College of Science

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Absenteeism Among Rural Teachers: The Contribution of “Poor Remuneration”, “Qualification of Teachers” and “Furthering Studies on Distance Learning”
(2013-07-09) Basiru, Nsoah Kwesi
According to Julius Nyerere― Education will not give one the chance to escape poverty but it will fight poverty from ones community. Education is therefore an earn in itself as well as means to other earns. However, people in the Pru district are gradually losing these enormous benefits of education,this largely is due to absenteeism of teachers from class. The negative effect absenteeism poses to education calls for a study into it. Constas and Vichas (1980) however determined some common variables such as poor remuneration, teachers furthering education and Qualification of teachers as the main contributors of absenteeism.This research is to further check the contribution of these variables, formulate a model for absenteeism and use it to model and predict absenteeism.Poor remuneration is the number contribution to absenteeism and it will be very appropriate to redirect a larger chunk of budget on remuneration of teacher instead of recruiting substitute teachers among others. There is a 99.9% chance that a teacher whose remuneration is good will always be in school irrespective of their Qualification or them furthering education.A database should also be set on attendance of teachers then monitoring and evaluation should be enforced.
Abuse of psychotropic substances -a survey of some first and second cycle institutions in the Bosomtwi and Atwima-Kwanwoma Districts in Ashanti Region of Ghana
(2010-06-02) Assabil, James Kwesi
A random survey using semi-structured questionnaires was conducted in 13 selected first and second cycle schools in the Bosomtwi and Atwima Kwanwoma Districts of Ashanti Region to ascertain the effects of increased abuse of psychotropic substances on the academic performances of 600 students interviewed at random. The psychotropic drugs identified to be abused by the students include: amphetamines; coffee; cigarette; cocaine; marijuana; alcohol and heroine. Majority (94%) of pupils abuse both coffee and alcohol and 31% of pupils abuse marijuana, amphetamine, cocaine and heroine. Although majority (about 56%) of them claim the use of these drugs had improved their academic performances, about 11% of them rather developed truant behavioral problems with abysmal academic performances in the long run. The majority (about 61%) of them also got introduced to the drugs by their families and friends. Ninety six percent of the pupils were exposed to the problem of psychotropic substances abuse at an average age of about 11.5 years. This problem is worst in pupils with single parents or divorcees and also when adolescents are in serious financial problems. Parent remittances were the main source of money for the purchase of drugs. Majority (51%) of the student drug abusers were males although females constitute 45% of the population in these schools. However, the likelihood ratio of abuse amongst male and female students were either asymptotically insignificant (P<0.07) or linearly insignificant (P<0.4). The study generally revealed little improvement in academic performances in schools with increased drug use and the District Education Oversight Committees (DEOCs) as well as Parent Teacher Associations in the two Districts need to seriously get involved in school management programs to assist the implementation of child care monitoring programmes at home and schools in order to find a lasting solution to the rampant drug abuse problem.
Accumulation of Copper from Application of Copper-Based Fungicides and its Relationship with Soil Chemical Properties and Microbial Biomass in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District of Ghana
(SEPTEMBER, 2016) Kakutey, Kingsford
Black pod disease is a major cause of yield loss in cocoa production worldwide and the disease is mostly controlled by copper-based fungicides. However, prolong usage of these fungicides might have negative impact on soil fauna and other soil chemical properties. Ghana Cocoa Board continues to assist farmers to spray their cocoa farms with copper-based fungicides. This study was conducted in selected cocoa farms and uncultivated forests close to these farms which have never been sprayed with fungicides as reference. The study was to investigate the extent of accumulation of copper from the application of copper-based fungicides and its relationship with soil chemical properties and microbial biomass in three communities namely Akaasu, Kyeikrom and Tuntum in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District. Soil samples were collected at two distinct depths, 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. The fresh soil samples were divided into two. One was immediately sieved through 4 mm mesh and stored at 4 0C for the soil microbial test. The other half was air dried, sieved through a 2 mm mesh and stored in plastic bags for the chemical analysis. Results showed that Tuntum cocoa plantation recorded the highest concentration of total copper (286.54 mgkg-1) while Akaasu cocoa plantation recorded the least total copper concentration of (215.63 mgkg-1). Extractable and total copper vary significantly (P < 0.05) in both top and sub soils of the cocoa plantations from their respective reference values. However, soil pH, nitrogen and organic matter from soils of the cocoa plantations did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) from their reference soils. Results from correlation analysis revealed that extractable and total copper in both the top and sub soils correlated negatively with the levels of organic matter. The relationship between extractable and total copper with microbial biomass were also negatively correlated but not significant (P > 0.05) from the regression analysis in all the study locations. The findings have also shown that the concentrations of copper in the soils of cocoa plantations have not reached their critical levels.
