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Item Towards Industrial Ecology: An Assessment Of Environmental Practices Within The Plastic Industry In Accra, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2021-07) Gyabo, S.O.The purpose of this study is to assess corporate environmental practices being implemented by plastic producing enterprises in Accra, Ghana. The study explores existing environmental practices at the enterprise level, examines the level of compliance with environmental regulations by plastic producing enterprises, examines perception of plastic producing enterprises on the influence of growing activism against plastic pollution from the public on their strategies and the opportunities and challenges of using industrial ecology to achieve sustainable plastic production and consumption in relation to sustainable development goal 12 (responsible production and consumption). The study employed methodological triangulation on data obtained from 18 plastic-producing enterprises within the Accra and Tema Metropolis in Ghana through questionnaire survey and informal interviews. Data was analysed quantitatively and supported with qualitative data. It was revealed that enterprises engage in environmental practices such as recycling, adoption of sustainable technology and environmental management systems (EMS), use of recycled materials, and energy efficiency. Compliance with environmental regulation was found to be high amongst enterprises with 17 of 18 enterprises having met regulatory requirements and therefore certified by the regulatory body (EPA). Further, enterprises did not perceive reduced sales and profits over the last 10 years though raw materials were perceived to have become more expensive due to scarcity of resources from the natural environment. Firms also professed to putting in measures to improve their reputation in the face of the public as a result of public activisms on plastic pollution. Additionally, existing national plastic management policy (NPMP), recycling, sustainability reporting and education and awareness provides opportunity for industrial ecology to be used to achieve sustainable plastic waste management, though some challenges in these areas persist. Ecosystem principles of roundput, was being implemented by majority of enterprises through engagement in recycling and locality principle was being implemented by a few enterprises. Situating the study within the institutional theory, enterprises had normative, regulatory and cognitive reasons for engaging in environmental practices. Whereas based on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), enterprises derived competitive advantage in the form of improved efficiency and reduced cost of production, differentiation benefit and access to international markets, which were achieved through the product stewardship, pollution prevention and sustainable development practices being accomplished by enterprises.Item Management Practices Of Major Agricultural Wastes And Their Impact On Decomposition And Mineralization: A Case Study Of Kwaebibirem District Ghana(University of Ghana, 2022-08) Mukandayambaje, P.Significant quantities of agricultural and agro-industrial wastes are produced annually. Improper management of these wastes poses environmental problems such as surface and ground water pollution and air pollution among others. Managing agricultural wastes aim at maximizing economic benefits from the waste resources with affordable, suitable and environmental friendly systems. The aim of this study was to assess the current management practices of major agricultural wastes generated and evaluate the impact of some of these wastes on decomposition, mineralization as well as carbon dioxide and ammonia emissions. Questionnaires were administered to 175 farmers from five communities in the Kwaebibirem District. Five laboratory experiments were also conducted; effect of organic residue type and particle size on CO2 emission was investigated during 120 days; effect of organic residue type and particle size on decomposition and nutrient release patterns were evaluated during 22 weeks; CO2 and NH3 emissions from poultry droppings as affected by biochar application at different pH and rates were separately assessed during 30 days and the effect of biochar application to poultry droppings on nutrients release was assessed during 30 days. The findings of the study indicated that the major agricultural wastes of concern generated in the Kwaebibirem District were crop residues and animal wastes. The most crop residues generated were cocoa pod husks (CPH); various wastes from palm fruits, mainly empty fruit bunches (EFB); rice husks (RH) and straws and corn stalks. Animal wastes generated were predominantly poultry droppings (PD). The results indicated that the farmers have inadequate knowledge on the sustainable management of agricultural wastes and their uses in terms of soil fertility improvement. It is also revealed that farmers perceive weakly in animal manure use in soil fertility improvement. The results indicated that the cumulative CO2 emissions of EFB and CPH were not statistically different except for the smallest particle sizes, CPHS3 significantly emitted higher CO2 than EFBS3. The particle size of EFB and CPH significantly affected the cumulative CO2 emission. The cumulative CO2 emissions from EFB increased in the order of EFBS1 Ca > P = N at different rates. There was no significant difference in N and P release in EFB and CPH. CPH released K and Ca faster than EFB of the same particle size. Particle size of each of EFB and CPH did not show significance difference in release nutrients at the end of incubation period except for P release in CPH, where CPHS3 released significantly higher amount of P than CPHS1 and CPHS2. Results showed that irrespective of biochar rates and pH, mixing of biochar and poultry droppings resulted in a highly significant reduction (p<0.001) of CO2 and NH3 emissions. Biochar was effective in reducing over 30% of CO2 and 20% of NH3 emitted by poultry droppings alone. Biochar at pH6 was most effective in reducing CO2 and NH3 emissions. It was indicated that application of biochar to poultry droppings reduced nutrients release rate. The study highly recommends education and the trainings for the farmers on the impact of agro industrial wastes to the environment, affordable and environmental friendly management practices. Both EFB and CPH are suited for soil organic matter build-up and chopping the residues in small particle sizes is advised for short term fertility purpose. Biochar should be added to poultry droppings to retain nutrients, reduce carbon dioxide and ammonia gases emissions as a waste management strategy to reduce as well.Item Sustainable Waste Management By Source Separation Of Household Waste In The Ga Central Municipality(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Appiah, N.Y.The importance of practicing source waste segregation cannot be over emphasized in the bid to attain sustainable development. Household waste collected in its mixed form decompose and release run-off into the soil and generate harmful gases into the atmosphere. The aim of this study is to identify how sustainable source waste separation at households in the Ga Central Municipality (GCMA) can be achieved. Specifically, the factors that will enable households to practice source waste segregation was assessed in this study. