the normal uptake and metabolism of tryptophan in the T. brucei subsp. brucei parasite.

English

Fluvial sediment discharge to coastal area contributes to the stability of the coast. Deposition of fluvial sediment discharge is an important source of beach nourishment, nutrient for aquatic ecology and habitats. However, human development and interventions on rivers in the form of dams and flood alleviation schemes tend to reduce fluvial sediment supply to the coast, thus impacting on coastal stability and geomorphology. This paper assessed the contribution of fluvial sediment discharge to coastal stability for the study area. Multi-temporal topographic data acquired in 1974 and 2005; flow data on major rivers in the study area and field observations were used. Digital Shoreline Analysis System was for computation of shoreline change rates. Applying the power regression relation, sediment discharge by rivers was computed for rivers in the study area. The study revealed that rivers in the catchment supply about 1.8 × 105 tonnes of sediment to the shores daily, thus supporting coastal stability. Results of shoreline change showed relatively stable beach at the mouth of rivers and lagoons due to the sediment discharge. It is recommended that policies are implemented to reduce the impact of dams and beach sand mining activities along river channels to ensure the stability of Ghana’s Western coastline and the coastline of neighbouring countries.   Key words: Coastal rivers, fluvial sediment, impacts of human interventions, coastal stability, Western Region of Ghana.

Chemical and mineralogical properties of post-mining sites in two gold mining concessions in Ghana

Mining companies adopt different post-mining management practices to rehabilitate mined sites to enhance environmental management and sustainability. The study assessed the chemical and mineralogical properties of some post-mining land management options from two gold mines in the Western Region of Ghana. Samples of waste rock (WR), mine tailings (MTs), mine soils and un-mined soils were analysed for soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable cations, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (Ntotal), concentrations of some heavy metals (HMs) and mineralogy by ICP-AES and X-ray diffraction techniques. The results revealed pH values of 4.2-4.6 in un-mined soils and 4.6-5.4 in mine soils. The MTs and WR were alkaline due to CaCO3 (4.8-5.8 g kg-1). Virtually all the samples contained kaolinite, muscovite and quartz. The MTs contained ankerite, bobierrite, clinoclase and greenalite, which were not present in the WR. These minerals were most probably neo-formed out of the chemical constituents of the tailings and contamination during the disposal. Mine soils from three-year-old reclaimed mine site planted with oil palm had substantial SOC and Ntotal contents among all the post-mining sites which also reflected slightly on the CEC status. This showed the influence of soil management practices such as mulching, cover cropping with Pueraria phaseoloides, erosion control and fertiliser application. The HMs contents in the mine tailings occurred in the order of Pb > As > Cd and revealed relatively higher contents in the abandoned MTs compared to reclaimed ones but they were all in the range of those in uncontaminated soils elsewhere.

Rubber and plantain intercropping: Effects of different planting densities on soil characteristics.

Two field experiments were conducted at Ellembelle and Jomoro districts in the Western region of Ghana where rubber cultivation is a predominant farming activity. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of rubber and plantain intercropping systems on selected soil properties. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The treatments were the sole crop rubber (R), sole crop plantain (P) and three intercrop systems comprising an additive series of plantain: one row of plantain to one row of rubber (PR), two rows of plantain to one row of rubber (PPR) and three rows of plantain to one row of rubber (PPPR). Generally, agroforestry systems improved the soil hydraulic properties considerably, with the highest cumulative infiltration rates of 5.16 and 8.68 cm/min observed under the PPPR systems at the Ellembelle and Jomoro sites, respectively. Microbial biomass C (Cmic), N (Nmic) and P (Pmic) was significantly improved (P < 0.05) under the agroforestry than the monocrop systems. The Cmic, Nmic and Pmic values were highest under the PPPR system at both Ellembelle (Cmic, = 139.9 mg/kg; Nmic = 36.26 mg/kg and Pmic = 87.6 mg/kg) and Jomoro (Cmic = 78.7 mg/kg; Nmic = 80.3 mg/kg and Pmic = 3.45 mg/kg) sites.

Climate change and food and nutrition security in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso Bekwai district in the Western Region of Ghana

Climate change has the potential to increase food insecurity and exacerbate malnutrition in small-scale farming households through its impacts on crop yield and income. Using a mixed-methods design...

