Browsing by Author "Nyame, F.K."
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Item An Assessment of Environmental and Economic Effects of Tourism in Communities around Wli Waterfalls and Lake Bosomtwi in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2016) Aniapam, A.D.; Asiedu, A.B.; Nyame, F.K.; Osei–Asare, W.B.; University of Ghana, Basic and Applied Sciences, Institute for Environment and Sanitation StudiesThe study sought to assess the effects of tourism on the environment and economic activities in the communities around Lake Bosomtwi and Wli Waterfalls. Methodology used included analysis of water samples from the Lake and Waterfall. Satellite images covering the period between 1990 and 2010 of land use around the Lake Bosomtwi and Wli Waterfalls were also analyzed to see if tourism is affecting vegetative cover around the Lake Bosomtwi and Wli Waterfalls. In addition, a social survey and detailed observation of anthropogenic activities were also made to determine the perceived effects of tourism on environment and economic activities. Also, the relationship between environmental effects on socio–economic activities was investigated. Finally, the level of participation of residents in the management of the tourism resources in their community was assessed. Values recorded for physical parameters in the Wli Waterfalls were below the acceptable limits for WHO standards for drinking water. The values ranged between 23.6oC to 27.9oC (mean= 25.8oC), 6.1-8.7 (mean= 7.5), 2.217μS/cm to 101.117μS/cm (mean= 43.217μS/cm), 5.2NTU to 39.2 NTU (mean= 14.9 NTU) 8.6mg/L to 32.6mg/L (mean= 15.9mg/L) for temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity and TDS respectively. With the exception of conductivity (1038 μS/cm to 1381 μS/cm; mean= 1263 μS/cm) and pH (7.4 to 9.6; mean= 8.98), which were above the acceptable limits of WHO standards for drinking water, the rest of physical parameters recorded in the Lake Bosomtwi were also below the acceptable limits of WHO standards for drinking water. Coliforms contents of both water bodies; 505cfc/100mL to 2208cfc/100mL (mean=1078cfc/100mL) and 584cfc/100mL to 2603cfc/100mL (mean= 1248cfc/100mL) for Wli Waterfalls and Lake Bosomtwi respectively were far above the acceptable limits for WHO standards for drinking water. Values recorded for peak periods (festive occasions when influx of tourists was high) were slightly higher than values recorded for the lean periods (nonfestive occasions when influx of tourists was very low). The differences were however not significant. While vegetation cover around Wli Waterfalls experienced a diversity of changes that of Lake Bosomtwi was a continuous decline. Grassland coverage and built up/bare areas on the other hand increased throughout the study period for the two study areas. While the improvement in the vegetation cover could partly be attributed to tourism development at Wli Waterfalls, the decline at Lake Bosomtwi could however not be attributed to tourism development alone. Anthropogenic activities such as farming and expansion in settlements could also be responsible. Social survey and observations made indicates that the residents in communities around Wli Waterfalls do perceive tourism development to be having more positive effects than negative ones on their environmental and economic activities. Residents from communities around Lake Bosomtwi on the other hand perceive tourism development to be having more negative effects than positive ones on their environment. They also believed that economic benefits from tourism development are very minimal. The varied perceptions from the residents in two study areas may be due to the fact that tourism development at the Wli Waterfalls is still at the euphoria stage of Doxey‟s Irridex Model while that of Lake Bosomtwi is at the apathy stage. Responds from residents indicates that residents do not play any meaningful role in the management of tourism resource in their communities and that at best they are at the manipulation level on the ladder of citizen participation. Despite the concerns raised by residents, especially those from Bosomtwi, on the perceived negative effects of tourism on their environment and economic activities,Item An Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soils and Vegetation: A Case Study of Korle Lagoon Reclamation Site(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Addae, E.; Nyame, F.K.; Fosu-Mensah, B.Y.This study investigated the concentration of heavy metals and vegetation around the Korle Lagoon Reclamation site in Accra (Ghana). The dispersion of heavy metals such as Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Zn, Sn, Ni, Cu and Cr within the soil profile from a depth of 0 – 60cm (at 20cm intervals) were assessed. A total of ninety (90) soil samples were taken from the e- waste zone (EW), central gardens zone (GZ), recreational zone (KD), reclaimed zone (RZ) and estuary zone (ES) and eighteen (18) soil samples were