Accumulation of Toxic and Essential Elements in Clams and Sediments from the Volta Estuary
(2013-12-10) Baffoe, Stephen Yaw
The clams (Galatea paradoxa) and sediments were collected from the Volta Estuary in Ghana for six months’ period at Ada and Aveglo. They were analysed for six different elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Se) using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and Automatic mercury analyzer Model HG 5000. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) clams were analysed over the period. The mean elements concentrations in the tissues of the G. paradoxa from Ada sampling site ranged from: Cd: 0.09 -0.17 mg/kg; Cr: 3.42 – 20.51 mg/kg; Cu: 0.55 – 3.10 mg/kg; Hg: 0.05 – 0.12 mg/kg; Ni: 5.49 – 27.96 mg/kg and Se: 0.34 – 0.49 mg/kg. That of o sediments were: Cd: 0.09 mg/kg; Cr: 15.03 mg/kg; Cu: 89.94 mg/kg; Hg: 0.06 mg/kg; Ni: 47.16 mg/kg and Se: 0.41 mg/kg. For Aveglo the mean metal concentrations in clam tissues were: Cd: 0.07 - 0.14 mg/kg; Cr: 2.01 –24.10 mg/kg; Cu: 0.79 – 3.65 mg/kg; Hg: 0.04 – 0.09 mg/kg; Ni: 10.25 – 28.14 mg/kg and Se: 0.13 – 0.29 mg/kg and the sediment samples recorded the mean metal concentrations as: Cd: 0.07 mg/kg; Cr: 16.28 mg/kg; Cu: 75.66 mg/kg; Hg: 0.04 mg/kg; Ni: 51.25 mg/kg and Se: 0.38 mg/kg. The analysis of the elements concentrations in the tissues of the different clams in relation to body size for the Ada sampling site shows significant difference (p < 0.05) for Cd and Cu in the various clam sizes. The mean concentrations of Cr, Hg, Ni and Se exhibited significant differences (p>0.05) in concentration between some clam sizes at Ada sampling site. The test for difference in mean concentrations of Cd and Cr showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the various clam size classes at the Aveglo sampling site. Nevertheless, there was no significant differences (p > 0.05) showed between the mean concentrations of Cu, Hg, Ni and Se for some clam sizes. The evaluation of the risk associated with consumption of clams from the Volta estuary using WHO/FAO Standards for Bivalves, the Tolerable daily Intake (TDI), the rate of shellfish consumption (RSC), Risk Quotients (RQs) and the levels of concerns (LOCs) suggest that the normal consumption rates should be safe with regards to Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni and Se in the clam tissues except for Cr in medium to large clam sizes whose concentrations exceeded the WHO/FAO Standards for Bivalves legal limits The mean elements concentration of Cu in sediments for both Ada and Aveglo exceeded the NOAA Effects Range – Low (ERL) value of 20.9 mg/kg and CSQG Threshold Effects Level (TEL) value of 52.3 mg/kg whilst Ni at both sampling sites exceeded the NOAA Effects Range – Low (ERL) of 20.9 mg/kg. Sediment metal concentrations for Cd, Cr, Hg and Se were below the various effect ranges at all sites. The geoaccumulation index indicates practically unpolluted sediments as far as elements Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Se are concerned except for Cu.
