Department of Geography and Resource Development
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Item Understanding Mass Wasting In Metropolitan Accra(University Of Ghana, 2020-09) Arhinful, A.A.KMetropolitan areas are one the fast-growing urban metropolis in Sub-Saharan Africa with respect to both demographic densification and expansion of the built-up environment. The sprawling nature of Metropolitan Accra has also resulted in various human activities such as settlement, stone quarrying, and sand mining. The resultant effect is the exhibition of signs of mass wasting in the metropolitan area for some years now. Mass wasting refers to the wide variety of processes that result in the downward and outward movement of slope-forming materials including rock, soil, artificial fill, or a combination of these. The study employed a mixed-method approach to ascertain the triggers of mass wasting in Metropolitan Accra. Specifically, the study assessed the vulnerability levels, residents’ perceived risk to mass wasting and presented some recommendations for policy considerations. A total of 130 respondents were used for the study: 124 household survey and 4 in-depth interviewees. The results further showed that the main trigger for mass wasting as perceived by respondents in the study communities were anthropogenic factors with environmental impacts making majority of responds in relation to mass wasting. The results again revealed that respondents at the summit of hills perceived themselves to be less exposed to mass wasting than those along the slope and base of the hill thus respondents along the slope and base of the slope are perceived to be at greater risk of mass wasting events. The findings again revealed that, majority of the communities at the northern part of Ga South were less prone to mass wasting compared to those of the southern part, exposed to high risk of mass wasting. Weija-Gbawe had some patches of areas very low to mass wasting with the interior part accounting for some major high-risk zones. The study suggested some recommendations for policy considerations to help manage the event.Item Urban Solid Waste Management Crisis: An Assessment Of The Enabling Environment For Private Sector Participation In La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality.(University of Ghana, 2022-04) Sarpong, J.Environmental concerns have gotten a lot more attention as a result of the growing focus on sustainable development. Waste management, especially sustainable waste management (SWM) appears to be an environmental issue that has gained both study and policy attention. The goal of this study is to assess the enabling environment for private sector participation in the management of solid waste in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality. The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, private waste management businesses, and residents of La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality make up the study's population. The Municipality was divided into three socioeconomic classes (high, middle, and low–income residential sectors) based on wealth, population density, housing quality, and various economic criteria. Given the character of the respondents for this study, two (2) key data collection instruments were used: a questionnaire and an interview guide. A total of one hundred and eighty-six (186) sample size was obtained for the households out of 204, representing a response rate of 91%. Purposive sampling was also used to obtain data from specific groups based on their roles in solid waste management in the study area. These included the Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Municipal Planning Officer, Assembly members, and Private Waste Contractors such as Bright Waste Company Limited. The study's findings suggested that there are clear-cut arrangements for handling solid waste in the municipality but there are deficits in the application of these arrangements in the management. The findings also revealed that the solid waste management system in the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality is that of collection and disposal. The municipality is currently not treating or recycling waste as far as the management of waste is concerned. The study concludes by recommending that local government entities' technical and financial capacities must be enhanced to help regulate and enforce sanitation laws and bye-laws. It is also very necessary for the government to increase investment in final disposal sites and transfer stations.Item Structural And Alteration Controls On Gold Mineralization In The Rhyacian Rocks Of The Josephine Deposit, NW Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-07) Atanga, F.This thesis focuses on the structures and alterations controlling gold mineralization in the Josephine deposit found in NW Ghana. The lithological and structural maps were produced from field lithological and structural data in conjunction with airborne geophysical data. The lithologies observed in the deposit comprise of meta-sediments (mainly quartzite), granitoid batholiths, mafic intrusion (dolerite), and gneiss. The quartzite which hosts the mineralization have experienced greenschist metamorphism. Through mapping and structural analysis, the following sequence of deformational events; DJO0, DJO1, DJO2 and DJO3was identified. DJO0 is synonymous to the primary preserved sedimentary features observed in the rocks and mainly observed in the quarzitic rocks. Gold mineralization in the deposit is structurally controlled and mainly associated with the DJO1 NNW-trending dextral and steeply dipping sinusoidal shear zone. The gold occurs together with arsenopyrite along the foliation planes