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data and analyze household solid waste generation, segregation and disposal options. Questionnaires were administered to 100 randomly selected households. In-depth interviews were conducted with personnel of GCMA environmental and health department, EPA, MESTI, and Ministry of Sanitation. Ethical Quantitative Data was analyzed for important determinants of segregation using logistic regression. The logit regression carried out assessed the effect of gender, age, educational level, occupation, awareness of waste segregation, willingness to segregate waste, and requiring of support to segregate on the likelihood of segregation of waste at source before disposal. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. The overall regression model was significant, (p < .0005). Interview with key informants indicated that waste segregation implementation in the municipality is being looked at in the long term due to current non-availability of infrastructures/facilities to process segregated waste. Relevant Ministries and regulatory institutions (MESTI, EPA, MoSWR) also confirmed that the absence of a policy enforcing waste segregation implementation in the country is undermining efforts being put into this practice of waste management. Factors to that significantly predicted waste segregation within the GCMA, i.e. such as the provision of bins, awareness creation and the revision of policies and bylaws should be prioritized in the implementation process.Item Assessment Of Effluent Quality At The University Of Ghana Hospital, Legon(University Of Ghana, 2018-12) Dolo, M.J.Hospitals effluent often contain chemical compounds which may have negative impact on the environment and human health if not properly treated. Investigations were conducted to determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical qualities of effluent discharged from University of Ghana hospital into the environment and its effects on agricultural soils and vegetables. Water and soil quality analyses of some physico-chemical and bacteriological variables were carried out on effluent samples using standard methods over a three month period (WHO, 2010). Human health risk assessment was conducted to determine the potential risk on the consumption of vegetables irrigated with the effluent water. The results showed the following variations in physico-chemical parameters; EC (1522-2220 µS/cm), pH (8.2-8.8), TDS (947-1410.7mg/l) BOD (34.8-66.8mg/l) DO (0.8-1.4mg/l) COD (548-775.2mg/l), NO2-_N (0.24-0.45mg/l), NO3-_N (34.5-101.1mg/l), NH3-N,-(15.9-28.8mg/l) PO43-(6.3-9.8mg/l). The TC and E. coli also ranged from 3.120×103 - 4.582×103 cfu/100ml and 1.5×101- 2.9×101 cfu/100ml respectively. Lead and arsenic in water were below the recommended FAO guideline of 0.1 and 0.01mg/l respectively for water used for irrigation of vegetables. Cadmium, Cr, Ni and mercury however, exceeded the guideline. Mercury, nickel and chromium were above the FAO recommended guideline for Agricultural soils whilst Cd, Pb and As fell below the recommended limit. All the heavy metals in cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower in this study were all below recommended limit set by the FAO for vegetables wholesome for human consumption. The human health risk assessment of the vegetables revealed that the hazard index and Hazard quotient for cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower were all less than 1 which indicates that consumers are not at risk to the consumption of these vegetables in the short term. To prevent or reduce environmental effects and health risk associated with hospital effluent, adoption and utilization of decentralized wastewater technologies that are economically viable and efficient such as waste stabilization ponds are recommended to safeguard public health and prevent negative environmental effects.Item Assessment Of Water, Sanitation And Hygiene (WaSH) In Basic Schools: Case Study Ledzokuku Municipality, Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Christian, M.A.Water, sanitation, and hygiene are necessary for the wellbeing of man. The importance of WaSH is demonstrated by the daily need of humans for good water sanitation and hygiene or the levels of morbidity and mortality caused by the inadequacy of water sanitation and hygiene in meeting the daily needs of humans, especially children. Children are known to spend the majority of their day in school and are known to be vulnerable to poverty, so it is prudent to assess and evaluate the WaSH situations in school, especially due to the significant amount of intervention in WaSH in school. This study assessed the WaSH in basic schools in the Ledzokuku Municipality using a descriptive cross-sectional survey approach. A simple random sampling technique was used to sample 14 basic schools out of 19, after which semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the heads of schools or their representatives. An observational checklist was also used to collect data, which was analysed using Excel 2017. The results showed that 86% of schools had received WaSH interventions, 92% had toilets, but only 86% had improved toilets. Urinals were found to be present in all schools, although the types and states varied. Hygiene promotion was visible in all schools. The main hindering factors for adhering to WinS standards were funds and poor-quality handwashing vessels, while the enabling factors were COVID-19 and WaSH assessment. Over all, the adherence to the WinS module for Ghana is low in the municipality; more efforts are needed to ensure 100% adherence to the WaSH guildlines.Item The Plastic Waste Value Chain In Greater Accra Metropolitan Area: Assessing Flows And Spatial Patterns Of Recycling.(University of Ghana, 2021-06) Fiati, K.E.Pollution from plastic wastes has become one of the global challenges and the threat to hundreds of marine species being the most visible and disturbing impact. As many regulations move countries towards circular economy models, there are real opportunities for future investments to combat the pollution from plastics. This study reports on assessing flows and spatial patterns of recycling in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area using a variety of methods including review of literature, key informant interviews and administration of questionnaires to waste pickers, aggregators, recycling companies and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. Thirteen (13) key informant interviews were done comprising of eight (8) Heads of waste management Departments at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, three (3) Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) concerned with waste management, the manager of the Kpone Landfill as well as an officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two hundred and ten (210) questionnaires were also administered, One hundred and sixty (160) to waste pickers, fifty (50) to aggregators (waste agents, small and large scale plastic waste recovery enterprises) and eight (8) plastic recycling companies. This was done to illicit responses on the plastic waste collection, the trading activities, the types and amount of waste collected daily, the interrelationship that exist between the stakeholders and the core competencies and operational capacities of the recycling companies. The demographic data from responses to questionnaires administered indicate that majority of the waste pickers (75%) are women with average age of 46 years. Majority (85%) of them have no formal education. Further, the results show that, the entire life cycle in plastic waste recycling in GAMA engages a very broad