Browsing by Author "Opoku, P."

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

Beneath The Waters: Understanding the Reporting Trajectories of Domestic Violence Victims
(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Opoku, P.
Domestic violence victims explore avenues within two major supporting systems, formal and informal, in their help-seeking processes for amicable resolutions or justice. Often, victims explore different avenues when seeking for help until they achieve a satisfactory remedy. The core objective of the study was to explore the help-seeking trajectories of domestic violence victims. The data was collected at the Greater Accra regional office of the Domestic Violence and Victims‟ Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, Ministries – Accra. Twenty (20) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with victims who made official complaints at the DOVVSU office for two months. Findings reveal that victims explore at least one informal social support before accessing formal support from DOVVSU. Reporting avenues identified within the informal support system included family, friends, religious leaders, social club leaders, superiors at work, and property owners. Quest for safety and protection, inability to endure abuse, and the need to solve disputes amicably were underlying factors for preferences of reporting avenues. Identified problems associated with disclosure of abuse included shame and mockery, lack of awareness and limitations of reporting procedures.
Complex multispatio-periodic land use and land cover change processes, and woody resources management in a forest-Savanna Ecotone, Ghana
(Trees, Forests and People, 2021) Opoku, P.; Adu-Asare, A.
Vegetation change discourse in tropical Africa is characterized by assumptions of generalised deforestation and degradation. Premised on the concept of the heterogeneity of the tropical African landscape, we make a multispatio-periodic analysis of land use and land cover change (LULCC), and examine its ramifications for woody resources of a forest-Savanna transition, that is characterized by assumed deforestation change discourse. Landsat data for 1985, 2000 and 2016, classified into seven (7) LULC categories were analyzed for change for 1985–2016, 1985–2000 and 2000–2016: for the whole study area, and six (6) smaller localities. In 1985–2016, all woody vegetation categories of the study area experienced reduction: ranging between 60.00% and 23.61%. Reduction in woodland was higher in 1985–2000. Dense woodland cover reduced in, practically, all localities in 1985–2000. The LULCC mechanism was a complex transfer among LULC types, resulting in different emergent LULC types. Hence, change process was not a simple linear deforestation and degradation. Dense woodland that existed at the end of each period was, predominately, regenerated from pre-existing fallow, rather than remnants of ‘virgin’ or pre-existing dense woodland. When pre-existing woody cover was higher, greater amount of woody vegetation regenerates by transformation in a shorter period, whereas limited woody regeneration of woody vegetation on pre-existing fallows dominateswhen there is limited pre-existing woodland, through a long pro cesses of conversion and transformation. Therefore, maintaining higher woody vegetation cover will promote quicker and substantial regeneration of woody vegetation, and availability of woody resources for sustainable wood-based livelihoods, such as charcoal production
Evaluating The Sustainability Of Land And Environmental Resources utilization In The New Juaben District And Its Immediate Environs
(University of Ghana., 2003-10) Opoku, P.
Timely empirical information on the status of sustainability of land resource use is a critical strategic input for achieving sustainable land-use policy objectives. Lt is also important for maintaining and improving positive achievements in sustainable resource use. Examining relevant elements of both socio-economic and biophysical factors as findings are referenced to appropriate and recognized standards is the best approach to sustainability evaluation. Land resources of the New Juaben and the neighbouring districts have served as a medium for various land uses over the years. Yet, the sustainable use of these land resources has been questioned. This study, therefore, sought to evaluate the sustainability of land resource use in the area. Four dimensions of sustainable land and environmental resource use were considered: inter-generational equity, protection of water bodies and steep slopes from unsuitable land uses, efficiency in land allocation for suitable land uses and land-user perspectives of the suitability of cropping systems and land types. The investigation involved vegetation study, mapping of cropping systems with GPS, interviews of farmers satellite data analysis, spatial data modeling and Geographical information Systems(GIS) applications. The outcome indicated that, land resource utilization has not been sustainable. Per capita land consumption for urban construction has progressively increased from about 0.04 ha to over 0.2 ha. Steep slopes and areas within 100m of the Densu River have been denuded of forest vegetation and replaced with fallows and annual crop farms. Cocoa has been cultivated in soil types which are naturally unsuitable. Farmer perception of cropping systems has undergone significant changes, with enhanced rating given to the cultivation of food crops, and diminishing emphasis on tree crops such as cocoa. The trends of resource use could be attributed to various remote and proximate factors. Continually monitoring and evaluating the performance of land-resource utilization could provide feedback information necessary for redirecting resource use from the current unsustainable course 10 one of sustain ability.
