WINNEBA

FACULTY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION

Articles in Journals

Hanson, R., Twumasi, A. K.; & Boi-Doku, A. (2019). Analysis of industrial effluents from some factories in Tema. European Journal of Earth and Environment, 6,  (1), 19-29. http://www.idpublications.org. ISSN: 2056-5860

AbstractThis research work analysed the quality of some important physico-chemical parameters of industrial effluents collected from two soap factories (A and B) in the Tema industrial area. In the study, PO4-, NH3, BOD, COD, TSS and turbidity for both factories were high compared to the EPA standards. Measures of NO3-, total hardness, calcium, and chloride, for both factories were below the EPA standard. Alkalinity value for factory A was below the EPA standard while that for factory B was higher. pH value for factory A was within the pH range for EPA while that of factory B was higher. TDS and conductivity for factory A were below the recommended EPA standard while that of factory B was higher. Due to the high amount of PO4-, NH3, and turbidity, eutrophication could occur in the receiving water, thereby affecting aquatic life. The high BOD, COD and TSS contribute to the decrease in oxygen supply in the receiving water which indicates high pollution by organic pollutants. The high alkalinity, TDS, conductivity and pH could contribute to the deformity and death of fishes in the receiving water from especially Factory A. Effluents from both factories were highly polluted in many respects and so EPA audits must be intensified to prevent pollution of water bodies in Ghana. Keywords: BOD, COD, Industrial Effluent, Physico-Chemical, TDS, TSS, Water Pollution   Mak-Mensah, E., Sam, A., & Hanson, R. (2018). Using cooperative learning to enhance

pupils’ understanding about the solar system in the Agortime-Ziope District of Ghana. European Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5, (1), 18-28. http://www.idpublications.org. ISSN: 2059-3058

AbstractCooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups of learners so that they work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning. This study investigated the use of cooperative learning to enhance the performance of upper primary pupils in science. A mixed method approach with a quasi-experimental design was used. The access population

was upper primary pupils from Kortsrala and Takuve D/A primary schools in the Agortime-Ziope district of the Volta region of Ghana with a sample size of 32 pupils. The sample was divided into experimental and control group with each group consisting of sixteen pupils. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study, showed that both groups had about the same entry point. The experimental group was taught using the cooperative learning method while the control group was taught using the old-fashioned way of teaching. At the end of the four weeks treatment, both groups were post-tested. A whole class interview session was conducted with the experimental group after the post test. Post-test results showed that pupils taught with the cooperative learning approach exhibited high academic performance and thus prove that cooperative learning enhances pupil’s own understanding of concepts. It also showed that using collaborative techniques such as paired or group modeling go further than simply motivating students through other verbal, coercive and independent (individual) work approaches. Keywords: Concepts, cooperative learning, primary school, pupils, solar system.   Sam, A., Eminah, J. K., Hanson, R., & Raheem, K. (2019). Teacher trainees' alternative

conceptions about some aspects of coordination chemistry: A case study at the University of Education, Winneba- Ghana. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Studies, 7, (1), 20-28.http://www.idpublications.org. ISSN: 2056-5852

AbstractStudents’ alternative conceptions of some aspects of coordination chemistry namely nomenclature and geometry, geometrical isomerism, bonding and colours in complexes differ greatly from scientific concepts. This study investigated the causes of students’ alternative conceptions and how they express these conceptions in coordination chemistry. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction (MER) approach was used. The access population were all third-year chemistry pre-service teacher trainees in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)-Ghana with sample size of fifteen (15) students. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study in a class of 5 groups, comprising 3 students each over eleven weeks showed that students had alternative conceptions about some aspects of coordination chemistry. The students’ alternative conceptions were derived from two-tiered questions, written tasks and inorganic formulae of some coordination chemistry complexes. The results among others indicated that the causes of the students’ alternative conceptions emanated from their inability to distinguish between 2D and 3D visualisation and the misunderstandings of some inorganic chemistry terms. The study recommended that the coordination chemistry content at UEW has to be well connected in order to give the students a broader basis for conceptual change through meaningful interventional approaches such as Science Writing Heuristics (SWH) and Modelling and Modelling Skills (MMS). Keywords: Alternative conceptions, conceptual change, heuristics, modelling skills.   Hanson, R. & Seheri-Jele, N. (2018). Assessing conceptual change instruction accompanied

with concept maps and analogies: A case of acid-base strengths. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 15, (4), 55-61. 10.12973/tused.10245a. http://www.tused.org. ISSN: 1304-6020

AbstractThe research assessed secondary school students’ conceptions of acid-base strengths by using the conceptual change instruction accompanied with concept maps and analogies. These teaching strategies were employed to help them make unfamiliar events familiar. Within a quasi-experimental design, the sample of the study consisted of 73 secondary school students. Pre- and post-tests were used to collect data. The results showed that the experimental group that took the conceptual change-oriented instruction performed better than the control group. In light of the results, it can be concluded that employing such visuals and interactive materials as concept maps and analogies for achieving conceptual change is effective in generating better understanding of chemistry concepts. Key words: Analogy, conceptual change, concept mapping, misconception, visualization   Hanson, R. (2018). Teacher trainees' interpretations of chemical stability and chemical

reactivity. International Journal for Cross-Disciplinary Subjects in Education (IJCDSE), 9, (4), 3906-3916.http://ijcdsepapers@infonomics-society.org. ISSN: 2042-6364

AbstractThis paper reveals teacher trainees’ over-reliance on the octet model. It assesses the nature and possible origins of these conceptions. One hundred and thirty-eight teacher trainees in a teaching university, who were purposely selected, participated in this case study. Instruments used in gathering data were worksheets and focus group interviews. Data obtained were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Records of the interviews were transcribed after thematic descriptions. Findings showed that majority of the trainees relied heavily on the full shell concept model, which they imbibed from teachers, and so confused the chemical reactivity framework with that of chemical stability. This led them to pay attention to irrelevant features to the negligence of other authentic reasons in their assigned task. The octet model also led the trainees to reduce the relevant number of propositions that they could have considered as possibilities in differentiating between models. These findings will add to existing knowledge among the science learning community as they are relevant to educators interested in conceptual development and students’ learning progressions. Remediation was recommended to enable the trainees to form proper mental models of the concept of chemical stability and its application through innovative constructivist teaching strategies.   Safo-Adu, G. & Hanson, R. (2019). Practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation

and hygiene among urban dwellers in the Gomoa East District, Ghana. European Journal of Earth and Environment, 6,  (1), 1-11. http://www.idpublications.org. ISSN: 2056-5860

AbstractThis study assessed the practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 inhabitants in three urban communities. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.

The study showed that a significant number of respondents (80.8%) had high knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene than respondents (2.5 %) with low knowledge. Respondents who had good standard practices regarding environmental sanitation and hygiene were 43 % greater than respondents with poor standard practices. Chi-square test results showed that no association exist between sex and knowledge = 2.32, p = 0.31) and age and knowledge = 2.03, p = 0.36). However, there was significant association between occupation and knowledge ( = 42.10, p=0.00). A Pearson product-moment correlation result showed that there was no relationship between standard practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene (r = 0.058, p = 0.274). Major findings of the study leads to a conclusion that even though inhabitants knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene was high there was a clear gap between knowledge and actual practices hence the District Environmental Health and sanitation Department in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency should implement effective behavioral change communication strategy among the urban dwellers to translate knowledge into actual practice. Keywords: Environmental sanitation, Practices, Knowledge, Hygiene, Urban Dwellers.   Safo-Adu, G. & Hanson, R. (2019). Praactices and knowledge about environmental sanitation

and hygiene among urban dwellers in the Gomoa East District, Ghana. European Journal of Earth and Environment, 6,  (1), 1-11. http://www.idpublications.org. ISSN: 2056-5860

AbstractThis study assessed the practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 inhabitants in three urban communities. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The study showed that a significant number of respondents (80.8%) had high knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene than respondents (2.5 %) with low knowledge. Respondents who had good standard practices regarding environmental sanitation and hygiene were 43 % greater than respondents with poor standard practices. Chi-square test results showed that no association exist between sex and knowledge = 2.32, p = 0.31) and age and knowledge = 2.03, p = 0.36). However, there was significant association between occupation and knowledge ( = 42.10, p=0.00). A Pearson product-moment correlation result showed that there was no relationship between standard practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene (r = 0.058, p = 0.274). Major findings of the study leads to a conclusion that even though inhabitants knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene was high there was a clear gap between knowledge and actual practices hence the District Environmental Health and sanitation Department in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency should implement effective behavioral change communication strategy among the urban dwellers to translate knowledge into actual practice. Keywords: Environmental sanitation, Practices, Knowledge, Hygiene, Urban Dwellers.   

Nsiah Asante, J. & Hanson, R. (2018). Exploring Ghanaian children's conservation of number. Journal of Information Technologies and Lifelong Learning (JITLL), 1, (2), 28-35. http://jitllinfo@infonomics-society.org. ISSN: 987-1-908320-78-0

AbstractThe study was based on Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development and the main aim of the study was to find out if Piaget’s theory on children’s number conservation at the concrete stage holds for Ghanaian early children. Fifty-four (54) kindergarten and lower primary school children were randomly selected from three (3) public and two (3) private schools purposively selected from schools in the Winneba Municipality. The procedure used was mainly interview method using some of Piaget’s tasks to test for conservation of number. The 7-8 years old were identified to be conservers of number than the 3-6 years old. Generally, the results supported Piaget’s theory of cognitive development where the older children (7-8 years) performed better than the younger children (3-4 years; 5-6years) at the number tasks. There was also no significant difference on how the public and private school children performed on the number task. In conclusion, the results of this study agree with Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development that the concrete operational stage marks the development of conservation and that the Ghanaian children tested were no different in their cognitive stage as with the Swiss children used by Piaget.   Sam, A., Eminah, J. K., Hanson, R., & Raheem, K. (2019). Teacher trainees' alternative

conceptions about some aspects of coordination chemistry: A case study at the University of Education, Winneba- Ghana. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Studies, 7, (1), 20-28.http://www.idpublications.org. ISSN: 2056-5852

AbstractStudents’ alternative conceptions of some aspects of coordination chemistry namely nomenclature and geometry, geometrical isomerism, bonding and colours in complexes differ greatly from scientific concepts. This study investigated the causes of students’ alternative conceptions and how they express these conceptions in coordination chemistry. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction (MER) approach was used. The access population were all third-year chemistry pre-service teacher trainees in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)-Ghana with sample size of fifteen (15) students. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study in a class of 5 groups, comprising 3 students each over eleven weeks showed that students had alternative conceptions about some aspects of coordination chemistry. The students’ alternative conceptions were derived from two-tiered questions, written tasks and inorganic formulae of some coordination chemistry complexes. The results among others indicated that the causes of the students’ alternative conceptions emanated from their inability to distinguish between 2D and 3D visualisation and the misunderstandings of some inorganic chemistry terms. The study recommended that the coordination chemistry content at UEW has to be well connected in order to give the students a broader basis for conceptual change through meaningful interventional approaches such as Science Writing Heuristics (SWH) and Modelling and Modelling Skills (MMS). Keywords: Alternative conceptions, conceptual change, heuristics, modelling skills.  

 Mak-Mensah, E., Sam, A., & Hanson, R. (2018). Using cooperative learning to enhance

pupils’ understanding about the solar system in the Agortime-Ziope District of Ghana. European Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5, (1), 18-28. http://www.idpublications.org. ISSN: 2059-3058

AbstractCooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups of learners so that they work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning. This study investigated the use of cooperative learning to enhance the performance of upper primary pupils in science. A mixed method approach with a quasi-experimental design was used. The access population was upper primary pupils from Kortsrala and Takuve D/A primary schools in the Agortime-Ziope district of the Volta region of Ghana with a sample size of 32 pupils. The sample was divided into experimental and control group with each group consisting of sixteen pupils. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study, showed that both groups had about the same entry point. The experimental group was taught using the cooperative learning method while the control group was taught using the old-fashioned way of teaching. At the end of the four weeks treatment, both groups were post-tested. A whole class interview session was conducted with the experimental group after the post test. Post-test results showed that pupils taught with the cooperative learning approach exhibited high academic performance and thus prove that cooperative learning enhances pupil’s own understanding of concepts. It also showed that using collaborative techniques such as paired or group modeling go further than simply motivating students through other verbal, coercive and independent (individual) work approaches. Keywords: Concepts, cooperative learning, primary school, pupils, solar system.   Oppong, E. K. & Hanson, R. (2019). 2-(pentadinyl-1,3)-5-(3,4-dihydroxy-butynyl-1)-

thiophene and stigmasterol from the chloroform extract of the root of Blumea aurita var. foliosa. International Journal of Applied Chemistry, 15, (1), 21-26. http://www.ripublication.com. ISSN: 0973-1792

AbstractA shade-dried pulverised sample of the whole root of Blumea auirta var. foliolosa was exhaustively extracted with cold chloroform. Chromatographic technique was used to purify two compounds. Spectroscopic methods and other analytical techniques identified the compounds as 2-(pentadinyl-1, 3)–5- (3, 4-dihydoxy-butylnyl-1)-thiophene and stigmasterol, a plant sterol. Key words: Chromatography, spectroscopy, Blumea aurita var. foliolosa.   Oppong, E. K. & Hanson, R. (2019). 2-(pentadinyl-1,3)-5-(3,4-dihydroxy-butynyl-1)-

thiophene and stigmasterol from the chloroform extract of the root of Blumea aurita var. foliosa. International Journal of Applied Chemistry, 15, (1), 21 - 26. http://www.ripublication.com. ISSN: 0973-1792

AbstractA shade-dried pulverised sample of the whole root of Blumea auirta var. foliolosa was exhaustively extracted with cold chloroform. Chromatographic technique was used to purify

two compounds. Spectroscopic methods and other analytical techniques identified the compounds as 2-(pentadinyl-1, 3)–5- (3, 4-dihydoxy-butylnyl-1)-thiophene and stigmasterol, a plant sterol. Key words: Chromatography, spectroscopy, Blumea aurita var. foliolosa. 

Dennis, H., Mereku, D. K., & Alhassan, M. N. (2018). Influence of teachers’ coverage of mathematics curriculum materials (MCM) on their schools’ performance in mathematics. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences Vol. 14. P33-39.

Abstract This study was conducted in the Agona West Municipality, covering a total of nine-nine (99) junior high schools. The objective was to determine the relationship between the proportions of syllabus covered by teachers to their students’ performance in the basic education certificate examination (BECE) mathematics. Stratified random sampling technique was employed for the selection of forty (40) out of the 99 schools (representing 40.4% of total schools in the municipal). A survey design was adopted for the study and data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides from fifty (50) teachers in the forty schools sampled for the study. The findings show that only 62% of the mathematics curriculum materials (MCM) were implemented even though teachers admitted in interviews that they conduct extra-classes for the students. This implies about 38% of the content in the MCM are not taught by the majority of the teachers and therefore the omission or skipping of certain topics was common practice in the municipality. A one way ANOVA used to test the null hypothesis that ‘there is no significant difference between the school performance categories (high, average and low) with respect to their teachers’ coverage of mathematics curriculum’ showed the results F = 22.80 and p=0.00 (p<0.005), indicating a significant influence of the teachers’ coverage of the content in the MCM on the schools’ performance. The implication is that the teachers in the high performing schools cover a great deal of the content of the official curriculum (high mean content coverage = 89.31%). It is recommended that the Ghana Education Service support mathematics teachers in low performing schools to engage in in-service education and training to deal with how to teach difficult topics identified in this study. Also, opportunities should be created for mathematics teachers in high performing junior high schools to share their successes in the implementation of the mathematics curriculum.

Adu, E., Mereku, D. K., Assuah, C. K., & Okpoti, C. A. (2017). Effect of multimedia courseware with cooperative learning on senior high school students’ proficiency in solving linear equation word problems. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences Vol. 13. P1-11.

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of two teaching methods (i.e. multimedia courseware with cooperative learning and cooperative learning) on Senior High School students’ proficiency in solving linear equation word problems and their engagement in learning mathematics. A non-equivalent pre-test-post-test control group design with three intact classes comprising 124 students (i.e. control group, n1=45, cooperative learning only group, n2=40, and multimedia with cooperative learning only group, n3=39) was used for the study. Pre-test, post-test, and questionnaire were used to collect data. The pre-test and post-test result indicated that the use of multimedia courseware with cooperative learning had positive

impact on the students’ proficiency in solving linear equation word problems. The result from the post-test on students’ proficiency in solving linear equation word problems were found to be statistically significantly different among the groups F (2,121) = 107.63, p < .05. The means of the experimental groups (cooperative learning only group and multimedia with cooperative learning only group) were higher than that of the control group. Also, the results from the questionnaire on students’ self-engagement in learning mathematics indicated a statistically significantly difference between the groups F (2,105) = 4.903, p = .009. The implication of the study is that technology use and cooperative learning in mathematics classroom really improve students’ performance in solving linear equation word problems.

Asumadu Oppong R., Asemani, E. & Asiedu-Addo, S. K. The Geometric thinking levels of Senior High School students In Ghana. International Journal of Mathematics and Statistics Studies, Vol. 5(3), June 2017, pp. 1-8. University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, Department of Mathematics Education, Ghana

AbstractThis study was to measure the Van Hiele’s levels of geometric thinking attained by Ghanaian final year (SHS 3) students before leaving School. A quantitative research approach was employed in the study and sample of 200 students randomly selected from the three participated schools. The results showed that 42.5% of the students could not attain any VHG level at all, 33% of the students attained Van Hiele’s level 1, 22.5% reached level 2, 1.5% reached level 3 and only 0.5% reached level 4.The findings indicated that most of the Ghanaian SHS form 3 students do not attain any level of VHGT.

Oppong, R. A., Nwi-Mozu, I., Asiedu-Addo, S. K., & Ali, M. Primary One Enrolment in Public Schools in Ghana: Using Time Series Forecasting. Journal of Innovation in Education in Africa, Vol. 1(2), May 2017, pp. 29-39. University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, Department of Mathematics Education, Ghana

AbstractThe study was intended to develop a mathematical model for estimating students’ enrolment on the sequential data of primary one pupils of public basic school enrollment. Data from primary one public school enrolments were used (1961-2014) representing 54 data point. A time series model approach was used. The data was differenced twice to achieve stationarity. The estimation of the model parameters was conducted using the maximum likelihood estimation method with the help of the R statistical software. Several Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was fitted and the best model was chosen based on their minimum Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The AIC results indicate that ARIMA (0, 2, 2) model is the best model for estimating yearly students’ enrollment at primary one in public basic schools. The forecasting results also indicated an increase in yearly enrollment. However, the percentage increase in forecasted yearly enrollment was expected to decrease yearly. Intertribal conflicts or coup d’état was observed to have a greater impact on decline in academic enrollment. Therefore, Ghanaians must eschew intertribal conflicts or coup d’états to promote school enrollment.

Ali, M., Nwi-Mozu, I., Asiedu-Addo, S. K., Oppong, R. A., (2017). Primary One Enrolment in Public Basic Schools in Ghana using Time Series Forecasting. Journal of Innovation in Education in Africa (JIEA), Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 29-39

Abstract

This study was intended to develop a mathematical model for estimating students enrolment based on the sequential data of primary one pupils of public school enrolment. Data from primary one public basic school enrolments were used (1961-2014) representing 54 data points. A time series model approach was used. The data were differenced twice to achieve stationarity. The estimation of the model parameters was conducted using the maximum likelihood estimation method with the help of the R-Statistical software. Several Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was fitted and the best model was chosen based on their minimum Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The AIC results indicated that ARIMA (0, 2, 2) model is the best for the estimating yearly students' enrolment at primary one in public basic schools. The forecasting results also indicated an increase in yearly enrolments. However, the percentage in the forecasted conflicts or coup d’état was observed to have a greater impact on decline in academic enrolment. Therefore, Ghanaians must eschew inter-tribal conflicts or coup d’états to promote school enrolment.

Oti, J.A. & Amoah, A. N. (2019). “Nutritional Knowledge and Food Consumption of Adolescent Students in Junior High Schools in a Rural Community in the Eastern Region of Ghana.” American Journal of Food and Nutrition, vol. 7, no. 2 (2019): 36-42.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between adolescents’ nutritional knowledge and food consumption in Junior High Schools in Asiakwa in the Eastern Region of Ghana at the third term of 2017/2018 academic year. It adopted the Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) Model Theory postulated by Schwartz (1976) where a descriptive survey design was used to collect quantitative data through a structured questionnaire and ten (10) objective test items all from 236 participants using the purposive and proportionate stratified random sampling techniques. With the aid of the version 22 Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS), descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, Pearson Product Moment correlation were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that 54.9% of the adolescent students’ had fair nutritional knowledge, with 40.5% having good knowledge and 4.6% having poor knowledge. It was discovered that generally, adolescent students’ exhibited snacking habits as snacks and sweets were predominantly consumed (M=3.48, SD=1.59) followed by starchy roots and plantain (M=3.40, SD=1.45), cereals and grains (M=3.16, SD=1.36), animal and animal products (M=3.08, SD=1.47), fat and oil (M=2.93, SD=1.48), legumes (M=2.73, SD=1.42), with fruits and vegetables (M=2.69, SD=1.55) being the least consumed food. Besides, the study discovered that there is a small but significant positive relationship between the adolescent students nutritional knowledge and food consumption (r=0.112, p=0.074, 2-tailed). Based on these results, it was recommended that school authorities and Home Economics teachers should organize nutrition education programmes aimed at improving knowledge and awareness so as to heighten good food consumption among adolescent students’ in Asiakwa.

Forster P., Aggrey, M. A. & Amoah, A. N. (2018). Menopause and Food Among Women in A Perl-Urban Community in Ghana, International Journal of Current Advanced Research, 07(6), pp. 13189-13195.

ABSTRACT

In a descriptive survey, this study explored menopausal symptoms of 120 women aged 40-60 years and the food they ate among the Six Food Groups of Ghana. Questionnaire was used to collect the data which were analysed with the SPSS to generate frequencies and percentage tables for discussion. More than half of the menopausal women experienced mood swings; hot flashes; reduced work output; fatigue; sleeplessness; and weight gain. The main vegetables consumed by all the women were tomatoes, onions, pepper, garden eggs and kontomire (cocoyam leaves). Majority ate fish; maize; banana, and palm oil. A moderate percentage ate rice, wheat, cow peas, soy oil and frytol; minority ate animal foods other than fish; starchy roots and plantain, beans nuts and oily seeds, carrots cabbage, cucumber, French beans and spring onions, green pepper and lettuce; beverage, fruit drink and fresh fruit juice. The women restricted themselves to a few of the nutritious local foods among the Ghana six food advantage of to reduce or prevent their menopausal challenges. The researchers recommend that menopausal women increase the variety, frequency and portions of fruits and vegetables consumed especially because of their phyto – estrogen, boron and fibre content; topics on nutrition and menopause should be included in the Home Economics curriculum; and Home Economists and Nutritionists in the community should organize talks on Nutrition and Menopause for women groups.

Forster, P., Quarcoo, R., & Akomaning, E. L. (2018). Teacher competency in pattern-drafting lessons in senior high schools. International Journal of Home Economics, 11(1), 9-17.

ABSTRACT The study investigated teachers’ levels of competency in paper pattern-drafting in 30 Senior High Schools (SHS) in Ghana. The objectives were to find out the competency levels of the teachers in content knowledge and skills in pattern-drafting; and their challenges in pattern-drafting. Thirty Clothing and Textiles teachers in 30 SHSs were purposively sampled to participate in this study. Data were collected with a questionnaire and observation checklist, analysed to generate frequencies, percentages and means, and presented in tables. Competency level of the teachers in pattern drafting content knowledge was high (M = 3.50) while that of content skill was low (M = 2.43). The main challenges of the teachers in pattern-drafting were fit problems with drafted patterns; inadequate tools; insufficient time for pattern-drafting lessons; and students’ fear of pattern drafting due to calculations involved. The researchers therefore recommended that the government should provide enough basic pattern-drafting tools and materials in the schools, timetable slots should be increased by one period in the second term of the second year, and the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Home Economics Association should organise in-service training workshops to help teachers refresh their content knowledge and skills in pattern-drafting.

Asiedu-Addo, S. K., Nwi-Mozu, I., Ali, M. (2015). Modelling the Survival of Retrospective Clinical Data from Prostate Cancer Patients in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana. International Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Vol. 5, No. 6

Nwi-Mozi, I., Asiedu-Addo, S. K., Oppong, R. A., Ali, M. (2017). Primary One   Enrolment in Public Basic Schools in Ghana using Time Series   Forecasting.Journal of Innovation in Education in Africa (JIEA), Vol. 1, No. 2

Ali, M. (2017). Developing Mathematics Problem Solving Skills of Pre-Service Teachers in Colleges of Education using Activity-Based Methods and         Drilling. A case study of St. Joseph’s College of Education. Journal of Science and Research (JOSER), Vol. 3, No. 2

Ogoe, J. (2018). Second-hand Clothing Retail in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Journal of Science Education and Research, 4, (1).

Abstract

This survey explored second-hand clothing (SHC) trade in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the commonly patronized SHC and the reasons why the SHC business was on the increase in the study area. The quantitative approach was used to collect and analyze data. Views were sought from one hundred and ten (110) SHC patrons (100 consumers and 10 retailers) selected purposively and conveniently. Questionnaire was used to gather data. The data generated frequencies and percentages and presented in tables. The study revealed that brassieres, boxer shorts, dresses, blouses and towels were the most commonly sold SHC represented by 90% with 80% each for shirts, T-shirts, footwear and bags whilst 70% for bedsheets and 60% jackets. Shirts (89%), dresses (81%), towels (77%), T-shirts (76%) and footwear (71%) were the most patronized second-hand clothing. Durability (100%) and price (100%) were main factors that guided consumer purchases while profitability (100%); ease of entry in the business (100%); affordability of tax (90%); and lack of government regulatory restrictions (90%) motivated retailers most. The trade seem lucrative and the consumers found the products satisfactory, hence the need to focus more attention on issues of SHC retail regulations and monitoring.