set of commercial stakeholders which includes waste management crew, street waste pickers, landfill/waste dump scavengers, plastic waste agents/ wholesalers, small scale enterprises and large scale enterprises playing diverse roles in the waste trade. Altogether the plastic recycling companies recycle/ process about 47 tons of HDPE, 41 tons of LDPE, 20 tons of PET, 15 tons of Polypropylene and 5 tons of Polyvinyl-Chloride per day, the study also revealed that all the plastic recycling facilities interviewed were located either in a highly populated area, close to a landfill or dumpsite, or in an industrial area. Other less populated areas mainly are served by the aggregators collecting and buying waste from the communities to the recycling facilities. Two hundred and two thousand, eight hundred and twenty-four (202,824) tons of plastic waste is traded among the waste pickers and the waste agents or wholesalers during the study for a year, which is valued at GH₵ 91,999,464. A full-time waste picker makes between GH₵25.00 to GHC30.00 per day. The Current Ghanaian cedi to US Dollar exchange rate was GH₵5.76 to $1 at the time of the study. Even though the plastic waste trade activity provides employment and income to the local communities, not much attention has been given to it. It is recommended that, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) should consider amending the National Plastic Management Policy to include plastic waste trade sector specific legislations, this will bring good recognition to the trade. Also, since the trade is dominated by women, there should be the creation of women-focused support from local and central government for plastic waste collection.Item The Effect Of Mobile Health Communication Intervention On Female Teachers’ Knowledge On Cervical Cancer And Cervical Screening Uptake In Accra Metropolis(University of Ghana, 2022-08) Mustaph, S.A.ABSTRACT Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women. Without significant intervention, the global burden is expected to increase to nearly 700,000 cases and 400,000 deaths by 2030, Ninety percent of these occur in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. Mobile health is an emerging technology around the world that can be effective in improving knowledge on cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening uptake. Because mobile phone adoption is growing at an exponential rate in low- and middle-income nations, employing mobile phones to promote cervical cancer services might reach a larger number of individuals in resource-constrained settings than traditional healthcare delivery methods. Objective: This study sought to assess the effect of mhealth communication intervention on female teachers’ knowledge on cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening uptake. Methodology: The study employed a cluster randomized design with baseline and endline stages. Multistage cluster randomized sampling was used to select 237 teachers from 61 private and government schools in 4 sub-districts in Accra metropolis. Two cross sectional surveys were carried out at baseline and endline across all intervention arms with control. SMS only (40), WhatsApp (50), SMS+WhatsApp (80) and Control ( 67). Questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Modified ordinary least square regression(OLS) with Difference in Difference analysis and robust standard error were used to determine the effect of the mhealth communication intervention on cervical cancer knowledge and cervical screening uptake Results: The study assessed the effectiveness of WhatsApp only, SMS only, and WhatsApp + SMS with control on knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening uptake. The results showed that, receiving at least one intervention, increased knowledge score on cervical cancer and overall knowledge of cervical screening by 11.5% and 19% respectively(p<0.001). Among the three interventions, WhatsApp text yielded the largest improvement on knowledge. It increased knowledge on cervical cancer by 17.34% (p<0.001), Knowledge on risk factors by 18.26% (p<0.001) and overall knowledge by 17.53% (p<0.001) and the three interventions had a significant effect on knowledge on cervical cancer but did not have significant effect on cervical screening uptake Conclusion This study concludes that SMS and WhatsApp interventions had an impact on knowledge of risk factors of cervical cancer and general knowledge of cervical cancer. However, WhatsApp was the most effective in terms of raising awareness on cervical cancerItem Towards Industrial Ecology: An Assessment Of Environmental Practices Within The Plastic Industry In Accra, Ghana.(University of Ghana, 2021-07) Gyabo, S.O.The purpose of this study is to assess corporate environmental practices being implemented by plastic producing enterprises in Accra, Ghana. The study explores existing environmental practices at the enterprise level, examines the level of compliance with environmental regulations by plastic producing enterprises, examines perception of plastic producing enterprises on the influence of growing activism against plastic pollution from the public on their strategies and the opportunities and challenges of using industrial ecology to achieve sustainable plastic production and consumption in relation to sustainable development goal 12 (responsible production and consumption). The study employed methodological triangulation on data obtained from 18 plastic-producing enterprises within the Accra and Tema Metropolis in Ghana through questionnairre survey and informal interviews. Data was analysed quantitatively and supported with qualitative data. It was revealed that enterprises engage in environmental practices such as recycling, adoption of sustainable technology and environmental management systems (EMS), use of recycled materials, and energy efficiency. Compliance with environmental regulation was found to be high amongst enterprises with 17 of 18 enterprises having met regulatory requirements and therefore certified by the regulatory body (EPA). Further, enterprises did not perceive reduced sales and profits over the last 10 years though raw materials were perceived to have become more expensive due to scarcity of resources from the natural environment. Firms also professed to putting in measures to improve their reputation in the face of the public as a result of public activisms on plastic pollution. Additionally, existing national plastic management policy (NPMP), recycling, sustainability reporting and education and awareness provides opportunity for industrial ecology to be used to achieve sustainable plastic waste management, though some challenges in these areas persist. Ecosystem principles of roundput, was being implemented by majority of enterprises through engagement in recycling and locality principle was being implemented by a few enterprises. Situating the study within the institutional theory, enterprises had normative, regulatory and cognitive reasons for engaging in environmental practices. Whereas based on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), enterprises derived competitive advantage in the form of improved efficiency and reduced cost of production, differentiation benefit and access to international markets, which were achieved through the product stewardship, pollution prevention and sustainable development practices being accomplished by enterprises.Item The Drivers, Processes, And Outcomes Of The Digital Transformation Of SMES In Developing Countries(University of Ghana, 