of the host rocks, quartzite. Alteration minerals assemblage observed within the deposit give indication the gold precipitated under greenschist metamorphic facies. The ore body geometry is about 15-40m wide with a strike length of 800m trending in the NNW direction. Silicification, seritization, chloritization and sulphidation (quartz + sericite + chlorite + sulphide) are the main alterations associated with the ore zone in the deposit. Sulphides observed in the deposit are arsenopyrite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and sphalerites with gold more associated with the arsenopyrite mineral. The gold occurs as free gold within the fractures of the arsenopyrite mineral. The pathfinder elements associated with gold in the deposits are mainly antimony or stibnite (Sb), Te (Tellurium), S (Sulphur), Cu (Copper), Ag (Silver), and Lead (Pb) which is characteristic of orogenic gold. Isocon analysis suggests the altered mineralized zone has gained 16.6% mass and volume increase because of addition of the fluids. This together with the zonation of the arsenopyrite gives an indication of hydrothermal process responsible for the mineralization with an unknown sourceItem The Mining-Agriculture Nexus And Food Security In Kenyasi, Ahafo Region(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Boachie-Mensah, F.Food security has been of paramount importance since time immemorial considering the crucial role of food in the survival of human beings. Food security is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite all the global efforts toward ensuring food security, food security in sub-Saharan Africa (especially the rural parts) still ought to be attended to. Livelihood diversification has become very crucial in the face of the rapid challenges engulfing the agricultural sector. Small-scale mining has become an option for rural dwellers in mineral-rich areas in Ghana. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the relative contribution of farming and mining livelihoods to food security. This study adopted a case study descriptive design and made use of the mixed-method approach. The findings of the study were about the objectives of study which are to assess the nature and level of usage of the two major livelihood strategies, to examine the determinants/motivations of household choice of the two livelihood systems, to discuss the relative contribution of small-scale mining and farming to the food security status of households and finally, to analyse the challenges of employing small-scale mining and farming activities in terms of contradictions and synergies. Following the first objective, the study shows that a majority of the inhabitants were into farming and mining, with farming being the dominant occupation amongst the residents of Kenyasi. The study also observed that a majority of the inhabitants earned relatively lower incomes (usually less than 1,000 cedis per month). This could be attributed to the fact that most of the farmers were only engaged in subsistence farming and only sold their produce when they had a surplus. Despite being a farming community, it was surprisingly identified that food shortage was prevalent in Kenyasi as most households indicated that there was not enough food for them throughout the year. For the second objective, the study found that farmers ventured into farming to be able to provide food for their consumption and sell the surplus to local markets. Those engaged in mining, it was mainly motivated by the higher income levels. The results from the fourth objective show that the synergies and trade-offs between mining and farming in contributing to livelihoods and food security were complementary. However, the operation of mining activities led to the destruction of farmlands within the community. The third objective centred mainly around contributions found that mining had also reduced the labour for farming by attracting farmers and casual potential labourers given the high wages in mining. The study recommended that it is therefore important to streamline the operations of both livelihood activities to harness their relative direct and indirect contributions to achieving food security.Item Spatial Analysis Of The Distribution And Drivers Of Retail Outlets Location In Residential Areas Of Accra(University Of Ghana, 2021-07) Hogba, E.In the last two decades, the retail sector has seen an unprecedented and widespread proliferation of retail outlets, particularly in the majority of developing cities. In Accra, Ghana's capital city, houses and residential neighbourhoods are increasingly becoming a haven for the location of retail outlets. Given the fast expansion of residential retail outlets, a comprehensive geographical understanding of the locational patterns, as well as the causes of these patterns are required for formulating spatial planning policies, decision-making and rational distribution of commercial facilities. The study, therefore, examined the spatial pattern and drivers of retail outlet locations in three residential areas of varied income levels in Accra. The study employed a complementary mixed-method approach, involving the mapping of locations of retail outlets using Geographic Information Systems, questionnaire administration, in-depth interviews with buyers and institutional stakeholders as well as field observations to collect data. The mapping established that the geographical pattern of retail outlets is aligned with the distribution pattern of urban development in the study areas and these include the distribution of population, road networks, and supplementary businesses. Though the distribution of retail outlets is suggested to be spontaneous, the study showed that the factors