Malaria Burden and Trend Among Clients Seeking Healthcare in the Western Region: A 4-Year Retrospective Study at the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal Hospital, Ghana

Background: Malaria cases continue to rise despite sustained efforts directed at eliminating the burden among Ghanaians. This study was aimed at describing the spectrum of malaria burden in a four-year (2013-2016) retrospective review among clients seeking care at the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal Hospital in the Western Region of Ghana. Materials and Methods: The study analyzed secondary data extracted on 32,629 patients who were referred to the Laboratory for malaria testing from January 2013 to December 2016. Socio-demographic data included age and gender, department of test requisition and malaria results were obtained from the archived Daily Malaria Logbook records. Approval for the study was granted by the authorities of the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal Hospital. Results: The overall confirmed malaria case was 8629 (26.5%), among under five 1,384 (58.7%), pregnant women 4451 (20.3%) and 14.1% among asymptomatic population. Significant gender disparity in the confirmation of suspected malaria cases was observed with males recording higher rate (45.8%) than females (36.7%). The peak of the malaria epidemic was observed in the wet season (195 cases per month), compared to the dry season (133 cases per month). Conclusion: Cases of malaria is increasing with high rates among vulnerable groups in the Western Region. There is the need to intensify efforts to reduce the burden in the study area especially among vulnerable groups.

Oiling the wheels of sub-national development: An overview of development plan implementation in the Western region of Ghana

Ghana’s Petroleum Revenue Management Law provides for equal and balanced national development anchored on extractive resource revenues and other strategic sources. However, the allocation and expenditure of petroleum revenues are centralized. This study applied a desk review to examine the Development Plans of three district assemblies (Jomoro, Ellembele and Sekondi-Takoradi) around the petroleum producing area. The findings indicate that there is general pressure on social amenities such as electricity. In Sekondi-Takoradi metropolitan area-for instance, electricity access rate has declined from 97% in 2010 to 92% in 2013 and 96% by 2016, implying that population is outgrowing energy access. Again, about 70% of infrastructure projects were either not completed within time or are not started at all. Again, whilst youth unemployment was identified, not much has been done to address it. The study recommends that that district assemblies need to plan their infrastructure projects in phases to so that old projects are prioritized and completed before new ones are started. In addition, innovative youth skills development programmes should be developed for the youth as part of a national local content strategy.

Factors Affecting Quality of Integrated Science Teaching and Learning in Second Cycle Institutions in Juaboso District

The study investigated into the factors that affect the quality of Integrated Science teaching and learning in second cycle institutions in the Juaboso District in the Western Region of Ghana. A survey design was adopted for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information from a sample of 158 students and 11 Integrated Science teachers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that the instructional strategies employed by Integrated Science teachers during teaching and learning of Integrated Science were not varied, teacher centred and not inquiry based. Instructional materials utilized during Integrated Science lessons were inadequate. Lack of funds, no motivation by government and no heat source were the major constraints to teacher’s use of instructional materials. An independent-sample t-test results showed a significant difference between mean response of students (M= 43.56, SD = 25.61), and teachers (M =5.67, SD = 2.65) on availability of Instructional materials for teaching and learning Integrated Science (t (8.171) =4.415, p=0.002<0.05). Also significant difference exit between students and teachers mean response on the use of Instructional materials for teaching and learning Integrated Science; t (8.281) = 4.526, p=0.001<0.05. The Juaboso District Education Service in collaboration with the University of Education, Winneba should organize short courses on instructional strategies, material improvisation, production and utilization for teachers to improve the quality of Integrated Science teaching and learning in second cycle institutions in the Juaboso District.

‘Doomed by the ‘Resource Curse?’ Fish and Oil Conflicts in the Western Gulf of Guinea, Ghana

In 2010, Ghana celebrated its first commercial oil production from its large Jubilee field. However, the establishment of no-go buffer zones around oil infrastructures offshore to enhance oil and gas development has led to conflicts over the use of ocean space and the exclusion of small-scale fishers from former fishing grounds in the western region of Ghana. From a theoretical perspective, the resource curse theory would explain this conflict between fishing and oil activities in Ghana as an inevitable outcome of natural resource development. Using the conflict between small-scale fisheries and the oil and gas industry in Western Ghana as the case study, the resource curse theory and its application is contrasted with alternative approaches to understand the conflict.