C. T. Ayin, F. Y. Gbagbo, E. K. Oppong, "Treatment Outcomes of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Gomoa West District, Ghana" ARC Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine. 2018; 3(3): 1-11.

Abstract

The study reviewed background characteristics of patients being treated for Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Ghana. The review indicated that the disease was endemic in deprived regions. Gomoa West District in the Central Region of Ghana, one such region, was chosen for the study. A retrospective cohort study on all files of patients diagnosed of Pulmonary Tuberculosis either by smear or radiography in the district during the period January 2010 to December 2015 were studied. Socio-demographic and clinical variables of cases were extracted from case files as well as their treatment outcomes at the end of six months’ therapy. Patients who were transferred out, re-treated, including resistance Tuberculosis and extra-pulmonary cases were excluded from the study. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to analyze the data. A logistic regression analysis was used to calculate crude and adjusted ratio of successful treatment outcome at a 95% confidence interval. The Pulmonary Tuberculosis treatment success for the district in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 94.2%, 87.59%, 94.4% and 92.1% respectively. Prevalent rate of Pulmonary Tuberculosis was highest amongst fisher folks and those in age group 65 years and above.

The study concluded that improving Pulmonary Tuberculosis treatment outcomes requires qualitative information on factors associated with treatment outcomes that quantitative data does not reveal; so as to develop specific interventional strategies since general intervention might not be suitable for all cases considering the diverse characteristics of Tuberculosis patients. Interventions among age group 65 years and above will potentially improve treatment outcomes by 22.2% in Gomoa Oguaa.

Nkrumah, J., & Gbagbo, F. Y. (2018). Institutional support for breastfeeding in Ghana: a case study of University of Education, Winneba. BMC research notes, 11(1), 501.

Abstract

This study explored institutional support for breastfeeding student-mothers in the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. It also examined challenges associated with combining academic work with breastfeeding and childcare.Findings show that although the University as an institution does not have any formal system in place to support breastfeeding among student-mothers, it does follow the provisions made for breastfeeding under the maternity protection section of the labor Act (Act, 651) for its employees. Consequently, breastfeeding student mothers use under trees, lobbies, and Junior Common Rooms of on-campus halls of residence as lactation sites which exposes their babies to risk of infection. The absence of support put student-mothers through stress, divided attention, and conflicting responsibilities between academic work and childcare. Further studies to investigate the situation on other university campuses are recommended to promote policy and interventions on breastfeeding and childcare in tertiary institutions in Ghana to enable students maintain a balance between breastfeeding, childcare and academic work.

Gbagbo, F. Y. (2018). Post Abortion Contraception Model: A Comprehensive Package for Improving Safe Abortion Care in Developing Countries. Journal of Family Medicine, 1(1), 12.

Abstract

Despite liberal abortion laws and wide availability of contraceptives in Ghana, declining Post Abortion Contraception remains a public health challenge due to early unplanned pregnancies and recurrent abortions. The development of this model was therefore to address challenges of low contraception following induced abortion in health facilities within the capital city of Ghana.The development of this model was an outcome of a nested study title:  ‘decision making for induced abortion in Accra metropolis, Ghana’  in 2014. This model was piloted for four years using Marie Stopes, Ipas and Ghana Health Service trained abortion providers with family planning skills in one hundred purposively selected health facilities comprising 90 private and 10 Non-Governmental Organization mandated by law to provide safe abortion care services in the capital city of Ghana. The model mainly focused on contraceptive products, pricing, placement, promotion and people.There was an increase (90% average) in Post Abortion Contraception across the selected facilities following the intervention using the model.The study concludes that an integration of products, pricing, placement, promotion and people with options counselling prior to an induced abortion are key considerations for an improved post abortion contraception uptake in developing countries.

Etuah, P. A., Gbagbo, F. Y., & Nkrumah, J. (2018). Coping with Pregnancy in Academic Environment: Experiences of Pregnant Students in a Public University in Ghana. Journal of women’s reproductive Health.

Abstract

The Ghanaian culture expects women of reproductive age to reproduce. This makes pregnancy an acceptable occurrence in most tertiary institutions in Ghana. Although Ghanaian Universities allow pregnancy in school, challenges associated with pregnancies do not exempt pregnant students from following the academic requirements of the universities. This study therefore explores students’ experiences of copying with pregnancy in an academic environment in Ghana. This was a case study, quantitative and qualitative design using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides respectively for data collection. Respondents comprised twenty (30) pregnant full time and part time female students from campuses of University of Education, Winneba. Data collection was between October 2016 and May 2017. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. The qualitative data was transcribed and manually analyzed thematically. The study found that majority of participants were adults between ages 26 and 30 years. More than half of them (66.7%) had no child and this was their first pregnancy which they felt was mistimed as it occurred during schooling, posing some physiological, financial and academic challenges which compelled students to devise various coping strategies to combine academic work and pregnancy amidst limited University provisions for pregnant students. The study results have policy and program implications for meeting women’s needs for pursuing academic and reproductive goals concurrently. The study recommends that public universities in Ghana should institutionalize programs on preconception counselling and coping with pregnancy in academic environment to enable female students make informed decisions on exercising their reproductive rights in whilst in the university to ensure positive maternal health outcomes.

Gbagbo, F. Y., & Nkrumah, J. (2019). Family planning among undergraduate university students: a CASE study of a public university in Ghana. BMC women's health, 19(1), 12.

Abstract

Globally, the rate of unplanned pregnancies among students at institutions of higher education, continue to increase annually despite the universal awareness and availability of contraceptives to the general population. This study examined family planning among undergraduate university students focusing on their knowledge, use and attitudes towards contraception in the University of Education Winneba. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire. One hundred undergraduate students from the University of Education Winneba were selected using a multistage simple random sampling technique. A Likert scale was used to assess the attitude of the respondents towards family planning methods. Findings show that the respondents had a positive attitude towards family planning with an average mean score of about 4.0 using a contraceptive attitude Likert scale. Knowledge of contraception, awareness and benefits however do not commensurate contraceptive use among undergraduate students since availability, accessibility and preference influence usage. Emergency Contraception (Lydia) was reported as easy to get contraceptive, hence the

most frequently used contraceptive (31%) among young female students aged 21-24 years who appeared as the most vulnerable in accessing and using contraceptives due to perceived social stigma. The observation that levels of Family Planning awareness levels do not commensurate knowledge and usage levels calls for more innovative strategies for contraceptive promotion, and Education on the various university campus. The study recommends that public Universities in Ghana should consider a possible curriculum restructuring to incorporate family planning updates. In this regard, a nationwide mixed method study targeting other tertiary institutions including colleges of education in Ghana is required to explore the topic further to inform policy and program decisions.

Gbagbo, F. Y., & Kayi, E. A. (2018). Use and discontinuation of intrauterine contraceptive device in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Contraception and reproductive medicine, 3(1), 8.

Abstract

The intrauterine contraceptive device is one of the modern long-acting and reversible contraception that is very safe and effective. Yet, less than 2 % of women are using intrauterine devices in Ghana. This study therefore explored the experiences and barriers to intrauterine contraceptive device use and discontinuation in Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Intrauterine contraceptive device users and providers were purposively selected from eight private family planning clinics in the Greater Accra Region. Semi-structured interview guides were used for in-depth interviews during data collection. The interviews were audio-taped to ascertain accurate accounts of the interviews and recordings replayed for analytical responses. Field assistants transcribed the interviews conducted themselves and read through the transcripts produced twice to increase familiarity with the dataset. A list of code labels was created and a series of categories for the main themes that emerged from the transcripts were developed. The transcribed data was organized, coded and manually thematically analyzed in word. Study results were presented in tables and quotes from respondents. Results showed that key motivations for intrauterine contraceptive device use include effectiveness, benefits, and efficacy of the device, fertility regulation, peace of mind, contraceptive method switching, health provider effects, desire for long-acting contraceptive method, and partner characteristics. Intrauterine contraceptive device discontinuation was due to bleeding irregularities, vaginal infections, desire to increase fertility, physical features of the intrauterine device, and partner disapproval of use. Other reasons in both cases pertained to non-hormonal aspects of the intrauterine device, partner characteristics, and provider encouragement and influence. Several factors influence the use and discontinuation of intrauterine device in Ghana. Comprehensive contraceptive counselling on the intrauterine device is essential in promoting uptake and knowledge of the intrauterine device at the health facility level. Various targeted messages are also needed to dispel misconceptions at the community level.

Gbagbo, F.Y., & Gbagbo, J.A. (2019). Providing Abortion on Demand: Exploring the Use of Induced Abortion as a Family Planning Option in Two Urban Cities of Ghana. Journal of Contraceptive Studies Vol.4 No.1:01

The Ghanaian abortion law was amended in 1985 to ensure more availability and accessibility of safe abortion services as permitted by law. Contrary to the legal provision for abortion in Ghana, anecdotal evidence suggest the use of abortion as a family planning

option in Ghana hence this exploratory study. Using a cross-sectional and descriptive design, data was obtained from 50 health facilities comprising private (42) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) (8). Ten in-depth interviews were also held with midwife providers (6) and medical officers (4) between January 2010 and December 2017 in Accra and Kumasi Metropolises. Findings show that patronage of abortion services in health facilities within Accra and Kumasi Metropolises increase steadily each year. Abortion services in NGO facilities were however reported as target driven and providers’ performances/ bonuses were tied to meeting set targets thereby encouraging abortion on demand. Whereas NGO facilities provide both abortion and full contraception method mix, majority (38out of 42) of private facilities provide only abortion services. Those providing contraception focus mainly on short term methods (pills and injections) due to lack of interest and/or trained providers. There is more midwife lead abortion providing facilities in Accra (40) than in Kumasi (10). Where midwives provided abortion services, contraceptives were readily available and clients courage to take a method following abortion. This practice was very common in NGO facilities as post abortion contraception was reported to be mandatory package. Increasing numbers of abortions in the study area coupled with reported target setting for abortion services suggest abortion on demand and its being used as a family planning option. A nationwide facility based assessment of abortion and contraception service delivery is recommended to inform policy.

Muhammed, A. M., Dominic, O. L., Seidina, I. Y., Sarpong, E. O., & Talabi, A. E. (2018).

Nutritional Analysis of Ginger (ZingibreOfficinale) Drink: Potentials for Sports Performance. Medicine and Science in Sports Exercise. 50, 5s:721. (ACSM Abstract)

Abstract

Sport and energy drinks for performance enhancement is a common practice among athletes. These supplements reportedly increases health risks including; dehydration, anxiety, headache, sleep disturbances, caffeine intoxication, withdrawal syndrome, dependence and over working of body systems leading to exploration of alternative traditional herbal supplements like ginger which has both dietary and medicinal values. The purpose of this study is to determine nutritional values of ginger drink and ascertain their potentials for enhancing sport performance. Experimental research design was adopted to analyse two versions of ginger drinks prepared using ginger rhizomes (Botanical Identification: UIL/001/1083) was obtained from an open market in Ilorin, Nigeria. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Ilorin Ethical Review Committee. The ginger rhizomes was used to prepare 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3ml/97ml (H2O) of ginger concentration. Six samples; (i) 2ml & (ii) 3ml with 1 cube of sugar (1CS) each (iii) 2ml & (iv) 3ml with 2 cubes of sugar (2CS) each (v) 2ml & (vi) 3ml each with no sugar (NS) were prepared and subjected to proximate analysis at the Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Statistical analysis was descriptive and nutritional components were reported as percentage per 100ml. Nutritional values of the ginger drinks were similar; all six samples contained protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and essential minerals; the energy value was 168 kj/100ml, which was richer than most energy/sport drinks commonly consumed in Nigeria. These indicated ginger drink might effectively enhance glucose supply for ATP synthesis, delay fatigue, reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, boost recovery and sport performance. Ginger drink containing 1CS had increased pH/100ml; 3.50% for both 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3ml/97ml (H2O) but ginger drink containing 2CS had the same pH with NS ginger drink; 3.18% for 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3.09% for 3ml/97ml (H2O). Ginger drink is nutritious and might

reliably enhance sport performance. Ginger drink with 2CS had less pH implying more potential for sport performance. A follow-up study is ongoing to ascertain the effects of ginger drink on anaerobic and aerobic capacity of athletes.

Acheampong, Ernest Y., & Akwaa-Sekyi Ellis K. (2019). Effect of Team characteristics on Performance in tournaments. The International Journal of Sport and Society10 (3): 17-35. doi:10.1884 8 /2152-7857/CGP/v10i03/17-35.

AbstractAbstract: Apart from tactics and strategy, identifying the right team characteristics contributes to high team performance. Empirical evidence on the relationship between team characteristics and performance is lacking. This article investigates team characteristics as an essential component of constituting national teams in the context of African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments. The study examines four dimensions of team characteristics to determine their effect on a team winning medals in tournaments. Using over two decades of AFCON data, performances of thirty-eight countries were studied. Findings show significant marginal effect of team mix, young talent, team experience, and international ranking on performance, which supported in developing a model for tournament medal winners. The study can inform management decision on the right kind of recruits to yield high organizational performance (productivity). This article has implications for related disciplines in management science, which rely on teamwork, cohesion, and diversity to achieve organizational objectives.

Acheampong, Ernest Y., & Bouhaouala, M. (2019). African footballers’ life cycles according to the analysis of transfer value along their career path: A case study of Ghanaian players, Sport in Society- Cultures, Commerce, Media Politics.:1-21. doi: 10.1080/17430437.2018.1551366.

Abstract The evolution of the international transfer market continues to demonstrate the vibrancy and attractiveness of the UEFA clubs and leagues. This explains why African players are attracted to a professional career in European clubs. Based on two decades of data collection (1994– 2014), this article analyses the evolution of African players’ careers with the case of Ghanaian home-grown players’ mobility in the international transfer market. The players’ career dynamic is based on a combination of transfer values and their ages. We relied on data from transfer records, information on the football labour market and the product life cycle theory to identify African players’ career dynamics. This allows us to determine the four cycles in players’ careers: domestic development, international career development, maturity and the decline which corresponds to the nonlinear evolution of their transfer values. The results supported to construct the African footballers’ ‘Careers’ Path Model Dynamics (CPMD)’ of professional players.

Acheampong, Ernest Y., Akwaa-Sekyi, Ellis K., & Bouhaouala, M. (2019). How does Team Composition Affect Performance in Continental Tournaments? Cogent Social Sciences Journal,5(1):1-17. https:// cogentoa.com/article/10.1080/23311886.2019.1606133.pdf.

Abstract

There is a dearth of research on factors, which affect the composition of high performing teams in continental tournaments. Given the short time available for managers to prepare national teams for competitions, composing the right team will yield desirable outcomes. The paper traces the history of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, investigates factors to consider in constituting national teams and determines how these factors affect team performance. We investigate team mix, young talent, team experience and international ranking as dimensions of team composition to determine their marginal effect on a team’s ability to win medals in continental tournaments. Using panel data from AFCON competitions between 1990 and 2017, we study the performances of thirty-eight (38) African countries. This empirical study finds significant marginal effect of team mix, young talent, team experience and international ranking on performance in continental tournaments. We provide a model for composing winning teams. The study has implications for related disciplines in management science, which rely on teamwork, cohesion and diversity as well as recruiting the right personnel to achieve organizational objectives. Further research should consider a similar study in Europe and other parts of the world in a multivariate analysis.

Acheampong, Ernest Y. (2018). Giving back to society: Evidence from African sport migrants.

Sport in Society- Cultures, Commerce, Media Politics.: 1-20. doi: 10.1080/17430437. 2018.1551367.

Abstract This article examines the effects of African migrant players’ ‘giving back’ behaviour by analyzing the various socioeconomic projects that they invest in, in their communities of origin. The article draws on interviews with former and current professional footballers in Europe to understand the rationale behind the use of their football resources and investments to the society. Findings show that some players invest in valuable projects like hospitals, schools, education, oil and gas business as well as football academies, which reflect what they termed as giving back to the society. In so doing they are able to drive local and regional development. The study concludes by clarifying the rationality behind the players’ give back behaviour to the society through their investment contributions and that demonstrates their social and cultural ties with families, relatives, friends, teammates and the communities where they might have started their football career.

Acheampong, Ernest Y. (2018). How does professional football status challenge African players’ behaviour? Soccer & Society:1-17.

doi/full/10.1080/14660970.2018.1541797.

Abstract Football has become a lucrative business with its global viewership attracting many African players to move to leagues abroad. This paper explores the sociological approaches of Weber and Granovetter to understand the behaviour change in attitudes of African players after achieving professional football status abroad. It does so by analysing ‘before and after’ migration to Europe which is often ascribed to professional players’ social upward mobility. The paper employs a qualitative approach with structured interviews and autobiographies of some players. The literature draws from social behaviour change and football migration and mobility concepts. Findings indicate that football has a way of changing African players’

behaviour and makes others become a ‘di erent human being’. However, their behavioursff should rather translate into doing good things for society than assuming noxious stimuli.

Acheampong, Ernest Y., & Bouhaouala, M. (2019). African Footballers’ Migration to Europe: Shifting Perspectives and Practices. In Todd Cleveland, Gerard Akindes, and Tarmidner Kaur (eds.), More Than Just Games: Sports in Africa, Past and Present, Ohio University Press-Ohio, USA.

AbstractThis paper examines the ways that the migration of African footballers to Europe corresponded with shifting perceptions regarding this opportunity and the development of the European football labour market since the 1980s. By exploring the ways these patterns and perceptions changed over time, we can better contextualize the migration processes and strategies of African players in their pursuit of a professional football career in Europe. Since the 1980s, shifts in African societies’ perceptions of football, African football structures, and the European football labour market have changed the ways that African engage in this form of labour migration. In order to reconstruct these shifts in perspective, approach, and practice, we conducted dozens of interviews with current and former African professional footballers, which enabled us to identify key changes across three distinct periods: the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. We argue that over these three decades, shifting perspectives about the professional opportunities available in Europe powerfully shaped Africans engaged with football and, ultimately, pursued careers in the sport.

Acheampong, Ernest Y., Bouhaouala, M., & Raspaud, M. (2019). African footballers in Europe. Migration, Community, and Give Back Behaviours: Critical Research in Football, (pp.1-200), Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group, UK. https://www.routledge. com/African-Footballers-in-Europe-Migration-Community-and-Give-Back-Behaviours/Acheampong-Bouhaouala-Raspaud/p/book/9780367262976.

BlurbAfrican Footballers in Europe traces the social and economic evolution of African football and examines the strategies and resources that players mobilise in their migrations, with a particular focus on ‘give back behaviours’ (how players contribute to their countries or communities of origin). It shines new light on contemporary migrations, labour markets in sport, and processes of development in Africa. Using a multi-disciplinary approach and Weberian methodology to analyse players’ give back behaviour, the book highlights the complex rationale behind this behaviour, based on a combination of social, cultural and economic elements. It features interviews with former and current African professional players, providing a vivid picture of the role of communities in players’ migration projects, the allure of the European football market and investment initiatives that can contribute to local and regional development. This is a vital read for academics, researchers and students of sport sciences, sociology of sport, sport management, sociology, geography, political sciences, management, sociology of Africa, migration studies, sociology of the labour market and economic sociology. It is also an important resource for professional organisations, NGOs, football agents, football administrators, federations, confederations, and governments.

Article(s)/ Chapter(s) in an Edited BookSakyi-Hagan, N., Quansah, R. E., & Hanson, R. (2019). The microscale science equipment as

a conceptual and attitudinal changing tool towards sustainable development. In J. Opara Outlook on human capacity building and development: A handbook of research in honour of Professor Ibrahim Njodi. Maduguri, Nigeria: University of Maduguri Press. 222 - 231. isbn: 978-978-2323-35-4 http://www.unimaid.edu.ng.

AbstractScience educators have for years, stressed on the importance of science activities to help students understand the theory and practice of science, as it influences everything about the life of an individual to that of an entire community. This chapter would like to do a conceptual and attitudinal analysis to assess the possibilities that the mass adoption of the small-scale equipment could afford Ghanaian students. Apart from the unavailability of science equipment and risks factors involved in using them, lack of electricity, water and conventional fragile equipment (some of which require training before use) have been found to be other factors that limit teachers‘ desires to organise practical activities for their students. This study seeks to present the conceptual and attitudinal changing nature of adopting micro-scale science equipment by analysing six laboratory activities from first year under graduate courses in Ghana. The main objective would be to create an awareness of the existence and possibility of using micro-scale equipment in science practical activities among teacher trainees, science educators and curriculum developers of science education in Ghana. This is likely to ensure that meaningful, safer, sustainable and concept-based science practical activities are performed in schools. Keywords: Science, Education, Equipment, Sustainable Development.

Published Proceedings of Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar

Nsiah Asante, J. & Hanson, R., (2018). Investigating Ghanaian Early Children's Conservation of Number: A Case Study in the Winneba Municipality. C. A. Shoniregun Canada International Conference on Education (CICE-2018). UK: Infonomics Society. 10.2053/cice:2018.0097. http://CICE@2018 Published by Infonomics Society

AbstractThe study was based on Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development and the main aim of the study was to find out if Piaget’s theory holds for Ghanaian early children. One hundred and eight (108) Early School children were randomly selected from three (3) public and two (3) private schools purposively selected from schools in the Winneba Municipality.The procedure used was mainly interview method using some of Piaget’s tasks to test for conservation of number. The 7-8 years old were identified to be conservers of number than the 3-6 years old. Generally, the results supported Piaget’s theory of cognitive development

where the older children (7-8 years) performed better than the younger children (3-4 years; 5-6 years) at the number tasks. In conclusion, the results of this study agree with Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development that the concrete operational stage marks the development of conservation.  Hanson, R., (2018). An investigation into teacher trainees' understanding of chemical stability

and its implications. C. A. Shoniregun Canada International Conference on Education (CICE-2018). UK: Infonomics Society. 10 2053/cice.2018.0020. http://CICE@2018 Published by Infonomics Society

AbstractThis paper portrays the way some higher education learners perceive the concept of chemical. It assesses the nature and possible origins of these conceptions. One hundred and thirty-eight teacher trainees in a teaching university, who were purposely selected, participated in this case study. These teacher trainees had exhibited persistent inabilities in deciphering between stable and reactive species in a periodic chemistry course. Instruments used in gathering data were worksheets and focus group discussions, which were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Records of the discussions were transcribed after thematic descriptions. It was found that more than half the trainees’ concepts of a full shell and increased nuclear charge connoting stability were the genesis for their observed alternative conceptions about chemical stability. These findings will contribute and add to existing knowledge among the science learning community. Further remediation was recommended to enable the trainees to form proper mental models of the concept of chemical stability and its application through innovative teaching.  Hanson, R., (2018). An investigation into teacher trainees' understanding of chemical stability

and its implications. C. A, Shoniregum Canada International Conference on Education (CICE-2018). UK: Infonomics Society. 10 2053/cice.2018.0020. http://CICE@2018 Published by Infonomics Society

AbstractThis paper portrays the way some higher education learners perceive the concept of chemical. It assesses the nature and possible origins of these conceptions. One hundred and thirty-eight teacher trainees in a teaching university, who were purposely selected, participated in this case study. These teacher trainees had exhibited persistent inabilities in deciphering between stable and reactive species in a periodic chemistry course. Instruments used in gathering data were worksheets and focus group discussions, which were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Records of the discussions were transcribed after thematic descriptions. It was found that more than half the trainees’ concepts of a full shell and increased nuclear charge connoting stability were the genesis for their observed alternative conceptions about chemical stability. These findings will contribute and add to existing knowledge among the science learning community. Further remediation was recommended to enable the trainees to form proper mental models of the concept of chemical stability and its application through innovative teaching.

Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with Presentations

Hanson, R.Canada International Conference on Education (CICE-2019). University of Toronto, Missisauga, Ontario, Canada 25th -28th June, 2019Paper presented:An illuminative evaluation of the impact of two-tier diagnostic instruments on undergraduate chemistry teacher trainees’ conceptions

AbstractTiered diagnostic tools enable learners’ conceptual challenges to be unearthed. They have been used in recent times to facilitate better teaching and learning strategies to offset identified teaching and learning barriers. This study illuminatively evaluated the impact of two-tier tools in diagnosing the conceptual problems of 118 undergraduate teacher trainees. The results were interpreted within an epistemological framework. The outcome of the review was that tiered diagnostic instruments, though difficult to construct, were effective in unveiling learners’ conceptual challenges in inorganic chemistry. As many as 19 alternative conceptions were unearthed for three topics in six semesters, which otherwise would have been lost on the teacher trainees and their lecturers. These findings would contribute towards the chemistry learning community and add up to existing knowledge. 

