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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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Now showing 1 - 5 of 15

Book Chapters
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.
Conference Proceedings and Papers
Grey Literature
Grey literature consists of research and information produced outside conventional publishing channels, such as reports, policy briefs, working papers, and conference materials. It offers valuable insights and data that complement peer-reviewed sources, supporting research, policy, and practice.
Heritage Materials
Institute of African Studies (IAS) J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives
The J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives preserve Ghanaian and African cultural heritage through music, oral traditions, photographs, and audiovisual collections. Guided by Professor Nketia’s vision that African traditional arts must be collected, preserved, practiced, and continually inspire creative expression, the Archives serve as a living resource for scholarship, teaching, and innovation

Recent Submissions

Global Social Media Use Among Rheumatology Professionals: The EULAR SoMeR Study Group survey
(RMD Open, 2025-12-05) Gupta, L.; Sarkar, M.; Sparks, J.; Edwards, C.J.; et al.
Background/purpose Social media (SM) has become an indispensable tool in healthcare, providing platforms for networking and education. However, its use presents challenges including misinformation, professional boundaries and platform-specific limitations. Building on the EULAR EMEUNET survey, we aimed to characterise SM utilisation within rheumatology globally. Methods The EULAR study group on social media (SoMeR) designed a 30-item survey, which was validated, translated into six languages and distributed via mailing lists and SM channels of EMEUNET, PANLAR Joven, AFLAR and APLAR Young Rheumatology. Analysis employed Human Development Index (HDI) and Internet Freedom Index (IFI) to assess digital divides. Results Among 597 respondents from 59 countries (42.2% female), 92.3% used SM professionally. Female professionals demonstrated significantly higher SM use (94.4% vs 88.8%, p=0.02). Knowledge acquisition was the primary driver (73.0%), with 67.2% using SM for academic research updates. SM adoption varied regionally (Europe 97.3% vs Asia-Pacific 88.6%). Lower HDI regions reported more connectivity issues (28.1% vs 16.7%), while higher HDI cited legal restrictions (24.4%). Countries with restricted internet freedom paradoxically reported higher positive SM impact (4.04/5 vs 3.86/5, p<0.01). Cross-cohort analysis (2015–2023) revealed trends toward professional applications and away from networking functions. Over half (56.9%) reported feeling overwhelmed by SM content, particularly in South America and Africa (73.3%/70.3%, p<0.01). Interest in digital communication was high (83.3%), with webinars being the preferred format (41.1%). Conclusions This survey demonstrates SM’s integral role in rheumatology with significant regional variations, calling for targeted interventions addressing connectivity and legal concerns while maintaining professionalism and scientific integrity.
Food Vendor Characteristics In And Around Junior High Schools And The Relationship With Adolescent Diet Quality In Ghana
(Public Health Nutrition, 2025-11-05) Reynolds, E.C.; Nsiah-Asamoah, C.; Okronipa, H.; Arnold, C.D.; et al.
Objective: Aspects of the school food environment can influence food purchasing and consumption among adolescents, particularly those without access to a school meal programme. Our objective was to describe and compare food vendors of junior high schools (JHS) in Ghana. Design: We conducted structured observations of food vendors within a 0·25- km radius of eight JHSs. We compared foods sold and hygiene practices by vendor and community characteristics, such as on- v. off-campus location, urban v. rural, and predominant income-generating activity of the community. We also assessed the relationship between adolescent diet quality (food group diversity, all-5, NCD-protect and NCD-risk scores) and procurement method for foods consumed during the school day. Setting: Cape Coast and Elmina, Ghana. Participants: 200 randomly selected students. Results: Of 265 identified vendors, 25·3 % sold foods on-campus. On-campus vendors were less likely to sell branded snacks (19·4 % v. 33·8 %, P = 0·001) and beverages (17·9 % v. 35·4 %, P = 0·008) and more likely to sell prepared dishes (53·7 % v. 31·8 %, P = 0·001) than off-campus vendors. Vendors practised an average of 38·8 % of applicable food hygiene practices, which did not differ by on or off-campus location. In the previous month, 59·4 % of students most often purchased food on campus. There were no significant relationships between method of food procurement and diet quality. Conclusion: Many adolescents purchased food at school, and there were differences in foods sold by on- and off-campus vendors. School policies may be a promising avenue to alter food environments for adolescents.