2023-02) ANIM-YEBOAH, S.SABSTRACT Digital technologies are reshaping the models, processes, culture, and customer experiences of organisations. This reshaping of organisations with fundamental changes resulting from the adoption of digital technologies and digitalisation is known as digital transformation (DT). Digital transformation tends to matter to all organisations, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are not left out. However, the review of extant literature concerning DT reveals SMEs' vulnerability, particularly those in developing countries (DCs). It shows that there is room for SMEs to gain more from DT, with three significant gaps that need research attention. First, there is a lack of agreement in the literature regarding what constitutes the DT drivers, processes and outcomes. Second, studies on DT, examine drivers, processes, and outcomes as independent constructs, and there is a paucity of research examining their interrelationships. Third, the current studies on DT in SMEs are silent on how the firms' managerial and organisational capabilities and capacities influence the drivers processes and outcomes. Lastly, in this regard, a theoretically grounded and practice-oriented framework for the DT of SMEs is lacking. Hence, most SMEs in DCs tend to trail the DT path arbitrarily. In response, this doctoral thesis seeks to address the above gaps and develop the framework by exploring the drivers, processes and outcomes of DT and the relationships among them while considering the influence of the capabilities and capacities of SMEs in DCs. To achieve this purpose, the following questions are asked: (i) What are the drivers, processes, and outcomes of the DT of SMEs in DCs? (ii) How do the drivers, processes, and outcomes influence one another, in the DT of SMEs in DCs? (iii) How do the SMEs capabilities and capacities influence the drivers, processes, and outcomes of the DT in DCs? Such a study would be a strategic assessment of how to approach DT and achieve the desired outcomes. This assessment is critical in the current era, where digital innovation proliferation and social, economic and health challenges (including the COVID-19 pandemic) are compelling organisations to embrace DT. Hence, developing a framework to guide DT research and SMEs' practice of DT in DCs is a timely endeavour. To respond to the research questions, the study utilised the Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST) to conceptualise the DT drivers, processes, and outcomes. AST is appropriate because it highlights drivers of DT from both technological and organisational perspectives while focusing on the technology and organisation interaction processes as structuration and appropriation, resulting in the outcomes. The study further considered other literature to conceptualise the capabilities and capacities of SMEs. To facilitate the exploration, the study’s research strategy utilised a qualitative Delphi methodology from a critical realism perspective, with responses from sixteen purposively selected DT experts from six DCs. DT is a contemporary phenomenon with structures that need to be unearthed and explored to clarify its understanding and applications. Coupled with the lack of agreement on DT factors and the incomplete knowledge of the DT phenomenon, the research strategy was justified. In responding to the first research question, the study unearthed typologies of the DT drivers, processes, and outcomes to offer new insight into studying DT. The study revealed six dimensions of the drivers of DT. Among them, the technological, organisational, and environmental-related drivers have been previously established in literature. However, the dimensions of work tasks, emergent outputs and new rules and resources were found as newly identified drivers of DT in this study, which hitherto were absent in literature. Again, the findings offer a novel classification of the technological-related drivers as dynamic (changing), steady (fixed), and spirit (goals and values) features. The steady features are the inherent and fixed structural attributes, such as comprehensiveness and accessibility. The dynamic features are the changing and improving attributes, like updatability, customisability and changing trends. The spirit features are the overall intentions regarding goals and values fundamental to the structural features, such as efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy. The findings outline five DT processes: decision-making and adoption, implementation and use, changes in function and resources, adjustment and adaptation, and strategic shifts and positioning. Though application in practice may vary, most DT studies do not clearly define stepwise and sequential processes. The stepwise and sequential nature of the processes from this study is being advocated as an adaptable guide. Moreover, the findings reveal six DT outcomes: business image and value, work processes and functions, resources and abilities improvements, customer and stakeholder satisfaction, productivity and profitability, and undesirable consequences of technology use. However, embracing undesirable consequences as one of the possible outcomes is scarcely mentioned in DT literature. For the second research question, the study reveals the relationships and influences among the factors. These effects are the influence of drivers on processes, the influence of drivers on outcomes, the influence of processes on outcomes, and the influence of outcomes on drivers. These influences were hitherto not established in literature. For example, technological features drivers influence the decision-making and adoption, implementation and use, and adjustment and adaptation processes. In contrast, work-task drivers influence the changes in functions and resources alone. Regarding the third research question, the study determined four major dimensions of SMEs capabilities and capacities, which influences the DT drivers, processes, and outcomes. The study also identifies novel classifications of capabilities and capacities as intrinsic and extrinsic, and managerial capabilities as attributes and relationships. These findings offer the opportunity to know which capabilities and capacities to leverage and infuse and how they influence the drivers and processes to achieve the desired outcomes. For example, whiles the managerial capacities influence the decision-making and adoption, implementation and use, and adjustment and adaptation, the organisational capacity instead influences the changes in function and resources, adjustment and adaptation, and strategic shifts and positioning. The findings culminate into a theoretical and practice-based framework (DPOCC Framework), with simplified steps and two-pronged approaches: Driver-led approach is to identify the compelling drivers and optimise the matching processes to achieve corresponding outcomes while considering the capabilities and capacities influence. The outcome-led approach is to specify the desired outcomes and optimise matching processes with corresponding drivers while considering the effects of capabilities and outcomes. This framework offers SME owners, entrepreneurs, and managers the opportunity to critically examine and improve their DT practices. Its successful post-study evaluation affirmed this thesis’ contribution to practice. Policy-wise, the findings guide stakeholders such as government and industry to appreciate the DT of SMEs regarding the drivers, processes, outcomes, capabilities, and capacities. The study also inures itself as a guiding