sampled from the control zone (CZ) at the Korle-Bu flats. Ten (10) samples of forage grasses (Panicum maxima and Imperata cylindrical) were also taken from each of the sampling zones and ten (10) samples each of lettuce (Latuca sativa) and bissap (Hibiscus sabdariffa) were taken from central garden zone (GZ) and the control zone (CZ). At the depth of 0 – 20cm, the ranges of heavy metal concentrations recorded were Hg (<0.001 – 0.67), Pb (1.28 – 183.66), Cu (3.47 – 202.99), Zn (0.83 – 37.33), Cr (2.28 – 56.00), Cd (<0.001 – 103.66), Ni (0.91 – 72.00), Sn (8.77 – 705.32) and As (0.04 – 3.67) in mg/kg. At the depth of 20 – 40cm, Hg (<0.001 – 0.67), Pb (1.12 – 167.96), Cu (2.57 – 199.99), Zn (0.73 – 34.33), Cr (0.11 – 49.99), Cd (0.04 – 68.32), Ni (0.55 – 66.65), Sn (8.67 – 334.25) and As (0.21 – 15.66) in mg/kg. At the depth of 40 – 60cm, Hg (0.00 – 0.00), Pb (0.96 – 134.00), Cu (1.49 – 98.66), Zn (0.52 – 27.66), Cr (1.13 – 52.67), Cd (0.04 – 68.32), Ni (0.55 – 66.65), Sn (8.67 – 334.25) and As (0.21 – 10.99) in mg/kg. The levels of Pb, Cd and As analyzed from some of the zones exceeded international thresholds for agriculture lands. The ranges of heavy metal concentrations in the vegetation were: Hg (<0.001 – 0.08), Pb (<0.001 – 36.72), Cd (0.16 – 1.64), Cr (0.24 – 3.84), Cu (0.16 – 95.56), Zn (1.16 -34.92), Ni (0.40 – 7.00), As (<0.001 – 0.32) and Sn (2.52 – 28.52) in mg/kg with Cu, Pb and Cd exceeding the acceptable limits of heavy metals in plants. The enrichment factor of the heavy metals had a general trend of Cr = Ni < Zn < Cu < Hg < As < Pb < Cd < Sn. The geoaccumaltion index also had a general trend of Cr < Ni < Zn < Cu < As < Cd < Pb < Hg < Sn. The pollution index also recorded a general trend Cr < ZnItem Assessment of the Effects of Quarrying Activities on Some Selected Communities in the Lower Manya Krobo District(University of Ghana, 2011-12) Nene, N.J.; Nartey, V.K.; Nyame, F.K.This study assessed the effects of quarrying activities on some selected communities in the Lower Manya Krobo District. Questionnaires targeting inhabitants around the quarry sites, observations, collection of health records from well patronized hospitals/clinics and dust (PM 10 ) sampling were used as data gathering instruments. The study revealed that some of the men have been employed as quarry workers and a substantial number of women in the area have become food vendors at the quarry sites. In terms of infrastructural development, the Bueryonye-Klo- Begoro road has been gravelled and made motorable even in the wet season. The District Assembly collects tolls from haul trucks as a means of generating revenue. Despite these benefits quarrying activities in the study area have distorted the balance of the environment. The distortions include encroachment upon limited prime agricultural land, destruction of buildings, pollution of water bodies, incapacitation of farmlands by run offs due to poor drainage, air pollution from quarry dust and noise from vehicles, machinery and blasting. Environmental parameters such strong winds and dry weathers have facilitated emission of dust. Gravimetric concentrations of PM 10 measured during the period of study were very high. Results of the study showed that PM 10 concentrations recorded in the study area in January are 125μgm -3 , 116.2μgm -3 , and 109.3μgm -3 for Bueryonye, Odugblase and Klo-Begoro respectively. Only two concentrations, 69.4μgm -3 and 54.6μgm -3 , recoded in June are below EPA’s permissible limit of 70μgm -3 . This means that PM 10 concentration is high during the dry season and quite low during the wet season. Thus, dust suppression during the dry season should be very effective. The controlled sampling site, Oterkpolu, had 50.5μgm -3 in January and 29.0μgm -3 in June. The distance of Oterkpolu from the quarries may have accounted for the low impact of dust on the community. The indication is that communities close to quarries are impacted by quarrying activities more than those far away from the sites. The data collected from hospital records of the inhabitants portrayed their health profile. The prevalent health problems of the residents were elicited from a questionnaire survey conducted in three selected neighbouring communities of the quarries. Records obtained from health facilities most patronized have shown that respiratory tract infections and malaria have hiked since the establishment of the quarries in 2004/2005. Health problems suffered by the residents before the advent of the quarries include cough (33.3%), catarrh (25%), asthma (30%), headache (40%), malaria (5%) etc. These health problems hiked during the quarrying period as cough, catarrh, asthma and headache increased to 60%, 45%, 39%, 57%, and 40% respectively. Although, the residents of neighbouring communities are aware of risks associated with living near quarry sites, their general low socio-economic status made them incapable of taking any decisive measure towards relocating elsewhere. Approval for