Acid Mine Drainage: Effect of acid mine drainage on water and soil resources within the Bogoso/Prestea Mine Resource. (Bogoso Concessional Area)
(FEBURARY, 2009) Afriyie – Debrah, Charles
Heavy metals contamination (As, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cd) and other physico-chemical changes (pH, temperature, EC, DO, alkalinity, S042-, free CN) in underground and surface water, and carbonate carbon and sulphate sulfur in soil samples due to the effect of acid mine drainage (AMD) were assessed around Golden Star Resource Mine (Bogoso concession). Underground and surface water samples were collected from seven different sites and soil samples from three different sites within Golden Star Resources Mine (Bogoso concession) between November, 2006 and April, 2007. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine the heavy metal concentrations whilst the physico-chemical parameters were determined using standard methods. Average total levels of arsenic, iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cadmium were 0.0313, 3.7675, 0.0518, 0.0382, 0.8102 and 0.008 (mg/l) and average dissolved levels were 0.0104, 0.6737, 0.0356, 0.0256, 0.6998 and < 0.005 (mg/l) in surface water respectively. In underground water, average total levels of arsenic, iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cadmium were 0.0058, 5.8220, 0.1676, 0.0339, 0.2521 and 0.0065 (mg/l) whilst average dissolved levels were 0.0050, 4.3496, 0.1219, 0.0215, 0.2239 and 0.006 (mg/l) respectively. Iron and manganese levels in surface and underground waters exceeded Ghana Environmental Protection Agency standards for mining effluent. Differences in pH, temperature, E.C, alkalinity, S042-, iron, Cu, Zn and Mn levels in the seven water samples were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Surface water samples recorded values of EC and S042- ions higher than in underground water samples which exceeded acceptable limits. Carbon and sulfur in soil samples varied from 0.1922 to 1.8247 % and 0.0237 to 1.5830 % respectively. The results of the study showed high impact of AMD on water quality in Bogoso mining area. This effect could be attributed to the release of metals as a result of oxidation of metal-bearing sulphides in the mine dumps and pits at the selected sampling sites. The study showed that addition of lime as a treatment option has not been effective. Hence new conventional methods should be considered in the treatment of acidic water (AMD) in the mining area.
Acrylamide Exposure and Risks in Most Frequently Consumed Foods in a Total Diet Study
(2018-10-31) Siaw, Michelle Oppong
The neurotoxic and carcinogenic nature of acrylamide, coupled with the recent emphasis of the “probable carcinogenic” status of acrylamide is a cause for concern requiring further studies. The objective of this study was to determine the carcinogenic and neurotoxic risks associated with the consumption of frequently consumed foods in a Total Diet Study (TDS). From a selection of 80 frequently consumed foods, the acrylamide concentrations in the foods were purified by the QuEChERS method of extraction and purification, and the concentrations of acrylamide were determined using the HPLC. Acrylamide was detected in 82% of all the foods analyzed, and the levels ranged from 1.33×10-3 ± 1.89 to 14.39×10-3 ± 6.33 mg/g. The probabilistic approach was used to model the chronic exposures using the Monte Carlo simulation of the Palisade @Risk software. The mean, 50th and 95th percentile values for acrylamide exposures were in the range of 1.56×10-3 to 1.88×10-2, 3.21×10-4 to 5.85×10-3 and 6.16×10-3 to 8.32×10-2 mg/kg bw/day respectively. The mean and 95th percentile values for the margins of exposure (MOE) for the risk of tumorigenesis and neurotoxicity were below the thresholds, hence posing significant public health concern. Generally, the lifetime cancer risks of male consumers were higher compared to that of the female consumers. The median and 95th percentile consumers presented unacceptable risk, since their lifetime cancer risks were greater than the de minimus (10-6). The elements that imparted the most on the overall lifetime cancer risk of the consumers were the exposure duration and the concentration of acrylamide in the foods. To lower these lifetime cancer risks, mitigation studies can thus, be mounted in order to help lower the concentrations of acrylamide in the foods.