solution to the need for DT arising from the new normal of business stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study is critical in providing strategic digital growth and sustenance directions. The study’s contributions have been published as two journal articles, three book chapters and two conference papers.Item Assessing The Diversity Of Insects In A Quarry Operational Area In The Ashanti Region Of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2022-11) Addae, S.ABSTRACT Quarrying activities have negative impacts on invertebrate biodiversity and threaten local species through a variety of factors, such as habitat loss and pollution. Quarrying is a common practice in Ghana, but little is known about its impact on local insect diversity and abundance. In this study, the relationship between quarrying activities and insect communities at an active quarrying site, the Mowire quarry site in the Ashanti region of Ghana, was assessed. Transect counts, aerial netting, pitfalls, FIT, and Charaxes trapping have been employed to assess arthropod assemblages, particularly insects as surrogate arthropod communities. A total of 2,902 individual insects from 56 families and eleven orders were recorded at all transect points of the three zones. The quarry operational area habitat in the East Zone (EZ) supported a high abundance (N = 974) of insects and high species richness (S = 49), corresponding to a large diversity of flowering plants at this site, which is a food source for pollinators and herbivorous insects. The western zone of the quarry's operational area was not conducive to insect assemblage as the lowest abundance, diversity and richness occurred at the transect point (TP) 400 m, consistent with the low abundance of host plants as well as the amounts of dust settling in the western zone after each blast, as dust travels toward the zone. It is recommended that interventions to prevent the loss of biodiversity habitats in and around the quarry site must be focused on policies that ensure and enforce the establishment of a dust control mechanism system in the extractive industry.Item Poverty Dynamics In Ghana: Evidence From Monetary And Non-Monetary Poverty(University of Ghana, 2021-12) Arthur, S.ABSTRACT Poverty and the fight to overcome it is far from over in Sub-Saharan Africa where more than half of the world’s poor is found. Even though Ghana has made great strides in combating the problem of poverty, the battle is yet to be won in the country given the multidimensional nature of the problem. This study analysed poverty dynamics in Ghana using both monetary and nonmonetary measures of poverty for the period 2009 to 2014. Using a panel of 4,366 household heads interviewed in the first two-waves of the Ghana National Socioeconomic Survey database, the study draws a distinction between chronic and transient poverty using both monetary and non-monetary measures and assessed the relationships that exist between the two phenomena. The results showed that whereas the chronic monetary poor for the period stood at 9.3 per cent, the chronic non-monetary poor for the data ranged between 74 per cent and 1.6 per cent for different non-monetary variables. Using a multinomial logit regression, the study discovered that the dynamics of poverty are driven by household demographic characteristics, human capital, economic, geographic and asset-related factors. The results revealed the different magnitude of factors underpinning the movement in and out of poverty are different for transient and chronic poverty in Ghana. The results of the monetary poverty measures were also compared with the results of non-monetary poverty measures and showed that monetary poverty does not exactly predict all the various aspects of non-monetary poverty and depending on the number of deprivations a household suffers from, different factors determine the deprivations. The study recommended separate policies to fight monetary poverty and nonmonetary poverty. The study further, recommended that four of the non-monetary poverty deprivations, children’s nutritional status, adults’ nutritional status, adults’ schooling and sanitation should be given more attention as they showed an upward trend in the study period. Again, realizing that the determinants of chronic and transient poverty were different, the study recommended different and appropriate short and long-term policies to deal with each.Item Informal Settlements And Pollution Behaviour In The Adentan Municipality, Accra(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Annan, E.A.A.City authorities have disapproved of the proliferation of informal settlements due to the pollution caused in such environments. This study sought to identify the sources of pollution in informal settlements and determine behaviour change techniques to reduce pollution in terms of indiscriminate waste disposal behaviour in these settlements. The mixed method approach was used. GPS and a structured listing form were used to identify informal settlements and characterized them, respectively. Overall, 350 respondents (female: 186 and males: 164) were selected randomly to participate in a questionnaire survey aimed at identifying the primary sources of pollution in their environs and the effect of pollution on settlers' health and the environment. The RANAS model for behaviour change was used to identify critical behavioural factors and targeted behavioural techniques. Interviews were also conducted with municipal experts such as the municipal works and planning officer and the environmental health officer. SPSS and Excel were used to analyse the data collected. The results indicated that the significant sources of pollution include indiscriminate solid waste disposal, lack of grey water containment, and lack of toilet facilities. The population structure of the studied community is youthful, with the age groups of 26-35 years recording the highest responses. The age structure indicated that informal dwellers are young migrants searching for greener pastures. Among the participants, 56% (94) had basic level education87.9% (307) engaged in informal businesses, and 86.7% (303) fall within low-income earners. Also, 54.4% (189) of the participants were squatters and had no security of land tenure as the occupied lands were owned mostly by private individuals and the government. In comparing the health of dwellers to the indiscriminate waste disposal behaviour and their environment, a weak positive (𝜌 = 0.393) and a strong positive (𝜌 = 0.714) correlation existed between the health of the dwellers and the environment, respectively. Behaviour change techniques identified include information, persuasive, infrastructural, skills and ability, norm, planning, and relapse prevention BCTs. In conclusion some critical behavioural factors influenced the indiscriminate waste disposal behaviour of informal settlers in the Adentan Municipality. This thesis recommends further studies in the waste disposal and collection interventions using the Behaviour Change Techniques identified. pastures.Item Hygiene Practices Among Street Food Vendors And Microbial Content Of Foods Sold At Ayensuano District(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Gbedze, B.Y.Globally, the estimated amount of food found to be contaminated from street vendors particularly in developing countries is on the ascendancy. The contribution vendors unhygienic practices make to food contamination. This study sought to investigate hygiene practices among street food vendors and microbial content of some