Hanson, R.Chemistry Education Research and Practice Gordon Research Conference. Bates College in Lewiston, ME United States June 16, 2019 - June 21, 2019Paper presented:Situating hands-on and minds-on activities in contemporary times to promote chemistry education and conceptual gain

AbstractThis study, sought to introduce simple, less costly, robust equipment and activities, that promote and foster constructivist pedagogies, to enable an intact class of 78 teacher trainees form their own authentic concepts through fun-filled, engaging social interactions. Data were collected by means of a two-tier diagnostic assessment in a constructivist classroom environment. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observation schedules were employed to triangulate obtained data and evaluate acquired learning skills. From the study, it was found that the new hands-on and minds-on approach enhanced the acquisition of many learning skills, environmental awareness, and subsequently concept formation. The implication here is that, the new constructivist approach has the potential to change the way chemistry is taught in a more pragmatic, interactive, simple, fun, and engaging ways to facilitate conceptual understanding of chemistry for sustainability and further innovations in STEM development. Keywords: Concepts, constructivism, hands-on activities, minds-on activities, microscience  

Twumasi, A.K, Samlafo, B.V, & Addo Glover, M.G18th International Conference on Industrial Chemistry & Water Treatment. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 26th-27th April, 2019

Paper presented:ASSESSMENT OF DOMESTIC WATER QUALITY SUPPLIED TO HOUSEHOLDS IN THE EFFUTU MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

AbstractThe quality of domestic water supplied to households in the Effutu Municipality was evaluated using twenty-two physicochemical parameters. Pearson rank correlation coefficient and an independent one-tailed student t-test were used to analyse the results. Except for colour, no significant statistical differences were observed between the samples from the headworks (HW) and the households. The correlation between the headworks (Hw) and household in terms of the other parameters varied from 0.99-1.0. Generally, water samples from both the Hw and the households were potable by WHO standards. However, the presence of total coliform ranging from 10.0 cfu/100.0mL at V7 (Pupils) to 489.25 cfu/100.0 mL at V1 (Roman school) and faecal coliform of 0.75 cfu/100.0 mL at V8 (New Winneba) to 20.50 cfu/100.0 mL at V4 (Junction) in some household samples were of much concern as these levels have a high tendency to compromise the health status of consumers. Occasional breaks in pipelines and water rationing were found to be some of the causes of external waters infiltrating into the distribution systems. Passing pipelines through gutters and illegal connections by individuals should be discouraged by Ghana Water Company (GWC) Ltd. Key Words: physicochemical, Effutu Municipality, headworks, household, Ayensu river, domestic, Winneba.  Hanson, R.43rd National Convention of the South African Chemical Institute. International Convention Centre at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria, South Africa 2-7 December, 2018Paper presented:Situating constructivism in contemporary times to promote chemistry education and conceptual gain

AbstractFor decades now, the chemistry education research communities have undertaken several studies on the improvement of the study of chemistry at the secondary and tertiary levels of education. Some amount of progress has been made, as observed from literature reviews (Taber, 2002; Sam, et al., 2016; Ilyas, et al., 2017; Talanquer, 2017), but to a large extent, chemistry is still presented in a formal abstracted manner; sometimes close to being algorithmic, which makes understanding and application of chemical principles, a far-fetched dream for learners. Chemistry is hardly taught with a touch that links formal classroom chemistry to everyday life chemistry. Such non-connective procedures negatively affect students’ desires to learn higher chemistry, as they often cannot connect concepts which are taught abstractly and in isolation to each other to their everyday lives. Therefore, a shift from the robotic traditional insensitive procedures to engaging procedures at the secondary, tertiary, and especially teacher training levels of education is required. This study, which is still on-going, has to a large extent been promoting simple, less costly, learning environments, sometimes with robust equipment, that promote and foster

constructivist pedagogies to enable students form their own authentic concepts through fun-filled, engaging social interactions. The implication here is that, new modes of assessments must be developed to meet this new approach to knowledge construction. This presentation will be based only on the engaging approaches that have been evidently useful in the Ghanaian setting and which could be useful in other less endowed communities for knowledge construction and conceptual growth in chemistry. Keywords: chemical principles, communities, constructivism, traditional learning

Sakyi-Hagan, N. and Hanson, R.International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists, Africa Regional Network(INWES_ARN)Conference on 26th -28th June, 2019 at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.

Paper presented: INTERACTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACHES TO TEACHING AND THEIR EFFECT ON STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE:A CASE STUDY OF TEACHER TRAINEES IN GHANA.

Abstract: 

ABSTRACT: This study determined the effect of an interactive approach to teaching and learning on students’ performance in selected topics in Integrated Science. The study took place at the University of Education, Winneba, in the central region of Ghana. First year integrated science students were purposively selected for the study. The sample of the study comprised of 40 Level 100 students made up of 4 females and 36 males. Test items were the main instruments used to collect data for the study.  The students completed a pre-intervention test before each lesson after which the interactive instructional approach was used to teach the selected topics in Integrated Science. The students then completed a similar test but different in content as a post intervention-test. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, for windows and Hake’s normalized gain were used to analyse the data. The findings from the average normalized gain of the post intervention and pre-intervention test scores showed a gain of 0.76, indicating the effectiveness of this interactive instructional approach. The study recommends the use of interactive instructional approach for teaching Integrated Science lessons at the first-year level of the university.Keywords: interactive instruction, concept-based, VARK modes, case study, Integrated Science

FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES

Articles in JournalsNATURAL SCIENCE TEACHERS’ CURRICULUM KNOWLEDGE: A CASE IN THE GOMOA EAST DISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL REGION, GHANA

1Sakina Acquah, 2Martin AkoAbstract The main purpose of the study was to explore natural science teachers’ curriculum knowledge in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region of Ghana. A cross sectional descriptive survey design was used adopting a mixed method sequential explanatory approach. Data was collected through an adapted instrument namely Natural Science Teachers’ Curriculum Knowledge (NSTCK) questionnaire which was administered to 232 natural science teachers. The quantitative data were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Semi-structured interview guide was used to collect qualitative data from ten teachers, which was analysed thematically to support the quantitative data. The findings revealed that, majority of the teachers’ had low knowledge of the natural science curriculum and organization of the natural science curriculum. It was recommended that in-service programmes, workshops, seminars and short courses should be organized on the natural science curriculum to improve teachers’ knowledge of the natural science curriculum.

EXAMINING THE PROFILE DIMENSION EMPHASIZED IN THE GHANAIAN BASIC SCHOOL SCIENCE CURRICULUM FOR EFFECTIVE SCIENCTIFIC LITERACY

Sakina AcquahUniversity of Education, Winneba

Samuel AcquahOLA College of Education, Cape Coast

Wasila YakubuNew York University, Accra

Emmanuel Osei YeboahGraduate Student, UEW

Abstract

The need for scientific literacy is gaining prominence as many nations are reviewing their curriculum objectives to meet the demands of today’s world. In Ghana, the objectives for teaching, learning and assessment in science for the basic school level are spelt out in the national curriculum for basic schools and are geared towards addressing three profile dimensions, which are intended to promote scientific literacy. This paper examines the specific objectives of the Primary and JHS Integrated science curriculum in Ghana and compares how each effectively measures the stipulated profile dimensions outlined by the curriculum developers. The specific objectives were analysed using document analysis. The findings showed that emphasis has been placed on knowledge and understanding as against application of knowledge and attitude/experimental, and process skills in respect to teaching and assessment than what the curriculum developers intended. It is therefore recommend that a critical review of the two curricula should be made to ensure that basic school learners attain the required level of scientific literacy as envisaged by the curriculum developers.

Owu-Ewie, C. & Eshun, E. S. (2019). Language representation in the Ghanaian lowerprimary classroom and its implications: the case of selected schools in the

Central and Western Regions of Ghana, Current Issues in Language Planning, Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. DOI:10.1080/14664208.2019.1585159.

AbstractGhana’s language-in-education policy, which mandates the use of L1 as medium of instruction at the lower primary classroom, is not strictly adhered to in majority of Ghanaian classrooms. One factor that has militated against the smooth implementation of the policy is the multilingual nature of Ghana and its classrooms. This sociolinguistic survey, therefore, aims at examining the language representation and practices in selected 104 lower primary schools in Southern Ghana. The study found that multilingual classrooms in urban schools range from mild (low) to severe (high). The study also found relatively fewer cases of multilingualism in the classrooms of rural schools; rather, most of them are linguistically homogenous. One intriguing finding of the study is that though there are multilingual classrooms, L1 was used as medium of instruction, especially when teachers understood the L1 of the community. It was also observed that there was mismatch between the L1 of some teachers and the L1 of the learners. This study is crucial because it begins the mapping of language representation in Ghanaian schools at the district level, especially in the lower primary classroom.

Boateng, R. & Eshun, E. S. (2018). Pedagogical Content Knowledge and the Classroom Teaching Practices of Basic School English Language Teachers in the Assin South District. International Journal of Basic Education Research and Policy (IJOBERP). 1(2). 137-151.

Abstract

This study sought to examine the Pedagogical Content Knowledge and the classroom teaching practices of basic school English Language teachers in the Assin South district. It is a qualitative case study which used interview and observational tools to gather data for the study. A total of 10 basic school English Language teachers were purposively selected for the study. Data collected was analyzed through the thematic approach and was supported with the verbatim comments from the participants. Key findings from the study revealed among others that: teaching of the English Language is geared towards improving the oral aspects of English Language and hence, teachers concentrate more on teaching the oral aspects of the language than the content. Again, teachers hold the belief that English Language teaching is a social practice and so the interactive classroom environment is the preferred tool most teachers adopted to teach English language in the basic schools in South Assin district. Among other recommendations, the study recommends that, stakeholders should work together towards streamlining the focus, methods/strategies and the theoretical basis that will help shape the focus of English Language teaching. It is also recommended that, teachers’ beliefs about the subject should be shaped during pre-service and in-service training.

Eshun, E. S. & Man Blaise D. (2018). Assessment Strategies of English Language Teaching and Learning in Colleges of Education: Trainer, Trainee Interface. International Journal of Basic Education Research and Policy (IJOBERP). 1(1). 164-180.

Abstract

This survey sought to investigate the assessment strategies of teaching and learning English Language in Colleges of Education in Ghana. The design used for the study was descriptive research survey. Questionnaire was used as the instrument to collect data and English

Language Tutors from Tumu, Enchi, Kibi Peki and Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya (N.J.A) Colleges of Education were sampled for the study. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The analysis showed that most respondents indicated positively to the use of continuous assessment as a major testing item in English Language teaching and learning in Colleges of Education. Based on the findings, it was concluded that College Tutors should seriously take their assessment strategies of English Language into consideration by adopting sound teaching pragmatic assessment methods such as measuring how their works meet specific standards and observing them critically in groups, and individually in the classroom. It is recommended that English Language Tutors in Colleges of Education should organize their assessments to fit teaching and learning of English Language and also help improve the performance of teacher-trainees through remedial lessons in Colleges of Education.

Addai-Mununkum, R (2018). Teacher Identity, Positionality and (Mis) Representation of Religion in the Ghanaian School Contexts: Insider/Outsider Case Study Perspectives. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 2, (2), 40-59. http://www.ejecs.org/index.php/AJQR/article/view/169. ISSN: 2576-2141

AbstractStudies on teacher religious identity have been premised on the assumption that public schools are religiously neutral and if teachers’ religious identities are acknowledged and properly accommodated, teaching will be better enacted. I conducted a qualitative case study of teachers in religiously affiliated public schools in Ghana to get a nuanced understanding of how they navigate tensions arising from complexities generated by their own religious identities, their schools’ and that of their students. Using data from interviews, observations, and focus groups, my findings challenge existing notions of religious neutrality of public schools. In the Ghanaian context where the lines between secular and religious schools are blurry, teachers are (un)knowingly positioned as in(out)siders and their consequent pedagogical (in)actions are highly influenced by such (un)natural religious tensions in their schools. It is such issues emanating from teacher positionalities that I seek to highlight as ripe for qualitative inquiry.

Esia-Donkoh, K. (2019). Differences in leadership styles of principals in public colleges of education in Ghana based on their personal characteristics. Research Journal of Education, 5(6), 78-85. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32861/rje.56.78.85

AbstractThe study investigated the differences in leadership styles exhibited by principals of public Colleges of Education (CoEs) in Ghana in relation to their sex, age, years of work experience, and academic qualification. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The target population was all 46 principals of 38 public CoEs in Ghana which were in existence before the absorption of ten private CoEs by the government of Ghana into public system. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the 38 pubic CoEs and their principals for the study. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire developed by Bass and Avolio (2004) was adapted to collect data. Means, standard deviations, t-test and ANOVA were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the leadership styles of the principals of the Colleges based on their sex, age, and academic qualification. However, there were statistically significant differences in the leadership styles

adopted by the principals in relation to their years of work experience. The conclusion was that many years of experience of principals of public CoEs in Ghana is critical for good leadership in these colleges. It was recommended among others, that the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) should consider years of work experience in the selection and appointment of principals for public CoEs in Ghana, and in-service training and refresher courses should be organized regularly by NCTE for principals on the leadership styles suitable for achievement of objectives and goals of their colleges. Key Words: leadership style, laissez-faire, transformational, transactional, academic qualification, age, experience, sex

Esia-Donkoh, K. (2019). Students’ personal characteristics and differences in their learning style preferences in public colleges of education in the central-western zone of Ghana. PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences, 5(1), 592-602. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.20319/pijss.2019.51.592608.

AbstractThe study investigated the differences in learning style preferences of students of public Colleges of Education (CoEs) in the Central-Western Zone of Ghana based on their personal characteristics (sex, level of study and college setting), and how these personal characteristics influence the students’ choice of learning style preference. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey design. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to sample 1,396 students from five public CoEs. Frequencies with percentages, independent samples t-test, and regression and ANOVA were used to analyse the data. Generally, a combination of visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles were preferred by the students. Statistically significant differences in the learning style preferences of the students in terms of their sex and setting of college were observed. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the students’ learning style preferences based on their level of study. Again, a statistically significant positive influence of students’ demographic variables on their learning style preferences was established even though the influence was very small. It was concluded that most of the students prefer the use of more than one learning style, and so tutors must comprehend differentiated learning of their students in order to adopt different teaching and assessment techniques to suit the learning needs of the students. It was recommended among others that tutors should encourage students to adopt multiple learning styles and effective study habits to enhance their academic endeavours.

Esia-Donkoh, K. (2018). Teacher characteristics and motivation variances in public basic school in Mankessim education circuit of Mfantseman municipality. African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 11(2), 52-60.

AbstractThis study ascertained differences in teacher motivation based on sex, age, academic qualification, and years of work experience. The study, which was conducted in the Mankessim Education Circuit of the Mfantseman Municipality, Ghana, adopted the cross-sectional survey design. The target population was made up of 206 teachers in public basic schools in the Mankessim Education Circuit, while the accessible population of 168 teachers comprised all teachers in the Circuit who had worked in their respective schools for at least two years. Random sampling technique was adopted in obtaining 84 respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was analysed using

mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA. The analysis revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the motivation of the teachers in terms of their sex, academic qualification and years of work experience. However, it was established that there was statistically significant differences in the teachers’ motivation based on their age. It was concluded that teachers in public basic schools in Mankessim Education Circuit of the Mfantseman Municipality, Ghana, are crucial to the achievement of school and educational goals. As a result, the Mfantseman Municipal Directorate of Ghana Education Service, School Management Committee, Parent Teacher Association, and headteachers should consider personal characteristics of teachers, especially their age, when devising strategies to motivate them.

Appiah, A. K., & Esia-Donkoh, K. (2018). Teacher job performance: The role of headteachers’ supervisory styles in public basic schools in Mankessim Circuit. Research Journal of Education, 4(12), 212-220. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32861/rje.412.212.220

AbstractThe study investigated the effect of headteachers’ supervisory styles and teachers’ job performance in public basic schools in the Mankessim Education Circuit of the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. A descriptive survey in the form of mixed methods was used for the study. Through purposive and stratified sampling techniques, 134 respondents made up of 16 headteachers and 118 teachers were selected and used for the study. Two sets of questionnaires, one each for headteachers and teachers were used to collect quantitative data. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interview guide from 10 respondents (headteacher and teachers) who were conveniently sampled. Means, standard deviation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression were used to analyse the quantitative data while content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The study revealed that headteachers used directive control supervisory style most frequently as compared to collaborative, directive informational, and non-directive supervisory styles. Generally, teachers’ job performance was very good. Besides, the study discovered that headteachers’ supervisory styles were good predictors of teachers’ job performance. It was concluded that supervisory styles of headteachers were essential factors that influence teachers’ job performance in schools. Among the recommendations is that in-service training in the form of workshops and seminars should be organised for both headteachers and teachers on the need for effective supervision in public basic schools in the Circuit to achieve school and educational goals.

Bentil, J., Esia-Donkoh, K., & Ghanney, R. A. (2018). Study habits of students: Keys to good academic performance in public junior high schools in the Ekumfi district of Ghana. International Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, 6(3), 10-23.

AbstractThis study examined the effect of study habits on the academic performance among public Junior High Schools in Ekumfi District in the Central Region of Ghana. It adopted the Study Habits Inventory Theory postulated by Bakare (1977). The mixed sequential explanatory approach was followed in the conduct of the study where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. The multi-stage sampling procedure with the use of proportionate stratified random sampling and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 475 students’ even though 380 were correctly filled and therefore used for the study. Structured questionnaire, semi-structured interview guide and checklist were used as

instruments for data collection. With the aid of the Version 20 of the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS), descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistical tools such independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and Multiple Regression were used to analyse the quantitative data whilst the thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings of the study revealed that study habits significantly accounted for 44% variance in students’ academic performance. It further showed that reading and note-taking (β=0.605, p=0.000) and time management (β=0.133, p=0.001) made unique significant individual contribution to academic performance whilst the contribution of examination (β=0.011, p=0.830), homework and assignments (β=0.036, p=0.529), and concentration (β=.-.039, p=0.394) did not individually contribute significantly to academic performance. Besides, the study hypothesis disclosed that apart from gender and age, the circuit and form significantly impact on their academic performance. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service should pay attention to study habits of students so as to heighten academic performance of students in Ekumfi District.

Baffoe, S., Esia-Donkoh, K., & Anderson, H. (2018). Influence of headteachers’ personal characteristics on their instructional supervisory practices. International Journal of Basic Education Research and Policy, 1 (1), 17-33.

Abstract The study investigated the influence of personal characteristics of headteachers of public basic schools in the Anomabo Educational Circuit on their instructional supervisory practices. The cross-sectional design was adapted for the study. Forty-four headteachers of public basic schools in the Education Circuit were obtained through the stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale was used to collect data from the headteacchers. The instrument was pre-tested in the Yamoransa Education Circuit. A test-re-test method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument. The coefficients obtained were 8.41 for orientation of new teaching staff, 8.69 for monitoring punctuality and regularity, 8.63 for lesson observation, 8.87 for checking teacher’s record of work, and 8.72 for provision of in-service training. These indicated that the instrument was reliable. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential (t-test and ANOVA) statistics. The study concluded that sex, age, academic qualification, and years of work experience of the headteachers did not significantly influence their supervisory practices. Among the recommendations is that in the selection criteria for the position of headteachers in public basic schools in the Anomabo Education Circuit, the Mfantseman Municipal Directorate of GES should consider competence rather than personal characteristics.

Esia-Donkoh, K., & Baffoe, S. (2018). Instructional supervisory practices of headteachers and teacher motivation in public basic schools in Anomabo education circuit. Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, 5 (1), 43-50.

AbstractThe study examined the supervisory practices of headteachers and how these supervisory practices relate with teacher motivation in public basic schools in the Anomabo Education Circuit of the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Quantitative approach of the cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques, 69 respondents, made up of 15 headteachers and 54 teachers were used for the study. Two sets of questionnaire (one each for headteachers and teachers)

were used to collect data. A test-re-test method was used and to establish the reliability of the instruments, and correlation coefficients of 8.45 and 8.72 were obtained for headteachers and teachers questionnaires respectively. The data obtained were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results indicated that headteachers in the Anomabo Education Circuit often used all the instructional supervisory practices outlined in the study and they performed above average. However, orientation of new teaching staff was the dominant supervisory practice among the headteachers while the least practiced was provision of in-service training for teachers. Generally, teachers in public basic schools in the Circuit were highly motivated, and there was a statistically significant positive but weak relationship between headteachers’ supervisory practices and teacher motivation. The study concluded that pupils’ performance had not been encouraging even though the teachers were adequately motivated. It was therefore recommended among others, that, the Mfantseman Municipal Directorate of Ghana Education Service should organize regular in-service training programmes for headteachers in public basic schools in the Anomabo Education Circuit to improve their skills to effectively balance and practice their instructional supervisory practices to enhance very high teacher motivation.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS OF IN-MIGRANTS

AND THE INDIGENES OF KASOA, GHANA

Robert Andrews Ghanney and Joseph BentilDepartment of Basic Education, University of Education, Winneba

ABSTRACTThe study investigated the social organisation of in-migrants and the indigenes of Kasoa in the Awutu-Senya East Municipality of Ghana within the context of Inter-Ethnic Relations Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design through the quantitative approach where a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to collect data from 240 household respondents made up of 140 in-migrants and 100 natives through purposive sampling. With the aid of the version 22 of the Statistical Product for Service Solution, descriptive (frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics such as chi-square were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that the native respondents were not as open as the in-migrants to having ethnic friends. Besides, the study disclosed that in-migrant respondents were more actively engaged in trade associations than the natives. Again, the in-migrants were found to be more actively engaged in intra-tribal marriage. Based on the findings, the study recommended the establishment of more formal schools to socialise the in-migrants into the culture of the natives. Finally, the study recommended inter-tribal marriage and acceptance of members into trade associations as means of cultural adoption and assimilation.

CLOSING THE SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE GAPS: INVESTIGATING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HABITS

AMONG SANDWICH STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA

Simon Kormla Donkor1, and Munkaila Seibu2

1Department of Basic Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana 2Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

ABSTRACT

In recent times, researchers have acknowledged the critical role of exercise and physical activity on the healthy wellbeing of an individual. Therefore, this study investigated the factors that influence exercise and physical activity habits of undergraduate sandwich students of the University of Education, Winneba (December-January, 2018/2019) session. A cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was employed to gather information on the respondents. The study sample was made up of one hundred and ninety-one (191) participants out of which 67 were males and 124 were females selected through census sampling. The findings of the study revealed that health and wellness factors predominantly influenced (M=3.60, SD=0.75) sandwich students exercise habits followed by psycho-social factors (M=3.31, SD=0.65), and other factors (M=3.13, SD=0.86). Besides, the t-test results also showed no statistically significant differences between male and female sandwich students on their perception of health and wellness factors [t (189) = 0.702, p=0.484, 2-tailed], psycho-social [t (189) = 1.134, p=0.258, 2-tailed], and other factors [t (189) = 0.885, p=0.377, 2-tailed] at 0.05 alpha level. Furthermore, the ANOVA results disclosed that there were no statistically significant differences in their perception of health and wellness factors [F (2, 188) = 1.049, p=0.352], psycho-social factors [F (2, 188) = 1.112, p=0.331], and other factors [F (2, 188) = 0.697, p=0.499] at 0.05 based on age. Therefore, it was recommended the University through its health directorate should conscientize and reorient students on the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity.

PRE–SERVICE TEACHERS’ KNOWLEDGE OF INTEGRATING SOCCER AND GEOMETRY: THE CASE OF UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA

Simon Kormla DonkorDepartment of Basic Education, University of Education, Winneba,

&Cyril Ababio Titty

Institute for Distance and e-Learning, University of Education, Winneba

ABSTRACT

Teacher educators play vital roles in ensuring that positive transfer of knowledge across subject areas occur. This study examined pre-service teachers’ knowledge of integrating physical education and mathematics with particular focus on soccer and geometry. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, views of 145 pre-service teachers from the Department of Basic Education, University of Education, Winneba, were examined. Using descriptive statistics and One-way ANOVA, results indicated that the pre-service teachers have substantial operational but limited conceptual knowledge concerning modelling of basic geometric concepts on the field of play (soccer). The One-way ANOVA result indicated a non-statistically significant difference among the respondents’ knowledge to subject preference [F (2, 136) = 0.943, p = 0.392, η2 = 0.014]. Among others the study recommended that tutors/lecturers expose pre-service teachers to modeling geometric concepts operationally and conceptually to facilitate their transfer of learning and their future classroom practices.

Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with PresentationsEshun, E. S.50th Annual Conference on African Linguistics (ACAL 50) held at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. May 22nd – May 26th 2019.

Paper presented: “Expressions of Taste in Akan,”

Published Proceedings of Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/SeminarAcquaye, V.; Addai-Mununkum, R.; Acquah, S.; Ananga, E. D., (2019). The more,

the merrier; An assessment of the effects of small group discussion technique on students’ social interactions in the implementation of the new B.Ed. Curriculum. J. Anamuah Mensah, J Fletcher (Eds) 2nd National Teacher Education Learning Summit. Accra: NCTE/TTEL. (2) 1. http://ncte.edu.gh

AbstractThe introduction of the National Teachers Standard (NTS) necessitates a framework that will guide the education of pre-service teachers. Among others, the National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework (NTECF) emphasizes an interactive, learner-focused approach to modelling good teaching. The NTECF is also supported by the NTS as the determiner of what a ‘competent’ teacher is. As part of cross-cutting issues, the NTECF mentions social/collaborative skills as one of the required outcomes that are necessary for teachers’ professional development, in order that they can ensure learning for all. In this paper, we present findings from a study aimed at assessing the effects of using small group discussion technique as a means of inculcating in student-teachers the much-needed social skills. Using quantitative descriptive survey technique, the study explored student-teachers’ assessment of their acquisition of social/collaborative skills. A sample of three hundred and six (306) student-teachers, drawn from the premiering groups for the new B.Ed. in Basic Education and B.Ed. in Early Grade Education in the University of Education, Winneba, were purposively sampled for the study. The data was analysed using descriptive quantitative analysis. The major findings revealed that most (72%) student teachers preferred working in groups to undertaking assignments individually, eighty-four per cent (84%) also reported improvement in their ability to explain their perspectives well to others improvements in ability to socialize better and some hopes of developing lasting relationships was reported.