Acrylamide resulting from heat-time treatment in pigeon pea, a neglected and underutilized legume
(2014-10-15) Dankwah, Rita
The influence that heat-time treatment has on the concentration of acrylamide in roasted pigeon pea was analysed. The study focussed on optimising the roasting conditions using Response Surface Methodology (RMS) to minimise concentration of acrylamide in roasted Pigeon pea. The treatment conditions used were temperatures in the range of 80 – 120 oC and time of 10 - 60 min, additive of 0.1-1.0 g and soaking solvent prepared with citric acid or phosphoric acid. Analysis of the data showed that the concentration of acrylamide content significantly increased as the temperature and time of processing increased (p<0.005). Citric acid and phosphoric acid used as additives in soaking the Pigeon pea had no significant effect on acrylamide formation. The optimization of process parameters to give low level of acrylamide resulted in roasting temperature of 80ºC for 10 min and 0.1g mass of additive with citric acid as the soaking solvent having a desirability of 0.972. The roasted Pigeon pea produced using the optimized conditions resulted in a concentration of acrylamide (1.76g/kg).
Actuarial Applications of Hierarchical Modeling to Health Insurance Claims
(October 22, 2015) Atta-Mensah, Michael
This study demonstrates actuarial applications that can be performed on the Health insurance claims in the country. To achieve this, data from the CPC scheme in Accra of the NHIA in the year 2013 was employed for the study. this consisted of facility type, number of claims submitted(in-patient and out-patient) and amount submitted (in-patient,out-patient,drugs and services charges). A hierarchical model allowing for frequency, claim type and severity amount to be jointly modeled was used. Based on this hierarchical model, we proceeded to estimate premium values under various conditions, however due to lack of information from the insurer most of these estimates could not be stated categorically. Applications of the study was also made to the Value-at-Risk theory. This fact not withstanding, a case has been made for the consideration of the hierarchical modeling approach to be considered as the means of analyzing health insurance claims since this model takes into consideration not only the loss (severity) amount submitted but also considers most especially factors integral to the planning and budgeting of the insurer, and these are, the frequency and type of claim. The hierarchical modeling approach thus provided further insight which previously was overlooked.
Actuarial modeling of health insurance claim reserves using the chainladder
(NOVEMBER, 2019) Opoku, Genevieve;
The preparation for outstanding claims is one of the main factors of technical provisions of Insurance company’s liabilities. Minimising the digression of the true amount of reserves from its estimation is one of the major actuarial challenges. Though the NHIA request the use of Chain Ladder method amidst the various actuarial models for reserve, most health insurance companies default in settling their claims on time leading to the pullout of some healthcare service providers in providing services to customers under the defaulters’ schemes. This thesis summarizes the salient techniques typically used for the estimation of outstanding claims reserves in non-life insurance specifically health insurance, including those to estimate the claims development. This research goes for estimation of health claim reserves in Ghana utilizing Inflation-adjusted chain ladder, Mack chain ladder and Bootstrap chain ladder technique. Claim data on Nationwide Medical Insurance Co. Ltd for my examination ranges from January 2008 to December 2017. Results indicate the Inflation-adjusted Chain Ladder had a superior reserve estimate than that of Mack Chain ladder and Bootstrap Chain Ladder methods.
The acute toxicity of karate, dursban and actellic to Heterobranchus Bidorsalis (Geoffrey St. Hilaire) Tiliapia Zillii (Gervais), Oreochromis Niloticus (Linn) and Sarotherodon Galilaeus (Artedi)
(1995) Godzi, Trinity Ama
The acute toxicity of Karate, Dursban and Actellic to Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Tilapia zillii, Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon galilaeus was investigated by the static method for 96 hours. The 96-hour LC50 values obtained for Karate, Dursban and Actellic to Heterobrancbus bidorsalis and Tilapia zillii showed that Karate is the most toxic to the two species of fish. This is followed by Dursban while Actellic is the least toxic. For Oreochromis niloticus, the 96 hour LC50 values obtained indicated that Dursban is more toxic than Karate. The 96 hour LC50 values obtained with Karate to the various fish species showed Heterobranchus bidorsalis to be the least resistant of the four species. Sarotherodon galilaeus came next, followed by Tilapia zillii with Oreochromis niloticus being the most resistant. Actellic was shown to be more toxic to Tilapia zillii than it is to Heterobranchus bidorsalis. For Dursban, Oreochromis niloticus was the least resistant followed by Heterobranchus bidorsalis while Tilapia zillii was the most resistant. The 96-hour LC50 values obtained for the acute toxicity tests for Karate using Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Tilapia zilhii, Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon galilaeus were 0.006±0.001mg/l, 0.020±0.017mg/l, 0.040±0.032mg/l and 0.016±0.008mg/l respectively. For Actellic, the LC50s obtained using Heterobranchus bidorsalis and Tilapia zillii were 1.250±0.833mg/i and 0.700±0.250mg/l respectively. The values obtained for Dursban using Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Tilapia zillii, and Oreochromis niloticus were 0.270±0.l7Omg/l, 0.280±0.088mg/l and 0.040±0.019mg/l respectively. The percentage mortality of the species of fish used was directly proportional to increasing concentration and time. The plot of median mortality times against concentration on a semi- log paper produced curves which were asymptotic to the LC50s of Karate with Tilapia zillii, Dursban with Oreochromis niloticus and Actellic with Heterobranchus bidorsalis. This is an indication that Karate, Dursban and Actellic are not acutely toxic to Tilapia zillii, Oreochromis niloticus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis respectively at infinite dilution.