selected food sold at Ayensuano District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. First, 76 food samples which includes “kenkey” with pepper, “waakye”, porridge and fried rice were analyzed using molecular techniques to determine the presence of microbial content of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni at at the Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Ghana. The study was cross sectional and systematically recruited 304 food vendors using simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather data on the knowledge level of food vendors on food-borne diseases, personal hygiene status and environmental cleanliness of vending premises. Data collected on 304 respondents were entered into an SPSS version 25. The descriptive tool categorized consumers’ knowledge and attitude in frequencies and percentages. Using inferential statistics, chi-square test was employed to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. This study showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the characteristics of selling sites, including selling foods by the open gutter, selling foods in the presence of refuse dumpsites, selling foods with flies hovering on the foods and clean environment. There was also a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between marital status and personal hygiene practices. There was statistically significant (p < 0.05) relation between educational qualification and personal hygiene practices. It was observed that 65% of the food vendors sell food in fly infested areas, 48.8% sell foods by the open gutter and 57.7% of the vendors do not have any idea in sterilization of tools used in the kitchen. The study revealed that of the 76 food samples collected, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni were present/absent in the food samples especially kenkey with hot pepper and waakye. The study confirmed that there was a problem with contamination of street foods within Ayensuano District and regular training and medical examination of street food vendors within the district should done to ensure good food hygiene.Item Hygiene Practices Among Street Food Vendors And Microbial Content Of Foods Sold At Ayensuano District(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Gbedze, B.Y.Globally, the estimated amount of food found to be contaminated from street vendors particularly in developing countries is on the ascendancy. The contribution vendors unhygienic practices make to food contamination. This study sought to investigate hygiene practices among street food vendors and microbial content of some selected food sold at Ayensuano District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. First, 76 food samples which includes “kenkey” with pepper, “waakye”, porridge and fried rice were analyzed using molecular techniques to determine the presence of microbial content of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni at at the Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Ghana. The study was cross sectional and systematically recruited 304 food vendors using simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather data on the knowledge level of food vendors on food-borne diseases, personal hygiene status and environmental cleanliness of vending premises. Data collected on 304 respondents were entered into an SPSS version 25. The descriptive tool categorized consumers’ knowledge and attitude in frequencies and percentages. Using inferential statistics, chi-square test was employed to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. This study showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the characteristics of selling sites, including selling foods by the open gutter, selling foods in the presence of refuse dumpsites, selling foods with flies hovering on the foods and clean environment. There was also a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between marital status and personal hygiene practices. There was statistically significant (p < 0.05) relation between educational qualification and personal hygiene practices. It was observed that 65% of the food vendors sell food in fly infested areas, 48.8% sell foods by the open gutter and 57.7% of the vendors do not have any idea in sterilization of tools used in the kitchen. The study revealed that of the 76 food samples collected, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni were present/absent in the food samples especially kenkey with hot pepper and waakye. The study confirmed that there was a problem with contamination of street foods within Ayensuano District and regular training and medical examination of street food vendors within the district should done to ensure good food hygiene.Item An Assessment Of Environmental Impact Of Mine Blasting In New Abirem And Its Environs In The Eastern Region Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Avornyotse, C.K.Blasting can lead to morbidity and mortality of human as well as damage of properties when not monitored and managed properly. Mine Blasting activities generate seismic effects including vibrations, air overpressure, flyrock, fumes and dusts. The environment can be polluted by blasting residues of rocks like hexogen, trinitrotoluene and octogen which have caused a lot of biodegradation and hazardous effects on ecosystem survival in a mine vicinity. The seismic effects also result in leaching of chemicals to pollute both surface and underground waters in New Abirem and its environs which lead to reduction of terrestrial plant biomass and fertility of earthworm. In view of this, the study was conducted to assess the ecological impact of mine blasting residues, ground vibration, air blast and heavy metals on the ecosystems around Newmont by collecting and analyzing water samples in three communities (New Abirem, Afosu and Adausena) as well as measured seismic effects. The noise and vibrations were determined by using the Seismograph from twenty (20) blast shot at the mine pit from October, 2020 to March, 2021. Focus group discussions and household interviews techniques were utilized to assess community perceptions of mine blasting effects on the mine environment. Physicochemical parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, ammonia and nitrate, were determined. Heavy metal concentrations in 108 water samples collected from five different locations, made up of two sites along one of the tributaries of Birim River, one site each from two streams, and the Newmont pit were determined using the technique of Milestone Acid Digestion Microwave ETHOS 900 followed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The data was examined with a one-way analysis of variance and significant differences of p < 0.05 were adopted as well as Tukey’s HSD to separate means. The average blast vibration measured at the compliance locations AF-BMP (Afosu), NABBMP (New Abirem) and AD-BMP (Adausena) were compared with 2mm/s [Explosives Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), Section 199]. The average blast air overpressure measured at AF-BMP (Afosu), NAB-BMP (New Abirem) and AD-BMP (Adausena) were also compared with 117 dBL [Explosives Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), Section 199]. The mean, minimum and maximum blast on air overpressure and ground vibration for each monitoring point respectively were measured and the results were found to be within mining explosives limits. The physicochemical parameters mean level were ranged 24.93 – 27.53 0C (water temperature), 4.66 - 5.36 mg/L (Dissolved Oxygen), 