Adaptive capacity of small‐scale coastal fishers to climate and non‐climate stressors in the Western region of Ghana

Small‐scale coastal fisheries (SSCF) in the Western region of Ghana are affected by a combination of climate and non‐climate stressors. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to these stressors because of their proximity to the sea and high dependence on small‐scale fisheries for their livelihoods. A better understanding of how fishing communities, particularly SSCF, respond to climate and non‐climate stressors is paramount to improve planning and implementation of effective adaptation action. Drawing on the capitals framework, this study examines the adaptive capacity of SSCF to the combined effects of climate‐related (increasing coastal erosion, and wave and storm frequency) and non‐climate‐related stressors (declining catches; scarcity and prohibitive cost of fuel; inconsiderate implementation of fisheries laws and policies; competition from the oil and gas industry; sand mining; and algal blooms). The findings show how fishers mobilise and use adaptive capacity through exploitation of various forms of capital, including cultural capital (e.g., local innovation); political capital (e.g., lobbying government and local authorities); social capital (e.g., collective action); human capital (e.g., local leadership); and natural capital (e.g., utilising beach sand) to respond to multiple stressors. Nevertheless, in many cases, fishers’ responses were reactive and led to negative (maladaptive) outcomes. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of critically considering the interactive nature of capitals and how they collectively influence adaptive capacity in the planning and implementation of adaptation research, policy and practice.

Cocoa Purchasing and the Issue of Insecurity in the Akontombra District in the Western Region of Ghana

The cocoa industry in Ghana is plagued with a number of challenges. Among such challenges is the issue of insecurity. This notwithstanding, there are limited scholarly findings on the nature and the underlying factors associated with these insecurity issues. This paper examined the cocoa industry in the Sefwi Akontombra District in the Western Region of Ghana and presents an analysis of the processes and procedures for cocoa purchasing in the district; the securityarrangements and mechanisms put in place during cocoa purchasing peak periods; the nature of access roads in cocoa growing areas in the district; and the influence of access roads on the insecurity of cocoa purchasing in the district. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and using a cross sectional study design, the case of OLAM Ghana Limited, a private licensed cocoa buying company operating in Sefwi Akontombra was examined. Primary data were gathered from purchasing clerks, drivers, warehouse keepers and officials of the company. Data from the District Command of the Ghana Police Service and the Department of Feeder Roads district office were solicited using interview guides. Non-participant observation and taking of photography were also employed as data capturing mechanism during the study. The study espoused content analysis in analysing the contents of the interviews and observational field notes in order to identify the main themes that emerge from the responses given by the respondents or the observation notes made. Inferences and implications were drawn then drawn from the analysis. The study found out that there was no security measure by OLAM Ghana Limited to ensure the safety of funds meant for cocoa buying, the storage and the transportation of cocoa beans in the study district. There was also no security arrangement during peak cocoa purchasing periods in the study district by key stakeholders within the cocoa sector in the district. Moreover, access road was further found out to be a major factor that accounts for some of the insecurity issues associated with cocoa purchasing activities in the Sefwi Akontombra District. The study thus recommends the development and adoption of security arrangements and mechanism by all stakeholders within the cocoa industry in the study district and the making of security issues a top priority by OLAM Ghana Limited.

Analysis of Rainfall Pattern in the Western Region of Ghana

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The primary aim for this paper is to examine the pattern of rainfall in the western region of Ghana. Data was obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency. The sample include January to September pattern of the amount of rainfall, for the years 2006 to 2016. That is nominal daily rainfall recorded (1485) aggregated into monthly rainfall value (99 data point). The analysis includes fitting an auto regression moving average model (ARMA) model for the data. The series was found to be non-stationary which resulted from the presence of a unit root in it. The series became stationary after eliminating the unit root by finding the first difference in the amount of rainfall. The time series component found in the model were a trend and random variation. ARMA (1, 1) which has all parameters significant was fitted for the data and found to be the most suitable model for the conditional mean. A Ljung Box test statistic of 47.207 with a normalised BIC of 6.420 and a Root Mean Square error of 24.16 supported by a probability value of 0.001 show that the fitted model is appropriate for the data. An = 0.532 indicates that about 53% of the variations seen in the pattern of rainfall recorded for the period is being explained by the fitted model. The 18-month forecast for the mean actual rainfall and mean returns could show that the fitted model is appropriate for the data and an increasing trend of rainfall for the forecasted period.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Socio-economic determinants of smallholder plantation sizes in Ghana and options to encourage reforestation

