Welcome to UGSpace
UGSpace is the institutional repository of the University of Ghana. UGSpace is an open access electronic archive for the collection, preservation and distribution of digital materials.
- facilitate the deposit of digital content of a scholarly or heritage nature
- and ultimately share, preserve and promote the intellectual output of the University in a managed environment.
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Select a community to browse its collections.
- Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.
- The content include public lectures and inaugural lectures within University of Ghana.
- A working paper is a scientific or technical paper produced by researchers to share ideas or obtain feedback from a selected readership. Working papers can be in various stages of completion and are not peer reviewed or published in a journal.
Recent Submissions
Exposure Assessment of Some Heavy Metals (Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Copper and Zinc) in Locally Produced Rice Sold in Accra Metropolis
(University of Ghana, 2023) Karikari, D.A.
Rice is the second-most consumed cereal in Ghana. However, human activities such as mining and
excessive use of agro-chemicals in some farming areas have the potential to pollute rice with heavy
metals, and compromise food safety. The objective of this study was to assess the levels and risk
of heavy metals in locally produced rice sold in Accra Metropolis. Also, the quantity and
consumption pattern of rice in Accra was also surveyed using structured questionnaire. A total of
385 consumers who consented participated in the survey. Information collected included sex, age,
and body weight as well as frequency and quantity of rice consumed. Children’s consumption
information was collected from parents or caregivers. Thirty samples of local rice (uncooked) were
sampled from markets and analyzed for heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, copper,
and zinc) using ICP-MS. Exposure assessment was conducted using the U.S. EPA method. The
estimated intake, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk were determined. Survey results showed
participants weighed between 60 and 69 kg, consumed an average of 496.36 grams of rice per
week and 221.67 grams of rice per day. Children consumed averagely 58.33 grams of rice per day
and 142.43 grams of rice per week and they weighed between 21 and 30 kg. Concentration of
heavy metals in all the rice samples were below the upper limit permitted by Codex. However, the
consumption of local rice was found to be associated with carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic
hazards in both adults and children from the outcome of the risk assessment. Exposure to arsenic,
lead, and cadmium were of primary concern for the children whilst for the adults, it was arsenic
and lead. The health risk of exposure to heavy metals should be publicized and education
intensified in order to protect public health.
Prevalence, Awareness and Factors Associated with Respiratory Morbidities among Fuel Pump Attendants in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2023) Bonaparte, D.
Background: Petroleum has disastrous effects on the respiratory health of humans. Exposure to petroleum products when fuelling vehicles and by-products make fuel attendants susceptible to several respiratory illnesses, including asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite the effects of petroleum products on respiratory health, studies investigating the effects of such exposure among fuel pump attendants in Ghana remain scant. Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence, knowledge, and risk factors for respiratory morbidities among gas station attendants at a sample of stations in the Greater Accra region. Methods: A cross-sectional design, using a quantitative approach was used to measure the awareness, prevalence and factors associated with respiratory morbidities among 141 fuel pump attendants in Accra, Ghana. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to evaluate chronic respiratory disease symptoms. Next, lung function tests were performed using a peak flow meter to assess the respiratory health of each participant. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine which factors might influence the occurrence of respiratory morbidities among fuel pump attendants. Data collected was analysed using STATA® version 16 software. Results: The majority (86.5%) of the fuel pump attendants were males. Nearly all (95%) of the fuel pump workers were aware of the dangers associated with working in the fuel pump stations and how exposure to the hazards can affect their health. Approximately 36% of the fuel pump attendants suffered respiratory morbidity (signs, symptoms, decreased PEFR, and abnormal auscultatory findings). Work-related factors such as years of working experience, working hours, and monthly income were significantly associated with the prevalence of respiratory morbidities among fuel pump attendants. Conclusion: Fuel pump attendants are aware of the respiratory risks associated with their job tasks; however, factors such as work duration, experience, and income were significantly associated with a high prevalence of respiratory morbidities among them. This highlights the need for employers and health officials to implement evidence-based strategies to reduce the risk of respiratory morbidities.
Relationship between Career Satisfaction, Life Satisfaction and Retirement Preparedness of Near-Retirees of the Local Government Service of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2023) Gbedemah, D.D.