109.79 – 125.98 μS/cm (EC), 7.51 – 7.88 (pH), 0.01 – 0.53 mg/L (NH3) and 0.22 – 0.42 mg/L (NO3). The results revealed significant difference in all the physicochemical parameters (p < 0.05). The Dissolved Oxygen concentrations at all the five sampling sites were below 5 mg/L which indicated that the water was polluted and adversely affected aquatic life. The pH measurements in the site of Holy Child and Afosu have slightly acidic pH. The minimum and maximum concentration levels of Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr and Mn in the water were (0.01- 0.02) mgL-1, (0.02 – 0.33) mgL-1, (0.08 – 0.93) mgL-1, (0.01) mgL-1 and (0.02 – 0.10) mgL-1 respectively and there were significant differences between the various sites (p < 0.05) compared with the control. The mean levels of Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr and Mn were recorded to be within the permissible limits. The degree of contamination levels identified in a location are categorized as follows: unpolluted (Cd < 1), moderately polluted (Cd =1 - 3) and strongly polluted (Cd > 3). The calculated degree of contamination index, Cd values for Holy Child, Aboabo and Adenkyensu locations were greater than 3 mgL-1, the criteria limit for drinking, therefore sites were strongly contaminated. In addition, the pollution index of heavy metals in the water samples from all locations used were greater than the critical value for drinking water, 100 mgL-1 except Newmont site which recorded 93.91 mgL-1. Generally, the blasting operation at Newmont, Akyem mine is within the Explosives Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), Section 199 as well as the international Standard quoted AS 2187.2 – 1993. It is recommended that water used for drinking, domestic chores, agricultural (irrigation) or industrial use by communities along the tributaries of the Birim River must be treated before use. There is also a need for research and academic institutions to support nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in their efforts to protect and manage water resources through research for long-term sustainable management.Item Compliance With Mining Reclamation Policies In The Atiwa District(University of Ghana, 2020-11) Obeng-Koranteng, E.Environmental governance in the extractive industry has seen many reforms especially due to the activities of both illegal and legal small-scale miners. There is no doubt that mining contributes significantly to the nation’s economy though the process has adverse impacts that need to be addressed. Reclaiming abandoned mine pits is one way of mitigating the impact of mining. In spite of this, the level of compliance implementation has not been evaluated. The study sought to assess compliance with mining reclamation policies in the Atiwa District, specifically, to review mining regulations; evaluate the role of stakeholders and the level of compliance; examine the extent of landscape degradation and ascertain community perception of reclamation in the District. A total number of 387 questionnaires were administered to generate the requisite primary data. Remotely sensed data were also used to determine the extent of environmental damage. Context analysis was used to analyze data for the review of regulations and the role of stakeholders and chi-square tests for community perception. A major observation was the wanton environmental destruction by mining activities resulting in abandoned open pits, pollution of the Birim River and the destruction of the vegetation. This was the result of unspecific reclamation regulations and technical language used in social licenses. The study further revealed a generally low level of compliance of stakeholders to mining regulations. Some weaknesses that emerged include challenges in enforcement and allegations of bribery and corruption. The study concluded that with pragmatic policy formulation and the engagement of all stakeholders, there would be a win-win situation to ensure sustainable development. Suggested recommendations include formulating specific mining reclamation policies that are transparent; collaborating to research on reclamation; legally recognizing the Tributer system and sensitization of affected undertake extensive communities on their rights regarding the granting of social licenses.Item Compliance With Mining Reclamation Policies In The Atiwa District(2020-11) Obeng-Koranteng, E.Environmental governance in the extractive industry has seen many reforms especially due to the activities of both illegal and legal small-scale miners. There is no doubt that mining contributes significantly to the nation’s economy though the process has adverse impacts that need to be addressed. Reclaiming abandoned mine pits is one way of mitigating the impact of with mining reclamation policies in the Atiwa District, specifically, to review mining regulations; evaluate the role of stakeholders and the level of compliance; examine the extent of landscape degradation and ascertain community perception of reclamation in the District. A total number of 387 questionnaires were administered to generate the requisite primary data. Remotely sensed data were also used to determine the extent of environmental damage. Context analysis was used to analyze data for the review of regulations and the role of stakeholders and chi-square tests for community perception. A major observation was the wanton environmental destruction by mining activities resulting in abandoned open pits, pollution of the Birim River and the destruction of mining. In spite of this, the level of compliance implementation has not been evaluated. The study sought to assess compliance the vegetation. This was the result of unspecific reclamation regulations and technical language used in social licenses. The study further revealed a generally low level of compliance of stakeholders to mining regulations. Some weaknesses that emerged include challenges in enforcement and allegations of bribery and corruption. The study concluded that with pragmatic policy formulation and the engagement of all stakeholders, there would be a win-win situation to ensure sustainable development. Suggested recommendations include formulating specific mining reclamation policies that are transparent; collaborating to research on reclamation; legally recognizing the Tributer system and sensitization of affected undertake extensive communities on their rights regarding the granting of social licenses.Item Compliance with Mining Reclamation Policies in the Atiwa District(University of Ghana, 2020-11) Obeng-Koranteng, E.Environmental governance in the extractive industry has seen many reforms especially due to the activities of both illegal and legal small-scale miners. There is no doubt that mining contributes significantly to the nation’s economy though the process has adverse impacts that need to be addressed. Reclaiming abandoned mine pits is one way of mitigating the impact of mining. In spite of this, the level of compliance implementation has not been evaluated. The study sought to assess compliance with mining reclamation policies in the Atiwa District, specifically, to review mining regulations; evaluate the role of stakeholders and the level of compliance; examine the extent of landscape degradation and ascertain community perception of reclamation in the District. A total number of 387 questionnaires were administered to generate the requisite primary data. Remotely sensed data were also used to determine the extent of environmental damage. Context analysis was used to analyze data