Browsing by Author "Oduro-Mensah, D."

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    Addressing the Poverty Situation in Ghanaian Communityies: Strategies and Challenges. Lagos Education Review
    (A Journal of Studies in Education, 2010) Oduro-Mensah, D.; Biney, I.K.
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    Akanism and Hebrewism: Akan-Mesopotamian Links and Earlier Civilization
    (Accra: Woeli Publishing Services, 2007) Oduro-Mensah, D.
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    Akanten: A Key to Understanding Traditional Akan
    (Accra: Woeli Publishing Services, 2007) Oduro-Mensah, D.
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    Assessment Of The Contribution of Naara Rural Bank to Community Development in the Kassena-Nankana West and East Districts
    (University of Ghana, 2010-06) Abariche, A.S.; Oduro-Mensah, D.; Kwashie, H.B.K.; University of Ghana, College of Education , School of Continuing and Distance Education , Department of Adult Education and Human Resource Studies
    The study assessed the contribution o f Naara Rural Bank to community development in the Kassena-Nankana West and East Districts o f the Upper East Region. The background o f the study established that past development models implemented during the colonial era in Ghana favoured urban centres to the detriment of rural communities. To curb this situation, various governments after independence implemented various interventions including the establishment o f rural/community banks to bridge the development gap. It was in this light that the Naara Rural Bank was established in the Kassena-Nankana District as the first rural bank in the Upper East Region in 1982. The objectives of the study were to: identify the programmes that the bank has implemented to facilitate socio-economic development in its service communities; find out the corporate social responsibility projects carried out by bank as part o f its social responsibility; find out the sustainability o f the development projects executed by the bank; and identify the strategies used by the bank to build local capacity for community development. The study was underpinned by the basic needs and open system theories. In terms o f methodology, the descriptive survey design was adopted for the study and the population consisted o f all adults in the Kassena-Nankana West and East Districts. The multistage sampling technique was employed for the study. Simple random, purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used at the final stage to sample a total o f 181 respondents for data collection. Primary data was collected using the interview schedule for non-literate respondents and questionnaire for the bank officials. The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) soft ware and presented in tables and pie charts. The study revealed that Naara Rural Bank promoted socio-economic development in its service communities by facilitating increased agricultural production and economic activities through credit programmes for farmers, women, persons with disability and the youth. The study further established that the bank did not single handedly construct a physical project in any of its service communities as part of its corporate social responsibility but supported social, activities such as cultural festivals, education, sports and farmers day. It was also found out that the bank built local capacity for development facilitating training on income generating activities and business development and management. Based on the findings, the study concluded that to a large extent, the bank has contributed to development in the Kassena-Nankana West and East Districts. The study recommended that the bank should design a corporate social responsibility policy to replace the current ad hoc way o f supporting activities in its service communities in the name o f social responsibility.
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    Bio-detheobromination of cocoa pod husks: Reduction of ochratoxin A content without change in nutrient profile
    (BioMed Central Ltd., 2018-05) Oduro-Mensah, D.; Ocloo, A.; Lowor, S.T.; Mingle, C.; Okine, L.K.N.-A; Adamafio, N.A.
    Background: Utilization of cocoa pod husks (CPH) in animal feed is hindered by the presence of theobromine, which is variably toxic to animals. Treatment of this agro-waste to remove theobromine, while preserving its nutrient content, would allow beneficial use of the millions of metric tonnes discarded annually. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of selected theobromine-degrading filamentous fungi for use as bio-tools in degradation of theobromine in CPH. Results: The candidate fungi assessed in this study were an Aspergillus niger (AnTD) and three Talaromyces spp. (TmTD-1, TmTD-2, TvTD) isolates. All the fungi eliminated CPH theobromine, 0.15% w/w starting concentration, within 7days of start of treatment, and were capable of degrading caffeine and theophylline. The fungi decreased CPH ochratoxin A content by 31-74%. Pectin was not detectable in fungus-treated CPH whereas parameters assessed for proximate composition were not affected. Conclusions: The data provide ample evidence that the four isolates can be applied to CPH for the purpose of eliminating theobromine and decreasing ochratoxin A content without affecting nutrient profile. Comparatively, Talaromyces verruculosus TvTD was considered as most suitable for use as a bio-tool in detheobromination of CPH for animal feed. © 2018 The Author(s)
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    The Challenge of Demographic Transition of the Elderly in Ghana from Youth to Old age
    (Journal of Literacy and Adult Education, 2009) Agyemang, F.; Oduro-Mensah, D.