quarry operation should mandate environmental impact assessment and ensure strict implementation of outlined mitigation measures so as to guarantee environmental sustainability. Enforcement of regulations and laws through effective monitoring by the required institutions will create a balanced and sustainable environment.Item Coliform status of water bodies from two Districts in Ghana, West Africa: Implications for rural water resources management(Water Policy, 2010-10) Anim, F.; Nyame, F.K.; Armah, T.K.Investigations were conducted on the total and faecal coliform status of streams, hand-dug wells and boreholes highly patronised by communities in the West Akim and Kwaebibirem Districts, Eastern Ghana. Total coliform values obtained range from 60-2,672 cfu, 0-680 cfu and 0-128 cfu for streams, hand-dug wells and boreholes, respectively. Faecal coliform values similarly range from 31-1,988 cfu, 0-136 cfu and 0-36 cfu for streams, handdugs and boreholes, respectively. The data indicates that samples from streams and hand-dug wells returned high coliform counts beyond the Maximum Permissible Levels (MPL) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Some borehole water contained coliform counts above MPL. Because many rural people in the areas studied, and indeed in most areas in Ghana, depend heavily on these principal sources of water for drinking and other domestic purposes, a policy response that incorporates periodic assessment of water quality in rural communities may be appropriate. In addition, it would seem that current government and development partner programmes in the water resources sector that emphasise provision of borehole water must be integrated with land use considerations, water quality monitoring and education on environmental awareness in local communities. © IWA Publishing 2010.Item Compositional variations in manganese carbonate micronodules from the Lower Proterozoic Nsuta deposit, Ghana: Product of authigenic precipitation or post-formational diagenesis?(Sedimentary Geology, 2003-01) Nyame, F.K.; Beukes, N.J.; Kase, K.; Yamamoto, M.Detailed petrographic and microprobe studies of micronodules identified in the manganese carbonate orebody and adjacent Mn-rich rocks at the ∼ 2.2 Ga Nsuta deposit, Ghana, indicate distinct lithologic control on nodule structure and chemical composition. Nodules in the Mn-rich rocks adjacent to the manganese carbonate orebody conform with the well-banded nature of the rock and are distinctly zoned into alternating bands compositionally dominated by Mg kutnahorite and Mg-Ca rhodochrosite. Individual nodules are partially or completely cemented by thin dark silica and carbonates of Ca-Mg±Mn solid solution. Nodules in the orebody, on the contrary, are generally massive, homogeneous, consist predominantly of rhodochrosite and are only partially cemented by dark silica. Based on the stratigraphic relationship of the nodule-bearing rocks to the manganese carbonate orebody and the variations in texture and composition observed in the nodules, it would appear that the Mn carbonate nodules precipitated diagenetically in response to changing pore water chemistry and/or metal (Mn and Ca) supply. The overall mineralogical and geochemical features indicate, in addition, that the nodules may have preserved original carbonate compositions, both metastable and stable, during burial diagenesis and low-grade regional metamorphism. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.Item Environmental Impact of Small-Scale Salt Mining on Socio-Economic Activities in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District in the Central Region(University of Ghana, 2004-06) Anipam, A.D.; Nyame, F.K.; Ofoli-Danson, P.K.; Aseidu, A.B.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Institute for Environment and Sanitation StudiesThe study involved analysis of water samples from wells, salt pans and lagoons as well as soil samples in the proximity of areas in communities where small-scale salt mining activities is undertaken in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District. In addition, a social survey and detailed observation o f anthropogenic activities were also made to determine the effects o f small-scale salt mining on the environment, and how these environmental impacts affect socio-economic activities in the study area. Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH. conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l (216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l) respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and 300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of the communities in the study area. Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH. conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l (216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l) respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and 300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of the communities in the study area.Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH. conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l (216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l) respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and 300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of the communities in the study area. The nutrient contents o f the soil in the study area were not far below the Booker Tropical Soil Manual acceptable range for most crops. The organic contents of the soil are, however, very low with values ranging between 0.2% and 2.0% and 0.3% and 3.4% recorded. Recorded conductivity values were between 80mS/cm and 5430mS/cm. Values recorded for nitrogen and potassium were between 0.01% and 0.1 % and 10.5 and 66.5mg/kg, respectively. This is an indication that soils in the study area are not fertile probably due to the activities o f small-scale salt mining in the study area. Gardening at the immediate outskirts o f the communities, which was a previous pastime of most inhabitants, has reduced. Those who are involved in full time farming are also moving further inland to farm. The social survey and the observations made indicated that large tracts o f mangrove forest along the banks o f the lagoons have been cleared to make way for the construction o f salt pans. The mangroves served as source o f fuel for domestic use in some o f the communities as well serve as firewood for fish smoking and boiling of brine in the production o f salt. Again, areas occupied by the mangroves served as hunting grounds for fish, crabs and migratory birds which are either consumed or sold for money. Destruction o f mangroves has led to a reduction in the above mentioned activities. Despite the apparently negative impacts that small-scale salt mining may be having on the environment, many inhabitants in the study area, especially women still want salt mining activities to be undertaken of the benefits derived by way o f employment and income. Construction o f salt pans in the coastal scrub and grassland vegetation belt, and the replanting o f mangrove trees in abandoned salt pans, should be encouraged to reduce the impact o f small-scale salt mining on the environment.Item The genetic significance of carbon and oxygen isotopic variations in Mn-bearing carbonates from the Palaeo-Proterozoic (∼2.2 GA) Nsuta deposit in the Birimian of Ghana(Carbonates and Evaporites, 2006-03) Nyame, F.K.; Beukes, N.J.Carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of manganese-bearing carbonates from the Palaeo-Proterozoic Nsuta manganese deposit, Ghana, suggest important relationships between isotopic composition of the Mn-bearing carbonates and lithology, locality and carbonate microfacies. Lithologically, δ13C and δ18O PDB values obtained from manganese carbonate ore exhibit greater variation than similar values from host Mn bearing phyllite. In terms of locality, quite a restricted range in isotope values is observed in carbonates from various parts of the deposit both stratigraphically and along strike. The greatest spread, however, occurs in samples from an economically important portion of the deposit where δ13C and δ 18O PDB vary from -1.5 to -20.9 and -10.9 to -18.2‰, respectively. With respect to carbonate microfacies, coarser grained carbonates vary greatly in isotopic distribution than carbonates of microcrystalline and microconcretionary texture. Mineralogically, carbonate rocks or ore consisting dominantly of rhodochrosite vary greatly in 13C and 18O than dolomite- and/or complex type carbonates such as kutnahorite, dolomite and solid solutions of magnesite-rhodochrosite. Together with detailed petrographic observations, isotope values obtained from fine-grained Mn carbonate ore and immediate host Mn bearing phyllite are interpreted to be primary, having possibly been only slightly affected by the pervasive but low-grade greenschist facies metamorphism that affected Birimian rocks. On the contrary, isotope values in coarse grained carbonates typical of restricted but economically the most important part of the deposit are interpreted to be secondary in origin, most likely the result of post-metamorphic (hydrothermal?) overprinting on primary carbonate signatures. These genetic interpretations seem to contradict, or are rather opposite to, interpretations of the carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of carbonates reported by earlier workers on the deposit.Item Impact of artisanal small-scale (gold and diamond) mining activities on the Offin, Oda and Pra rivers in Southern Ghana, West Africa: A scientific response to public concern(Heliyon, 2022) Nunoo, S.; Manu, J.; Owusu-Akyaw, F.K.B.; Nyame, F.K.The surface water systems of Ghana serve as a major source of drinking water, besides other multi-purpose benefit of hydro-electrical power generation and transportation. Thus, the dependence and benefits from such resources are of national interest. For instance, the Pra river of the South-Western