The paper also shed light on some challenges such as poor group write ups as reported by student teachers. In conclusion, we highlighted the implications of the findings for the full roll-out of the B.Ed. curriculum in the colleges of education.  Acquaye, V.; Addai-Mununkum, R.; Acquah, S.; Ananga, E. D., (2019). The new BEd

Curriculum and ‘making’ of 21st century teachers in Ghana: UEW student-teachers’ perception of student centred pedagogies.. J. Anamuah Mensah, J Fletcher (Eds) 2nd National Teacher Education Learning Summit. Accra: NCTE/TTEL. (2) 1. http://ncte.edu.gh

AbstractThe promulgation of the National Teachers’ Standards has brought to the fore the need “to prepare a 21st century teacher who is “effective, engaging, inspirational, and fully prepared to teach the basic school curriculum in order to improve the learning outcomes and life chances of all learners. To do this, teachers ought to demonstrate skills in problem solving, communication, Information & Communications Technology (ICT) among others. With the introduction of the new BEd curriculum for colleges of Education & Teacher Education Universities, scholarship is curious about how the promise of the new (world-class) curriculum is manifesting its’ outcome in practice. To respond to this uncertainty, we designed a quantitative descriptive survey to explore how student-teachers perceive of the opportunities offered by the new BEd curriculum for their development as 21st century teachers? Four hundred and seventy-three (473) first year students enrolled in BEd Basic Education and BEd Early Grade programmes at the University of Education – Winneba were engaged in the study that required them to fill out a 49 item questionnaire. Following descriptive quantitative analyses, the data revealed Lecturers’ innovative use of smartphones during lectures improved students ICT skills. Student-teachers also gave positive reviews of new lecture room organization, problem solving pedagogies, and opportunities to present before their peers. While admitting to the enormous gains the new curriculum has occasioned for their professional development, the students identified challenges to the implementation of the new curriculum such as poor internet connectivity, large class size and other logistical concerns. Implications of these findings for scholarship and practice are presented for discussion.

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS EDUCATION

Articles in Journals

Adu, E., Mereku, D. K., Assuah, C. K., & Okpoti, C. A. (2017). Effect of multimedia courseware with cooperative learning on senior high school students’ proficiency in solving linear equation word problems. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences Vol. 13. P1-11.

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of two teaching methods (i.e. multimedia courseware with cooperative learning and cooperative learning) on Senior High School students’ proficiency in solving linear equation word problems and their engagement in learning mathematics. A non-equivalent pre-test-post-test control group design with three intact classes comprising 124 students (i.e. control group, n1=45, cooperative learning only group, n2=40, and multimedia with cooperative learning only group, n3=39) was used for the study. Pre-test, post-test, and questionnaire were used to collect data. The pre-test and post-test result indicated that the use of multimedia courseware with cooperative learning had positive impact on the students’ proficiency in solving linear equation word problems. The result from the post-test on students’ proficiency in solving linear equation word problems were found to be statistically significantly different among the groups F (2,121) = 107.63, p < .05. The means of the experimental groups (cooperative learning only group and multimedia with cooperative learning only group) were higher than that of the control group. Also, the results from the questionnaire on students’ self-engagement in learning mathematics indicated a statistically significantly difference between the groups F (2,105) = 4.903, p = .009. The implication of the study is that technology use and cooperative learning in mathematics classroom really improve students’ performance in solving linear equation word problems. Keywords: multimedia courseware, cooperative learning, proficiency in solving linear equation word problems, engagement in learning mathematics

 

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Articles in Journals

Owusu-Ansah, C. M., Rodrigues, A., & Van der Walt, T. (2019). Integrating Digital Libraries Into Distance Education: A Review Of Models, Roles, And Strategies. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 20,  (2), 89-104. http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr/yonetim/icerik/makaleler/1913-published.pdf.

AbstractThis study examines ongoing efforts by academic libraries to integrate digital resources into distance education courses. The study adopts a conceptual approach and it is thematically focused on the concepts of distance education and digital libraries; academic library models in distance education; the role of digital libraries in distance education; and strategies for integrating digital libraries into distance education. Through a systematic literature review

and thematic analysis of extant literature, the paper concludes that academic libraries must pragmatically integrate digital libraries into the distance education curriculum by highlighting the role of digital libraries in the academic community and her processes. In this way, digital libraries may not be perceived as just content providers, but as significant agents of transformative learning.   Teixeira da Silva, J.A., Adjei, K.O.K., Owusu-Ansah, C.M., Sooryamoorthy. R., Balehegn,

M. (2019). Africa’s challenges in the OA movement: risks and possibilities. Online Information review, , 10.1108/oir-04-2018-0152.

AbstractPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the status of the open access (OA) movement on the African continent, and if there is any financial or moral exploitation by dominant “foreign” world powers. OA provided the African intellectual community with a tool to prove its academic prowess and an opportunity to display cultural and intellectual independence. OA publishing is prone to abuse, and some in Africa have sought to exploit the OA boom to profit from non-academic activity rather than use this tool to glorify Africa’s image and diversity on the global intellectual stage. These issues are explored in detail in the paper. Design/methodology/approach – The authors broadly assessed literature that is related to the growth and challenges associated with OA, including the rise of OA mega journals, in Africa. Findings – African OA journals and publishers have to compete with established non-African OA entities. Some are considered “predatory”, but this Jeffrey Beall-based classification may be erroneous. Publishing values that African OA publishers and journals aspire to should not equal those published by non-African publishing entities. Africa should seek solutions to the challenges on that continent via Africa-based OA platforms. The budding African OA movement is applauded, but it must be held as accountable as any other OA journal or publisher. Originality/value – African scholars need to reassess the “published in Africa” OA image.   Mensah, M. & Owusu-Ansah, C. M. (2018). Embedded library practices in Africa: A

literature review. All Nations University Journal of Applied Thought (ANUJAT), 6, (1), 126-143.http://www.anuc.edu.gh/academics/universityjournal.

AbstractEmbedded library practices are being adopted in many academic libraries to integrate librarians in the research agenda of their institutions. The purpose of this study was to explore the changing role of embedded librarians in academic libraries and how African academic libraries, particularly, in Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria are exploiting this practice to promote their expertise. The study employs a literature review approach by analysing the extant literature on the subject. The review revealed that most embedded librarianship takes the form of a librarian taking on a dual role as teacher-librarian teaching information literacy or as a co-teacher in another subject who helps with information literacy and research writing around that subject. In some other instances, librarians are involved in online programmes to complement information literacy skills. Most significantly, the review has brought to the fore the challenge of limited literature on embedded librarianship on the African continent. However, in the selected cases in which the literature was reviewed, it was

found that a number of practices are being adopted by libraries and librarians, albeit unconsciously, to integrate the library into the work of researchers in their institutions. 

Fiawotoafor, T., Dadzie, P.S., & Adams, M. (2019). Publication output of professional librarians in public university libraries in Ghana. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 2303. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu./libphilprac/2303. ISSN: 1522-

0222

AbstractThe study examines publication output among professional librarians in four public universities in Ghana. The study was guided by seven objectives. The mixed methods approach was employed for the study. The questionnaire was used to collect data from 47 professional librarians and four university librarians were also interviewed. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the quantitative data collected through the questionnaire, while content analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data that was gathered from the interviews. The analysis used was descriptive statistics, comprising frequencies, percentages and means, among others. The major findings revealed that publication output was low among the respondents and journal articles were the most popular publication format. Another finding also indicated that the higher ranked professional librarians were more prolific than lower ranked ones, while the professional librarians from two of the public universities were most prolific. Generally, the results could not establish correlation between working experience and publication output of the professional librarians. It is recommended that the professional librarians should be provided with work time for research and publication, training, workshops and seminars, formal mentoring programmes, and collaboration, among others, to facilitate their research and scholarly publication efforts.

Fiawotoafor, T. (2018). Library services and user satisfaction at the College of Agriculture Education Library, University of Education, Winneba. African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 11(2), 66-77. ISSN: 0855-9724

AbstractThe study appraised user satisfaction with the library collections and services offered by the College of Agriculture Education Library of University of Education, Winneba. The study adopted quantitative approach of descriptive survey design. The convenience sampling technique was employed to select 180 students who used the library. The semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the quantitative data for frequencies and percentages. The results showed that 58.3 percent of the respondents visited the Library to study and books were most popular library materials among users. Majority of the users were satisfied with the quality of services provided by the library staff, while 74.4 percent were satisfied with the overall quality of service the Library provided. Nevertheless, 84.1 percent of the users indicated that the library collection did not meet their information needs. Furthermore, the library environment was not conducive for reading. The greatest challenge that users encountered was dated and limited copies of available books. It was recommended that the Library

Management should procure more current books; the Library should be relocated to the new library building and well-furnished with adequate tables and chairs and desktop computers.

  

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES EDUCATION

Articles in Journals

Sam, E. F., Ojo, T. K., Siita, S., Sarpong, A., Baffour, I. K., & Abenyi, E. (2018). Determinants of public transport passengers' choice of seating positions in Ghana. Urban, Planning and Transport Research, 6,  (1), 148-158. 10.1080/21650020.2018.1560231. ISSN: 2165-0020

AbstractPublic bus/minibus safety concerns predispose passengers to make safety evaluations and engage in behavioural adaptations (i.e. behaviour change to compensate for changes in perceived risk) to the perceived unsafety. This cross-sectional study sought to explore Public Transport (PT) users' choice of seating positions in Ghana, a form of behavioural adaptation to PT unsafety. Data for the study came from 660 public bus/minibus users (through questionnaire administration) in three towns (Wa, Kumasi, and Mankessim) in Ghana. We established the association between the dependent (preferred seating position) and independent variables (socio-demographic characteristics, trip duration and perceived safe seats) via cross-tabulations and Pearson Chi-Square. We tested the strength of the association (effect size) among the variables using the Cramer's V. We found that the seats behind the driver, in the middle and in front were both the perceived safe seats and the preferred seating positions on a public bus/minibus in Ghana. Justifications for these were mainly informed by safety and comfort. Notably, we observed that occupational status, trip duration and perceived safe seats determine the preferred seating position on a public bus/minibus. Our study findings provide further perspectives on passengers' seating position decisions which are expected to inform future research and policy directions. 

Amanor-Lartey E.T, Abankwa A.G. (2018). Towards the election of MMDCES: A case for Local Government reforms in Ghana

Abstract

Election of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives in Ghana remains a topical governance issue. Many scholars, practitioners and politicians have expressed varied views on the issue. This paper submits that election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in Ghana would be a major boost to devolution as a variance of decentralization envisioned in Ghana. However, we propose that election of chief executives

should be considered within the wider context of reforms in Ghana’s local government system. This paper is minded by the definition of decentralisation as involving the restructuring or reorganizing government, creating of systems to involve more stakeholders in government and improvement in service delivery (Schneider, 2000). The position Chief Executive is critical since the occupant is both the political and administrative head of the district. The theory of path dependence would be depended on to postulate how the future of local governance would be based on the past and present paths of decentralisation. This article is an empirical paper based on qualitative data generated through in-depth interviews of Coordinating Directors from selected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Greater Accra and Central regions of Ghana.

Amanor-Lartey E.T., Abankwa R.G. Community participation and social policy sustainability: A comparative analysis of the School Feeding Programme in the Ga West and Effutu Municipalities

Abstract

Policy making and implementation have moved from ‘top down’ to a more inclusive and participatory approach. In the top down era, policies were regarded as governmental instruments used in ‘depositing some goodies’ at the governed. It is no longer possible with current trends in development administration and in the context of global best practices. With current development trends, there is much emphasis on beneficiary involvement/participation, which has become very crucial in social policy implementation. There is a greater influence of community ownership and participation on policy success or failure and in the long run, on sustainable development.

This paper was a qualitative one which adopted a comparative case study approach in the Ga West and Effutu Municipalities to ascertain beneficiary involvement and its overall influence on the implementation process of the Ghana School Feeding Programme. Key informants were interviewed and focus group discussions were held to collect relevant data. The study found that beneficiary involvement in the implementation of the GSFP varied in the two municipalities. The variations in the level of community involvement had direct impact on the implementation of the GSFP in both municipalities. It was also found that the activities of the District Assemblies as key stakeholders and implementation agencies influenced the levels of community participation in both municipalities of study. The higher the level of community participation, the better the implementation of the GSFP. The study concludes that the sustainability of the GSFP is hinged on the level of community ownership, participation and interest.

Sam, E. F., Akansor, J., & Agyemang, W. (2019). Understanding road traffic risks from the street hawker’s perspective. International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 26, (1), 92-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/17457300.2018.1482925.

AbstractThis study explored street hawkers’ lived experiences and risks in traffic using the phenomenological case study design. Data from 24 hawkers at three hawking spots and field observations form the basis of our study. A stratified purposeful sampling scheme was employed to ensure a balance of gender and age. Thematic data analytic strategy was

employed in the data analysis. We found that participants’ traffic incidents were mainly self-induced, attributable to their negligence on the road, indiscriminate road crossing and car-following behaviour. Our results suggest a perceived relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and personal traffic accident encounters. Also, we noted that the ability to manage traffic risk seem to influence hawkers’ traffic risk perceptions, with gender and age as possible mediators. As this study is exploratory, we recommend further scientific enquiry to explain these issues and to provide the basis for appropriate interventions to manage the road safety implications of this activity.

Article(s)/ Chapter(s) in an Edited Book

Danso-Wiredu, E. Y., Fisker, J. K., & Pugalis, L (2018). The production of slums: Old Fadama as an alternative space of urban dwelling. In Jens Kaae Fisker, Letizia Chiappini, Lee Pugalis, Antonella Bruzzese The Production of Alternative Urban Spaces. London: Routledge. 130-152.

AbstractThe inability of the Ghana government to provide homes for its low income citizens have forced many urban dwellers to rent ‘cheap’ homes in poor communities or become care takers of uncompleted houses. Old Fadama, the largest squatter-slum community in Ghana is an example of a poor community which accommodate most migrants in Accra, especially those migrating from Northern Ghana. The paper explores how the community with a population of over 80,000 has turned a waterlogged area into a habitable one. Usually the acceptable place to call a home for individuals and families is to reside in houses made up of sleeping, bathing and toilet rooms, but in Old Fadama, residents have one room to call a home. They instead depend on community bathrooms, toilets and restaurants for survival. To pay as low rent as possible, many residents live in what they termed ‘group-rooms’, where rent is shared among the room members. The paper argues that Old Fadama stands out as a community that survive at the blind side of the state. Although, the state has neglected the community entirely in terms of formal governance, the people govern themselves informally by instituting traditional rulers which govern the community as though the people are under formal rules. The paper makes a contribution to knowledge by challenging the concept of housing as an all inclusive components of a living place. A key finding of the chapter is how local associations directly influence access to general housing resources. A relevant contribution made by the paper is how housing is regulated through the lenses of local associations. Processes for accessing housing in Old Fadama is therefore a reaction to the housing market failure.

Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with PresentationsDanso-Wiredu, E. Y.Development Days 2019 Conference. ‘Repositioning global development: changing

actors, geographies and ontologies. Helsinki, Finland 27th February to 1st March, 2019Paper presented:Gendered Dynamics and Reciprocity in Fishing Communities in Ghana: The Case of Penkye, Winneba

AbstractMost fishing communities have preserved their culture and tradition despite the changes in many sectors of the country. For example, in most cases, payments for services provided to fishermen are in kind, with fishes instead of money. This phenomenon is not only common to fishing areas in Ghana but also found in fishing communities in some countries. One peculiar feature of fishing communities is the strict gender division of labour. Again, this is not limited to fishing communities in Ghana but also in other areas Whilst men are responsible for fishing, women are usually involved in basic fish processing and marketing. The gender division roles played by both men and women are culturally embedded in the institutions within the communities. They are pursued in their life courses as institutional norms which no one questions. Both men and women are trained differently by their parents and the community on the roles they play in the fishing industry. They are socially learned as they grow up, the fishing industry shows a classic case of cooperation among men and women where organisation of fishing activities become interdependent. Neither gender would survive without the other. Though women are not involved in fishing, the role women play is as important as that of men, hence, both exercise some authority in their areas of specialization. There are indigenous communities along the coast of Winneba of which Penkye is the oldest with the history of the Winneba revolving around it. Penkye is known for its fishing activities, and for the preservation of the Effutu culture. Fishing activities in the community are done on gender basis as in other fishing communities in Ghana and many parts of the world . Apart from fishing, access to other livelihood assets such as housing is also on gender basis. The history of Penkye is linked to that of Winneba township since it is the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. Located along the coast, majority of its residents are employed in the fishing industry. Intriguing about Penkye is how social and economic livelihoods of residents are entangled in gender roles and reciprocity. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, the study constructs economic life stories for men and women within the fishing community. It analyzes how they formulate livelihood strategies differently from other parts of the country as a result. The study concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy propagated by the capitalist ideology, thereby questioning the basis of neoliberal ideology that market prices are solely determined by demand and supply interactions.

SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS

Articles in Journals

Acquah, E.O. (2019). A theoretical review towards a compositional model for creating African musical drama: “Anansegorndwom”. Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 24 (4), 23-32.

Abstract

The creative aspect of art music in Ghana and Africa as a whole has focused primarily on the composition of either choral or few instrumental forms. Apart from Blege’s “Kristo” and Mereku’s “Asomdwee Hen”, there is, however, comparatively less compositions that combine theatrical elements to an eventual performance. This article therefore sought to establish a compositional model – Anansegorndwom - for creating musical dramas which would be characteristically African to give directions to modern art music composers to create such works intended for wide audience. Through theoretical reviews, the study brings into existence a compositional model for creating musical dramas that convey Ghanaian existing indigenous stories other than the sound elements in our folk traditions through choral and instrumental forms. Indeed, the model established is an explicit demonstration of easy ways of using traditional idioms in one composition without losing both Western and African musical identities. The implication is that, it sets the pace for the creation of more African dramatic works that are significant to generate employment opportunities in music and theatre. Indeed, the modern society craves for a refreshing mode of recreation beyond work and life pressure, thus, the extremely emotional artistic form of Anansegorndwom is likely to grasp the inward emotions of this world of modern audiences as it conforms to the aesthetic demands of the Ghanaian cultural heritage. It is, therefore, envisaged that art music composers begin to use the model to add to the paucity of repertoire of African musical dramas in the 21st Century.

Acquah, E.O. & Akley-Quarshie, B. (2019). Roleplay and storytelling: reformative teaching tools to juvenile offenders with problem behaviours at a Junior Boys’ Correctional Centre in Swedru, Ghana. International Journal of Psychology and Education, 2(1), 103-117.

AbstractThe study sought to use role play and storytelling as interventional strategies in the reformation of juvenile offenders at the Swedru Junior Boys’ Correctional centre, in the central region of Ghana. It highlighted the means of teaching the skills needed to check lack of anger management and low self-esteem, among six juvenile offenders at the correctional Centre who were purposively selected. Through an action research design, rooted in David Kolb’s experiential learning theory, data was collected through participant observation while implementation of the intervention process was done within a 5 – week period. It was found out that both role play and storytelling are instrumental in fostering positive attitudes and teaching new behaviours among juvenile offenders. While story telling was more effective as an instructional teaching technique, role play was more effective for assessing learning outcomes. It was therefore recommended that both techniques should be inevitably considered in juvenile reformation programmes.

Acquah, E.O. (2018). Analytical pursuit of C.W.K. Mereku's “Asomdwee Hen” Operetta. Journal of African Arts & Culture, 2(1), 1-19.

AbstractThis article aims to introduce and analyse C.W.K. Mereku’s “Asomdwee Hen”, an operetta, which has been the most performed African oriented musical drama in Ghana. The work which combines drama with music tells the story of the faith of Christians on the birth of Christ. The article does not only examine the African musical compositional features but pulls out the aesthetics of this traditional musical drama through musical analysis and delves to unearth the relevance of the work in the field of practical African musical drama composition. It concludes that the potential vivifying catalyst of the work is seen in the several artistic multicultural vicissitudes of thought, such as drum patterns, tonality, vocal style and language, submitted to the musical treatment by the composer. “Asomdwee Hen” is indeed a fundamental platform for the creation of African musical drama and pursuit of its aesthetics.

Ebeli, E.A (2018). ‘Atɛntɛbɛn’: A legacy of Ephraim Amu. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE), 5(8), 12-18.

Abstract Ephraim Amu, among Music scholars, has contributed very richly to the development of ‘atɛntɛbɛn’ as an instrument in music scholarship and performance. Amu was an astute music professional whose experience in ‘atɛntɛbɛn’ production as well as music theory has imputed immensely to the growth of the instrument and its music in Ghana. The study was approached through narrative research and was hinged on Kramer’s theory of cultural fusion. Indeed, Amu’s initiative to upgrade the standard of ‘atɛntɛbɛn’ and conventionalize it has left remarkable footprints for academia while providing job opportunities for the learners and producers of the instrument. It is suggested that learning to play ‘atɛntɛbɛn’ is encouraged at the primary school level while advocating for industrialized mass production of the instrument.

Ebeli, E.A (2018). Minimizing Teenage Pregnancy Using Traditional Music and Dance. International Journal of Arts & Humanities, 6(1), 294-302.

AbstractThe upsurge of teenage pregnancy in schools poses a threat to the future academic performance of pupils and facilitates the youth into potential sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and other negative health and behavioural consequences. This may be due to the exposure to social media and other unfavourable environmental factors. The role of music and dance in rejiggering some of these social problems in schools is invaluable. This paper is the result of a study carried out under the auspices of the GIFTED project, Ghana, investigates the extent to which the utility of Music and Dance could reduce the occurrence of teenage pregnancy among the pupils of Abenfa Junior High School. The research question that guided the study was how would teenage pregnancy be reduced in the schools using Music and Dance? Case study was the research design and respondents for the study were derived by purposive and snowball sampling. Focus group discussions, interviews

and observation were used to collect the data for the study. The data was then segmented into analytical units and coded with descriptive words which were thematically analyzed according to the objectives of the study. Findings indicated that Music and Dance is an effective tool to humanize the school curriculum and reduce teenage pregnancy that hangs over the pupils of Abenfa Junior High School. The paper concludes, among other suggestions, that music and dance ensembles should be established in schools found susceptible to teenage pregnancy and promiscuity.

Maclean, G.A. (2018). An analytical view of selected commercial recordings of Ghanaian art music compositions. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 5(2), 66-75.

AbstractThe paper takes a scrutiny of how selected Ghanaian art compositions, specifically choral works, have been wrongly performed and recorded for commercial purposes by renowned choral groups and gospel artistes in Ghana. The selected recorded works evince errors heard in some passages of the compositions (as scored); in terms of wrong pitches, rhythm interpretation and alteration of some of the texts. Using exploratory, 10 audio-recorded Akan choral compositions were purposively selected from compact discs of renowned choral groups and gospel artistes and analyzed. It was revealed that some commercially recorded choral pieces were done with errors pertaining to particular passages in the original scores. It was concluded that in spite of the seriousness attached to the learning and recording of such pieces, it is not every recorded art musical composition that gives a vivid representation of what exists on the score. It is therefore recommended that art music composers record their works first hand or see to the correct representation by other performers, especially if the intent is a commercialization of the recording.

Maclean, G.A. (2018). The roots of brassbands in Ghana: the premier brassband in Winneba. Journal of African arts and Culture, 2(2), 53-66.

AbstractThe main purpose of the paper is to document the provenance, growth, achievements, challenges and prospects of the first brass band formed in Winneba – the Winneba Yamoah’s Brass Band. Using interviews and document review, the paper traces events leading to the band’s formation, the birth of the band, growth and sustenance, recruitment and training of members, achievements, challenges and the prospects of the band which remained in oral context with early band members and owners of the band and thus risked being lost with the passage of time. Major findings from the study such as the circumstances leading to the formation of the band and achievements since its formation places the band as a pacesetter among brass bands in Winneba and recommends that an interest be taken in writing on similar bands or groups that have no written history yet.

Maclean, G.A. (2018). Training amateur bandsmen to perform at functions: COLTEK band in

perspective. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 5(7), 157- 167.

AbstractThe study was an action research to assist bandsmen of the College of Technology (COLTEK), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana, within a short period of time, to perform at the University's Congregation ceremony. A preliminary diagnostic test conducted revealed among the challenges encountered by the bandsmen as inability to read musical staff notation, and then limited knowledge of keys and their scales. Observations, auditioning and personal interactions were employed as data collection instruments while solfege, varied rehearsal techniques and phrase by phrase approaches were used as the main interventions. Hinged on the theory of expectation, the paper concludes that with the appropriate rehearsal techniques, a band can be prepared within a short time to gain proficiency for public performances in spite of its infantile nature and the less knowledge in theory among the bandsmen. It is recommended that the interventions are employed by tutors and trainers of new bands to deal with fundamental instrumental playing techniques for public performances.

Coffie, M.M. (2018). Bigshot Bands Tooke Adun: A modern Ghanaian Dance Band Highlife Music. Journal of African Arts and Culture, 2(2), 33-51.

AbstractThe superimposition of Western musical instruments on the conventional dance band highlife music has been the trend since its evolution around  the 1950s. Despite Ghana’s monumental traditional instrumental resources,  the dance band highlife tradition has not been able to break away from the colonising force of Western instruments. ‘Too kɛ Aduŋ’ (goat & monkey), a highlife song by the Bigshots Band, however, is an exception to this trend. Traditional musical instruments such as gyile (xylophone), atenteben (bamboo  flute), ŋoŋo (bell), shakashaka (rattle) and tsoŋshi drums (traditional palm drums) were featured prominently together with the Western instruments such as drum set, guitar, bass, keyboard synthesizers and horns in the song. This paper seeks to investigate the compositional resources and devices employed in Bigshots Band’s highlife song, ‘too kɛ aduŋ’, how they have been managed, and reasons for their inclusion in the body of work. The paper also discusses the arranging techniques employed in the song in the context of dance band highlife music, and some background to the influences that have shaped the song. A descriptive analysis of the song using the emic approach reveals communal music participation, a concept found in African traditional drum music, where composite patterns are heard in integration and not as  isolated units. The song also exemplifies a phenomenon of a proportional cross-cultural music fertilisation.

Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar

with Presentations

Acquah, E.O.

Asian Conference on Arts & Humanities (ACAH2019). Toshi Center Hotel, Tokyo, Japan 29th to 31st March, 2019Paper Presented:A theoretical review towards a compositional model for creating African musical drama: “Anansegorndwom”.

AbstractThe creative aspect of art music in Ghana and Africa as a whole has focused primarily on the composition of either choral or few instrumental forms. Apart from Blege’s “Kristo” and Mereku’s “Asomdwee Hen”, there is, however, comparatively less compositions that combine theatrical elements to an eventual performance. This article therefore sought to establish a compositional model – Anansegorndwom - for creating musical dramas which would be characteristically African to give directions to modern art music composers to create such works intended for wide audience. Through theoretical reviews, the study brings into existence a compositional model for creating musical dramas that convey Ghanaian existing indigenous stories other than the sound elements in our folk traditions through choral and instrumental forms. Indeed, the model established is an explicit demonstration of easy ways of using traditional idioms in one composition without losing both Western and African musical identities. The implication is that, it sets the pace for the creation of more African dramatic works that are significant to generate employment opportunities in music and theatre. Indeed, the modern society craves for a refreshing mode of recreation beyond work and life pressure, thus, the extremely emotional artistic form of Anansegorndwom is likely to grasp the inward emotions of this world of modern audiences as it conforms to the aesthetic demands of the Ghanaian cultural heritage. It is, therefore, envisaged that art music composers begin to use the model to add to the paucity of repertoire of African musical dramas in the 21st Century.

Acquah, E.O.

South African Society for Research in Music ( SASRIM), 12th Annual Conference, Department of Music, Kwazulu, Durban, South Africa 29 th August to 1st SeptemberPaper presented: Deeper than Sound: Music making and Ban on Drumming Among the Effutu people in Ghana.

AbstractThe paper reports an ethnographic study of music making and ban on drumming among the Effutu people of Winneba (in the Central region of Ghana). Despite the volume of research

on the use of music for several occasions in the African community, much attention has not been given to the observance of complete silence as part of the life of some African Societies. This paper discusses the place of music and silence among the Effutu people in Ghana as well as how this period of silence is negotiated in the contemporary society. Through purposeful sampling and snowballing, traditional leaders and priests, members of historical missionary churches, and those of the Pentecostal/Charismatic orientation were interviewed and their activities within the period of the ban observed. Observance of the ban was, however, not uniform among the Christians. While the mission churches have a policy of accommodating local tradition and so observe the ban by reducing the intensity of music making during the period, the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches, however, insist on not observing the ban, because of its association with traditional deities. The paper reveals that though music forms an important part of the life of the Effutu people in Ghana just as most African communities, ban on drumming is not only a belief that had purely been held as a traditional custom from ancestors, but also seen as a sanction from the gods.

KUMASI

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION SCIENCES

Articles in Journals

Asiamah Yeboah Kofi and Assumpta Ayikue Mary (2018) Poverty of inclusive education in Ghana: The case of a student with a severe hearing difficulty in a Ghanaian higher educational institution. Spiritan Journal of poverty: Studies Volume 2, April 2018: Lead paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of a student with a severe hearing difficulty in a Ghanaian higher institution. The study adopted a qualitative approach, which made use of interview to collect data from the aurally-impaired student. Analysis of the data revealed that the institution did not make adequate provisions prior to the inclusion of this special student in terms of teacher preparation, orientation of regular students to prepare them accept students with special needs and the provision of support staff and services to ensure the effective inclusion of the student in question. Recommendations for inclusion of students with hearing difficulties and their preparedness as well as overcoming the challenges encountered by both the special student and the institution are made.

Victor Atta Asiedu, Samuel Kofi Assoah and Kwesi Nkum Wilson; Managing Pre-Retirement Anxiety among Teachers in Asunafo South District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

Abstract

Retirement is an inevitable activity in the lives of workers. Unfortunately, the thought of retirement to some workers breeds anxiety, apprehension and disillusionment especially among teachers. The study sought to find out the perception of teachers on retirement, sources of pre-retirement anxiety, and the managerial strategies that would be used to support teachers nearing retirement in Asunafo South. Descriptive survey was employed for this study. The target population of the study was all teachers in Asunafo South District. Purposive sampling technique was used to solicit the views of teachers nearing retirement. 52 respondents were selected for the study, out of the 60 teachers nearing retirement. Questionnaire was used to collate data and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondents agreed that they feel nervous when they feel that their retirement is

fast approaching. Four major sources of pre-retirement anxiety were identified. Majority of the respondents agreed that seeking retirement counselling from professionals will reduce their level of anxiety. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Reality therapy were identified as two approach of managing pre-retirement anxiety. It was recommended that the teacher unions should regularly organise financial counselling on pre-retirement planning for their members.

Caiphas Kwame Kenney, Kobina Impraim Adentwi, Fredrick Kwaku Sarfo & Stephen Baafi-Frimpong Students concerns and views on effectiveness of implementation of Post Diploma in Basic Education Distance Learning programme. International Journal of Education Learning and Development Vol. 6, No 7, pp54-69, July 2018. Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK.

Abstract

This study sought to find out issues of serious concern to Post-Diploma students at the Kumasi Study Centres of the University of Education, Winneba, distance education programme. It also solicited their views on how to address those concerns. A descriptive cross- sectional quantitative survey using a self-designed structured questionnaire was employed to randomly select 291respondents from a population of 1,200. The reliability coefficient of the questionnairewas0.73.ThedatawereanalyzedusingtheStatistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS16.0version).The study identified inadequate feedback and contact with lecturers/instructors, poor facilities and conditions at the study centres, high cost of programme,delay in the supply of modules, absenteeism of instructors ,among others, as issues of serious concern to students. The number one issue of concern was delay in the supply of modules. It was revealed that early supply of modules, ensuring improvement in facilities and conditions at the centres, among others, would address students’ concerns on the programme. The study contributes to the importance of student involvement in successful implementation of distance education programmes.

Millicent P. Oti-Agyen,P, (2018). The Impact of National Health Insurance Scheme on the Health Status of Staff; A case study of the College of Technology Education, Kumasi of the University of Education, Winneba. Public Policy and Administration Research8, (2018) 24 – 32.

Abstract

The study focused on the impact of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on health status of staff of the College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). It explored the extent to which the NHIS has improved the health status of staff. Both stratified random and purposive sampling were adopted to select 42 members of staff for the study. Questionnaire was used to obtain data from the respondents. Simple descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the data. The major findings were that the adoption of NHIS at COLTEK has increased access to medical care by staff, and has solved the problems associated with the obnoxious ‘cash and carry’ system and as such has remarkably reduced the financial burden on members of staff. Also, members of staff are able to work efficiently and effectively for the progress of the University since they have access to affordable and, to a large extent, quality healthcare. It is recommended that even though the Department of Human Resource, COLTEK is doing a good job in ensuring that staff register or renew their NHIS cards, it is recommended that

staff should be reminded on regular basis to renew their expired NHIS cards on time or register with the NHIS immediately they are appointed. It is also recommended that NHIS issues should be included in the orientation programme for new appointees at the College.

Pimpong M, Oti-Agyen P, Kumah A. and Kyeremeh D. D. Job Satisfaction among staff of the College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences. 8(1): 1- 13

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to determine the levels of job satisfaction among staff of the College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba. Descriptive research design was used for the study and questionnaire was used for data collection. The population consisted of 420 staff (teaching and non-teaching) of COLTEK as at 2018, made up of 131 senior members, 120 senior staff and 169 junior staff. Stratified random sampling was used to select 201 staff comprising 65 senior members, 55 senior staff and 81 junior staff for the study. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) was used. Cross tabulation was used to compare satisfaction levels amongst groups of workers in the University. The major findings of the study were that staff of COLTEK was satisfied more intrinsically than extrinsically. The overall level of job satisfaction (intrinsic and extrinsic) among COLTEK staff was 69%. Majority of staff were males but females were more satisfied than their male counterparts. It was recommended that the College should generate more funds and complement the salary being paid by Government in the form of annual bonuses.

Jonathan Essuman and Nathaniel Glover-Meni. “The Lost Dignity: The Reading of Alex La Guma’s A Walk in the Night” International Journal of Research on Humanities and Social Sciences Vol.8, No.8, 2018, pp.61-70

Abstract

This paper unravels the dark side of apartheid system through the analysis of Alex La Guma’s novella; A Walk in the Night. The analysis brings out how La Guma uses his literary texts under study to reveal to his readership the lost dignity of the oppressed. This novella reveals to readers the atrocities that were perpetrated against the nonwhites in South Africa. This study highlights the restrictions placed on African workers under the oppressive Apartheid system and its effects

Dr. L. Osei-Amankwah; Professor K. D. Mensah and Professor F. K. Sarfo (2019). Gender, Position and Experience: Key Determinants of Time-management practices of Ghanaian Polytechnics Administrators. American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (AJHSSR). Vol 3, Issue-3, pp-29-36. E-ISSN: 2378-703X. America.

Abstract

This paper sought to determine whether gender, years of experience and position have statistically significant impact on administrators‟ time-management practices. Indeed, the paper explored whether male and female administrators differ significantly in terms of their time use. Descriptive design was adopted to engage 445 senior administrators from 517admnistrators through stratified proportional sampling technique. Data were gathered

through the use of questionnaire. Multivariate (MANOVA) test and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The study found among others that male and female senior-member administrators in the polytechnics did not differ in terms of their time-management practices. Administrators‟ position, years of experience and gender had statistically significant impact on time-management practices. It was recommended that Management of polytechnics should allocate equal tasks to administrators irrespective of their gender. There is a continuous need for administrators to reinforce the use of these demographic variables. rning. University of Washington Rome centre, Italy. 1st May to 2nd May, 2019.

Dr L. Osei-Amankwah, A. Annim-Firempong, and S. K. Assoah (2018). Administrative practice experiences of Technical Universities administrative assistants: Insight from a phenomenological perspective. Journal of African Development and Research Institute (ADRRID) Journal, Vol 27, pp 1-17. No 11(4) . E-SS: 2343-6662.

Abstract

Though, previous studies indicated the significance of administrative practice, there is limited phenomenological research that explores involvement of administrative assistants in administrative tasks of senior-member administrators. To fill this gap in the literature, a qualitative phenomenological study into the experiences of eight administrative assistants selected through purposive sampling in eight Ghanaian technical universities was conducted. Participants were purposively chosen. Two research questions guided the study. Semi-structured interview protocol was used. Data were collected for a period of two months. Interpretative analysis was employed. The results were presented through content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that administrative assistants were generally less effectively involved in administrative tasks of senior-member administrators. Based on these informed findings, recommendations have been advanced to improve administrative practices of administrative assistants. The implications of the findings were discussed.

Osei-Amankwah, L., Mensah, D.K. Dampson, D. J. (2019). Predictive value of blocks of time, open door policy, closed door policy, blocks of time and time-management practices: Lesson for leaders. International conference on research in teaching, education and learning. University of Washington Rome centre, Italy. 1st May to 2nd May, 2019.

Abstract

This paper sought to determine whether gender, years of experience and position have statistically significant impact on administrators‟ time-management practices. Indeed, the paper explored whether male and female administrators differ significantly in terms of their time use. Descriptive design was adopted to engage 445 senior administrators from 517admnistrators through stratified proportional sampling technique. Data were gathered through the use of questionnaire. Multivariate (MANOVA) test and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The study found among others that male and female senior-member administrators in the polytechnics did not differ in terms of their time-management practices. Administrators‟ position, years of experience and gender had statistically significant impact on time-management practices. It was recommended that Management of polytechnics should allocate equal tasks to administrators irrespective of their gender. There is a continuous need for administrators to reinforce the use of these demographic variables.

Gyasi, F. & Hayford, K.S. (2017). Counselling Services: An Albatross of students with Disabilities in a Public University in Ghana. IJRDO- Journal of Educational Research- ISSN: 2456-2947. Vol 2 No 3.

AbstractUniversities set up counselling centres to provide services for students, including those with disabilities, to mitigate the challenges they encounter while schooling, in order to enhance their participation in academic work and social life. However, investigation conducted by the researchers revealed that the Counselling Centre in Pan African University in Ghana has become an albatross to students with disabilities. This paper describes the factors that have turned the Counselling Centre into an albatross for students with disabilities in the Pan African University in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to ascertain whether or not counselling services in the Pan African University were accessible to students with disabilities. A sample of18 students with disabilities (six visually impaired, six hearing impaired and six physically disabled, respectively) was purposefully selected using maximal variation approach. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data for the study. The researchers adopted thematic analysis to analyze the data. The results showed that students with disabilities were unable to access the much needed counselling service provided by the university due to barriers related to the location of the counselling centre and communication. These barriers adversely impacted on the students’ moral and academic achievements. The students suggested that the University should decentralize the counselling services to make the services more accessible. The researchers recommended that the University should provide in-service training focusing onissues in disabilities for the professional counsellors in the University.

Gyasi, F. & Hayford, K.S.(2017). Strategies adopted by students with disabilities in a Ghanaian Public University to minimize frustrations from social and academic challenges. Journal of Special Needs and Disabilities Studies, Vol.1 No.3.

Abstract!This paper is based on a masters thesis which adopted a range of methods to investigate Challenges students with disabilities encounter in a university, the strategies they use to Mitigate the impact of the challenges and their counselling needs. Specifically, the paper Describes the challenges students with disabilities experienced in the University of Education, Winneba, and the coping strategies they adopted to minimize the effects of the Challenges on their academic and social lives. A sample of 18 students with disabilities (six Visually impaired, six hearing impaired and six physically disabled, respectively) were Purposefully selected using maximal variation approach. Data were analysed using Gestalt Phenomenological horizontalization approach. The result showed that though the students with disabilities were ecstatic about pursuing university education, they encountered inaccessible facilities and pedagogy. However, through maintenance of good relationships, autonomy, and strong belief in God, the students managed to minimize the effects of these challenges on their academic and social lives. The researchers recommended that the university should endeavour to remove barriers and make counselling services accessible to the students.

Gyasi, F. & Hayford, K.S. (2017). Counselling Services: An Albatross of students with Disabilities in a Public University in Ghana. IJRDO- Journal of Educational Research- ISSN: 2456-2947. Vol 2 No 3.

AbstractUniversities set up counselling centres to provide services for students, including those with disabilities, to mitigate the challenges they encounter while schooling, in order to enhance their participation in academic work and social life. However, investigation conducted by the researchers revealed that the Counselling Centre in Pan African University in Ghana has become an albatross to students with disabilities. This paper describes the factors that have turned the Counselling Centre into an albatross for students with disabilities in the Pan African University in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to ascertain whether or not counselling services in the Pan African University were accessible to students with disabilities. A sample of18 students with disabilities (six visually impaired, six hearing impaired and six physically disabled, respectively) was purposefully selected using maximal variation approach. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data for the study. The researchers adopted thematic analysis to analyze the data. The results showed that students with disabilities were unable to access the much needed counselling service provided by the university due to barriers related to the location of the counselling centre and communication. These barriers adversely impacted on the students’ moral and academic achievements. The students suggested that the University should decentralize the counselling services to make the services more accessible. The researchers recommended that the University should provide in-service training focusing onissues in disabilities for the professional counsellors in the University.

Gyasi, F. & Hayford, K.S.(2017). Strategies adopted by students with disabilities in a Ghanaian Public University to minimize frustrations from social and academic challenges. Journal of Special Needs and Disabilities Studies, Vol.1 No.3.

Abstract!This paper is based on a masters thesis which adopted a range of methods to investigate Challenges students with disabilities encounter in a university, the strategies they use to Mitigate the impact of the challenges and their counselling needs. Specifically, the paper Describes the challenges students with disabilities experienced in the University of Education, Winneba, and the coping strategies they adopted to minimize the effects of the Challenges on their academic and social lives. A sample of 18 students with disabilities (six Visually impaired, six hearing impaired and six physically disabled, respectively) were Purposefully selected using maximal variation approach. Data were analysed using Gestalt Phenomenological horizontalization approach. The result showed that though the students with disabilities were ecstatic about pursuing university education, they encountered inaccessible facilities and pedagogy. However, through maintenance of good relationships, autonomy, and strong belief in God, the students managed to minimize the effects of these

challenges on their academic and social lives. The researchers recommended that the university should endeavour to remove barriers and make counselling services accessible to the students.

MAMPONGFACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

Articles in Journals

Dwumfour-Asare, B., Nyarko, K. B., Awuah, E., Essandoh, H. M. K., Gyan, B. A. & Ofori-Addo, H. (2018). Indigenous plants for informal greywater treatment and reuse by some households in Ghana. Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination, 8, 4, 553-565. doi:10.2166/wrd.2018.061

AbstractPoor greywater management is one of Ghana’s sanitation nightmares due to longstanding neglect. This study looks at local practices of informal phytoremediation, and identifies commonly used plants and benefits. Our study collected data from 451 surveyed houses in nine communities within three regions, using structured questionnaires and extensive field observations. Greywater (kitchen, bathroom and laundry) is mainly disposed of into the open (46–66%), with few (4–24%) using septic tanks and soakaway systems. The majority of respondents (84%) perceived plants as agents of treatment and most could list 1–2 beneficial functions of the plants. A total of 1,259 plant groups were identified which belonged to 36 different plant species. The top five indigenous plants used are sugarcane, banana/plantain, taro, sweet/wild basil, and dandelion. The major plant benefits identified were food (84% of respondents) and medicine (62% of respondents). Statistically, no association was identified between the numbers of plants grown and their perceived plant roles (χ2=6.022, p=0.304), with the exception of an association between plant numbers and benefits (χ2=161.94, p<0.001). There is demand for improving local practices of using plants in greywater treatment and reuse, since native plants also come with other benefits.

Dwumfour-Asare, B., Nyarko, K. B., Essandoh, H. M. K., Esi, Awuah, Anim, K. K. A. & Quaye, A. (2018). Greywater in the drains of a sewered community in Ghana. Water Practice & Technology, 13, 4, 965-979. doi:10.2166/wpt.2018.103.

Abstract With less than 5% sewerage coverage and abysmal greywater management, Ghana’s environment could be highly polluted, especially water resources. The few sewered communities may be guilty of pollution from greywater discharge into stormwater drains. In this study Asafo, Ghana, was used as a case study to assess greywater characteristics in the major drains in a sewered community. The approach involved desk study reviews and laboratory analysis of greywater samples. The findings showed some inhabitants discharge

greywater into neighbourhood drains instead of sewers. Most greywater sources from reviews and sampled drains failed the discharge limits for major contaminants including turbidity (39.4 – 2,880 NTU), BOD5 (64 – 700 mg/L), COD (207 – 2,308 mg/L), TSS (70 – 4,720 mg/L), TDS (420 – 2,860 mg/L), nutrients – TKN, NH3-N, NO3--N, NO2--N (0 – 218.5 mg/L), total P and PO43-(1.24 – 26.18 mg/L), elemental species – Na, K, Mg, etc (0 – 1.6 mg/L), and microbiological – total and faecal coliforms, and E. coli (2.95 – 10.4 log CFU/100ml). High strength greywater accounted for odour emissions where flows stagnated. Greywater characteristics are highly variable but have potential for biological treatment as the BOD5:COD ratios ≥0.5. Ghanaian greywater, including flows from a sewered community, is untreated and polluted, and our environment is unsafe.

Asare, B. Y.-A., Preko, J. V., Baafi, D. & Dwumfour-Asare, B. (2018). Breastfeeding practices and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in a cross- sectional study at a child welfare clinic in Tema Manhean, Ghana. International Breastfeeding Journal, 13, e12. doi:10.1186/s13006-018-0156-y

AbstractBackground: Exclusive breastfeeding is important for child health and growth, but its practice is low in many developing countries. This study aimed at determining the breastfeeding practices and examining the sociodemographic characteristics that influence exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending child welfare clinic at Manhean, in the Tema East Sub-Meteropolitan area of Greater Accra region of Ghana. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that employed a structured questionnaire to collect data among 355 mothers of children aged 0–24 months selected through simple random sampling, attending a child welfare clinic from May to June, 2016. Breastfeeding practices were assessed based on the practices in the last 24 h prior to the study as defined by the World Health Organization. Results: There was a universal awareness and high knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding among mothers, but prevalence among infants less than 6 months was 66.0% (n = 138/209). Mothers currently breastfeeding were 263 (74.0%); 225 (63.4%) initiated breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery and 289 (81.0%) of the mothers offered colostrum to babies after delivery. Continued breastfeeding rate at 1 year was 77.3% (n = 17/22). Only 33.7% (n = 31/92) of infants aged 6–8 months had started receiving complementary foods. For infants aged less than 24 months, 30.1% (n = 98/326) were bottle feeding. Mothers aged 20–24 (Adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 9.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.11, 45.46), 25–29 (AOR 9.49; 95% CI 2.07, 43.47) and 30–34 (AOR 6.02; 95% CI 1.41, 25.65) were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers who had tertiary education were less likely to practice EBF than those with no education (AOR 0.18; 95% CI 0.36, 0.85). Mothers from ethnic groups in northern Ghana were less likely to exclusively breastfeed their infants compared to those of Ghanaian (Ga) ethnicity (AOR 0.29; 95% CI 0.09, 0.96). Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding practices are suboptimal. Educational status, age and ethnicity of mothers strongly predicted maternal practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions emphasizing a practical education should therefore be targeted at addressing factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding.

Woode, P. K., Dwumfour-Asare, B., Nyarko, K. B. & Appiah-Effah, E. (2018). Cost and effectiveness of water, sanitation and hygiene promotion intervention in Ghana: the case of four communities in the Brong Ahafo region. Heliyon, 4, 10, e00841. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00841

AbstractKnowledge of cost and effectiveness of Ghana’s main hygiene promotion intervention (HPI), Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), is critical for policy direction. Cost and resultant effect of HPI is examined using a case study of four communities. Surveys were conducted with 300 households, CLTS implementers and relevant agencies during the study period (May 2012 to February 2014). The HPI produced marginal but statistically significant effect (8%, p < 0.001). Improvement in hygiene behaviour was statistically associated with both government investments (p < 0.001) and household investments (p < 0.001). Actual HPI cost is US$ 90 per household: US$ 51 and 39 from government and households respectively. Cost-effectiveness of the HPI is US$ 106.42 per capita of improved hygiene behaviour.

Dwumfour-Asare, B., Nyarko, K. B. & Adams, A. (2018). Land Tenure and Water Sources for Urban Vegetable Farmers in Asante-Mampong, Ghana. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 11, 17, 1-9. doi:10.17485/ijst/2018/v11i17/107290

AbstractObjectives: Farmland tenure and water sources are increasingly challenging among urban vegetable farmers. The pertaining situation and wastewater reuse potential are assessed in one of well-known vegetable producing cen- ters in Ghana. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Data was collected using structured interviews and observations in a farm-based survey with 50 selected farmers (i.e. 30% of estimated farmers) between February and March 2015. Data analyses employed descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test and Chi square goodness-of-fit test at 5% significance level. Findings: Few farmers (12%, n=6) own their farmlands, and 36% (n=18) were renting at a median cost of GHS 87.5 per acre/year (GHS 77.3±35.6), which is costlier than the expected. Sizes of farmlands were mostly 1 – 2 acres (82%, n=41, p=0.064), smaller than expected although statistically insignificant. Most farmers planted vegetables all sea- sons (both dry and wet) (88%, n=44), and 1 – 2 different vegetables are planted on-plot at a time by most farmers as well (86%, n=43). Farmers mostly depended on direct rains (rain fed irrigation) and rain-dependent water sources (94% to 95%). Meanwhile, awareness and willingness to practice wastewater irrigation is low, 20% (n=10) and 4% (n=2) respectively. Some cost analyses and means of family livelihood are discussed in the paper. Application/ Improvements: Vegetable farmland tenure arrangements are not the best but make farmers insecure and incur high rent. Farmers’ livelihoods are prone to rainwater source overdependence. Wastewater reuse potential must be explored.

Antwi-Agyei, P., Monney, I., Dwumfour-Asare, B. & Cavil, S. (2018). Toilets for tenants: a cooperative approach to sanitation bye-law enforcement in Ga West, Accra. Environment & Urbanization, Online. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0956247818800654

Abstract Many cities have bye-laws that require landlords to provide acceptable sanitation for tenants. Yet landlords fail to provide these facilities and the bye- laws are seldom enforced. This paper provides evidence from low-income urban communities in the Ga West Municipality of Accra, Ghana on the barriers to both toilet provision and bye-law enforcement, drawing on household surveys with landlords and tenants, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The key constraints to household toilet construction were found to be the lack of capital, limited space, and availability of nearby public toilets. Barriers to bye- law enforcement included the lack of both financial resources and incentives for the regulator. A simple negotiation game involving landlords, tenants and

the regulator was organized, and the agreements reached were used to design a cooperative approach to bye-law enforcement for toilet construction.