Adaptation and effects of social media in teaching and learning at the second cycle institution level in Ghana
(AUGUST, 2016 ) Dore-Natteh, Doris
The proliferation of social media platforms freely accessible online using cell mobile devices, PCs and the immense interest of this generation of students in such platforms to the detriment of their studies has cause for concern. As it is almost impossible to block students from engaging on these platforms, it therefore becomes imperative to find a way to make them use the social media for useful purposes. The primary reason for this study is to determine the feasibility of adapting the use of social media in teaching and learning; and to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of these media for instructional engagement by instructors and learners at the second cycle institution level in Ghana. In the course of the study, Facebook© and WhatsApp© were used to supplement traditional classroom instruction and the impacts on students' motivation, learning experience and performance were assessed. Qualitative Case Study research method was used for this study. Interviews conducted were transcribed and composed into three phases of sorting out subjective information as suggested by Strauss and Corbin (1998). The results of the study demonstrate positive results in the use of the social media (Facebook and WhatsApp) to augment classroom teaching and learning with respect to students’ motivation, learning experience and performance suggesting effectiveness and efficiency of the instructional blend. Implication of the results is that the findings can be utilized as a reference for educators and curriculum designers to find meaningful use of social media for teaching and learning in second cycle institutions in Ghana. The study however reveals some challenges such as affordance, access to mobiles devices and irregular power supply that need to be addressed in order not exacerbate the problem of digital divide.
Adding value to agricultural waste: production and quality assessment of coconut coir as soilless media for plant production
(2005) Adomako, Charles
Coconut husks from two major sources (coastal and inland areas) were used in the study. Coir dust (CD) produced were grouped into five treatments and labeled CD- 1 to CD- 5. The study was to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of the five media and the growth response of Salvia splendeus seeds. Five media mixes based on mixture of coir dust and sawdust with coir dust in increment of volume from 0 to 100% coir dust and KNUST soil mix as control substrate. The 50% coir and 50% sawdust blend had the best percentage germination (90%) with KNUST mix the lowest of 65%. There was no difference in percentage germination of 100% coir and 100% sawdust media. However, it was realized that various media had significant effect on growth rate after 4thi week of germination. The various sources of husks also had significant effect (p< 0.05) on Electrical conductivity, potassium, Nitrogen, Manganese, Moisture, Bulk Density, pH, Calcium, Iron, Sodium and Chloride contents but there were no significant difference (p> 0.05) in Phosphorus and Magnesium contents. Although significant differences were observed among sources of coconut coir with respect to physical and chemical properties, most mineral elements were within ranges reported for coir and sphagnum peats (Handreck, 1993) and considered acceptable substrates to be used in most horticultural applications. Due to the variability of minerals that exist among coir produced from various sources, coir products must be evaluated and amended before use. It should be noted that coconut coir dusts does not support and sustain plant growth for a lifetime unless otherwise supplied with continuous fertilizer regimes or are prepared in combination with other media.