surface water system of Ghana was a major consideration for a projected 5 billion m3 water demand in the year 2020 and “African Water Vision 2025”. In recent times, the colour state of the Pra river and similar surface water bodies of the Offin and Oda rivers has attracted intense public discussion. The prime issue relates to incessant illegal artisanal gold/diamond mining on or along these rivers. In order to assess the state of these rivers, water samples were taken, and analysed at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratory (CSIR, Accra-Ghana) to investigate their physicochemical quality. The research objective was to assess the extent of their water pollution by measuring physico-chemical parameters of turbidity, colour, pH and content of selected metals. A total of 18 preserved bottled samples [(5 from Offin river and 2 boreholes), 5 from Oda river and 5 from Pra river and 1 borehole)] were analysed, and results compared with portable water standards as defined by the WHO and CSIR (GS-175-1) of Ghana. Results on turbidity, colour, mercury and iron from the river and water samples generally exceed WHO or GS 175-1 limit. The Pra river recorded the most alarming result; range for turbidity (2,010 to 2,745 NTU), colour (3,000 to 4,500 Hz), total suspended solutes (2,240 to 2,570 mg/L) and total dissolved solutes (97.80–99.60 mg/ L, excluding 319.00 to 25,440 mg/L). The Oda river shows lowest parameter values among the three rivers, as the areas have been dormant from illegal gold mining for 5 years. Current data suggests polluted river bodies and boreholes, and that none of these water resources meets the portable water consumption criteria unless treated prior to usage. As the current state of the water bodies may incur higher cost of water treatment or purification, an integrated water governance under Ghana's Ministry of Water Resource, Work and Housing, and the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency are recommended for the management of these valuable water resources.Item The Impact of Septic Tank Effluent on Underground Water Quality of Some Communities in the Ga West District, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Bright, F.; Pabi, O. Nyame, F. K.; Pabi, O.; Nyame, F.K.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Institute for Environment and Sanitation StudiesInvestigations were conducted to assess the quality of borehole water and wells in relation to distance from septic tanks in residential households in Ga West District, Ghana. The geographical locations of the boreholes, hand dug wells and the nearest septic tanks were determined using global positioning satellite (GPS). Water quality analyses of some physico-chemical and bacteriological variables were carried out on water samples collected from boreholes and wells using processes outlined in the standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater and the examination of water for pollution control (WHO). Water sampled from boreholes showed the following variations in physico-chemical and bacteriological paramaters with distance from their nearest septic tanks over a three month period; conductivity; 2035-2830μS/cm (0-15m), 2500-3872μS/cm (16-30m), 870-1020μS/cm (>30m); Cl-; 315-345mg/l (0-15m), 460.5-520mg/l (16-30m), 63.7-95.1mg/l (>30m); NO3-N; 6.9-23.4mg/l (0-15m), 13.4-25.6mg/l (16-30), 5.1-7.3mg/l (>30m); FC;40-80cfu/100ml (0-15m), 0-20cfu/100ml (16-30m), 0-10cfu (>30m).The results of the hand-dug wells include: conductivity; 3125-6243μS/cm (0-15m), 1050-4568 μS/cm (16-30m), 428-965μS/cm (>30m); Cl-;193.8-1401.5mg/l (0-15m), 665.7-1235mg/l (16-30m), 95.1-72.6mg/l (>30m); NO3-N; 6.9-13mg/l (0-15m), 13.4-25.6mg/l (16-30), 4.6-7.6mg/l (>30m); FC; 30-210cfu/100ml (0-15m), 20-120cfu/100ml (16-30m), 0-10cfu/100ml (>30m) The study revealed that, the concentrations of the physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters such as conductivity, total dissolved solids, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, faecal coliform and total coliform in water samples at distances between 0-30m from the nearest septic tank for both boreholes and wells exceeded the WHO permissible limit for drinking water and other domestic needs as compared to the concentrations in the water samples at control distances (>30m). Sodium, potassium, total suspended solids, nitrite and ammonia concentrations were below the WHO guideline permissible limit. The high faecal coliform and total coliform and detection of Escherichia-coli in most sampled water is an indication of possible influence by septic sewage from the septic tank close to them. The views of the respondents on relevant issues of water and sanitation in the District were also sought through the administration of questionnaire. The social survey revealed that about 64% of the respondents were not aware of the possible impacts of their septic tank sewage system in relation to distance to their water source. Besides, all the wells