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    Challenges and Coping Strategies of Student Nursing Mothers in Tertiary Institutions in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2013-06) Adofo, S.; Kwapong, O.A.T.F.; Oduro-Mensah, D.
    The task of combining motherhood with the demands of academic life is a difficult one. Academic women continue to have primary responsibility for housework, childcare and for instilling cultural values in the next generation. These social responsibilities, coupled with demands of academic life create a role conflict. The study aimed at finding out the challenges faced by student nursing mothers in tertiary institutions in the Greater Accra Region and the strategies they adopt to cope with the challenges. Specifically the study delved into challenges pertaining to academic work, economic and childcare activities. The study adopted the mixed method design. The purposive and accidental sampling procedures were used to select the sample. A semi structured questionnaire was developed and administered to fifty-five (55) student nursing mothers in University of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Valley View University , Methodist and Central University Colleges Ten of the respondents were however interviewed using the questionnaire. The activities of the student nursing mothers were as well observed directly. The data which emanated from the closed ended questions was edited, coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The result was then presented descriptively in frequencies and percentages using tables. Descriptive narrative method was used to analyse the qualitative responses generated through the open ended questions. The data was transcribed, coded and analysed manually and presented narratively. The study found that majority of respondents faced academic challenges such as inability to attend lectures and tutorials regularly because of tiredness, sickness of child, taking baby to child welfare clinic and lack of lactation rooms for breastfeeding of babies. The cost of transport to and from school and payment of fees were the economic challenges. They were as well unable to perform their child care functions adequately. To cope with the challenges respondents relied on paid house helps, keeping children at day care centres, raising loans and relying on husbands and friends for lift to school. The study recommended for the provision of lactation rooms, day care centres and counselling services for student nursing mothers on university campuses.
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    Education for Integrated Rural Development: Case of the IAE-CODE Project of the Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana
    (Ghana Journal of Literacy and Adult Education, 2007-07) Oduro-Mensah, D.
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    English for Beginners
    (Woeli Publishing, 2009) Oduro-Mensah, D.
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    Explaining the unexpected COVID-19 trends and potential impact across Africa.[version 2; peer review: 2 approved]
    (F1000Research, 2022) Oduro-Mensah, D.; Oduro-Mensah, E.; Quashie, P.; Awandare, G.; Okine, L.
    Official COVID-19 case counts and mortality rates across Africa are lower than had been anticipated. Research reports, however, indicate far higher exposure rates than the official counts in some countries. Particularly in Western and Central Africa, where mortality rates are disproportionately lower than the rest of the continent, this occurrence may be due to immune response adaptations resulting from (1) frequent exposure to certain pro-inflammatory pathogens, and (2) a prevalence of low-grade inflammation coupled with peculiar modifications to the immune response based on one’s immunobiography. We suggest that the two factors lead to a situation where post infection, there is a rapid ramp-up of innate immune responses, enough to induce effective defense and protection against plethora pathogens. Alongside current efforts at procuring and distributing vaccines, we draw attention to the need for work towards appreciating the impact of the apparently widespread, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections on Africa’s populations vis a vis systemic inflammation status and long-term consequences for public health.
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    Gender Issues that Impinge on Access and Equity of the Master’s Programme in the Institute of Adult Education, University of Ghana. Legon
    (International Journal of Higher Education Research (IJHER), 2009) Oduro-Mensah, D.; Biney, I.K.; Ashong, G.A.
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    Genetic characterization of TEM-type ESBL-associated antibacterial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in a tertiary hospital in Ghana
    (2016-05-04) Oduro-Mensah, D.; Obeng-Nkrumah, N.; Bonney, E.Y.; Oduro-Mensah, E.; Twum-Danso, K.; Osei, Y.D.; Sackey, S.T.
    Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance due to the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among Enterobacteriaceae is a worldwide problem. Data from Ghana regarding this resistance mechanism is limited. This study was designed to investigate the presence of TEM-type ESBL genes, their locations and their conjugabilities in clinical isolates of enterobacteria collected from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Methods Study isolates were characterized with respect to ESBL phenotype, TEM-type ESBL gene detection, location of the ESBL gene(s) and conjugability of the ESBL phenotype using nalidixic acid-resistant Escherichia coli K-12 as recipient. Phenotyping was by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion using cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime and their combinations with clavulanate. Gene detections were by PCR using blaTEM primers. Results Overall, 37.96 % of 137 clinical isolates showed ESBL phenotype. The ESBLs occurred mostly in Klebsiella spp. (42.3 %) and then Escherichia coli (34.6 %). The TEM gene was detected in 48.1 % of ESBL-positive isolates and was determined to be plasmid-borne in 24 of 25 blaTEM detections. Overall, 62.7 % of TEM-producing isolates transferred the ESBL phenotype by conjugation. Conclusions The results highlight the presence of TEM-type ESBLs in the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and show considerable risk of environmental contamination through the urine of infected persons. An inhibition zone chart was generated which indicates the possible presence of complex beta-lactamase types. The data points to the fact that the ESBL-producing bacteria may disseminate this resistance mechanism via conjugation.