driving the location of retail outlets were taken by retailers based on their observations and experiences, including proximity to customers, existing clusters of retailers, and minimization of competition. The study also revealed that the distribution and operations of retail outlets pose great environmental threats to the residential environment and the quality of life of residents. The study recommended, among others, that policymakers develop an explicit and comprehensive policy to regulate and manage residential retailing.Item Public Housing In Ghana: A Case Study Of The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area(University Of Ghana, 2022-05) Ayumu, E.T.The global urban population has seen significant growth over the past decades. The rapid rate of urbanisation has created critical infrastructure challenges to sustainable development. Among these challenges is housing. More individuals have become homeless, the number of slums and squatter communities is growing, and house prices are rising. In Ghana, policymakers have struggled to tackle the housing crisis through various programs. The role of the state in housing provision has changed due to the recent subscription to neoliberal policies. This change in the government’s role in housing provision has affected supply and access to housing, for example, which encourages private ownership and construction of housing, especially in the urban space. Within this context, the study sought to analyse the role and acceptance of public housing as a solution to the housing challenges within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). Four communities with public housing projects in GAMA were studied. A mixed-methods approach, triangulating surveys, key informant interviews, and observation, was deployed. The 2015 National Housing Policy was analysed to ascertain the shift in the government’s approach to public housing. The study showed that people prefer public housing through rent or buying rather than private formal or informal housing units. The security of tenure associated with dwelling in public housing is the main reason why people prefer public housing. Despite the preference for public housing, most respondents have not tried accessing public housing due to their perception of bias in the allocation of public housing. The study also examined the spatiality of public housing and found that because most people settled in their respective communities to be closer to their place of work, they are unwilling to secure public housing, most of which are situated far from the city centres. And will not be willing to rent or buy a public housing unit at places far from their place of work. The study recommends a revised housing policy and provision approach that will ensure that the housing demands of both formal and informal employees and low- and high-income families are met.Item Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Of Healthcare Waste Management And Risk Perception In Ho Municipality(University Of Ghana, 2022-04) Dzakuma, D.K.Globally, there exist a well-defined set of rules for handling healthcare waste; but the slackness and lack of adequate training and awareness in the implementation of n legislative and regulatory policy guidelines lead to serious health and ecological trepidation. The present study was conducted to assess the level of awareness of healthcare waste management amongst health personnel and the perceptions regarding the potential risks associated with waste, through mixed-method approach of data collection. Simple random sampling was used to select 165 health personnel from the Municipal Health Directorate. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS chi-squares and the level of significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Descriptive statistics were carried out to determine relative percentages. Results show that the total level of awareness of health care waste management amongst staff among highest in Doctors, followed by laboratory technicians, nurses, health assistants and lastly was at personnel 1%, 75%, and 68.9%, 60% and 35.7% respectively. The study uncovered that majority of health personnel were not aware of the Ministry of Health Guidelines on the management of healthcare waste. Chi-square test of association between a health worker’s profession and level of knowledge of healthcare waste management (χ2 = 13.704; p = 0.008 at 0.05 significance level) depicted health personnel’s job the type affects level of knowledge of healthcare waste management. Similarly, chi-square test of association between job category health personnel risk perception about infection from infectious waste (χ2 = 20.278; p = 0.009 at 0.05 significance level) indicated health personnel’s risk perception was influenced by their job type. The study recommends the need to have specialised waste workers is very essential or the training of the existing personnel on effective healthcare waste management as only 35.7% of current waste personnel indicated their knowledge in waste management as good.Item Assessing Social Cohesion And Resilience Of Coastal Communities Affected By Tidal Wave Related Disasters In The Volta Region(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Kwabla, D.E.The insurgency of natural hazards as a result of climate change in recent times are causing havoc in vulnerable communities thus became a major source of disasters across the globe. In coastal communities, tidal-wave hazards in particular are the major causes of disasters, resulting in the loss of living/ habitat space, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of economic livelihoods among others. This study focused on the assessment of social cohesion and community disaster resilience in some selected tidal-wave affected coastal communities in the Volta Region of Ghana. Questionnaire administration was combined with focus group discussion to collect data in each study community. The Burkner’s Index of Cohesion (BIC) and Index of Perceived Community Resilience (IPCR) were used to evaluate social cohesion and resilience of study communities respectively. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to determine the significant differences in the intensity of BIC and IPCR between the communities whiles the FEMA model (figure 1) was used as temporal reference point to analyze the recovery cycle of communities that have experienced disaster at different time period and places. Effective usage of social networks, the practice of neighborliness and social solidarity among community members were observed to be the major attributes to the moderate level of social cohesion experienced in the various study communities. As a result, resilience was found to be positive in each of the study communities but not adequate enough to build back better within the shortest possible time without a major external support. The study also identifies some key indicators relative to each study community that need to be improved upon in practical terms to enhance the community’s social cohesion aspirations in other to help build a stronger disaster resilience in rural poor communities across the diaspora.Item Understanding Mass Wasting in Metropolitan Accra(University of Ghana, 2020-09) Arhinful, A.A.K.Metropolitan areas are one the fast-growing urban metropolis in Sub-Saharan Africa with respect to both demographic densification and expansion of the built-up environment. The sprawling nature of Metropolitan Accra has also resulted in various human activities such as settlement, stone quarrying, and sand mining. The resultant effect is the exhibition of signs of mass wasting in the metropolitan area for some years now. Mass wasting refers to the wide variety of processes that result in the downward and outward movement of slope-forming materials including rock, soil, artificial fill, or a combination of these. The study employed a mixed-method approach to ascertain the triggers of mass wasting in Metropolitan Accra. Specifically, the study assessed the vulnerability levels, residents’ perceived risk to mass wasting and presented some recommendations for policy considerations. A total of 130 respondents were used for the study: 124 household survey and 4 in-depth interviewees. The results further showed that the main trigger for mass wasting as perceived by respondents in the study communities were anthropogenic factors with environmental impacts making majority of responds in relation to mass wasting. The results again revealed that respondents at the summit of hills perceived themselves to be less exposed to mass wasting than those along the slope and base of the hill thus respondents along the slope and base of the slope are perceived to be at greater risk of mass wasting events. The findings again revealed that, majority of the communities at the northern part of Ga South were less prone to mass wasting compared to those of the southern part, exposed to high risk of mass wasting. Weija-Gbawe had some patches of areas very low to mass wasting with the interior part accounting for some major high-risk zones. The study suggested some recommendations for policy considerations to help manage the event.Item Curbing Open Defecation In The Keea Municipality In The Central Region(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Semebiah, C.Unimproved sanitation such as open defecation practices has been a major sanitation problem in Ghana. The practice has been alarming due to the threat it poses to human health. Therefore, it has become an area of concern in the KEEA municipality since a lot of households do not have household toilet facilities. Addressing the unimproved sanitation practices to ensure a resilient community require comprehensive understanding of all underlying determinants of open defecation practices and factors that trigger the adoption of household toilet facilities. The study employed a mixed-method approach to explore means of curbing open defecation practices in the KEEA municipality. Specifically, the study investigated how the spatial distribution of public toilets influence the facility‘s usage, the socio-demographic predictors of open defecation, and the triggers for adopting a household toilet facility. A total of 373 respondents were used for the study; 320 household heads for the questionnaire survey, 42 focused group discussants, and 11 in-depth interviewees. The findings revealed that the most commonplace of attending nature‘s call is the public toilet. Spatial distribution of these public toilets do not influence the facility‘s usage irrespective of the unkempt status. The results also showed that females are more likely to open defecate as compared to males; those between 50-60 years are also likely to open defecate. Education and income status are also significant determinants of open defecation practices. Religion and ethnicity are, however, insignificant in predicting open defecation practices in the study area. Adoption of household toilet facility is also likely to be triggered by prestige, health and economic drivers. However, these drivers (excluding the economic driver), are influenced by marital status, education level and income status. Both short term and long term recommendations were suggested to curb open defecation practices. The study further calls for enactment of policy documents to safeguard tenets to invest in constructing their household toilet facility while sanitation. University of Ghana