Asare, B. Y.-A., Baafi, D., Dwumfour-Asare, B. & Adam, A.-R. (2019). Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 10, 87-91. doi:10.1016/j.ijans.2019.02.001

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is an important social and public health issue worldwide, and it is linked to several social and economic consequences. This study sought to investigate the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in the Sunyani municipality of Ghana. This study was an unmatched case-control among adolescents aged 15–19 years. The cases were pregnant and parenting adolescents, and controls were non-pregnant adolescents with no birth experience. Data were collected from 245 participants (120 cases and 125 controls) through a structured questionnaire survey and analysed with STATA version 12 for risk factors of adolescent pregnancy using Pearson’s chi-square test and logistic regression. The average age of study participants was 16.9 ± 1.15 years. Place of residence, occupation and economic status were found to be associated with adolescent pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression revealed that adolescents from urban settings, Abesim zone (OR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.35), and New Dormaa zone (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.05–0.77) had decreased odds of adolescent pregnancy compared to their rural counterpart Antwikrom zone. Adolescents were also at increased odds of becoming pregnant when they were into apprenticeships (OR=9.77, 95% CI 2.00–47.75) or unemployed (OR=11.69, 95% CI 4.47–30.58) than being in school. Adolescents with low economic background (OR = 4.05, 95% CI 1.43–11.52) were 4.1 times more likely to get pregnant compared to those with high economic status. Key factors associated with adolescent pregnancy have been established and these need attention from all stakeholders to forestall public and social health safety among adolescents.

Abstracts

Antwi-Agyei, P., Monney, I., Dwumfour-Asare, B. & Cavill, S. (2018) Toilets for tenants: a cooperative approach to sanitation bye-law enforcement in Ga West, Accra. Environment and Urbanisation 1-16.

Many cities have bye-laws that require landlords to provide acceptable sanitation for tenants. Yet landlords fail to provide these facilities and the byelaws are seldom enforced. This paper provides evidence from low-income urban communities in the Ga West Municipality of Accra, Ghana on the barriers to both toilet provision and bye-law enforcement, drawing on household surveys with landlords and tenants, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The key constraints to household toilet construction were found to be the lack of capital, limited space, and availability of nearby public toilets. Barriers to byelaw enforcement included the lack of both financial resources and incentives for the regulator. A simple negotiation game involving landlords, tenants and the regulator was organized, and the agreements reached were used to design a cooperative approach to bye-law enforcement for toilet construction.

Monney, I. Buamah, R., Donkor, E.A., Nota, H.K., & Ijzer, H. (2018). Treating waste with waste: the potential of synthesized alum from bauxite waste for treating car wash wastewater

for reuse. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 1-10 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04730-0.

AbstractThis study assessed the contaminant removal potential of a low-cost alum synthesized from bauxite slime waste compared to industrial grade alum [Al2(SO4)3.18H2O] in treating car wash wastewater using standard jar tests. The synthesized alum was subsequently applied as a coagulant to test the short-term performance of a bench scale flocculation–flotation system for treating car wash wastewater. Coagulant dosages and mixing intensities were optimized for both coagulants and differences were analyzed with R using two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s (HSD) post hoc testing. Per the jar tests, percentage removal of up to 99%, 34%, and 75% of turbidity, anionic surfactants (AS), and COD, respectively, was achieved with 90 mg/L of the synthesized alum compared to 100%, 37%, and 74% for industrial grade alum. Contaminant removal efficiencies of both coagulants were comparable (p > 0.05). However, coagulant dosage strongly influenced the removal of turbidity, AS, and COD (p < 0.05) while mixing intensity influenced all but COD. The bench-scale flocculation–flotation system completely removed turbidity (100%) and reduced AS and COD by up to 92% and 99% respectively. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of alum synthesized from bauxite slime waste as a cheaper alternative for industrial grade alum in wastewater recycling for the car wash industry.

Kuffour A. R, Tiimub M. B, and Agyapong D. (2018). Impacts of illegal mining (galamsey) on the environment (water and soil) at Bontefufuo area in the Amansie West District, Ghana. Civil and Environmental Research, IISTE.8(7):98-107.

AbstractIllegal mining (galamsey) is known to cause significant environmental pollution; the chemical used and the waste heaps are a source of long term contamination of soil and water bodies. The thrust of this study was to assess the impact of illegal mining operations on the soil and water bodies at four (4) selected communities (Esaase-Manhyia, Aboabo, Mpatuam and Tetrem) in Bontefufuo in the Amansie West District of Ghana. Three 100m × 100m plots were demarcated at each galamsey site in each community. The extent of environmental damage was assessed in respect of numbers of pits and heaped laterite per plot, area of pits and heaped laterite identified on plots and amount of ore washed. Level of pollution of streams in the study area were also analysed. Large pits were dug and had all their streams polluted to a certain degree. There was a statistical significant difference (p = 0.000) between the mean radii of pits dug in the different communities. Furthermore, many heaps of stockpiles were found at Tetrem as compared to the other mining sites. The radii of the heaped laterite differed statistically (p = 0.021) between the communities. Large quantities of ore were washed daily in the communities and were statistically different (p = 0.001). Turbidity was extremely high above the EPA-Ghana recommended limit of 5NTU with corresponding low level of Dissolved Oxygen in the range of 1.43mg/L, and 2.40mg/L, recorded in all the water bodies at the sites. Notwithstanding, the pH, conductivity and Total Dissolve Solids (TDS) were all within the range of EPA Ghana standards. Mercury was identified as the main chemical used for the gold extraction in all the sites which is polluting the soil and water bodies in the area.

Sarpong, K., Bonsu, F.R.K. and Dartey, E*. (2019). Assessment of Heavy metal concentrations in organs of selected Game Animals in the Natural environment. Journal of Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 5(1): 314-317.

ABSTRACTThe study was conducted to determine the levels of hazardous metals in game animals. A total of eighteen (18) animals which comprised six species of three (3) each from the same location were trapped or hunted and sacrificed. Organs analyzed for hazardous metal levels were skin, liver, kidney and heart using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and content expressed in mgkg-1. The statistical analysis was done with Genstat (2007). Results obtained showed that all the hazardous metals under study were present in the organs at variable concentrations. Lead: skin (0.18 – 0.46) mgkg-1, liver (0.03 – 0.4) mgkg-1, heart (0.25 – 0.58) mgkg-1 and kidney (0.38 1.12) mgkg-1; Cadmium: skin (0.08 – 0.58) mgkg-1 and kidney (0.09 – 0.7) mgkg-1; Zinc : skin ( 0.46 – 0.66) mgkg-1, liver (90.04 – 0.82) mgkg-1, heart (0.42 – 1.21) mgkg-1 and kidney (0.43 – 1.58) mgkg-1; Copper: skin (6.13 – 12.57) mgkg-1, liver (5.1 – 9.56) mgkg-1, heart (6.89 - 15.15) mgkg-1 and kidney (7.63 – 24.87) mgkg-1; Iron : skin (9.53 – 26.35) mgkg-1, liver (8.07 -28.08) mgkg-1, heart (13.83 - 46.40) mgkg-1and kidney (12.43 – 47.61) mgkg-1. Iron was highly (p <0.05) deposited in all species of animals in the heart 19.88 mgkg-1, 46.40 mgkg-1, 40.83 mgkg-1, 13.83 mgkg-1 and 41.38 mgkg-1 respectively for civet (Civettictis civeta), antelope (Antilocapra americana), grasscutter (Thryonomys swiderianus), hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and bush dog (Speothos venaticus) except the bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) that had its highest deposition (46.71 mgkg-1) in the kidney. Copper was also highly deposited in animals after iron with higher concentrations in heart and kidney. The highest concentration was recorded for bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) (15.15 mgkg-1) in heart and 24.87 mgkg-1 in kidney. Due to bioaccumulation of hazardous metals, care should be taken in patronizing bushmeat obtained from the studied ecosystem since failure could be perilous to the health of consumers as their concentrations are beyond the safe limits for the respective metals. It is further recommended that environmental safety principles for safe disposal of hazardous metals are appropriately carried out. Evelyn Delali Ahiale, Emmanuel Dartey*, Isaac Abunyuwah. (2019). Artisans’ Willingness-to-Pay for Safe Collection and Recycling of Used Automobile Lead-Acid Batteries in Kumasi, Ghana. International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy, 7(1): 1-8.

ABSTRACT:Growing demand for automobiles has logically led to the generation of huge quantities of used Lead-Acid Battery (LAB) which are usually found stockpiling in and around car-repair shops all over Ghana. The reclamation and recycling of spent LABs in the country is mainly unregulated and informal and therefore not done in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. This paper estimates artisans’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the safe collection and recycling of used lead-acid batteries (LABs) with data collected through the contingent valuation method (CVM) from 102 artisans in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. Artisans’ WTP and its determinants were estimated using Bayesian estimation of the interval data regression model. An estimated mean WTP of GH¢16.06 (US$3.87) was obtained for the safe removal and recycling of any one (1) spent LAB. Important artisan characteristics influencing willingness to pay positively are age and monthly income whereas experience influences willingness-to-pay negatively. Training received, awareness of risk of LABs to personal health, wearing of protective clothing, and other safety measures are significant awareness, knowledge and safety factors affecting WTP in a positive way. Sensitization on the health and environmental effects of LABs as well as the importance of taking safety measures should be given to artisans and should be mainly targeted at younger artisans.

Sarpong, K*., Bonsu, F.R.K. and Dartey, E. (2019). Assessment of Heavy metal concentrations in organs of selected Game Animals in the Natural environment. Journal of Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 5(1): 314-317.

ABSTRACTThe study was conducted to determine the levels of hazardous metals in game animals. A total of eighteen (18) animals which comprised six species of three (3) each from the same location were trapped or hunted and sacrificed. Organs analyzed for hazardous metal levels were skin, liver, kidney and heart using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and content expressed in mgkg-1. The statistical analysis was done with Genstat (2007). Results obtained showed that all the hazardous metals under study were present in the organs at variable concentrations. Lead: skin (0.18 – 0.46) mgkg-1, liver (0.03 – 0.4) mgkg-1, heart (0.25 – 0.58) mgkg-1 and kidney (0.38 1.12) mgkg-1; Cadmium: skin (0.08 – 0.58) mgkg-1 and kidney (0.09 – 0.7) mgkg-1; Zinc : skin ( 0.46 – 0.66) mgkg-1, liver (90.04 – 0.82) mgkg-1, heart (0.42 – 1.21) mgkg-1 and kidney (0.43 – 1.58) mgkg-1; Copper: skin (6.13 – 12.57) mgkg-1, liver (5.1 – 9.56) mgkg-1, heart (6.89 - 15.15) mgkg-1 and kidney (7.63 – 24.87) mgkg-1; Iron : skin (9.53 – 26.35) mgkg-1, liver (8.07 -28.08) mgkg-1, heart (13.83 - 46.40) mgkg-1and kidney (12.43 – 47.61) mgkg-1. Iron was highly (p <0.05) deposited in all species of animals in the heart 19.88 mgkg-1, 46.40 mgkg-1, 40.83 mgkg-1, 13.83 mgkg-1 and 41.38 mgkg-1 respectively for civet (Civettictis civeta), antelope (Antilocapra americana), grasscutter (Thryonomys swiderianus), hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and bush dog (Speothos venaticus) except the bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) that had its highest deposition (46.71 mgkg-1) in the kidney. Copper was also highly deposited in animals after iron with higher concentrations in heart and kidney. The highest concentration was recorded for bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) (15.15 mgkg-1) in heart and 24.87 mgkg-1 in kidney. Due to bioaccumulation of hazardous metals, care should be taken in patronizing bushmeat obtained from the studied ecosystem since failure could be perilous to the health of consumers as their concentrations are beyond the safe limits for the respective metals. It is further recommended that environmental safety principles for safe disposal of hazardous metals are appropriately carried out.

Abel, A., Steeg, C., Aminkiah, F., Addai-Mensah, O., Addo, M., Gagliani, N., Casar, C., Yar, D. D., Owusu-Dabo, E., Jacobs, T. and Mackroth, M.S., (2018). Differential expression pattern of co-inhibitory molecules on CD4+ T cells in uncomplicated versus complicated malaria. Scientific reports, 8(1), p.4789.

ABSTRACTThe immune response of malaria patients is a main factor influencing the clinical severity of malaria. A tight regulation of the CD4+ T cell response or the induction of tolerance have been proposed to contribute to protection from severe or clinical disease. We therefore compared the CD4+ T cell phenotypes of Ghanaian children with complicated malaria, uncomplicated malaria, asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection or no infection. Using flow cytometric analysis and automated multivariate clustering, we characterized the expression of the co-inhibitory molecules CTLA-4, PD-1, Tim-3, and LAG-3 and other molecules implicated in regulatory function on CD4+ T cells. Children with complicated malaria had higher frequencies of CTLA-4+ or PD-1+ CD4+ T cells than children with uncomplicated malaria. Conversely, children with uncomplicated malaria showed a higher proportion of CD4+ T cells expressing CD39 and Granzyme B, compared to children with complicated malaria. In contrast, asymptomatically infected children expressed only low levels of co-inhibitory molecules. Thus, different CD4+ T cell phenotypes are associated with complicated versus uncomplicated malaria, suggesting a two-sided role of CD4+ T cells in malaria pathogenesis and protection. Deciphering the signals that shape the CD4+ T cell phenotype in malaria will be important for new treatment and immunization strategies.

E. A. Asare, D. K. Essumang, D.K. Dodoo, S. Tagoe (2018). Utilization of bacillus thuringiensis MC28 as a biosorbent for mercury in ground waters from selected gold mining communities in the Wassa West District of the Western Region of Ghana. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management 9(2018) 95-106.

ABSTRACT In this study, Bacillus thuringiensis MC28 was investigated for its utilization as a potential adsorbent for mercury in aqueous solutions. The batch adsorption procedure was used to optimize the method. At optimal conditions of pH 8, 3.5 mL of organism, contact time of six days and 35 °C, 99.94–99.98% of mercury in groundwater samples were removed. The Langmuir isotherm parameters estimated by nonlinear method best fitted the adsorption data. The maximum monolayer coverage of the organism, the Langmuir constant, and the Langmuir separation factor (RL) were found to be 6.23E+00 mg/mL, 253.82E+03 L/mg and 3.94E−07 respectively. The mercury removal was found to have occurred by chemisorption. The Elovich kinetic model best fitted the data and the rate determining step of the process was found to be bulk diffusion process. The thermodynamic properties viz:ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG° of the mercury – B. thuringiensis MC28 adsorption system were estimated to be −114.80 kJ/mol, 391.42 kJ/mol and −506.22 kJ/mol respectively. Under the optimum physico – chemical conditions, the minimum energy required to initiate mercury removal was estimated to be 167.50E−03 kJ/mol. The findings showed that, mercury removal process was exothermic, spontaneous, thermodynamically feasible, and the B. thuringiensis MC28 demonstrated remarkable affinity for mercury. Therefore, B. thuringiensis MC28 could be used as an adsorbent in water treatment procedure to remove mercury and restore mercury contaminated waters to their pristine.

Abraham, J., Benhotons, G.S., Krampah, I., Tagba, J., Amissah, C., Abraham, J. D. (2018) Commercially formulated glyphosate can kill non-target pollinator bees under laboratory conditions. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. DOI: 10.1111/eea.12694

AbstractThe use of glyphosate-based herbicides in agroecosystems has increased over the past few years because of the advent of genetically modified glyphosate-resistant crops and resistant weeds. This is alarming because of potential damaging effects on non-target organisms. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example Ghana, many rural farmers have not received training in the use of glyphosate-based herbicides, thus tend to apply higher than recommended concentrations on farms. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of glyphosate-based herbicides on beneficial insects under laboratory conditions, using Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Apini) and Hypotrigona ruspolii (Magretti) (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) as models. The bees were put in contact for 24 h with the recommended concentration of Sunphosate 360 SL, a glyphosate-based herbicide, 29 the recommended concentration, or distilled water as control. The effect of the herbicide on the bees was compared to the effect of a lambda-cyhalothrin insecticide. Generally, more bees died after contact with plants freshly sprayed with the herbicide than on herbicide-treated filter paper. In both cases, more bees died after contact with the higher concentration of the herbicide. These findings suggest that beneficial insects, specifically A. mellifera and H. ruspolii, may get killed if they are sprayed upon or come into contact with plants that have been freshly sprayed with (more than) the recommended concentration of glyphosate-based herbicides. Therefore, it is important to restrict access and use of such herbicides to trained personnel who will comply with spraying guidelines, that is, recommended concentrations and timing of spray. Spraying at a time when insects are flying about may be detrimental to beneficial insects such as pollinator bees, parasitoids, and predators.

Abraham, J.D., Abraham, J., Takrama, J.F., (2018) Morphological characteristics of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) in Ghana. African Journal of Plant Science 12 (4): 86-97.

ABSTRACT Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is an important economic tree crop grown in home gardens and farms all over Ghana. Although there are some studies on diverse aspects of the crop in several parts of the world, not much has been documented about its morphology in Ghana. This study was therefore conducted to describe the morphology of avocado in the Ashanti and Central Regions of Ghana. Using the avocado descriptor as a guide, morphological analyses of P. americana accessions in eight districts in the two regions were conducted. The study revealed that the avocado accessions had variable morphological characteristics but were more close to the Western Indian accession.

Godfred Owusu-Boateng, Francis Tabi Oduro, Kofi Sarpong. Mathematical Model of Air Quality in the Ahinsan-Atonsu-Agogo Industrial of Kumasi, Ghana. American Journal of Environmental Policy and Management. Vol. No. 1, 2017, pp 1-11.

Abstract

Air pollution poses a serious threat to socio-economic development, with the tendency of even adversely affecting the survival of an entire pollution. This study aimed at modeling the

concentrations of SO2, NO2, and CO as well as some aerodynamic quantities in the Ahinsan-Atosu-Agogo Industrial Area of Kumasi to assess the extent of air pollution and their growth rates using the statistical method of system identification based on autoregressive time series analysis, leading to deterministic discrete – time linear autonomous models. Results showed models of the first order which are unstable with generally escalating growth rates. For the CO at high levels, no model was obtained for the gas. Except in the horizontal direction in the morning, the speed and direction of the wind affected the movement of gases in all periods. The escalating growth rates may be due to vehicular traffic, clustering of industries and power plants in the area. Building of chimneys high enough for affective dispersal and dilution of pollutants, construction of bypasses around the industrial area to prevent concentration of vehicles, are some of the measures that could avert the associated devastating consequences in the near future.

KUMASIFACULTY OF BUSINESS STUDIES EDUCATION

Articles in Journals

Gyimah, P., Appiah, K.O. & Lussier, R.N. (2019). Success versus failure prediction model

in Ghana. Journal of African Business. DOI: 10.1080/15228916.2019.1625017

Abstract

This study tests the validity of Lussier model in predicting success or failure of small

businesses in Ghana, Africa. The study uses logistic regression to analyze 101 failed and 107

successful small businesses. The results of the study support the model validity in Ghana and

three variables (capital, economic timing, and marketing skills) were significant in

predicting small businesses success or failure. The model also predicted 86.5% of the

businesses accurately with a high R-square value. This study is the first to test the Lussier

model in Africa and reinforces the validity of the Lussier model as a global success or failure

prediction model that contributes to theory and practice. Implications for future and current

entrepreneurs; government agencies that train, advice and assist small business owners;

public policy makers; educators; suppliers; lenders; and consultants are presented

Gyimah, P., Marom, S. & Lussier, R.N. (2019). Small Business Success or Failure

Prediction: A Comparative Study in Ghana and Israel. Journal of Applied Business

and Economies, 21(4), forthcoming.

Abstract

This paper tests the Lussier success versus failure prediction model in Ghana, an emerging

country and Israel, a developed country. The logit results of Israel (N = 205; p = 0.000) and

Ghana (N = 208; p = 0.000) support the model validity to predict the success or failure of a

group of businesses. The accuracy rate of predicting a specific business as successful or

failure was greater than 85 percent in both countries, with high R square. Testing the t-

values of the individual variables in each country revealed some differences between the two

countries; results and implications are presented.

Jalloh, B.M.Y., Appiah, K.O. & Gyimah, P. (2019). Can gender affect loan default.

EuroMed Journal of Management, 3(1), 42-49. DOI: 10.1504/emjm.2019.099956.

Abstract

We examine the effects of gender on loan default in an emerging market context. Specifically,

we investigate whether female borrowers are less risky to loan default than male

counterparts. Using logit and 3,717 loan clients’ dataset from a big financial institution in

Sierra Leone over the period 2007 to 2014, we find that female is positively related to loan

default but not statistically significant. This finding has implication on theory, practice and

policy on loan default in emerging market context. This study’s finding does not only

contribute to an important but neglected area of research, but also practice and policy, due

to the size, growth and impact of loan default in emerging markets.

Sarpong-Danquah, B., Gyimah P., Afriyie, R.O, & Asiama, A. (2018). Corporate governance

and firm performance: an empirical analysis of manufacturing listed firms in Ghana.

Accounting and Finance Research, 7(3), 111-118. DOI: 10.5430/afr.v7n3p111

Abstract

This paper assesses the effect of corporate governance on the financial performance of

manufacturing firms in a developing country. Specifically, the paper investigates whether

gender diversity, board independence, and board size affects return on asset (ROA) and

return on equity (ROE) of manufacturing listed firms in Ghana. We use the generalized least

squares (GLS) panel regression model to analyze the dataset of 11 listed manufacturing

firms from 2009-2013. Our result reveals an insignificant representation of women on

boards. Also, the empirical result shows that board independence and board gender diversity

have significant positive effect on ROE and ROA. However, there is no statistical significant

relationship between board size and firm performance (ROE and ROA). We suggest that

manufacturing firms should appoint female board members as well as outside directors on

their boards as this can make significant contribution to firm’s performance. Our study

provides the first comprehensive explicit exposition of corporate governance-performance

nexus using data from the manufacturing sector in Ghana.

Sarpong-Danquah, B., Gyimah P., Poku, K., & Osei-Poku, B. (2018). Financial Literacy

Assessment on Tertiary Students in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Ghanaian Perspective.

International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting, 8(2), 76-91. DOI:

10.5296/ijafr.v8i2.12928

Abstract

The study assesses the financial literacy level among tertiary students in Sub-Saharan Africa

country, Ghana. The study uses primary data through self-administered questionnaires, and

employs purposive sampling to select four hundred and eighty (480) students across tertiary

institutions in Ghana for data analysis. The study reaffirms that on the average, students lack

financial knowledge especially on insurance (mean = 40.54 percent). However, students

portray the highest level of financial literacy in savings and borrowing (mean = 52.88

percent). Also, information technology positively influences 95 percent of student’s financial

literacy. We recommend that tertiary institutions should inculcate educational program on

financial literacy to broaden understanding of financial issues among students. Policy

makers should redesign curriculum to include financial literacy courses especially for non-

business students. Finally, financial seminars and talks should be focused on teaching

relevant financial concepts and the youth should be educated and encouraged to utilize

digital or technological platforms to enable them gain more knowledge in finance.

Gyimah, P. & Boachie, W. (2018). Effect of microfinance products on SMEs growth:

Emerging economy perspective. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business

Innovation, 5(1), 59-71.

Abstract

Small businesses play significant role to the economic stability and development of emerging

economies, and access to financial services is crucial to their growth and performance. This

study examines whether microfinance products such as loans, savings, insurance, and

education affects small business growth in Ghana. The study uses descriptive and inferential

statistics to analyse responses of 248 small business owners. Using a multiple linear

regression model, the study found that all the microfinance products positively affects small

business growth, and the greatest influence is micro loans. This study contributes massively

to extant literature on the nexus of microfinance institutions (MFIs) products and small

businesses in emerging economy, Ghana. Also, the study assists MFIs to assess the

effectiveness of their product, and serves them as a guide to utilize effectively the available

scarce resources that could enhance the growth of small businesses in emerging economies.

Gyimah, P. & Boachie, W. (2018). Portability of Multiple Discriminant Analysis Prediction

Model of Listed Firms: An Emerging Market Perspective. Research Journal of

Finance and Accounting, 9(6), 94-99.

Abstract

This paper tests the portability of Altman’s (2000) Z-score model in predicting corporate

failure of listed firms in an emerging market, Ghana. The study applies the model on financial

statements of fifteen (15) firms listed on Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) for 2013 fiscal year.

The empirical result shows that 66.7 percent of the listed firms were misclassified as failed

firms (Type II Error) and correctly classified 33.3 percent as success firms or safe zone firms.

The study concludes that the Altman (2000) financial model is not portable in Ghana due to

high type II error rate and this is calling more research for the use of non-financial models in

predicting corporate failure in emerging markets.

Armstrong, E.A. & Gyimah, P. (2019). The impact of audit committees’ meetings and audit

fees on the financial performance of listed banks in Ghana. International Journal of

Research and Innovation in Social Science, 3(5), 341-346.

Abstract

The study adopted quantitative research approach and descriptive research method to assess

the impact of Audit committee on financial performance of banks listed on the Ghana Stock

Exchange. Audit committee variables used were: Audit Committee Meetings, Audit

Committee Size, and Audit fees. Financial performance was examined using Return on Asset

(ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). The researcher found that listed banks financial

performance with respect to ROA was positively influenced by audit committee size and audit

fees whilst ROE was negatively skewed by audit committee meetings. Though negative

relations were found between ROA, ROE and some Audit committee variables as used in this

study, the regression model used indicated that over 60% of variability in financial

performance of the listed banks was due to Audit committee and fees.

Armstrong, E.A., Gyimah, P. & Wotortsi, E. (2019). IFRS adoption and earnings quality in

sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social

Science, 3(6), 190-196.

Abstract

This study perused the correlation between IFRS adoption and earnings quality of listed

firms in Sub-Saharan Africa country, Ghana. The study used secondary data collected from

sixteen non-financial listed firms over pre-adoption periods of IFRS (2005 and 2006) and

immediate post-adoption periods of IFRS (2007 and 2008). The study used logistic

regression to examine the impact of pre-and-post adoption of IFRS’s on earnings quality.