Nature of climate change-induced risks in semi-arid northwestern Ghana: Gauged observations, perceptions of smallholder farmers, and perspectives for livelihood adaptation
(Information Development, 2023) Lente, I.; Heve, W.K.; Owusu-Twum, M.Y.; Gordon, C.; Opoku, P.; Nukpezah, D.; Klutse, N.A.B.
Climate variability and impact have been an endemic challenge to smallholder farmers who largely depend on rainy weather for livelihoods in semi-arid north-western Ghana. Many households in semi arid regions exhibit low levels of adaptive capacity due to ineffective adaptation strategies and poor cop ing strategies. This study examined (1) trends in gauged rainfall and temperature data spanning the per iod from 1984 to 2014 and (2) smallholder farmers’ perceptions about yearly cyclical weather, and difficulties associated with climate change adaptations. The study adopted the participatory rural appraisal design using questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions for collection of data for analysis. Estimated parameters partially supported that yearly temperatures are increasing, whereas annual rainfall is declining, although the latter is not significantly related to the former. Smallholder farm ers’ perceptions about changing weather conditions did not corroborate the observed declining annual rainfall trend. These farmers are faced with livelihood-affecting risks during either ‘prolonged dry per iods from October to May’ or ‘short annual rainy season from mid-May to September. Therefore, access to climate information and available climate adaptation strategies could improve farming activities and livelihoods of farmers in response to climate change.
Psychosocial impacts of caring for a child with a genetic disorder in Accra, Ghana
(Journal of Community Genetics, 2023) Opoku, P.; Osei-Tutu, A.; Oti-Boadi, M.
Caregivers caring for a child with a genetic condition may experience psychosocial distress, which may be compounded by the context in which the caring takes place. Few studies have examined psychosocial distress and support among caregivers caring for a child with a genetic disorder in low-middle-income countries such as Ghana. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the psychosocial impacts of caring for a child with a genetic disorder in an urban setting in Ghana’s capital, Accra. We conducted individual interviews among 17 caregivers who were taking care of children with various genetic disorders including, albinism, Edward’s syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, sickle cell disease, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. Thematic analysis of the data revealed three main themes on the psychosocial impacts, including: (1) self-blame, guilt, and shame; (2) sleep and mood disturbances; and (3) discrimination and stigmatization. We observed three themes about support: (1) psychological support; (2) family and community support; and (3) institutional support. Participants reported limited support from professionals such as psychologists. Discussion focuses on the supportive care needs of caregivers and implications for genetic counselling awareness, advocacy, and training.
Sub-Sahara Africa and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Reflecting on Challenges and Recovery Opportunities
(Journal of Developing Societies, 2021) Agwanda, B.; Dagba, G.; Opoku, P.; et al.
How has Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) experienced the COVID-19 pandemic? This article seeks to examine the challenges faced by a region that was earlier expected to be the epicenter of the pandemic. The study identifies three critical stages that pose challenges for governments and development partners operating in SSA try ing to avoid mass infections and the subsequent negative socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic. First, the article begins by examining the challenges experienced in restraining the spread of COVID-19 such as the lack of adequate resources and technology to effectively pursue contact tracing, the dilemma of implementing lockdowns, and the impact of fake news. Second, the article looks at the challenges arising from technical and capacity elements of testing, treatment, and the development and access to vaccines. Finally, the study examines the potential obstacles to a smooth post-COVID-19 recovery. The author argues that although some positive actions have been taken by governments in SSA during the pandemic, the challenges that are emerging as a result of the direct and indirect impacts of the disease cannot be overlooked. The authors therefore offer several recommendations that can guide policy responses against pandemics in the short and long-run.
Sustainable land-use evaluation on steep landscapes and flood plains in the New Juaben district of Ghana: A GIS Approach
(Ghana Journal of Geography (1): 115-134, 2009) Attua, E. M.; Opoku, P.
Specific criteria are stipulated and recommendations made for the sustainable management of landscapes in Ghana. Yet, evaluation is scarcely conducted to determine whether real performance of land-use strategies are meeting expected standards of suitability. The paper reports on an evaluation study conducted on a landscape with various levels of slopes and flood plains. The study sought to demonstrate the application of information technology in achieving the objectives of sustainable land-use management. Landscape of the area was modeled in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Slope was derived from digital elevation model (DEM) and spatially analyzed with land use-/cover information generated from satellite data. The performance of existing land-use was compared with expected land use performance criteria for steep landscapes and flood plains. Steep slopes and areas within 100m of the Densu River have been denuded of forest vegetation. Rather than making only a marginal use of geo-information technology in generating data, we must leverage its inherent analytical potentials that enable innovative, creative and enhanced management decisions for sustainable land resource use. Continually monitoring and evaluating the performance of land-resource utilization will provide feedback information necessary for directing resource use on sustainable trajectories.