for the review of regulations and the role of stakeholders and chi-square tests for community perception. A major observation was the wanton environmental destruction by mining activities resulting in abandoned open pits, pollution of the Birim River and the destruction of the vegetation. This was the result of unspecific reclamation regulations and technical language used in policy formulation. The study further revealed a generally low level of compliance of stakeholders to mining regulations. Some weaknesses that emerged include challenges in enforcement and allegations of bribery and corruption. The study concluded that with pragmatic policy formulation and the engagement of all stakeholders, there would be a win-win situation to ensure sustainable development. Suggested recommendations include formulating specific mining reclamation policies that are transparent; collaborating to undertake extensive research on reclamation; legally recognizing the Tributer system and sensitization of affected communities on their rights regarding the granting of social licenses.Item Evaluating the Effectiveness of Environmental Policies on Coastal Sustainability in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA)(University of Ghana, 2020) Gbireh, P.N.Coastal resources are extensively exploited by coastal communities, state, and private entities for numerous benefits across the world. These anthropogenic drivers together with natural factors exert tremendous pressure on the coastal ecosystems thus, making them vulnerable to negative impacts. However, it is not certain how the current and existing environmental legislation and policy formulated to manage coastal resources have impacted their sustainability in Ghana. The paper sought to examine the land cover/land change of coastal zone, the effectiveness of these policies in changing the behavior of polluters in terms of compliance, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. A mixed-method approach was used for data collection. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observation. In total, 300 respondents participated in the administration of the questionnaire. Three study areas were involved in this research; Sakumono Community, Kokrobite Community, and South La Community in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). Results indicated that however 46.5% of the respondents from Sakumono, 57% of this response was also gathered from the Kokrobite community and 86% represented South La respondents weak monitoring and evaluation, 57 % of respondents in the Sakumono community, whilst 54% of respondents in Kokrobite, and 65% of South La attributed weak implementation of policies to inadequate administrative resources for policy actions, favoring economic values over environmental values, and overlapping roles and responsibilities by the various institutions as major obstacles to the effectiveness of environmental policies. The increase in built-up areas recorded over the past decades showed a rise of 2.8% in 2000 to 13.6% in 2010 to a continuous increase of 24.5% in 2020 and has correspondingly resulted in a decrease in vegetation cover along shorelines indicate rapid coastal erosion, Areas covered by water bodies in 2000 was 65.8%, a decline to 53% and further decline to 24.6% in 2020. This marginal performance indicates that legislative instruments such as penalties, sanctions, fines, and environmental auditing were unregulated across the study communities and these regulations were not addressing coastal challenges. Therefore, coastal resources require regulations and policies with clear and defined roles and responsibilities among stakeholders. Additionally, these regulations and policies should involve economic incentives that promote coastal and marine ecosystem conservation.Item The Plastic Waste Value Chain in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area: Assessing Flows and Spatial Patterns of Recycling(University of Ghana, 2021) Fiati, K.E.Pollution from plastic wastes has become one of the global challenges and the threat to hundreds of marine species being the most visible and disturbing impact. As many regulations move countries towards circular economy models, there are real opportunities for future investments to combat the pollution from plastics. This study reports on assessing flows and spatial patterns of recycling in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area using a variety of methods including review of literature, key informant interviews and administration of questionnaires to waste pickers, aggregators, recycling companies and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. Thirteen (13) key informant interviews were done comprising of eight (8) Heads of waste management Departments at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, three (3) Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) concerned with waste management, the manager of the Kpone Landfill as well as an officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two hundred and ten (210) questionnaires were also administered, One hundred and sixty (160) to waste pickers, fifty (50) to aggregators (waste agents, small and large scale plastic waste recovery enterprises) and eight (8) plastic recycling companies. This was done to illicit responses on the plastic waste collection, the trading activities, the types and amount of waste collected daily, the interrelationship that exist between the stakeholders and the core competencies and operational capacities of the recycling companies. The demographic data from responses to questionnaires administered indicate that majority of the waste pickers (75%) are women with average age of 46 years. Majority (85%) of them have no formal education. Further, the results show that, the entire life cycle in plastic waste recycling in GAMA engages a very broad set of commercial stakeholders which includes waste management crew, street waste pickers, landfill/waste dump scavengers, plastic waste agents/ wholesalers, small scale enterprises and large scale enterprises playing diverse roles in the waste trade. Altogether the plastic recycling companies recycle/ process about 47 tons of HDPE, 41 tons of LDPE, 20 tons of PET, 15 tons of Polypropylene and 5 tons of Polyvinyl-Chloride per day, the study also revealed that all the plastic recycling facilities interviewed were located either in a highly populated area, close to a landfill or dumpsite, or in an industrial area. Other less populated areas mainly are served by the aggregators collecting and buying waste from the communities to the recycling facilities. Two hundred and two thousand, eight hundred and twenty-four (202,824) tons of plastic waste is traded among the waste pickers and the waste agents or wholesalers during the study for a year, which is valued at GH₵ 91,999,464. A full-time waste picker makes between GH₵25.00 to GHC30.00 per day. The Current Ghanaian cedi to US Dollar exchange rate was GH₵5.76 to $1 at the time of the study. Even though the plastic waste trade activity provides employment and income to the local communities, not much attention has been given to it. It is recommended that, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) should consider amending the National Plastic Management Policy to include plastic waste trade sector specific legislations, this will bring good recognition to the trade. Also, since the trade is dominated by women, there should be the creation of women focused support from local and central government for plastic waste collection.