The results showed that firms managed to manipulate earnings toward a positive target more

frequently in the pre-IFRS adoption period than the post-adoption period, and firms

recognized large losses more frequently in the post-IFRS adoption period when they

occurred as compared to the pre-IFRS adoption period. The study reinforces that adoption of

IFRS prevents manipulation of earnings, limits possible flexibilities and accounting choices,

and provide clearer rules that signal high quality accounting information and transparency.

Appiah, K.O., Gyimah, P. & Data-Adzah, S. (2018). Risk and performance of banks in

Ghana. Lambert Academic Publication, ISBN: 978-613-9-84826-3.

Abstract

This book examines the impact of risk on performance of banks in Ghana. The authors use 85

firm-year observations of 17 commercial banks ranging from 2009 to 2013. Also, we use

regression analysis to determine the relationship between risk and performance while

controlling for firm age, size, inflation, and leverage. The result reveals that risk has a

significant relationship with performance. Firm age, size, leverage, inflation rate, and size

squared exhibit a positive and significant relationship with performance. The interaction

between risk and size, however, is negatively related to performance. Our findings provide

an insight into risk management as a very important aspect of improving performance of

firms, especially in the banking sector. The book adds to existing literature on firm

performance in the financial sector, focusing on the Ghanaian banking industry and the

extent to which this is affected by risk and other significant factors.

Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar

with Presentations

Gyimah, P., Marom, S. & Lussier, R.N.

United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) 2019 Annual

Conference, January 23-27, St. Pete Beach, FL, USA

Paper Presented:

Small Business Success or Failure Prediction: A Comparative Study in Ghana and Israel.

Abstract

This paper tests the Lussier success versus failure prediction model in Ghana (Africa) and

Israel (Middle East). The logistic regressions analysis of Israel (N = 205; p = 0.000) and

Ghana (N = 208; p = 0.000) support the model validity to predict the success or failure of a

group of businesses. Testing the t-values of the individual variables in each country revealed

some differences between the two countries; results are discussed. Implications for current

and future entrepreneurs; educators, consultants, government agencies that train, advice and

assist small business owners; lenders, investors, and suppliers; and public policy makers are

presented.

Gyimah, P. & Appiah, K.O.

Academy of International Business (AIB) Africa 2018 Conference, August 6-8, Kigali,

Rwanda.

Paper Presented:

Can we predict the success of business in Africa?

Abstract

The study examines whether we can predict the success of small businesses in Ghana.

Specifically, we test the validity of Lussier (1995) full and reduced models in Ghana (Sub-

Saharan Africa) and compare results with Croatia (East Central Europe) and Chile (South

America). The study is a survey research using quantitative analysis. Logistic regression was

used to analysis 101 failed and 107 successful small businesses in Ghana. The full model is

predictable in Ghana (p = 0.000) with overall accuracy rate of 86.5 percent, and three

variables (capital, economic timing, and marketing skills) were significant (t-values < .05).

The reduced model variables (planning, education, staffing and product/service timing) were

significant in developed countries, Croatia (p = 0.0365) and Chile (p = 0.004) but not

significant in developing country, Ghana (p = 0.3308). For entrepreneurs to be successful in

Ghana, they should have adequate capital and higher level of marketing knowledge and start

or operate in good economic times if their product/service is economic sensitive. Regulators,

policy makers and consultant can use the model to train, educate, and advise aspiring

entrepreneurs. Lenders, and investors can use the model in decision making. This study

contributes to the extant corporate failure literature from the perspective of small business

from Ghana, a sub-Sahara Africa country, an important but neglected area of research.

Gyimah, P., Appiah, K.O. & Lussier, R.N.

42nd Small Business Institute (SBI) 2018 Annual Conference, February 14-17, Corpus Christi,

TX, USA,

Paper Presented:

Business success versus failure prediction model in Ghana

Abstract

This study tests the validity of Lussier model in predicting success or failure of small

businesses in Ghana, Africa. Logistic regression was used to analyze 107 successful and 101

failed small businesses. The results support the model validity (p = .000) in Ghana and three

variables (capital, economic timing, and marketing skills) were significant (t-values < .05) in

predicting small businesses success or failure. The model also predicted 86.5 percent of the

businesses accurately with a high R-square value (.544). The study reinforces the validity of

the Lussier model as a global success or failure prediction model and contributes to theory

and practice.

Lussier, R.N., Gyimah, P. & Marom, S. (2018)

The International Conference on Management, Business & Technology (ICMBT) 2018,

December 10-12, Lahore, Pakistan.

Paper Presented:

A Comparative Study of Small Business Success vs. Failure: A Comparative Study in Ghana

and Israel

FACULTY OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Articles in Journals

Mitchual, S. J., Owusu, F. O., & Minkah, M. A. (2019). Sanding and shaping characteristics of Gmelina arborea grown in two ecological zones in Ghana. Journal of Engineering Research and Reports, 4(3), 1-12. http://journaljerr.com/index.php/JERR/article/view/16904

Abstract

Poor machining of wood generates more residues which leads to low recovery in wood processing. Therefore, the availability of appropriate wood machining techniques would promote efficient utilization of logs. This study looked at the shaping and sanding properties of Gmelina arborea - a lesser-known species in Ghana - in order to promote its efficient utilization. Six trees from plantations at the Wet Evergreen and Dry Semi-Deciduous Forest

Zones were extracted and processed into lumber using LT 15 horizontal wood-mizer. The average moisture content of samples just before the test was 14.57%. Specimens were prepared in accordance with ASTM D 143-83 and ASTM D 1666-87 (2004) for the sanding and shaping tests. The effects of tree location, grit size and spindle speed on sanding and shaping properties of Gmelina arborea wood were assessed using the visual approach. For the sanding test, grit size P80 was the best sandpaper to remove chipped and torn grain defects from the surfaces of Gmelina arborea lumber after planing. Spindle speed 10,000 rpm gave the best shaping output so it was recommended for shaping Gmelina arborea timber grown in Ghana. For the shaping operation, wood samples obtained from the Dry Semi-Deciduous Forest Zone had better surface quality than those obtained from the Wet Evergreen Forest Zone. A similar trend was obtained for the sanding test. The most common defects observed during grading of the shaped specimens were raised, chipped and fuzzy grains and those observed for the sanded specimen were fuzzy and scratchy defects. At 5% level of significance, tree location and spindle speed had significant effect on the surface quality of the shaped specimen.

Mitchual, S. J., Katamani, P., & Afrifa, K. A. (2019). Fuel characteristics of binder free briquettes made at room temperature from blends of oil palm mesocarp fibre and Ceiba pentandra. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-019-00410-8 .

Abstract

This study assessed the fuel characteristics of briquettes made from oil palm mesocarp fibre and sawdust of Ceiba pentandra at room temperature, using low compacting pressure without a binder. Properties of briquettes studied included: Stability in diameter and length; relaxed density; compressive strength; impact resistance index; gross calorific value; volatile matter; ash content and elemental composition. These properties were determined using standard laboratory methods. The results show that briquettes with better relaxed density, compressive strength and impact resistance index could be produced from a blend of C. pentandra sawdust and oil palm mesocarp fibre at low compacting pressure and room temperature without a binder. The relaxed density of briquettes produced ranged from 377 kg/m3 to 586 kg/m3 which could be classified as medium density briquettes. The result further indicates that compacting pressure 40MPa or more could be used to produce briquettes with adequate compressive strength in cleft and impact resistance index from the blend of C. pentandra sawdust and oil palm mesocarp fibre at low compacting pressure and room temperature without a binder. At 5% level of significance, the compacting pressure and mixing proportion had significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced. The gross calorific values of Ceiba pentandra sawdust and oil palm mesocarp fibre were found to be 20.33 MJ/kg and 19.50 MJ/kg respectively. Even though most of the elemental compositions of the oil palm mesocarp fibre were not adequate, a blend with Ceiba pentandra sawdust could make it suitable to be used as an environmental friendly material for biomass briquettes production.

Mitchual, S. J., Minkah, M. A., Owusu, F. O., & Okai, R. (2018). Planing and turning characteristics of Gmelina arborea grown in two ecological zones in Ghana. Advances in Research, 14(2), 1 – 11. DOI: 10.9734/AIR/2018/39024.

Abstract

Gmelina arborea grown in Ghana has not been promoted for its efficient use by the wood industry due to the limited technical information available and is therefore classified as a lesser-used timber species. This paper presents research findings on the planning and turning properties of Gmelina arborea cultivated in two ecological zones in Ghana. Samples of logs from six trees of the species were obtained from Daboase and Abofour in the Wet Evergreen and Dry Semi-Deciduous Forest zones of Ghana. These were crosscut into top, middle and butt sections using a chainsaw. An LT 15 Wood-Mizer bandsaw was used to saw each log into 2.6 cm-thick boards; these were then stacked for air drying. Planning and turning tests were conducted following the American Society for Testing and Materials International D1666-87-2004 method to determine the machining characteristics of the wood. The results of the study indicate that Gmelina arborea is a medium-density species and that irrespective of where it is grown, the best planing performance is obtained at a feed speed of 6 m/min using a cutting angle of 30°. The results also indicate that the turning characteristics of Gmelina arborea obtained from the two ecological zones were best at spindle speeds of 1850 rpm and 2500 rpm. At the 5% level of significance, the spindle speed and the interaction between location and spindle speed, tree section and spindle speed and location, tree section and spindle speed had a significant effect on the surface quality of the turned specimen. It is therefore found that Gmelina arborea cultivated in Ghana has good planing and turning characteristics.

Boye, B. C., Boateng, I., Appeaning, A. K. & Wiafe, G. (2019). An assessment of the contribution of fluvial sediment discharge to coastal stability: A case study of the Western Region of Ghana. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 13(5), 191-200. DOI:10.5897/AJEST2017.2387

Abstract

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.

Boateng, I. (2018). An assessment of vulnerability and adaptation of coastal mangroves of west africa in the face of climate change. In Makowski, C. and Finkl, C. W. (2018) Threats to mangrove forests: Hazards, vulnerability, and management. Springer International Publishing, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-73016-5 ISBN: 978-3-319-73015-8

Abstract

This chapter seeks to evaluate the current status of West Africa’s mangroves. It assesses Climate Change vulnerability and adaptation options for mangroves in West Africa. West African mangroves contribute a wide range of environmental services, economic goods and social services. In spite of the important contributions of mangroves in the region, they experiencing a high rate of degradation. It is estimated that the degradation and the deforestation of mangroves in the region have resulted from their uncontrolled anthropogenic exploitation due to urbanisation, population growth, salt production, industrial pollution and the cutting of mangroves for firewood. Besides the afore-mentioned anthropogenic impacts on the mangroves, the anticipated effects of climate change such as increased temperatures, sea level rise, increased intensity of storm and precipitation are likely to have the most severe impacts on mangrove ecosystems. Climate change and the anthropogenically driven variations of these environmental forces will inevitably have a profound effect on coastal zones and mangroves. The challenge of reversing the degradation of mangrove ecosystems in the face of uncontrolled exploitation and impacts of climate change seems to be a very complex problem. This assessment has identified that both the past and the present vulnerability were more controlled by anthropogenic activities than the effects of climate change, though it is expected that climate change may be the major driving force in the long-term. However, many adaptation options exist to enhance specific ecosystem services in ways that reduce negative trade-offs, but these involve changes in policies, institutional framework and better practices for exploitation, and good management strategies. The chapter concludes that West Africa should implement adaptation policy options including reducing anthropogenic impacts, maintaining coastal buffer zones, restoration of mangroves, catchment management, establishing regional monitoring and regulations and education and local participation to enhance sustainability

Danso, H. & Adu, S. (2019). Characterization of compressed earth blocks stabilized with clay pozzolana. Journal of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 9(1) 331. doi: 10.4172/2165-784X.1000331

Abstract

The high cost of cement and its greenhouse effect on the environment have led to the use of alternative building materials in the production of block and bricks. This study seeks to investigate the properties of compressed earth blocks (CEBs) stabilised with clay pozzolana. CEBs of size 290 × 140 × 100 mm were prepared with 0, 10, 20 and 30 % weight of clay pozzolana. The CEBs were compressed at a constant pressure of 5 MPa and cured. The blocks, after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of curing were tested for density, water absorption, compressive strength, tensile strength and erosion resistance. It was found that the pozzolana content slightly improved the blocks’ density. There was increase water absorption resistance of the stabilised blocks between 32.8 and 252 % over the unstabilised blocks. The 30% pozzolana content block specimens gained 116.8% compressive strength and 62.1% tensile strength over the unstabilised blocks. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in the erosion resistance between the stabilized blocks and the unstabilised blocks. The study concludes that the inclusion of the clay pozzolana generally improved the properties of the CEBs, and therefore recommended it for use in the building of low-rise houses.

Ayettey, D. N. A. & Danso, H. (2018). Contractor selection criteria in ghanaian construction industry: Benefits and challenges. Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research, 6, 278 - 297. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbcpr.2018.64019

Abstract

Selecting a contractor for construction project is a difficult decision to be taken by a client because it may lead to construction delivery problems or successful delivery of the project. This study, therefore, investigated the contractor selection criteria in the Ghanaian construction industry, considering the benefits and challenges. A quantitative research method was adopted in this study through the use of a questionnaire. The target population for the study consisted of registered contractors and consultants in the Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions of Ghana. It was found that though the construction professionals are well vested with the prequalification selection criteria that are being used within the Ghanaian construction industry, they were not familiar with multi-criterial section methods. It was also found that the benefits of the contractor selection criteria include; enabling the client to select contractors who are performers for the project, saving the project owner a lot of time, minimizing the possibility of contractor default, and facilitating the achievement of project success and the objectives within the scheduled time. Furthermore, excessive cost and time overrun, poor quality standard, imprecise assessments due to lack of information, criteria being very complex and difficult to apply in practice, among others were identified as the challenges to the contractor selection criteria in Ghanaian construction industry. The study recommends for further studies to determine the impact of the identified challenges on construction projects, and ways to minimize the challenges.

Danso, H., Obeng-Ahenkora, N. K. & Manu, D. (2018). Prices trend of selected building and construction materials on Ghanaian construction market: 2011-2016, International Journal of Construction Management. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2018.1531809

Abstract

Increase prices of building and construction materials have the tendency of increasing the cost or prices of housing for both buying and renting purposes. This study investigates the prices trend of some selected common building and construction materials on the construction market in Ghana. Average annual prices of building materials from 2011 to 2016 were collected from Public Procurement Board and used in the determination of the trend in prices of building and construction materials in Ghana. The data were inputted into Microsoft Office Professional Plus Excel, version 2016 for generating graphs for analysis. It was revealed that materials such as fine aggregates, felt, aluminium roofing sheets and sandcrete blocks had an inconsistent (fluctuating) increase in price. It was further found that others materials such as coarse aggregates, ordinary Portland cement, concrete kerbs and high tensile steel rods had a consistent increase in prices along the study period. The study concludes that there is general increase prices trend of the selected building and construction materials on the construction market in Ghana. It is recommended to government and the legislature to take the necessary measures and enact laws to control the factors that contribute to the increasing prices of building and construction materials.

Obeng-Ahenkora, N. K. & Danso, H. (2018). Principal component analysis of factors influencing pricing decisions of building materials in Ghana, International Journal of Construction Management. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2018.1484553

Abstract

The key factors that greatly affect the selection of building materials are the cost and other related factors such as properties of the materials. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence the pricing decisions in determining the price level of building materials in Ghana. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to both construction practitioners and building material merchants to collect data in Kumasi metropolis, Accra metropolis and Sunyani municipal assembly in Ghana. Factor analysis was performed to identify the main factors that influence pricing decisions of building materials. Six (6) main factors were identified: market related factors, producer related factors, production related factors, economic related factors, political related factors and environmental related factors. It is recommended that the identified factors should be controlled by stakeholder who are concerned with the identified factors that contribute to prices of the building materials in order to prevent the increased prices of building material. The study contributes to the literature in the area of building materials management.

Danso, H. & Obeng-Ahenkora, N. K. (2018). Major determinants of prices increase of building materials on ghanaian construction market. Open Journal of Civil Engineering, 8(4), 142-154. https://www.scirp.org/Journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=85300

Abstract

Prices increase of building materials is a common trend in both developed and developing countries. The prices increase of building materials results in high cost of housing. The aim of this study is to identify the major determinants of prices increase of building materials on Ghanaian construction market, and also to assess the relationship between the independent

variables of the prices increase. A five-point Likert scale was used for the study; from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). The variables in the questionnaire were ranked based on the response of the participants of the study using Mean Response Analysis (MRA) statistics. Spearman correlation matrix was used to determine the relationship between the variables of prices increase of building materials. Crude oil prices, energy cost, local taxes and charges, cost of fuel and power supply, high running cost, high prices of raw materials, cost of transportation and the high cost of labour were found to be the major determinants of prices increase of building materials on Ghanaian construction market. The study further found multicollinearity relationship among variables of prices increase of building materials, of which the highest correlation coefficient was found between fast-growing demand due to high global economic growth and over-dependence on imported building materials. The study recommends that further research should be carried out to determine the control measures of increase prices of building materials in Ghana.

Appiah-Kubi, E., Kankam, C. K. & Ansa-Asare, K. (2019). Mechanical properties of four lesser-known Ghanaian timber species. International Journal of Trend in Research and Development. Special Issue of Proceedings from the International Conference on Innovative Practices in Management, Engineering & Social Sciences, Singapore, 20-23, 29-35.

Abstract

The exploitation of timber in Ghana and many parts of tropical Africa is limited to very few of the over 800 known species whose mechanical properties for structural use are unknown. The global demand for these few species with excellent properties in terms of their strength and quality of finishes has led to their over-exploitation and destruction of other less accepted species during logging operations. The structural use of timber is very limited in tropical Africa in spite of its abundance in the forests and its sustainability by cultivation. Considerable discussion has been held about the fuller utilization of tropical forests with particular reference to lesser-known species (LKS), but the problem has remained intractable and very little has been done. One main problem in promoting the LKS is lack of information on their realistic mechanical properties based on structural size dimensions. This paper reports results of research on the mechanical properties of four lesser-known species using structural sizes to assess their suitability as structural members. The species are Albizia ferruginea (Awiemfosamina), Sterculia rhinopetala (Wawabima), Blighia sapida (Akye) and Canarium schweinfurthii (Bediwonua). The results of study showed that Wawabima was the strongest whilst Bediwonua was the weakest in terms of their bending strength, density and modulus of elasticity. Wawabima had outstanding bending strength properties. With reference to standard codes, Wawabima compares very well with strength class D40, followed by Akye and Awiemfosamina with strength class D30 – both classes belonging to hardwoods. On the other hand, Bediwonua falling within strength class C24 belongs to softwood. The results indicate that Wawabima and Akye possess very good bending strength properties that are suitable for consideration in the design of medium to heavy structures. Awiemfosamina possesses good compressive strength but low bending strength, and together with Bediwonua are suitable for light structural members.

Eyiah, A.K., Kheni, N.A. & Acquah, R. (2018). SME financing constraints: Evidence from survey of construction firms in Ghana. International Journal of Small and Medium Enterprises and Business Sustainability, 2(3), 23 - 47.

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in a country’s social-economic development. Unfortunately, they are restricted in accessing the capital they require to function effectively in the construction industry. This study investigated the situation from the perspective of contractors operating within the construction industry in Ghana. The quantitative approach to research was adopted using survey questionnaires. With a response rate of 48 percent from 400 questionnaires distributed, the paper gauges the perception of construction firms on the financing constraint and the factors contributing to such constraints. The Chi-Square test was employed to ascertain whether there existed significant differences between the personal and organisational characteristics of firms and financing challenges. The challenges associated with financing of construction firms are multifaceted. To a large extent, the financial class of construction firms was related to their financing constraints. Efforts to mitigate the problem need to be addressed holistically. Perhaps, it is about time consideration is given to establishing a specialised bank for construction. Such a bank would understand the peculiar nature of the construction industry to be able to handle the associated risks. The government, and interested development agencies, has a role to play in ensuring the success of such bank.

Kheni, N. A. & Adzraku, W. D. (2018). An exploratory study of challenges to sustainable housing development in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana: Perceptions of built environment consultants. Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences, 9(5), 278-290.

Abstract

Residential building construction is an important activity crucial for fulfilling the housing needs of nations, particularly low- and lower-middle -income countries. The study examines the challenges militating against sustainable housing development (SHD) and to situate the findings within the broader context of sustainable development in Ghana. The study adopts a qualitative approach involving unstructured in-depth interviews of experts in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. The findings of the study suggest that the key challenges to sustainable housing development include; informal house building practices with little regard for regulatory compliance, clients‟ lack of awareness or ignorance of design principles relating to SHD, culturally disenabling attitudes that hinder SHD, inadequate capacity of local expertise in relation to the use of local materials and technology to promote SHD, inability of regulatory institutions to ensure housing is delivered sustainably and low level of commitment to funding research and development to promote SHD. The paper has made recommendations to address the challenges stated.

Eyiah, A. K., Kheni, N.A. & Quartey, P. D. (2019). An assessment of occupational health and safety regulations in Ghana: A study of the construction industry. Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research, 7, 11 - 31.

Abstract

Occupational health and safety continues to be a major component of the built environment. The study investigates the effectiveness of occupational health and safety laws and regulations in the construction industry in Ghana and identifies the influencing factors. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among 49 stakeholders from four relevant groups-regulatory institutions, consultants, contractors, artisans and labourers. The findings of the study suggest that the existing occupational health and safety legal and regulatory framework is barely effective. Stakeholders were aware of the existence of some laws and regulations but mostly could not identify the specific laws and their relevant contents. Consequently, compliance is found to be irregular. The key recurring factors affecting effectiveness of occupational health and safety laws and regulations include: negligence and lack of priority for occupational health and safety, lack of training, lack of funds for occupational health and safety, lack of capacity of regulatory and supervisory institutions, and lack of occupational health and safety education within construction firms. The findings of the study are foundational in strategic interventions aimed at improving compliance with occupational health and safety laws and regulations in the construction industry of Ghana.

Amedorme, S. K. & Apodi, J. (2018). Numerical Analysis of Soot Formation in Gasoline Direct and Port Fuel Injection Engines. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 7(5), 56-64. http://www.ijstr.org. ISSN: 2277-8616

Abstract

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine has the advantages of improving on pollutants in vehicle exhaust emissions significantly and tendency to reduce fuel consumption because of lean burning mixture. This engine is considered environmental friendly since it emits less toxic gases compared to the traditional carburetted or Port Fuel Injection (PFI) spark ignition engines. The modeling process of GDI engine is basically the same as PFI engine except the location of the fuel injector and also in early injection conditions, the characteristics of the two engines are similar. Although the gasoline (DI) engines are less harmful to the environment due to its high thermal efficiency and good performance in fuel consumption, it has some drawbacks of producing more nitrogen oxides (NOx) at high temperature and soot. In addition, stricter emission standards and regulations require that the two engines should constantly be investigated and optimized in order to obtain desirable results. This paper presents and compares numerical model for soot formation in GDI and PFI engines at various engine running conditions and air-fuel ratios (AFRs). The Feng Tao’s soot formation model is modified to suit gasoline engine conditions and implemented in GT-Power for GDI and PFI engines. The GT-Power code simulates the engine running conditions and evaluates the soot formed with crank angles at different engine speeds from 1000rpm to 6000rpm. The results show that for PFI engines the peak value of soot formed in mole fraction between compression and power strokes decreases as engine speed increases

with the peak value of 0.0795 and 0.022 respectively at crank angle close to zero degrees for the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio(AFR) of 11.68. On the other hand, in the GDI engine, the amount of soot formed first increases in its peak values with increasing limiting engine speeds and begins to decrease for engine speeds from 4000rpm to 6000rpm. At the same engine speeds for the two engines, the results show that the peak values of soot formed for PFI is higher than the peak values of GDI engine but the total amount of soot generated in GDI engine is far more than PFI engine. Further analysis in terms of the influence of AFRs on the soot formation for the same engine speed for both PFI and GDI engines shows that increasing the AFR leads to the reduction in the amount of soot formed. Key words: Gasoline direction injection (GDI), Port Fuel Injection (PFI), soot formation, air-fuel ratio (AFR), engine speeds 

Apodi, J. & Amedorme, S. K. (2018). Design and construction of solar water heater for the hotel, catering and institutional management Department of Bolgatanga polytechnic. International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology, 7(2), 740-749. 

Abstract

Solar water heating system consists of a collector plate to collect solar energy and an insulated storage tank to store hot water which can be used for domestic, industrial and small institutional purposes. This paper presents a systematic design and construction of solar water heater for use in the Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management (H.C.I.M) Department of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The solar water heater was well constructed using locally available materials. A plain glass was used as a collector plate and an aluminium sheet metal obtained from a scrap yard painted black was used as an absorber plate. In addition, copper pipes attached to the absorber plate as fluid carrying tubes were also designed. The solar energy incident on the coated absorber plate transfers the heat to the fluid carrying pipes underneath the absorber plate placed in an insulated casing with a transparent glass cover having a cold and a hot water tank integrated in the system. The water passing through the pipes gets heated and flows into a storage tank by the principle of thermosyphon system. When tested, a maximum fluid output temperature of 80oC was observed at a maximum collector temperature of 55oC with ambient temperature of 37°C, and solar radiation 4.61 kWh/m2/day on a good sunny day. A total amount of 50 litres of hot water was harnessed which was in excess of hot water needed in the Department. This solar water heating system which is a renewable energy resource will continue to serve the heating needs of the Department and the Polytechnic at large since the area has abundant and consistent solar radiation. Keywords: Design and construction; solar water heaters; solar energy, collector plate, natural circulation 

Shang, Z., Gu, J., Ding, W., & Duodu, E. A. (2018). Heuristic algorithm for 2D rectangle packing problem. Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems, 24(3), 583-590. DOI: 10.13196/j.cims.2018.03.005.