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    In vitro anti-plasmodial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera and phyllanthus amarus
    (International Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2015-04) Donkor, A.-M.; Oduro-Mensah, D.; Ani, E.; Ankamah, E.; Nsiah, S.; Mensah, D.E.; Dickson, E.K.; Kusi, K.A.
    Many herbal medicinal products contribute to the treatment of malaria in endemic areas. In Ghana, there is documented evidence of the use of several plant species in the management of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. This study sought to validate the activity of extracts from two such plants, Phyllanthus amarus and Moringa oleifera, against Plasmodium falciparum. Anti-plasmodial activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera (whole plant and twig) and P. amarus (whole plant and stem) were assessed against the 3D7 laboratory strain of P. falciparum. Extracts were evaluated in vitro at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μg mL-1 and the level of potency in each case was expressed as the concentration of the extract that inhibited 50% of the parasites (IC50) relative to negative controls (100% parasitaemia). Artesunate was used as a positive standard in all assays. All extracts showed significant inhibition of parasite growth, with (IC0) less than 50 μg mL-1, except the aqueous extract of the whole plant of P. amarus which showed a relatively high IC50 of 115.43 μg mL-1. Interestingly, increasing concentration of ethanolic extract of combined twig and leaves of Moringa oleifera reduced inhibition of the parasite growth while a decreasing extract concentration resulted in increased parasite inhibition. The extracts of M. oleifera and P. amarus demonstrated potential anti-plasmodial activity which can be explored in malaria therapy. It is of interest to identify, isolate and characterize the active anti-plasmodial bioactive compounds from the plants. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc.
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    In vitro antibacterial activity of PEG formulations of crude extracts of cleome viscosa, Tamarindus indica and Euphorbia hirta
    (Academic Journals Inc., 2016) Donkor, A.- M.; Oduro-Mensah, D.; Konona-Ang Patience, M.
    Background: In rural settings, some medicinal plant extracts serve as alternative agents for wound treatment. Topical application of such extracts would be greatly enhanced if formulations such as ointment-based preparations were available. Methodology: This study sought to investigate the antibacterial activity of polyethylene glycol ointment formulations of crude extracts of Cleome viscosa, Tamarindus indica and Euphorbia hirta against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Antibacterial activities were studied at concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg mL-1 for the test extracts and 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg g-1 for the polyethylene glycol formulations. Results: Generally, the crude extracts as well as their formulations showed increasing levels of inhibition with increasing concentrations. Polyethylene glycol formulations of Euphobia hirta and Cleome viscosa crude extracts exhibited significant potencies against growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Both Euphobia hirta and Cleome viscosa crude extract-polyethylene glycol ointments have therefore emerged as potentially effective formulations against Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa wound infections. © 2016 Addai-Mensah Donkor et al.
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    Isolation and characterisation of theobromine-degrading filamentous fungi
    (Microbiological Research, 2018-01) Oduro-Mensah, D.; Ocloo, A.; Lowor, S.T.; Bonney, E.Y.; Okine, L.K.N.A.; Adamafio, N.A.
    Strategies for achieving global food security include identification of alternative feedstock for use as animal feed, to contribute towards efforts at increasing livestock farming. The presence of theobromine in cocoa pod husks, a major agro-waste in cocoa-producing countries, hinders its utilisation for this purpose. Cheap treatment of cocoa pod husks to remove theobromine would allow largescale beneficial use of the millions of metric tonnes generated annually. The aim of this study was to isolate theobromine-degrading filamentous fungi that could serve as bioremediation agents for detheobromination of cocoa pod husks. Filamentous fungi were screened for ability to degrade theobromine. The most promising isolates were characterized with respect to optimal environmental conditions for theobromine degradation. Secretion of theobromine-degrading enzymes by the isolates was investigated. Theobromine degradation was monitored by HPLC. Of fourteen theobromine-degrading isolates collected and identified by rDNA 5.8S and ITS sequences, seven belonged to Aspergillus spp. and six were Talaromyces spp. Based on the extent of theobromine utilization, four isolates; Aspergillus niger, Talaromyces verruculosus and two Talaromyces marneffei, showed the best potential for use as bioagents for detheobromination. First-time evidence was found of the use of xanthine oxidase and theobromine oxidase in degradation of a methylxanthine by fungal isolates. Metabolism of theobromine involved initial demethylation at position 7 to form 3-methylxanthine, or initial oxidation at position 8 to form 3,7-dimethyuric acid. All four isolates degraded theobromine beyond uric acid. The data suggest that the four isolates can be applied to substrates, such as cocoa pod husks, for elimination of theobromine.