Reforestation, particularly in the tropics, is of crucial importance for the environment as well as society. However, small planting areas and low participation of smallholder farmers in tree planting programmes often obstruct realisation of set planting area targets. In this regard, we interviewed smallholder farmers undertaking indigenous species reforestation in Oda Kotoamso community within the Wassa Amenfi West District in Western Region of Ghana with a pre-tested questionnaire to identify (1) key socio-economic factors that predict the size of plantations they establish, (2) options that could encourage tree planting among smallholder farmers, and (3) tree species planted by the smallholder farmers and their conservation status according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Key socio-economic factors were predicted with multiple regression models and ANOVA. Options were ranked on a five-point Likert scale and their differences were tested with the Mann–Whitney U test. Age and income of smallholders are the significant predictors of plantation sizes but farmers’ household size and gender were not significant. Age and income accounted for 77.1% and 22.9%, respectively, of the total variation described by our model (R 2 = 38.4%). In order of importance, incentives (mean = 4.35, SD = 0.48), public nurseries (mean = 4.2, SD = 0.82) and agroforestry (mean = 4.06, SD = 0.56) were the options that could encourage reforestation, though incentives and public nurseries were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Almost half (9 of 19) of the tree species planted are categorised as Vulnerable species, which highlights the contribution of smallholder farmers to recovery of threatened tree species. Our findings suggest that sustainable provision of planting materials in incentivised and youth-based tree planting programmes could increase planting hectarage and conserve threatened tree species.

Socioeconomic and environmental assessment of informal artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana

The socioeconomic and environmental impacts of informal artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Ghana are assessed in this paper. The paper includes a case study of an informal ASM-affected community located in the Western Region of Ghana. A two-phase mixed-method approach consisting of literature reviews, questionnaires, interviews, and water quality assessments was employed. The informal ASM was found to be a significant source of livelihood for many rural people who have few employment alternatives. However, it was observed to promote truancy, child labor, teenage pregnancy, and environmental degradation. Water quality was significantly affected by turbidity, followed by manganese and iron, leading to a water quality index at least 500% higher than the upper limit for potability. The authors describe economic, political, social, regulatory, and technological factors as major drivers for the informal ASM. Formalization of the informal ASM in Ghana could minimize the socioeconomic impacts and ensure environmental performance.

Malaria Related Deaths among Children with Manifestations of Fever Symptoms on Admission in a Secondary Health Care Institution in Western Region of Ghana - a Retrospective Study

Malaria Related Deaths among Children with Manifestations of Fever Symptoms on Admission in a Secondary Health Care Institution in Western Region of Ghana - a Retrospective Study

Administrative Support in Teaching and Learning of Physical Education in Colleges of Education in the Western Region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate administrative support in teaching and learning of Physical Education in the Colleges of Education in the Western Region using descriptive survey design. Data was collected from a sample population of 90 respondents of first year students from Holy Child, Wiawso and Enchi Colleges of Education. Purposive sampling was used to select principals and P.E. tutors and convenient sampling was used to select the students. Descriptive statistic was used to analyse the data. The instrument developed for the study was questionnaire. It was revealed that most colleges do not have adequate facilities such as showers. Playing Courts like volleyball and netball were not available in their colleges. It is recommended that more supportive systems such as equipment, materials and facilities be provided to promote holistic and healthy college life for all trainees.

Multi-criteria Decision Analysis Approach to Mine Closure Planning - A Case Study

As mining and environmental regulations continue to get tighter on mine closure and reclamation, the choice of an optimal post mining land use becomes critical if mining companies are to continue enjoying the peaceful co-existence they have with their local communities. In this study, possible mine closure alternatives have been identified as suitable for the Salman south pit of Adamus Resources Limited in the Western Region of Ghana. These alternatives are: arable farm land; timber production; shrubs and native forestation; aquaculture; water reservoir; land fill; and recreational site (park). Effective consideration has been given to the identified technical, environmental, economic, and social criteria to assist in the determination of the optimal choice among the identified suitable closure alternatives. Using the Preference Ranking Organisation Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) technique of multi-criteria decision analysis, it was observed from the results that arable farmland was the most preferred choice followed very closely by timber production. Others like aquaculture, recreational site (park), shrubs and native forestation, water reservoir, and landfill followed in a decreasing order. In order to satisfy all the various stakeholders in the mine closure process, it is therefore recommended that arable farmland and/or timber production be adopted as the optimal post mining land use for the study area.