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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 to:
- 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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- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Radiation Exposure Considerations in Radioiodine Therapy Cases(University of Ghana, 2024) Ahari, G.This study was conducted to assess the external radiation exposure rates of patients undergoing iodine-131 (I-131) therapy and evaluate how well current practices align with radiation safety protocols, particularly at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC), Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The study also verified whether the dose of I-131 administered to patients corresponded with the prescribed dose. These were necessary to identify possible gaps in protocol application and help minimize unnecessary radiation exposure to both the public and health professionals. A prospective cross-sectional design was used, with data collected from nineteen (19) patients made up of both inpatients (thyroid cancer cases) and outpatients (hyperthyroidism cases). Patient exposure rates were measured at specific time intervals post-administration using calibrated survey meters. Quality control tests—including linearity, accuracy, constancy, and geometry—were conducted on the dose calibrator prior to use to ensure measurement reliability. All QC tests passed within the internationally acceptable ±5% tolerance limit, validating the equipment for accurate dose measurement. Findings from the study revealed that while most patients were safely discharged, some had external exposure levels exceeding the recommended threshold of 30 μSv/h at discharge. Furthermore, although the majority of administered doses were within ±10% of the prescribed values, two patients exceeded this range with percentage differences of 19.5% and 27%, respectively. These discrepancies suggest the need for stricter monitoring of dose preparation and administration. In addition, while inpatients showed a predictable decrease in exposure over time, outpatients demonstrated inconsistent exposure patterns due to factors such as shared waiting areas and early discharge. The outcome of the study showed that although the centre has some safety measures in place, there are notable inconsistencies in practice and discharge decisions. The study concludes that there is a need for the development of localized and well-documented protocols to enhance consistency in patient management, especially for radiation exposure assessment and discharge criteria. It is recommended that routine QC checks be strictly enforced, patient isolation be improved, and staff training intensified to align with best practices and ensure optimal patient and public safety in I-131 therapy cases.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , From Cholera To Food Poisoning: Exploring The Antidiarrheal Activity Of A Multi-Species Water-Based Probiotic Product(BMC Microbiology, 2025-12-05) Dodoo, C.C.; Simpson, S.V.; Mensah, G.I.; Fredua-Agyeman, M.Diarrheal diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Given the rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among causative diarrheal pathogens, there is an increasing imperative to explore alternative therapeutic strategies. In this study, the potential of Symprove™ (a water-based probiotic product) against diarrheal pathogens, V. cholerae, E. coli, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes was evaluated. Investigations were carried out using isothermal microcalorimetry and colony counting. The experimental setup consisted of individual cultures and co-incubations of the pathogens and probiotic formulation. Growth curves were obtained for all setups using a thermal activity monitor, and colony counts were performed after 24–48 h for both probiotic organisms and pathogens. The growth curves obtained revealed that co-incubation of E. coli and S. aureus with the probiotic formulation showed a slightly delayed onset of growth for the pathogens although these pathogens were faster growing than the probiotic. For L. monocytogenes, the thermal growth curves showed dominance of the probiotic formulation. Corresponding colony counts revealed significantly reduced bacterial numbers after 48 h when the pathogens were co-incubated with the probiotic formulation. Co-incubating V. cholerae with the probiotic formulation showed a significant reduction in pathogen numbers after 24 h and no counts after 48 h. These findings indicate the possible inhibitory effect of the probiotic formulation and highlight the therapeutic potential of probiotics as alternative approach to conventional antibiotics.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Exploring Barriers And Facilitators Of Providing Maternal Healthcare In Africa: Systematic Review Protocol(Systematic Reviews, 2025-12-16) Senkyire, E.; Senkyire, G.; Asiedua, E.; Ameyaw, J.K.; Lamptey, E.; Ohaja, M.Introduction Maternal health remains a critically neglected issue in low-resource countries and represents a signifi cant public health concern. Maternal mortality in these regions is ten times higher than in high-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest maternal mortality ratio globally. The persistently high maternal mortality rate is attributed to the myriad professional, social, and economic challenges healthcare providers face, which impede their ability to deliver optimal maternal healthcare. Given the central role of healthcare professionals in maternal health, understanding the barriers and facilitators they encounter is essential to improving maternal health outcomes. This systematic review aims to synthesise the existing literature on the challenges and enablers of providing maternal healthcare in Africa. Method The review will involve a comprehensive search using databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and PubMed, accessed through the City St. George’s University library. The search strategy will be refined with input from the school librarian to ensure thoroughness. Search terms will include Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms like "Barriers OR challenges," "Facilitators OR Enablers," "maternal health," and "Africa," alongside relevant keywords. Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" will expand the search scope, with inclusion criteria limited to English language articles published between 2010 and 2025 with available abstracts, studies conducted in African countries, and qualitative articles addressing barriers and/or facilitators of maternal healthcare. The SPIDER framework will guide the research question, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, while STARLITE principles will report on the literature search process. The selected studies will be appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative studies. Result Data will be analysed thematically following the approach outlined by Thomas and Harden (2008), presenting findings as an interpretive summary. Conclusion This review will enhance the existing evidence on the challenges and opportunities faced by maternal healthcare providers in delivering better services across Africa.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Drivers Of Sustainable Procurement In The Health Sector: Perspectives From Key Informant Interviews Of Two Teaching Hospitals In Ghana(Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation, 2025-06-22) Opoku-Mensah, F.A.; Ahenkan, A.; Temesgen, B.; Maloreh-Nyamekye, T.Background Sustainable procurement is gaining attention across the world. In Ghana, interest is growing, even though a comprehensive sustainable procurement policy is yet to be implemented. This study explores the driving factors of sustainable procurement in the health sector using the case of two of the oldest teaching hospitals in Ghana. Methods The study used an exploratory qualitative case study to conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) mainly from Komfo Anokye and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospitals. Nineteen key informants from the two hospitals and four from three regulatory bodies were interviewed. Interviews were conducted from May 2019 to December 2019. The interviews were analysed thematically to find the main drivers. Results Both hospitals shared several drivers. These include resource conservation, following legal rules, avoiding legal cases, client satisfaction, health concerns, cost savings, and value for money. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital also showed context-specific drivers like societal pressure, profit-making, professional and personal ethics, and influence from donors and global groups. On the other hand, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has specific drivers such as cultural awareness, protecting public funds, making services affordable, using modern technology, and choosing long-lasting equipment. Conclusions The study shows that both local and global issues influence sustainable procurement in Ghana. Shared drivers reflect global goals. Context-specific drivers show that each institution also responds to its own needs. These findings show the need to link environmental goals with local social and economic needs in health care.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Habitat Suitability Mapping Towards the Restoration of Oyster Population in the Anyanui Creek, Ghana.(University of Ghana, 2024) Edusei, M.O.The rapid decline of oyster populations globally due to climate change, pollution, habitat and overexploitation poses significant ecological and socio-economic challenges. In Ghana, particularly at Anyanui Creek, ineffective conservation strategies and inadequate governmental support have intensified these impacts. This research aims to identify the factors contributing to the decline of Crassostrea tulipa populations in the Anyanui Creek and to determine sites with optimal conditions for restoration efforts. Utilizing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study evaluated habitat suitability across Anyanui Creek, facilitating the mapping of areas with the highest potential for oyster restoration based on environmental and ecological conditions conducive to oyster survival at pre- and post-larval settlement phases. Findings indicated that the rainy season exhibits the highest habitat suitability for post-larval phases, as favorable temperature levels during this period enhance conditions for C. tulipa growth and survival. Stations with the highest consistency in suitability, particularly those midstream and closer to the ocean with a 33.33% consistency rate, were identified as prime candidates for restoration. On the other hand, several stations exhibited lower suitability, indicating a need for targeted interventions to address specific environmental stressors. The success rates of veliger development were significantly influenced by water temperature, alongside critical factors such as pH and salinity, underscoring their pivotal roles in oyster development and growth. The study highlights the importance of seasonality in oyster restoration at Anyanui Creek, recommending specific times and locations for intervention to maximize restoration success. Emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive monitoring and tailored restoration strategies, the findings advocate for policy adjustments and the implementation of robust conservation measures that account for climate and environmental variabilities. Additionally, engaging local communities and stakeholders is essential to ensure the sustainability of restoration projects and maximize socio-ecological benefits. By addressing these multifaceted challenges, the restoration of oyster reefs can significantly enhance ecosystem health, support local fisheries, and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of coastal communities in Ghana.