Adsorptive removal of arsenic and manganese from groundwater
(2005-11-14) Addae-Mensah, Afiba
Groundwater remains the most important source of water supply for rural communities in Ghana. Currently, over 95% of the domestic water needs of rural communities are obtained from this source. In some localities, the quality of groundwater is affected by the occurrence of Arsenic (As) and Manganese (Mn) in concentrations above tough and 0.1mg/l respectively which are the World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable limits for drinking water. This is a limiting factor in the choice of this resource. Water supply companies are currently seeking to improve the process of As and Mn removal from groundwater. In this study, Adsorption capacity of locally available filter media namely, laterite and Iron Oxide Coated Sand (ICS) were investigated for removal of As and Mn from synthetic water. Batch studies were conducted under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Changes in concentrations of As and Mn were determined using the Atomic Adsorption Spectrometer (AAS) and Graphite furnace AAS. Adsorption isotherms were prepared using different concentrations of Mn. Isotherms were not prepared for As due to constraints of time. The effect of pH on adsorptive trends was also investigated into. The filter media was then used for treatment of real groundwater seeded with different concentrations of Mn and As from Ayeduase Township. Results of the study show that adsorption under conditions of anaerobic and aerobic is comparable prior to the attainment of equilibrium by the anaerobic case. However the aerobic adsorption process continues slowly and consistently probably because the adsorbed Mn2+ gets oxidized to form manganese oxides and manganese oxyhydroxide complexes. These complexes form a new external coating round the media and facilitate further adsorption of Mn2+ ions, The anaerobic adsorption data of both ICS and laterite fined well with the Freundlich’s Isotherm. The results revealed that, iron oxide coated sand has higher adsorption capacity than laterite. This may be due to higher iron and manganese oxide content in the coating of the coated sand as compared to the amount in the laterite. The iron oxide coated sand also had higher adsorption intensity as compared to the laterite. Better adsorption trends were realized at higher pH for both media.
Aeromagnetic and Airborne Radiometric Data Interpretation on Chirano Area of the Sefwi Gold Belt
(2015-11-03) Appiah, Desmond
The Chirano gold deposit is hosted in Paleoproterozoic rocks within the Sefwi Birimian metavolcanic belt which has been metamorphosed regionally to greenschist facies. Aeromagnetic and airborne radiometric datasets were used to examine the Chirano area. Very important information (lithology and geological features) were acquired from the datasets. These data (aeromagnetic and airborne radiometric) were enhanced to improve on the data quality to help locate the geological boundaries and features which may be of economical importance. First vertical derivative, analytic signal and reduction to the pole were some of the mathematical algorithms used in enhancing the magnetic data. These enhancements aided in locating the folds, fractures and faults which may entrap hydrothermal fluid (deposits). The Birimian metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks which are eminent in hosting gold mineralization and other metal ores were mapped as well in the Belt. The values recorded from the radiometric survey gave the amount of the uranium (U), potassium (K) and thorium (Th) which were very useful in mapping the Birimian metavolcanics, metasediments, zones of extreme deformation (altered zones) found in the lithology and contact zones between the main geological formations (lithological boundaries). The metasediments and the Belt-type granitoid (B1) were delineated to have high K, Th and U. The high resolution airborne radiometric and magnetic datasets of the study area (Chirano) gave an improved description of the major rock sequences, lithological boundaries and geological structures. This research demonstrates the worth of sets of data from geophysical surveys in mapping the possible geological structures which control the mineralization of hydrothermal gold.