Abstract

To solve the two-dimensional Rectangular Packing Problem (RPP) efficiently, a recursive heuristic algorithm named Best Residual Space Algorithm (BRSA) was proposed. Based on the idea to make the items placement more compact and the remaining space smoother, three stages that were space division, placement position selection and optimal solution searching was adopted. Based on two sets of classical benchmark instances C21 and N13, BRSA was compared with many algorithms. The experimental results showed that BRSA was able to obtain all 100% filling rates for C21 and nine optimal solutions for N13 in shortest time, which was superior to the current algorithms in both computational efficiency and effectiveness.

Wang, Y., Baidoo, P., XU, Z. & Wu, J. (2018). Study on fatigue crack growth performance of EH36 weldments by laser shock processing. Surfaces and Interfaces, 147, 12-1.

Abstract

EH36 ship steel plates are widely used under harsh environment of ships and offshore platforms because of high specific strength, good low temperature impact toughness, good weldability, and good corrosion resistance. However, welded ship steel plates produce unforeseen crack and fatigue failure as service. In order to improve the fatigue resistance of EH36 weldments, the influence mechanism of laser shock processing (LSP) on the fatigue crack growth (FCG) rate of EH36 weldment was studied. LSP experiments and fatigue tests on EH36 compact tension (CT) weldments were carried out. The surface compressive residual stress and the micro hardness in the welding zone (WZ) with LSP-3 are 230MPa and 270HV, and grain size in the surface layer of WZ was refined. Fatigue life of EH36 weldments with LSP-3 increases by 270% compared to that of them without LSP. FCG rate obviously decreases because of the secondary cracks and narrow and dense fatigue striations occurring in the fatigue fracture. Moreover, large and deep dimples on the fatigue fracture effectively improve the plasticity of weldments. The proposed research provides the instruction to prediction the fatigue life of EH36 weldments by LSP.

Acheampong, J., Baidoo, P. & Adu, F. (2019). Organizational support and positive attitudes of employees at work. International Journal of Economics and Business, 2(2), 110-117.

Abstract

A successful organization is one which can adapt itself to environmental changes, create a purposeful management structure, and develop key competencies that will drive employees to it goals. This study sought to examine the effect of organizational support on employees’ attitude to work. And by extension sought to achieve the following specific objectives; to identify the various forms of organizational support existing in an organization, to find out whether organizational support will yield positive employees commitment to work and to find out whether organizational support will yield positive employees attitude to work. The

research design adopted was the exploratory research with a sample size of 105 employees of the organization. However, Statistical Package for Social Science software was used for the data analyses. The result shows that there is a meaningful relationship between perceived organizational support and positive employees’ attitude to work. The study found the following forms of organizational supports; provision of modern and relevant working equipment, caring about the employees well-being, monetary reward and educational support to employees.

Balis, L. E., Sowatey, G., Ansong-Gyimah, K., Ofori, E., & Harden, S. M. (2019). Older Ghanaian adults’ perceptions of physical activity: an exploratory, mixed methods study. BMC Geriatrics, 19(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1095-1

Abstract

Ghana is experiencing an epidemiological shift in public health issues toward non-communicable diseases that are underpinned by modifiable health behaviors. Physical activity rates have decreased, especially among older adults, coinciding with urbanization and an increase in sedentary work. Community-based physical activity programs are a recommended method of increasing physical activity levels; however, none currently exist in Ghana. The aim of this exploratory study was to determine older Ghanaian adults' perceptions of physical activity and asses fit and feasibility of adapting and delivering a physical activity program for this population.

Kolog, E. A, Devine, S. N. O., Ansong-Gyimah, K., Richard Osei Agjei, R. O, (2019). Fine-grained affect detection in learners’ generated content using machine learning. Education and Information Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-09948-6 ISSN1573-7608

Abstract

Learners’ adaptation to academic trajectory is shaped by several influencing factors that ought to be considered while attempting to design an intervention towards improving academic performance. Emotion is one factor that influences students’ academic orientation and performance. Tracking emotions in text by psychologists have long been a subject of concern to researchers. This is due to the challenges associated with determining the level of accuracy and consistency of decisions made from analysing such text by psychologists. Lately, Artificial Intelligence has complemented human efforts in tracking emotions in text. This paper provides an overview of machine learning application for detecting emotions in text through a Support vector machine learning system. In addition, we compared the performance of the system’s classifier to WEKA’s Multinomial Naïve-Bayes and J48 decision tree classifiers. Real time data from using the system in counselling delivery and collected students’ life stories were used for evaluating the performance of the classifiers. The evaluation results show that the Support vector machine, implemented in our system, is superior over WEKA’s Multinomial Naïve-Bayes and J48 decision tree classifiers. Nevertheless, the various classifiers performed beyond the acceptable threshold. The

implication for the findings goes to indicate that machine learning algorithms can be implemented to track emotions in text, especially from students generated content.

Asiedu, W., Dorgbefu Jnr., M, & Adu Gyamfi, S. (2018). Reliable scheme for cluster head election in mobile ad hoc networks. International journal of computer trends and technology, 61(2), 93-99.

Abstract

Ad hoc mobile devices are set of consistent heterogeneous devices that move in an independent fashion and communicate with one another over a wireless channel. These devices are presumed to have a non-deterministic mobility pattern. Clusters are formed by clubbing together nodes and heads are elected to manage, serve as a backbone, and route packets to other cluster heads. A lot of policies used in selection of cluster heads are biased in favor of some nodes. The result of the responsibilities of cluster heads, may deplete their energy faster due to higher number of communications with nodes on the network. This situation might cause them to drop out of the network. This paper therefore, proposes a reliable scheme for election of cluster heads by giving all nodes the opportunity to serve as a cluster head and provides enhancement to existing algorithms to minimize the unbalanced distribution of nodes under cluster heads and increase the active life of a node in a network. The scheme elects right cluster head and help nodes to relinquish their headship to other nodes if their power is low.

Asiedu, W., & Dorgbefu Jnr., M. (2018). Secure cloud file distribution system for untrusted network environment. International journal of engineering research and technology, 7 (7), 295-300.

Abstract

Cloud computing provides reliable and efficient services for sharing data among cloud users at low maintenance cost. Providing privacy, confidentiality, and integrity of data among users in untrusted network environment is a major issue in cloud computing systems, especially where members frequently change their groups. In this paper, we proposed secure file distribution system for untrusted network environment. Our proposed scheme allows users anonymously share their files among members by using group signature and broadcast encryption techniques. The scheme also provides low storage overheads and computational cost independent of the number of revoked users, and support handheld devices with little computational power, low memory and storage capacity. We subjected our scheme to rigorous proofs and security analysis through simulation and compare the results with other existing protocols thus, MONA and ODBE by considering computational cost for file generation and access.Bonyah E., Atangana, A., & Mehar, C. (2019). Analysis of 3D IS-LM macroeconomic system model within the scope of fractional calculus. Chaos,Solitons &Fractals: X000 100007

Abstract

A mathematical model providing an asymptotic description of macro-economic system is considered in this work. The system in general deals with performance, behaviour, decision-making of an economy as a whole and also the structure. Due to the complexities of this system, a more complex mathematical model is requested. In this work, we considered the extension of the model using some non-local differential operators and the stochastic approach where the given parameters are converted to normal distributions. We have presented the conditions of existence of uniquely exact solutions of the system using the fixed-point theorem approach. Each model is solved numerical via a newly introduced modified Adams-Bashforth for fractional differential equations. We presented numerical simulations for different values of fractional order. The models with the Atangana-Baleanu and Caputo differential operators provided us with new attractors.

Bonyah, E., Gratien, T., & Gambrah, P. (2019). Mathematical analysis of Diarrhea model with saturated incidence rate. Open J. Math. Sci, 3, 29 - 39.

Abstract

We present a compartmental mathematical model of (SITR) to investigate the effect of saturation treatment in the dynamical spread of diarrhea in the community. The mathematical analysis shows that the disease free and the endemic equilibrium points of the model exist. The disease-free equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable when R0 < 1 and unstable otherwise R0> 1. Numerical simulation results, show the effect of saturation treatment function on the spread of diarrhea. Efficacy of treatment shows a great impact in the total eradication of diarrhea epidemic.

Zahir Shah, A. U., Bonyah, E, Muhammad, A, Saeed, I, & Ikramullah (2019). Hall effect on Titania nanofluids thin film flow and radiative thermal behavior with different base fluids on an inclined rotating surface, AIP Advances, 9, 055113.

Abstract

The present study is about the investigation of different aspects of viscous and electrically conducting Titania nanofluids with different base fluids. A three dimensional geometry is assumed for the steady nanofluid flow over an inclined rotating disk by applying magnetic field. The time-independent partial differential equations are constructed from the demonstrated geometry for the continuity, momentum and energy balance. By using similarity variables transformation these equations are reduced to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. A numerical technique is used to solve the reduced system of equations. State variables are depicted to investigate the effects of various parameters with their variation. The influence of different physical parameters, like magnetic parameter M, Hall parameter m, porosity parameter , radiation parameter Rd and thickness parameter _ are briefly discussed graphically. In addition, the Nusselt number and skin friction are discussed graphically. A comparison of the applied numerical approach with the homotopy analysis method is carried out in the tabular form. Tables show the reliability of our technique verses the homotopy analysis method. The convergence of the implemented technique is presented by graph for the number of iterations performed.

Olusola, K., Bonyah, E., & Mustapha, O. L. (2019). The first integral method for two fractional non-linear biological models. Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems - Series S, 12(3), 487 – 502.

Abstract

Travelling wave solutions of the space and time fractional models for non-linear blood ow in large vessels and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule dynamics defined in the sense of Jumarie's modified Riemann-Liouville derivative via the first integral method are presented in this study. A fractional complex transformation was applied to turn the fractional biological models into an equivalent integer order ordinary differential equation. The validity of the solutions to the fractional biological models obtained with first integral method was achieved by putting them back into the models. We observed that introducing fractional order to the biological models changes the nature of the solution.

Zahir, S., Bonyah, E., Saeed, I., & Taza, Gul. (2019). Impact of thermal radiation on electrical MHD rotating flow of carbon nanotubes over a stretching sheet. AIP Advances, 9(1). DOI: 10.1063/1.5048078

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to study the inventive conception of the electrical Magneto hydrodynamics (MHD) rotational flow of Single and Multi-Walled Carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs/MWCNTs) base on the fluids (water, engine oil, ethylene glycol and kerosene oil). The thermal radiation impact is taken to be varying the purpose, to see the concentration as well as the temperature modifications between the nanofluid and the surfaces. Kerosene oil is taken as based nanofluids because of its unique attention due to their advanced thermal conductivities, exclusive features and applications. The fluid flow is assumed in steady state. The basic Navier Stocks equations have been transformed through similarity variables in the form of nonlinear differential equations. The solution of the problem has been obtained through Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). Results obtained for single and multiwall carbon nanotubes are compared. Plots have been presented in order to examine how the velocities and temperature profile get affected by various flow parameters. The numerical outputs of the physical properties are shown trough tables. The impact of Skin fraction coefficient and Nusselt number are shown in tables.

Mehmet, Y., Bonyah, E. (2019). New approaches to the fractional dynamics of schistosomiasis disease model. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications 525 DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2019.03.069

Abstract

In this paper, schistosomiasis fractional order dynamic model is examined via exponential law kernel sense and Mittag-Leffler kernel in Liouville-Caputo sense. Some special solutions for two operators are obtained using the iterative scheme through Laplace transform and Sumudu-Picard integration technique. The uniqueness and existence of solution for both

operators are established. The numerical solutions for both operators approve that the desirable results can be obtained when alpha value is less than 1.

Bonyah, E., Abdon, A., & Elsadany. (2018). A fractional model for predator-prey with omnivore. Chaos 29(1). 013136 DOI: 10.1063/1.5079512

Abstract

We consider the model of interaction of predator and prey with omnivore using three different waiting time distributions. The first waiting time is induced by the power law distribution which is the generator of Pareto statistics. The second waiting time is induced by exponential decay law with a particular property of Delta Dirac distribution when the fractional order tends to 1, this distribution is link to the Poison distribution. While the last waiting distribution, induced by the Mittag-Leffler distribution, presents a crossover from exponential to power law. For each model, we presented the conditions under which the existence of unique set of exact solutions is reached using the fixed-point Picard's method. Making use of a recent suggested numerical scheme, we solved each model numerically and some numerical simulations were generated for different values of fractional orders. We noticed a new attractor which can be considered as a combination of the Brownian motion and power law distribution in the model with the Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative. With the aim to capture more attractors, we modified the model and presented also some numerical simulations. Our new model provides more attractors than the existing one even for fractional differential cases. We presented finally the Maximal Lyapunov exponent and the bifurcation diagrams. The comparative study shows that modeling with non-local and non-singular kernel fractional derivative leads to more attractors as this kernel is able to capture more physical problems.

Bonyah, E., Muhammad, A. K., Kazeem, O. O. & Gomez A. (2018). Modelling the effects of heavy alcohol consumption on the transmission dynamics of gonorrhea with optimal control. Mathematical Biosciences, 309. DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2018.12.015

Abstract

Alcoholism has become a global threat and has a serious health consequence in the society. In this paper, a deterministic alcohol model is formulated, analyzed and the basic properties established. The reproduction number R0 of system is determined. The steady states examined and local stability is found to be both locally and globally stable. The endemic state exhibit three equilibra solutions. Furthermore, time dependent control is incorporated into the system in order to establish the best strategy in controlling the alcohol consumption and gonorrhea dynamics, using Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. The numerical results depict that the best strategy to controlling gonorrhea is the application of the three controls at the same time.

Bonyah, E., Okosun, K. O., Okosun, O. O., & Ossei, L. (2018). Mathematical modeling of Lymphatic filariasis-schistosomiasis co-infection dynamics: Insight through public education. International Journal of Ecology and Development 33(2).

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical model for Lymphatic Filariasis–schistosomiasis co-infection dynamics is explore to provide a theoretical mathematical analysis of Lymphatic Filariasis–schistosomiasis dynamics. The disease-free equilibrium is proved to be locally asymptotically stable when the respective epidemic basic reproduction number for the model is less than unity. The Lymphatic Filariasis only model and the schistosomiasis only model is each found to be showing transcritical and backward bifurcation phenomena respectively. The time dependent controls are incorporated to obtain the appropriate conditions necessary for optimal control of the disease. The numerical simulation results suggest that the best strategy in controlling the Lymphatic Filariasis–schistosomiasis co-infection is to use all the controls at the same time.

Boateng, F. O., Ackora-Prah, J. & Aidoo (2019). Solution to the dirichlet problem on irregular domains using wavelet-based approach. Journal of Advances in Mathematics and Computer Science, 30(1), 1-14. DOI: 10.9734/JAMCS/2019/45965

Abstract

We present a Finite Difference Fictitious Domain Wavelet Method (FDFDWM) with penalty for solving two dimensional (2D) Dirichlet problem for linear elliptic PDE on irregular geometric domains. In this method, the 2-D Dirichlet problem is discretized along one of the spatial variables, reducing it to a 1-D problem. The problem and the boundaries of the irregular domain are approximated using compactly supported wavelets. Results from the numerical analysis indicate that, our method performs better in terms of accuracy and convergence of the approximate solution compared with finite element method.

Arthur, Y. D., Owusu, E. K., Asiedu-Addo, S., & Arhin, A. K. (2018). Connecting mathematics to real life problems: A teaching quality that improves students’ mathematics interest. IOSR Journal of Research & Methods in Education, 8(4), 65-71.

Abstract

The Mathematics teachers’ ability to connect Mathematics to real life problems is principal to students’ interest development in Mathematics. The current study seeks to identify factors that students prefer that their Mathematics teachers would improve on to help build their interest in Mathematics. The study used random sampling technique to select ten (10) high schools and 1,263 students’ from the various subject areas to respond to a structured questionnaire on variables that contributes to the students’ Mathematics interest building process. The study used principal component analysis together with multiple linear regression analysis to analyze the effect of teachers’ ability to connect Mathematics to real life problem on the student interest in Mathematics. The study found that teachers ability to connect Mathematics to real life problem can be put into two principal component and these

components significantly (p<0.001) predicts 57.4% students interest in Mathematics. The relative importance index of the factors used for the Mathematics connection to real life problem was computed and assessed. The study found that, students’ will be more interested in Mathematics when Mathematics teachers dedicate quality time for practicing class exercise .The study also found the teacher’s ability to link Mathematics to other subject areas is key to students’ interest development in Mathematics. The study concluded that teachers’ ability to connect Mathematics to real life problems is very essential to their Mathematics interest development process.

Kwarteng, A., Arthur, Y. D., Yamba, J. K., S. A. A., Kini, P., Terkper, S. A. & Owusu-Dabo, E. (2019). Influence of seasonal variation on reported filarial attacks among people living with lymphedema in Ghana. BMC Infectious Diseases, 19, 442pp. doi.org/10.1186/s12879-019-4084-2.

Abstract

Background: Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease caused by the filarial nematode parasites that can lead to the disfiguring swelling of the limbs (lymphedema or elephantiasis for late stage) and/or genitalia (hydrocele) in men. Growing evidence suggests that not only are filarial lymphedema patients confronted with huge societal stigma and discrimination, but also experience acute filarial attacks accompanied by swelling of the affected part(s), fever, wounds and peeling of the skin of affected limbs(s). However, the extent to which seasonal variation influence filarial attacks among people with lymphedema was highly speculated without empirical evidence and was thus investigated.

Methods: In light of this, a cross-sectional study where 142 (70.4% females and 29.6% males) lymphedema patients were recruited from 8 established Wuchereria bancrofti endemic communities in the Ahanta West District, Ghana was carried out to investigate the prevalence and seasonal variation (rainy/wet and dry seasons) of acute filarial attacks. Chi-square test was used to test for association between frequency of attacks and seasonality. The STROBE guidelines for reporting cross-sectional studies was adopted.

Results: The average lymphedema leg stage was 2.37 and 2.33 for left and right legs, respectively, while mossy lesions, sores and ulcers were observed among 33.1% of patients with late stage disease (elephantiasis). It was found that 97 (68.3%) of the study participants experience filarial attacks during the wet season and 36 (25.4%) reported the incidence of filarial attacks during both seasons (wet and dry) while 9 (6.3%) of the study participants did not experience any attack at all.

Conclusions: Findings from the present study show compelling evidence that the frequency and the prevalence of filarial attacks is significantly increased during wet seasons compared to the dry season.

Gyaase, P. O., Adu Gyamfi, S., & Kuranchie, A. (2019). Gauging the E-Readiness for the integration of information and communication technology into pre-tertiary education in Ghana: An assessment of teachers' technological pedagogical content knowledge. International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education, 15(2). DOI: 10.4018/IJICTE.2019040101

Abstract

Countries are investing in information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and educating their citizens for effective ICT utilization. The attainment of the anticipated benefits hinges on effective integration of ICT in various levels of education. Effective integration of ICT requires educators and teachers who possess the skills to harness the capabilities of ICT into their teaching and learning environments. This article assesses the extent of pre-university teachers' e-readiness to utilize ICT in teaching their various subjects by assessing their technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). Although the ICT literacy of teachers in the pre-university schools in Ghana is high, their ability to utilize ICT to design and deliver subject contents and improve the learning environments of their respective subjects is low. The article suggests a comprehensive retooling of teachers with capabilities to integrate ICT in teaching their subjects.

Apau, R. & Adu Gyamfi, S. (2018). Data hiding in audio signals using elliptic curve cryptography, huffman code algorithm and low-bit encoding. International Journal of Computer Applications, 180(39), 24-34. DOI: 10.5120/ijca2018917038.

Abstract

Information security in this era has become very necessary for many aspects of life. The importance of security and privacy of data in the field of data communication has been discussed for many years. The discussion is as a result of the vulnerabilities associated with the use of the Internet and the significant strive computer technology has made in data communication. In this study, a method of audio file protection is proposed using audio steganography, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), Huffman Code Algorithm and low-bit encoding. The novelty and the uniqueness of this proposed mechanism aims to improve the security and secrecy of audio data file transmitted over the untrusted internet medium. Audio files to be transmitted are first compressed to achieve reduced file size using Huffman code algorithm. The compressed audio files are then encrypted using elliptic curve cryptography. The compressed encrypted audio file is therefore, embedded in the appropriate frame of the converted audio signal based on the histogram values using low-bit encoding scheme. The proposed system recorded low values of Bit Error Rate (BER) and Mean Square Error (MSE), high values of segmented signal-to-noise ratio (SNRseg), high values of payload capacity which far exceed the recommended threshold for audio steganography techniques. From the results obtained it can be concluded that, the study achieved higher level of security, payload capacity and robustness. The study experienced negligible level of distortion with high recorded values of SNRseg and low values of BER and MSE.

Dagadu, J. C., Li, J. P.  & Aboagye, E. O. (2019). Medical Image Encryption Based on Hybrid Chaotic DNA Diffusion. Wireless Personal Communications, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-019-06420-z

Abstract

We explore the use of two chaotic systems (Bernoulli shift map and Zizag map) coupled with deoxyribonucleic acid coding in an encryption scheme for medical images in this paper. The scheme consists of two main phases: Chaotic key generation and DNA diffusion. Firstly, the message digest algorithm 5 hash function is performed on the plain medical image and the hash value used in combination with the value of an input ASCII string to generate initial conditions and control parameters for two chaotic systems (Bernoulli shift map and Zigzag map). These chaotic systems are subsequently used to produce two separate key matrices. Secondly, a row-by-row diffusion operation between the plain image matrix and the two chaotic key matrices, using the DNA XOR algebraic operation is performed in an alternating pattern to produce the cipher image. The logistic map is used to select the DNA encoding and decoding rules for each row. Experimental results of statistical, differential and key analyses demonstrate that the proposed scheme is robust and provides resistance to various forms of attacks.

Dagadu, J.C., Li, J., Aboagye, E. O. & Deynu, F. K. (2019). Medical image encryption scheme based on multiple chaos and DNA coding. International Journal of Network Security, 21(1), 83-90. http://dx.doi.org/10.6633/IJNS.201901_21(1).10

Abstract

The combination of chaos and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) coding for image encryption in recent times has proven to provide robust security for images. In this paper, an encryption scheme based on multiple chaos and DNA coding is proposed for gray scale medical images. The chaotic tent map is used to generate chaotic key stream and the logistic map is used to randomly select DNA encoding and decoding rules. The chaotic key and the plain medical image are first encoded into DNA sequences. A selected DNA algebraic operation (addition/subtraction/XOR) is carried out between the plain image DNA sequence and the key DNA sequence; the outcome is then decoded to obtain the cipher image. The process is carried out both on row and column bases to achieve a robust cipher. The initial experimental results show that the scheme demonstrates strong resistance against diverse forms of attacks.

Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with Presentations

Danso, H

3rd International Conference on Bio-based Building Materials. June 26 - 28, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK.

Paper presented: Micro-Analysis on the Internal Structure of Fibre-Soil Composite.

Abstract

Micro-structure of any composite material influences to a greater extent the performance properties of the material. The aim of this study is to investigate the internal structure of fibre-soil composite through micro-analysis for better understanding of the material’s behavior. Soil and natural fibres were used to prepare fibre-soil composites and CT scan, SEM and optical microscopy analysis were conducted on the composites. The CT scan analysis found that pores and cracks exist in the fibre-soil composites, and the fibres are randomly distributed in the soil matrix with greater concentration at the middle portion. SEM analysis revealed that there is presence of gaps between the fibres and the soil matrix in the composite, with optical microscope analysis confirm the gaps to be 9-32, 31-51 and 53-119 µm, respectively for Bagasse, oil palm and coconut fibres. It was further revealed that the gaps are developed mainly due to the shrinkage of the fibres in the soil matrix. The study therefore concludes that fibre-soil composites develop internal micro-cracks, pores and micro gaps are formed between the fibres and the soil matrix. These identified features have the potential of influencing the performance properties of the fibre-soil composites. It is therefore recommended that further studies are conducted to assess the impact of these internal features on the properties of the fibre-soil composites.

Brett, C. & Boateng, I. (2018).

International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Congress, May 2018 Istanbul, Turkey

Paper presented

Alternative approach and toolkits for economic valuation of ecosystem services of wetlands: an application to Farlington.

Abstract

Wetlands offer a wide variety of ecosystem goods and services, such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism and regulatory functions that benefit human society. Despite this relevance, there is no generally accepted methodology for the economic valuation of ecosystem goods and services of wetlands. The existing methodologies for the valuation of ecosystem goods and services rely on revealed preference approach (willingness to pay and travel cost) due to lack of market prices for most of the services. They do not provide the actual value of ecosystem goods and services, because it is inferred from users’ opinion and willingness rather than the actual benefit or services derived from the ecosystem. In addition, they lack simple resources and tools in order to make them user-friendly for surveyors and researchers assessing ecosystem services value. This paper attempts to develop an alternative holistic approach for the valuation of ecosystem good and services. The methodology includes

fieldwork, case study and assessment of actual market values for each ecosystem goods and services, and application of opportunity cost where market values could not be ascertained. The results provide a realistic and evidence-based value to inform sustainable exploitation and management of wetlands. The paper concludes by advocating for the acceptance of this evidence-based valuation methodology for the economic valuation of ecosystem goods and service.