Comparison Of The Efficiency Of Improved And Traditional Fish Smoking Kilns And Their Effects On Smoked Fish Quality In Ghana
(Journal Of The Science Of Food And Agriculture, 2024-12-07) Nunoo, F.K.E.; Asamoah, E.K.; Addo, S.; Hyldig, G.; Adjei, M.Y.B.; et al.
BACKGROUND: Fish smoking is a traditional fish preservation method that is affordable, and hence employed by most artisanal fish processors in Ghana. Traditional kilns are used but are less fuel efficient and the end-product has lower quality. This study therefore sought to test and compare the efficiency and quality of smoked fish for two improved kilns, the Cabin and Abuesi gas fish smoker (AGFS), against the traditional Chorkor smoker. RESULTS: The results showed that the AGFS and Cabin had specific fuel consumption of 0.31 ± 0.02 and 0.67 ± 0.01 g kg−1 of smoked fish, respectively, which were significantly lower than that of the Chorkor (6 ± 0.12 g kg−1 smoked fish). Again, the AGFS and Cabin had significantly higher processing rates (251.18 ± 10.65 and 156.80 ± 8.30 g min−1 , respectively) compared to the Chorkor (135.20 ± 5.60 g min−1 ). Smoking improved the nutritional, microbiological and sensory quality of mackerel, with only the sensory quality being statistically different between the products from the AGFS and Cabin. The Cabin-smoked products had more traditional smoked fish attributes while the gas-smoked products had a pronounced fried appearance and taste. CONCLUSION: The AGFS and Cabin were more efficient than the Chorkor. There were no significant differences in the nutri tional and microbial quality between the AGFS and the Cabin. Cabin-smoked products, however, had the more traditional qual ities of smoked fish (appearance and flavor) that the gas-smoked products lacked. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of Regulatory Governance in Ghana: An Analysis of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission in the Electricity and Urban Water Sectors
(University of Ghana, 2024) Tia, A.R.A
This thesis undertook a rigorous analysis of the quality of regulatory governance within the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), specifically focusing on its oversight of Ghana's electricity and urban water sectors. The overarching objective of the study was to conduct a comprehensive qualitative investigation into the regulatory governance of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in Ghana, assessing the alignment of its institutional design and legal framework with recognised features, specifically Autonomy and Transparency of effective regulatory governance, assessing its responsiveness to stakeholders in the electricity and urban water sectors, and analysing the perceived level of regulatory credibility provided to stakeholders. Data was collected from various stakeholders through one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and documentation using a qualitative research approach. The study was carried out across three geographically representative regions: Accra in the Southern belt, Kumasi in the Middle belt, and Tamale in the Northern belt. The data was analysed using qualitative thematic analysis, which involved a thematic analysis of the interview and focus group discussion transcripts. The research findings reveal that PURC exhibits commendable managerial, legal, and financial autonomy. However, it grapples with challenges related to structural autonomy, rendering it susceptible to political interference. The study also reveals that while mechanisms are in place to enhance transparency, there is still room for improvement. Particularly, there is limited transparency in the tariff calculation model due to the unpredictability of the variables used. Furthermore, although PURC has demonstrated a noteworthy degree of regulatory responsiveness and credibility for its stakeholders, certain inconsistencies in policies and decisions need attention. Precisely, PURC has not been able to ensure the predictability of tariff adjustment schedules. The challenges encountered encompass political interference, insufficient safeguard mechanisms, threats to financial autonomy, the influence of environmental factors, and inadequate institutional resources within the country. The study makes significant original contributions to knowledge including institutional and legal frameworks in the context of regulatory autonomy and transparency, responsiveness, and credibility. By delving into regulatory governance in Ghana, the study also finds support for three theories of regulation: public interest, capture theory, and credible commitment. Based on the research findings, several recommendations are proposed to enhance the regulatory institutional design and legislation. These include reinforcing autonomy, transparency, and responsiveness in the appointment procedures and tenure of office, as well as implementing a transparent Cash Waterfall Mechanism and enforcement strategies. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of a national dialogue concerning the intricate interplay of socio-politico-technological factors and the tariff-setting process. It emphasises the necessity of balancing safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring that utility service providers receive fair tariffs to facilitate infrastructure investment. Future research endeavours could focus on measuring the quality of PURC’s regulatory governance, emphasising the equitable management of stakeholders’ interests, and further advancing the regulatory landscape in Ghana’s utility sectors. Additionally, there is a critical need to explore the reasons behind political interference to ascertain whether they are rooted in public or private interests. Moreover, further research could explore the factors leading to regulatory non-compliance by public utilities in the electricity and urban water sectors. Specifically, to ascertain the nature of power-play within the governance structure in the electricity and water sectors. Additionally, the study suggests delving deeper into the motivations behind government interference and utility non-compliance by utilising theories such as public interest and regulatory capture. It also highlights the implementation of transparency measures like the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM). It proposes comparative analyses and longitudinal studies to track the impact of regulatory reforms and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the study emphasises the need for comprehensive investigations into regulatory credibility's effects on stakeholder behaviour and regulatory outcomes, advocating for continued exploration of regulatory dynamics across different sectors and jurisdictions.