Aflatoxin M1 Contamination of Raw Cow Milk, Milk Products and Dietary Exposure
(November, 2018) Addo-Boadu, Collins
Globally, the occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in milk and milk products has been reported in many countries and therefore a thorny issue especially for developing countries. Despite the health effects of exposure to Aflatoxin M1 such as acute liver damage, cirrhosis of the liver and tumor induction, studies on occurrence and dietary exposure is generally lacking in Ghana. This study therefore sought to determine the incidence and dietary exposure to Aflatoxin M1 in three selected suburbs in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Thirty (30) samples of raw cow’s milk, 30 samples of Burkina drink and 23 locally made cheese (wagashi) were randomly purchased from the three suburbs (Ashaiman, Madina, Nima) in the Greater Accra region and analysed for the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). Solid phase extraction was used for the extraction and clean-up of samples and subsequently analysed using a high-performance chromatography coupled with fluorescence detector and Pyridinium Bromide Perbromide (PBPB) as a post column derivatization agent for detection and quantification. Using a food frequency questionnaire to obtain food consumption estimates and mean body weights, a deterministic approach was used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFM1 through raw cow’s milk, burkina drink and wagashi. Five of the thirty milk samples (16.67%) were positive with mean AFM1 levels of ±0.25 ug/l. Seven of the thirty Burkina samples (23.33%) showed presence of AFM1 with mean concentration of ±0.09 ug/l. Five of the cheese samples showed presence of AFM1 with mean concentration of ±0.04 ug/kg. The concentrations of AFM1 were lower in the locally made cheese than in the raw cow’s milk and Burkina drink. All the individual results for each product was above the EU limit of 0.05 ug/kg. For EDI, the results obtained showed that infants recorded the highest mean AFM1 across the three food types and therefore the age group exposed to significant risk. AFM1 intake through wagashi was relatively lower across all age groups compared to burkina drink and raw cow’s milk.
Agrochemical usage and environmental contamination: a case study of Agogo vegetable farming project in Ashanti Region of Ghana
(2000) Eyiah - Mensah, Kwesi
A survey was conducted at Agogo in the Asante Akirn North District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana to assess the perception, attitude and use of pesticides and fertilizers by farmers. The common pesticides used were Karate (Larnbdaccylathine) an insecticide: Thiodan (Endosulfan) an insecticide: Dithane (Mancozeb). a fungicide: Kocide (Cupric Hydroxide), a fungicide and Sammpi No 3, a fertilizer. All farmers interviewed used inorganic fertilizer and the only means to combat pest resurgence is by application of synthetic pesticides. Majority of them are semi-illiterate and the decision on amount of pesticide to he applied is based on the level of pest infestation. Turbidity of all rivers exceeded the W.H.O. guideline limits, while phosphate, nitrate and nitrite were not detected in any of the rivers. Alkalinity was far below the W.H.O. guideline value in all the rivers but its presence was significant with Kowire recording the highest level of 44.3 mg/I CaCO3. The mean levels of the heavy metals in water ranged as follows: Cd, 0.086-0.1 19mg/l: Pb. 0.18- 0.43mg/l: Zn, 0.25 0.40mg/l: Ni, 0.48- 0.59mg/l and Cu, 0.24 - 0.86mg/l. The mean Cd and Pb concentrations in water exceeded the W.H.O. guideline limits, while Cu and Zn were below the recommended safe values. Cadmium’ lead and zinc levels in sediment were higher than in unpolluted sediments, while copper was lower. Heavy metal residue in soil in both 0 - 15cm and 15 - 30cm depths were compared to levels reported for unpolluted arable soil. Cd, and Zn levels were above the guideline value reported for unpolluted arable soil. Pb and Cu were below, while Ni was within this range. Soil analysis of phosphorus recorded a range of 15.7kg/ha to 40.3/ha at pH range of 5.3 to 7.2, which is within the range of values reported in similar soils. Lead and cadmium concentration in the rivers were high above W.H.O. guideline hence the rivers were contaminated by these metals, so were sediments in their respective rivers. The soils were also contaminated with cadmium. It is recommended that Pesticides and heavy metals levels should be determined in some of the vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbages and aquatic biota. Also, Ministry of Food and Agriculture im collaboration with other relevant institutions should organize educational and training programmes on pesticides handling, application and proper farming practices for the farmers at Agogo.
Allele Frequency Distribution of FGA and D18S51 STR Markers among the Asante Population of Ghana
(August, 2017) Agyekum, Harriet Biaa
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are highly polymorphic loci in the human genome and are used worldwide for forensic identification. STR loci or markers are motifs with 2-6 base pair repeats in the chromosome of an individual. A key problem with STR application is that; in most sub-Saharan African countries of which Ghana forms a part, there is limited knowledge and information concerning allele frequency distributions among different populations. In this study, the allele frequencies of 60 unrelated Asante individuals among the Ghanaian population were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Statistical parameters of forensic importance such as observed and expected heterozygosity (HO and He), homozygosity and polymorphism information content (PIC) were calculated for the study markers FGA and D18S51. The parameters indicated the effectiveness of the markers in forensic study among the Asante population. The PIC, He and Ho were 0.8580, 0.8704 and 0.3038 for FGA and 0.8358, 0.8530 and 0.2154 for D18S51, respectively. The obtained information on the FGA and D18S51 markers demonstrates that these loci are useful for forensic and identification purposes. This is the first time to establish the frequency distribution of FGA and D18S51 markers of which it is of much importance to the that Asante population and Ghana as a whole.