Retirement remains a transition that is inevitable to employees especially among public sector
workers of Ghana since constitutionally, the period for retirement is fixed and mandatory at age
60. Factors that lead to successful retirement preparedness especially among near-retirees in the
African context are worth researching as some of the factors have not been given adequate
attention by researchers. This study was conducted to ascertain the association that exists
between Career Satisfaction, and Life Satisfaction, and how they influence Retirement
Preparedness among near-retirees. A sample of 100 near-retirees consisting of males and females
were recruited to participate in the study. A purposive sampling technique was employed to reach
the samples in this cross-sectional survey. The data obtained was analyzed using Hayes Macro
Process to test the mediation and Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) for the
preliminary analysis as well as relational analysis. The result of the study revealed a significant
positive relationship between Career Satisfaction and Life Satisfaction. In addition, there was a
significant positive relationship between Life Satisfaction and Retirement Preparedness. The
mediational analysis revealed that Life Satisfaction completely mediates the relationship
between Career Satisfaction and Retirement Preparedness. This yielded a full mediation, hence
there was no significant direct relationship between Career Satisfaction and Retirement
Preparedness among near-retirees. Further discussion was done in relation to existing theories
and literature. Recommendations to the policymakers and limitations as well as direction for
future studies are discussed
Ghana Needs a Comprehensive Blueprint for Pandemic Management.
(Texila International Journal of Public Health, 2024-12-10) N’Guessan, B.B.; Wutor, V.C.
This major study aimed to determine Ghanaian physicians, pharmacists, and nurses' knowledge,
perception, and preparedness for a pandemic or another wave of COVID-19. The cross-sectional study,
comprising 55 questions about COVID-19 knowledge, 29 about perception, and 21 about preparedness,
was conducted between May and July 2023. The questionnaire was distributed through various social
media platforms, ensuring a national reach. Participation from all 16 regions of Ghana was recorded
for all three professionals. The inclusion criteria, a key aspect, are based on the healthcare professionals
directly linked with hospitals and facilities who had direct contact with patients. Three thousand three
hundred and twenty-three healthcare professionals responded to the survey, giving a 97% response rate.
Seven hundred seventy-seven physicians, 1199 pharmacists, and 1347 nurses responded to the study,
showcasing the extensive expertise of Ghanaian healthcare professionals. The findings reveal that
Ghanaian physicians ranked high regarding their knowledge of COVID-19. Our study further shows that
98% of the pharmacist participants provided positive feedback about knowledge-related questions and
an adequate understanding of attitudes toward coronavirus symptoms, transmission, disease severity,
and preventive measures. The study also reveals that Ghanaian nurses were knowledgeable, had a good
perception, and were prepared for a pandemic or another wave of COVID-19. However, the study also
highlights a concerning trend where the level of preparedness for a pandemic or another wave of COVID 19 was low in all instances. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical role of knowledge in shaping
the actions of Ghanaian healthcare professionals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic threats. It also
emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive blueprint for pandemic management in Ghana to
address this gap.
A Bioactive Fraction From The Leaves Of Ceiba Pentandra (L.) Gaertn. Exhibits Antiproliferative Activity Via Cell Cycle Arrest At The G1/S Checkpoint And Initiation Of Apoptosis Via Poly [ADP-Ribose] Polymerase 1 (PARP1) Cleavage In Hela Cells.
(Cambridge University Press, 2024-12-21) Adotey, E.
This paper examines the development of the University of Ghana’s Institute of African Studies (IAS), arguing
that the landscape of decolonial epistemology is more complex than is often assumed. Drawing on new
archival documents it maps out the different landscape of ideas regarding its decolonial origins — phase one
(1948–50), phase two (1954–61), and phase three (1960–63) — not only to elucidate problems of defining
what decolonial work should entail but also as a historical study of how people associated with the IAS
contributed to defining and activating a decolonial project. It shows Nkrumah’s specific instrumentality to
its emergence through an African-centred or “Afroepistemic” approach to African Studies. It also highlights
how the decolonial imperative was shaped by different historical moments.
A Bioactive Fraction From The Leaves Of Ceiba Pentandra (L.) Gaertn. Exhibits Antiproliferative Activity Via Cell Cycle Arrest At The G1/S Checkpoint And Initiation Of Apoptosis Via Poly [ADP-Ribose] Polymerase 1 (PARP1) Cleavage In Hela Cells.