Development of a Culturally Competent Behaviour Change Intervention Framework to Enhance Utilisation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Rural- Urban Migrant Adolescents in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2024) Afeadie, R.K.
Purpose: The thesis addresses the gap in culturally competent behaviour change interventions to improve sexual and reproductive health service (ASRH) utilisation among rural and urban migrant adolescents in Ghana. Methodology: It employed intervention development design using a mixed-methods approach. Guided by the COM-B model and Campinha-Bacote’s cultural competence theory, the study engaged healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in ASRH facilities and migrant adolescents utilising services as well as gatekeepers and peers in the Greater Accra Region from 2022 to 2023. A criterion purposive sampling technique was first employed to select the healthcare facilities (HCF). Subsequently, convenience sampling was used to select the HCPs and the migrant adolescents within the catchment area of the target health facilities. The study was conducted in 3 phases. In Phase 1, a qualitative research approach was used to understand problematic behaviours of migrant adolescents regarding current pathways for health-seeking and cultural competence of HCPs using behavioural analysis. In total, 25 participants took part in the study after which saturation was reached. This included 10 migrant adolescents, 8 HCPs, 3 gatekeepers, and 4 migrant peers. Following this, through a process of mapping and distillation, the Behaviour change wheel (BCW)framework was used to guide a systematic process of identifying potential culturally competent intervention functions and their corresponding behaviour change techniques (BCTs) drawn from the BCW taxonomy BCTTv1 and supplemented with relevant literature. Phase 2 involved a Delphi study conducted among 10 experts to validate behaviour change techniques (BCTs); ratings for feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and risk of harm were analysed to establish a consensus (>/=70%). Experts were also asked to provide feedback on the appropriateness of the identified implementation strategies and mode of delivery. Phase 3 involved preliminary testing of the cultural acceptability and feasibility of implementation strategy and delivery mode among migrants and HCPs in a workshop to refine the intervention framework. Findings: The behavioural analysis conducted in Phase 1 revealed the following explanatory factors that are amenable to behaviour change: mistrust, communication barriers at the migrant level, and lack of cultural competency at the HCP level. For each of these, the BCTs identified included nonspecific reward, removing aversive stimuli, restructuring the social environment at the migrant adolescent level., and instructions on how to perform the behaviour at the HCP level. In Phase 2, experts rated BCTs as appropriate: feasible (4.6 [SD=0.7; 3-5]); acceptable (4.5 [SD=0.7; 3-5]); effective (4.4 [SD=1.2; 1-5]), and risk of harm 4.0 [SD=1.3; 2-5], indicating low risk of harm. At the migrant adolescent level, the experts rated the BCTs as: feasible (4.3 [SD=0.5; 4-5]); acceptable (4.1 [SD=0.7; 3-5]); effective (4.1 [SD=0.7; 3-5]); and risk of harm (4.0 [SD=0.8; 3-5]), indicating low risk of harm. In the final phase of the framework development, the validated BCTs were operationalised into behaviour change strategies, which were then tested among the experts. Suggestions emerged regarding who to implement the strategies and the need to highlight the importance of providing training that emphasises skills and mastery experiences. These suggestions were integrated into the final content. To ensure that these strategies and delivery options are culturally appropriate and effectively address both demand-side barriers and facilitators, the users emphasised the importance of taking contextual factors into account, which were integrated in order to inform the intervention framework development. Conclusion: The behaviour change-informed framework served as a conceptual model of the mechanisms of behaviour change and a practical guide to the implementation of strategies to enhance the utilisation of ASRH among migrant adolescents pending further testing in a future study.