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    Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Sanitation Among Market Users at the Dome Market in the Ga East Municipality
    (University of Ghana, 2013-07) Worlanyo, E.K.; Biney, I.K.; Oduro-Mensah, D.
    The campaign for improved sanitation is increasingly threatened as people’s existing knowledge and attitudes seem not to promote proper sanitation practices. Environmental sanitation has become a problem to the extent that it has engaged the attention of authorities as well as concerned citizens. As a result, over the years Ghana failed to achieve her set sanitation target. One area that has suffered from this problem is the market places. The study sought to find out the knowledge level, attitudes and practices of market users toward sanitation since it could significantly affect their health, economic, social and physical environment. Towards these ends, the study explored knowledge with regard to educational level and age of market users about sanitation, attitudes towards sanitation and practices that ensure proper sanitation. A sample of 168 respondents was selected for the study. Two interview guides, proportional probability and convenience sampling techniques and focus group discussion were the instruments and the procedures employed to collect data from respondents. Methodology adopted to address the objectives of the study was descriptive-analytical survey. The target population was adults (18+) who sell and buy in the Dome Market. A proportional probability was used to sample 133 sellers; convenience sampling technique was used to select 23 buyers and focus group discussion used to gather data from 12 sellers. The study concluded that most of the market users have inadequate education on good hygiene and basic sanitation promoting practices. As a result they do not see the issue of improved sanitation as a current priority; hence, they failed to change their lifestyle which could lead them to practice proper sanitation. They also see sanitation as an issue to be addressed by authorities hence failed to maintain proper sanitation. Recommendations made included the need for the Ga East Municipal Assembly and Management of Accra Markets to liaise with adult education institutions to inform market users about proper sanitation. Waste management and sanitation be put under the Ministry of Health so that a close eye would be kept on it by experts. There should be adequate provision of waste collection bins and timely evacuating of waste to deal with the threat of spill over at collection centres. The public should be involved in policy making decision about sanitation, and also a system should be put in place (courts) to deter people who try to sabotage the drive for improved sanitation.
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    Participation of Community Leaders in Community Development Activities at the Sawla-Tuna-Kalb District of the Northern Region
    (University of Ghana, 2010-08) Addae, D.; Oduro-Mensah, D.; Aggor, R.A.; University of Ghana, College of Education , School of Continuing and Distance Education , Department of Adult Education and Human Resource Studies
    The invaluable role played by community leaders in any development activity cannot be overemphasized. This is because through the participation of community leaders in development activities, community members could also be influenced to participate. The study therefore, identified the extent to which community leaders participate in development activities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district. Related literature was reviewed on the concept of leadership, leaders and group effectiveness, community development, leaders’ participation in community development, among others. The population of the study consisted of all community leaders at Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district of the Northern Region. This included chiefs and elders, unit committee members, opinion leaders, leaders of women groups, and youth leaders. One hundred community leaders formed the sample for the study. The study used a descriptive survey design. Data was gathered from the respondents with the help of an interview schedule. The data was analysed using the SPSS software. The following were the major results of the study: • The leaders identified educational, constructional, sanitation, and environmental activities as community development activities that were undertaken in the district from 2007-2009. • Majority of the community leaders participated in varying levels of planning community development activities in the district. On the contrary, majority of the community leaders did not participate in implementing, and monitoring and evaluation of community development activities in the district. • Promotion of peace and stability in the district, provision of rewards to leaders, and availability of funds for development activities were some of things indicated by community as ways by which their participation in community development activities could be enhanced. Some of the major findings of the study were that: • Constructional, educational, sanitation, and environmental activities were the various categories of community development activities undertaken in the district within the past two years. • Majority of the community leaders participate in varying levels of the planning of development activities. • Community leaders were of the view that providing them with rewards, involving community members in development activities, promoting peace and harmony among the various groups in the district, and organizing training programmes for them, were some of the ways of enhancing their participation in development activities in the district. The study recommended amongst others that avenues should be created for leaders to continuously participate in the planning, implementing, and monitoring and evaluation of community development activities since such the participation of leaders in those stages were crucial to the success of development activities.
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