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-01-13) Addy, B.S.; Nyarko, E.N.Y.; Firempong, C.K.
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (Malvaceae) has been used in Africa traditionally to
manage a variety of illnesses, including cancer. The hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of C. pentandra has been
shown to possess antiproliferative activity. However, the fractionation of antiproliferative bioactive constituents
from the leaves of C. pentandra and the determination of the mechanisms of action of such bioactive constituents
remain unexplored.
Aim of the study: This work sought to fractionate the extract of C. pentandra leaves, establish the antiproliferative
activity of the fractionated constituents, and determine the active constituents’ possible mechanisms of action.
Material and methods: Chromatographic techniques were used to fractionate bioactive constituents from
C. pentandra leaves. The fractionated constituents were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against four
cancer cell lines (viz hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, cervical carcinoma, and mammary
adenocarcinoma) using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT)-based assay. The possible
mechanisms of action of the active constituent, Fraction A (IsoA), were also determined via western blot analysis.
Results: Six constituents were fractionated from the leaves of C. pentandra. Among the six constituents, IsoA stood
out for its remarkable antiproliferative activity across the four cancer cell lines, with hepatocellular carcinoma
(HepG2) cells being the most affected. With half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 6.4
±1.2 μg/mL to 19.2±3.4 μg/mL, IsoA demonstrated great potential in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
Notably, IsoA’s mechanisms of action involve critical molecular targets associated with cell cycle regulation and
apoptosis. It significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2 pTyr15), a key
regulator of cell cycle arrest, and cleaved poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1), a hallmark of apoptosis
initiation. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of IsoA in cancer treatment.
Conclusions: IsoA demonstrated highly promising in vitro antiproliferative activity by effectively arresting the cell
cycle at the G1/S checkpoint, halting cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, IsoA induced programmed cell death
(apoptosis) through mechanisms such as PARP1 cleavage, highlighting its potential as a candidate for cancer
therapy.
Salvage Archaeology at the Marine Drive Project Site: Documenting the Legacies of the Indigenous-European Encounters at Osu- Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2022) Darko-Yeboah, B.
This research investigates the legacies of trade along the coast of the Christiansborg Castle, Osu as a result of Indigenous-European interactions from the late sixteenth century to the present. Salvage archaeology being one of the main methods used, was conducted at the beachfront of Osu to rescue the material legacies associated with the early Osu people, the Trans-Atlantic Trade and the interactions that were on the verge of being destroyed due to the Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project. Historical sources, oral traditions and archival data were also used to complement the archaeological data to derive as much information on the subject as possible. The Marine Drive Project is a beachfront project intended by the Ghanaian government to plan and develop 241 acres of land, stretching from the Osu Klottey Lagoon (behind the Christiansburg Castle) to the Accra Community Centre. Osu became a fountainhead of Dutch mercantile interest and a major point of embarkation and disembarkation of cargo. This partly boosted the coastal trade and added a wide array of mainly European trade goods. The trade boom also attracted many ethnolinguistic groups to relocate to Osu. After the abolition of slavery in 1807 by the Danes, Osu’s commercial viability depreciated significantly. Despite this, it became the seat of government after independence and was used by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Archaeological and historical evidence also indicated that interaction between the Africans and Europeans at Osu impacted subsistence and several aspects of traditional cultural lifeways. This is evident in the areas of indigenous dress codes and cuisine while the Europeans embraced local cuisine and cultural ties. Western formal education and the use of European construction designs/materials such as glass windows superimposed on metal frames, asbestos, red bricks and metal hinges constituted technologies incorporated in traditional architecture. This paper therefore assesses the findings from three excavated trenches that were characterized by midden deposits of pre-European, early Osu materials and those of Dutch, Danish and British Trans-Atlantic trade and colonial interactions.
Effects of Public Debt on Public Infrastructure Investment in Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2022) Frimpong, B.