Amino Acid and Fatty Acid Profiles of Some Selected Local Varieties Of Rice, Soybean and Groundnut
(2011-06-15) Essien, Naomi Amo
The aim of this study was to determine the amino acid and fatty acid profiles of some locally grown rice, soybean and groundnut varieties and to make recommendations for their use in formulating various weaning diets. This was considered a crucial research area as part of efforts being made towards the determination of the total nutritional quality of foodstuffs, especially in their possible utilization in complementary weaning food formulation. The amino acid profiles of five rice varieties; Digang, Nerica-1, Jasmine-85, Nerica-2 and Sikamo were determined. The amino acid and fatty acid profiles of four varieties of soybean; Anidaso, Jenguma, Quarshie and Salintuya and four varieties of groundnut; Sinkarzie, Chinese, Manipinta and F-Mix, all grown in Ghana, were also determined. For amino acid analyses, the method used was acid hydrolysis followed by HPLC analysis employing ELSD detection. For fatty acid analyses of the extracted oils, methylation followed by gas chromatography employing flame detection was used. Results obtained showed that Nerica-1, Sinkarzie and Quarshie had the best amino acid profile for rice, groundnut and soybean varieties respectively. Results also showed that Salintuya and F-Mix had the best fatty acid profiles for soybean and groundnut respectively. The study has shown that Nerica-1 can be used to complement F-Mix in weaning food formulation. Salintuya can be used to complement both Nerica-1 and F-Mix due to its excellent amino acid and fatty acid profiles. Anidaso and Manipinta can also be used as alternatives to Salintuya and F-Mix respectively to complement Nerica-1.
Anaerobic treatment of leachate from faecal sludge drying beds
(2001-12-13) Agbottah, Seth
Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out on the leachate from faecal sludge drying beds of a Pilot Co-composting Plant at Buobai in Kumasi from February 8 to July 15, 2002 in order to ascertain the quality of the leachate and propose a management system for it. For a dewatering cycle, the first day, last day and the composite leachate samples were analysed. The average quality parameters obtained for the leachate were 305 mg/l SS, 3,052 mg/l COD, 881 mg/l BJD, 415 mg/I NH3-N, 265 mg/l P04-P and 1.12 x 106 per l00ml Faecal coliforms. These values when compared with the EPA recommended discharge guidelines show that the leachate is poor in quality and thus requires treatment prior to reuse or discharge into the environment. In investigating the treatment of the leachate, it was subjected to a laboratory scale anaerobic treatment. Two categories of leachate samples were investigated; samples seeded with anaerobic sludge and samples without seeding. The maximum percentage removals for the unseeded leachate after 6 days of treatment were 70% 52.4%, 57.7%, 28.1 and 29.4% for SS, COD, BOD, PO4-P and Faecal coiiform respectively. For the seeded leachate, the removals were 72.7%, 56.1%, 57.9%, 19.1% and 28.2% respectively for SS, COD, BOD, PO4-P and Faecal coliform. The values for the seeded leachate were not significantly different from those for the unseeded leachate. Thus, for anaerobic treatment of the leachate no seeding is required. The anaerobic treatment could not produce the desired quality for reuse or discharge into water bodies. It is therefore recommended that additional treatment is necessary to further lower the pollution load of anaerobic treated leachate effluents and to reduce public health risks.
Analysing the major effects of exports and imports on the balance of foreign trade in Ghana
(2013-05-11) Yakubu, Kanyiri Dekongmene
The primary objectives of this thesis were to find out which export and import commodities have significant effect on balance of trade in Ghana, and to make comparison on export and import commodities on balance trade...

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