and boreholes sampled had a septic tank within the distance 11 to 41m close to them. This study accentuates the need for the district assembly to set standards for the sitting of wells and boreholes from septic tanks considering all possible sources of contamination. Owners of the wells and boreholes should also treat the ground water before use.Item Influence of land tenure practices on artisanal mining activity in Ghana(Resources Policy, 2010-03) Nyame, F.K.; Blocher, J.This paper examines the issue of land tenure and how it influences artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) activity in Ghana. Over the past few decades, attempts by governments in sub-Saharan Africa to regulate or formalize ASM as a result of the sector's increasing socio-economic and environmental importance have largely been unsuccessful. Even though mining laws have tended to vest all minerals in the state, increasing evidence suggests that mineral-rich lands for artisanal mining continue to be frequently traded between local landowners and miners or interested groups outside the official legal regime. This development, i.e. land trading for artisanal mining, contributes significantly towards proliferation of illegal ASM activity and hence potentially challenges attempts by governments and development partners to formalise the sector. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Labour ‘specialisation’ and sustenance of artisanal mining activity in Ghana(Collaborative Governance in Extractive Industries in Africa, 2015-02) Nyame, F.K.Item Origins of Birimian (ca 2.2Ga) mafic magmatism and the Paleoproterozoic 'greenstone belt' metallogeny: A review(Island Arc, 2013-12) Nyame, F.K.The Birimian of the West African Craton is an important repository of Paleoproterozoic mafic magmatism, described by many workers as petrologically dominated by basaltic to andesitic rocks. In spite of extensive work done, opinions still differ on the origin and other salient features in these globally significant igneous rocks. Even less well understood is the relationship that may exist between the mafic rocks and prolific metalliferous deposits such as manganese and gold that are hosted in these rocks. This review suggests that the frequently observed association between mafic rocks and important mineral deposits may have far more genetic implications than previously envisaged. © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.Item Perspectives on migration patterns in Ghana's mining industry(Resources Policy, 2009-03) Nyame, F.K.; Andrew Grant, J.; Yakovleva, N.This paper examines migration patterns in Ghana's mining sector, and briefly highlights linkages between stages of mine development and migration flows. The growth, stagnation and closure phases of mine development may each be characterised by distinct migration patterns. The paper concludes with policy-relevant implications of the dynamics of migration patterns in the mining sector, arguing in particular that Ghana is, in addition to traditionally being a country of destination, becoming a transit area for prospective migrant miners. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Petrography and geochemistry of intraclastic manganese-carbonates from the ∼2.2 Ga Nsuta deposit of Ghana: Significance for manganese sedimentation in the Palaeoproterozoic of West Africa(Journal of African Earth Sciences, 2008-02) Nyame, F.K.Intraclastic Mn carbonate rocks occur in the marginal areas of the manganese-carbonate orebody (manganesestone) of the Palaeoproterozoic Nsuta deposit in the Birimian of Ghana. Macroscopically the intraclastic rocks display graded bedding and are typified by a matrix-supported fabric with subangular to subrounded particles less than a millimetre to ∼1.5 × 0.5 cm. Both clasts and matrix consist mainly of varying proportions of microcrystalline and microconcretionary carbonates, quartz, muscovite and subordinate pyrite. Within individual intraclasts, carbonate minerals (including distinctly zoned microconcretions) are essentially Mg kutnahorite and Mg-Ca rhodochrosite, similar to the carbonate minerals in the manganesestone. Whole rock chemistry of the intraclastic carbonates shows significant variability in the amounts of SiO2, Al2O3, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O and, to a lesser extent, K2O. Major element contents of the manganesestone similarly vary widely, except that these have, in particular, comparably higher MnO but less SiO2 and Al2O3 than the intraclastic carbonates and host rock Mn phyllite. Rare earth element (REE) concentrations in the intraclastic carbonates are approximately an order of magnitude higher than in the manganesestone. Whereas both rocks exhibit positive Eu anomalies, only the manganesestone shows a discernibly negative Ce anomaly. Petrographic and geochemical features suggest that the intraclasts are fragments of reworked Mn carbonate sediments derived from intraformational erosion and subsequent (mass flow) deposition as carbonate "turbidite" mud. Processes such as submarine slumping, sliding and other sediment gravity flows may have likely interrupted Mn sedimentation and transported partially consolidated manganiferous sediments down slopes into the early Birimian ocean. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Policy challenges on mercury use in Ghana's artisanal and small-scale mining sector(International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2010-05) Nyame, F.K.Mercury use in Ghana's Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector is a growing problem owing to the increasing numbers of people involved, locations of operation, extent of possible contamination of the natural environment and its impact on human health. For over two decades, many local and internationally-coordinated initiatives undertaken to mitigate its harmful effects in ASM communities have been mostly unsuccessful due to absence of alternative options acceptable for gold recovery and inadequate awareness of the short- and long-term health effects of mercury use. This paper examines major policy challenges in minimising mercury use in Ghana's ASM sector, arguing that a coordinated, integrated and sustained approach offers better promise in tackling the problem. Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.Item The political economy of transitory mining in Ghana: Understanding the trajectories, triumphs, and tribulations of artisanal and small-scale operators(Extractive Industries and Society, 2014-03) Nyame, F.K.; Grant, J.A.While artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and its impact on socio-economic development have produced voluminous studies, knowledge of the underlying migratory dynamics of artisanal miners remains incomplete. Using Ghana as a case study, we explore the trajectories, adaptation responses ("triumphs"), and implications ("tribulations") associated with ASM operators. Based on in-person interviews, participant observations, and mining-site visits conducted from 2005 to 2012, the study reveals that several factors influence how migrant miners strategically "hop" from one mine to another - a phenomenon we describe as "transitory mining" - to exploit low-yield gold (and, to a lesser extent, diamond) deposits. We find that miners are forging strong bonds with host communities by sending pre-mining negotiation teams and employing extended family networks to arrange mutually beneficial agreements with local actors. These strategies and techniques lower the entry barriers into ASM by facilitating access to mineral-bearing lands. Even though transitory mining has increased mineral discoveries and personal incomes, we examine how such "triumphs" are hindered by vexing "tribulations". First, there are growing human security threats posed by armed thugs who prey on miners and mining communities as well as police raids of illegal mining that often involve violence. Second, the deleterious environmental impact of transitory mining continues unabated. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.Item Progressive ocean oxygenation at ~2.2 Ga inferred from geochemistry and molybdenum isotopes of the Nsuta Mn deposit, Ghana(Chemical Geology, 2021) Goto, K.T.; Sekine, Y.; Ito, T.; Suzuki, K.; Anbar, A.D.; Gordon, G.W.; Harigane, Y.; Maruoka, T.; Shimoda, G.; Kashiwabara, T.; Takaya, Y.; Nozaki, T.; Hein, J.R.; Tetteh, G.M.; Nyame, F.K.; Kiyokawa, S.Recent geochemical data suggest the occurrence of an O2 overshoot during the mid-Paleoproterozoic (~2.3–2.0 Ga). This O2 overshoot appears to be consistent with carbon isotope records that suggest high burial rates of organic carbon during that period, the so-called Lomagundi Event. However, little is known about the changes in the ocean redox conditions associated with the O2 overshoot. To better understand the mid-Paleoproterozoic ocean chemistry, we investigated the microstructures, major and trace element concentrations, Re-Os and Mo (δ98/95Mo) isotopes, and total organic carbon contents of Mn-ore and phyllite samples from the Nsuta Mn deposit in the Birimian Supergroup of Ghana which were deposited during the O2 overshoot (at ~2.2 Ga). The Mn-ore samples contain early diagenetic rhodochrosite (Mn carbonate). The trace element compositions and Re-Os isotopes of the Mn-ore samples suggest that the rhodochrosite originated from primary manganese oxides (MnO2) deposited at ~2.2-Ga. The δ98/95Mo values of the least-altered Mn-ore samples range between 1.10‰ and 0.55‰ (relative to NIST3134), suggesting seawater δ98/95Mo values of 1.85 ± 0.18‰ (1SD) during the O2 overshoot. Such high seawater δ98/95Mo values can be best explained by enhanced removal of isotopically light Mo through adsorption onto Mn oxides. To form extensive Mn-oxide deposits, bottom seawater with O2 concentrations of > 10 μM would have expanded at ~2.2 Ga. The oxidizing conditions might have supported the emergence of stem group eukaryotes during the mid-Paleoproterozoic.