As a nation, Ghana's mounting public debt has been a major issue throughout its economic history. Over the last three decades, Ghana's public debt position has deteriorated, with the government acquiring more and more debt and growing increasingly at risk of default. Ghana's national debt is so high that the country's infrastructure projects have not benefited from the government's heavy expenditure and borrowing. These two cases emphasize the need for more research on the connection between public debt and infrastructure expenditure by the government. In this study, we take a fresh look at the correlation between debt and investment in Ghana. The inputs to a second study utilizing the NARDL cointegration technique, which looked at how Ghana's public debt affects investment, were the findings of the unit root tests. The researcher of the thesis estimates a positive correlation between the amount of foreign debt and the formulas for both short run and long run investments. Long run components of the public investment model are shown to be interdependent using the Bounds test. The cointegration suggests that changes in the level of foreign debt have a more significant effect on public infrastructure investment than changes in the level of domestic debt. This result shows that Ghana's foreign debt is contributing to the funding of the country's public infrastructure initiatives. Policymakers, according to this idea, should make sure debt is contracted for economic development via capital creation rather than for egotistical or political objectives, and that the government invests borrowed money in economically productive initiatives to boost production and bring down the debt load.
Cervical Cancer Screening Practices among Women Attending Marie Stopes Clinics at Kokomlemle And Dansoman, Greater Accra Region
(University of Ghana, 2022)
Introduction- Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women overall. (Sung et al, 2021). About 90% of the anticipated 487,000 cervical cancer fatalities in 2021 took place in low- and middle-income nations. Cervical cancer screening rates are still quite low in impoverished nations like Ghana, even though early detection and screening improve outcomes and prognoses. The goal of the study was to evaluate how often women of reproductive age who attend Marie Stopes Clinic, Dansoman and Kokomlemle branches screen for cervical cancer. Methods: It was done using descriptive quantitative approach. 335 women of reproductive age who live in Dansoman and Kokomlemle and attended the Kokomlemle and Dansoman locations of the Marie Stopes International Clinic for sexual and reproductive health services participated in a cross-sectional survey. The information was gathered using a suitably formatted questionnaire with questions that are both closed-ended and open-ended. STATA version 17 was used to clean, export the data to an excel sheet, and do the analysis. Findings: Only a small percentage of women who were aware of cervical cancer had appropriate knowledge, and among those who knew about the disease's screening procedures (30.1%)., there were insufficient cervical cancer screening practices (33.7%) Women mostly learned about cervical cancer through the media (i.e., radio, television, and internet). Even though most women (50.6%) did not want to get examined, the poll also showed that only a small percentage of women (30.1%) had their cervical cancer screened. The main cause of this was a lack of awareness and information about cervical cancer screening. The results show that, with P values of 0.001, 0.000, and 0.011 at a 95% Confidence Interval, respectively, educational level, kind of employment and the availability of information and services, are statistically significant in positively influencing awareness and knowledge level. Conclusion: Cervical cancer screening programs are not widely used among women of reproductive age who attend the Marie Stopes International Clinic facilities in Dansoman and Kokomlemle. Consequently, it is essential to implement strategic steps to motivate women to get screened for cervical cancer.
Exploring the Career Interests of High School Students in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2023) Atangongo, B.
Career interest is vital for students since it becomes the basis for future career choices. Adolescents (such as Senior High School [SHS] students) have career interests that are fluid over time. This indicates the dynamic nature of the career interests of young people that can be influenced by many factors. Therefore, this present study explored the career interests of high school students in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. This study was conducted in the Tamale metropolis and it employed a qualitative study design. The total number of SHS students who participated in this study were 31 students. Two participating schools were purposively selected, with a convenience sampling method used in selecting the student respondents. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data in this study through interviewing. Thematic analysis of the data led to the development of the following themes (1. shared similarities of jobs in general and 2. shared similarity of aspects of jobs), (1. motivating influence, 2. agreeable influence, and 3. insistent influence), (1. self-fulfillment pathway and 2. self-efficacy pathway), (1. course(s) serving as a career pathway and 2. course(s) being a means of career insight), and (1. gender role favouring males, 2. job demand for females, 3. students’ persistence on their career interests and 4. family acceptance of career interest) to explain the influence between personal experience in jobs, parents or guardians, personal interest, courses (programme) pursued, gender roles, and students career interest respectively. It is worth noting that students' personal interest, personal experience in a job, parents or guardians, gender roles, and courses or programmes pursued greatly informed their career interests.