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A long essay or dissertation or thesis involving personal research, written by postgraduates of University of Ghana for a university degree.
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Item Living Conditions and Return Strategies of Head Porters (Kayayei) In Madina, Accra.(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Makorni, A.S.The migration of young women from other parts of Ghana (especially from the three northern regions) to Accra to undertake head porterage business activities has been a matter of great concern to governments due to its associated social issues. In fact, recent flooding situations in Accra beside been attributed to poor drainage systems have also been attributed to the burgeoning number of slum dwellings created by some of the indigenous population as well as migrant head porters in certain areas in the country. In view of this, the current study sought to examine the living conditions, coping and return strategies, as well as the demographic characteristics of head porters in Madina (Accra). To achieve these objectives, a survey on Seventy (70) conveniently sampled head porters within Madina was conducted using the cross-sectional, qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Availability and willingness of head porters to partake in this study was taking into account. Also necessary ethical considerations were observed, permission was obtained from respondents before audio recordings were made. The use of quantitative and qualitative research approach was to gain more insight from respondents in regards to the topic under study. The findings of the study showed that these young girls, popularly referred to as “Kayayei”, live in very deplorable conditions in Accra. The issue of access to housing and housing facilities, education and health were the major social challenges these girls face. In spite of these challenges, the findings of the study showed that these girls have managed to cope with these conditions through their engagement in multiple economic activities to increase their incomes. It was also recorded that the majority of these girls intend to return home in future to actively participate in the social and economic transformation of their regions or towns. Finally, the study also captured that most of these head porters were from the northern parts of Ghana and were Muslims. In recommending a possible solution to the head porter migration issue, the study advocates a holistic approach in which government should assist in providing basic social amenities at the destination to make living conditions better as well as assist in providing start up capital for head porters who are keen on starting a small business. The government should also see to it that minors under the age of 18 years are enrolled in the free compulsory universal basic education at their origin and also design and implement national development policies to ensure that the deprived areas from which these girls migrate are developed. Parents who are caught voluntarily sending their children to be involved in hard active employment must be prosecuted. Civil society groups must play an active role in addressing some of the issues that give rise to the migration of these young girls from the northern regions to big cities. This will aid in reversing the phenomenon, as well as reduce the yearly movement of young girls from rural areas to urban centres in search of better opportunities.Item Molecular Characterization Of Tick-Borne Parasites In Naturally Infected Cattle In Accra And Adidome, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Adzigbe, J.Tick-borne pathogens and ticks pose significant problem to livestock production especially cattle production. This causes huge economic decline to livestock farmers in tropic and sub-tropic regions of Africa. The most economically important tick-borne pathogens to the production of bovine include Babesia, Anaplasma, Theileria and Ehrlichia. In Ghana, inadequate data exists on the species and genetic diversity of tick-borne hemoparasites. The current study was conducted to detect and characterize tick-borne pathogens and determine their genetic diversity in naturally infected cattle in two agro-ecological zones in Ghana. A total of forty cattle, twenty from each study site were sampled at four to five week interval over a duration of six months. A nested PCR amplifying the 18S rRNA gene was performed to detect the presence of tick-borne parasites. Host and environmental factors were assessed to determine whether they played a role on frequency of detection of these parasites. Species and genetic identity of the tick-borne parasites were established through sequencing of their 18S rRNA gene amplicons followed by sequence homology search at NCBI DNA data base and phylogenetic analysis of the sequenced amplicons. Theileria species and Babesia species were the two genera of tick-borne pathogens identified. T. velifera was the predominant species of tick-borne hemoparasite identified at both study locations. Also, T. mutans and B. bovis were identified at Accra and Adidome respectively. The tick-borne parasites exhibited diverged dynamics of infection throughout the period of the study. Breed of cattle significantly affected the frequency of detection of the tick-borne parasites. Environment and sex did not play a role in the frequency of detection of the parasites. There was no genetic diversity between the same species of parasites identified from the same agro-ecological zones.Item Perception Of Residents Of Accra And Tema Of The Link Between International Migration And Terrorism(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Bongne, FThere is a global perception that international migration and terrorism are linked. This perception is due mainly to the fact that the 2001 attacks in the United States; 2004, 2007 and 2015 attacks in Madrid, London and Paris, respectively, all involved foreign migrants or their offspring. Though Africa is often classified as a hotbed of terrorism, little research has been conducted to establish the connection between international migration and terrorism. The activities of terrorist groups in West Africa have worsened the security landscape of the sub-region already plagued by bad governance, economic deprivation and conflict. Though, Ghana has not yet experienced any act of terrorism, its location within the sub-region and recent developments in the country make it at a risk of a potential terrorist attack. Ghana has a large immigrant population, mostly made up of West African nationals who are either residing in the country permanently or temporarily. These notwithstanding, there is a dearth of knowledge of any possible link between terrorism and international migration in the West African sub-region in general and Ghana, in particular. Not much work exists on international migration as a conduit for terrorism despite anecdotal evidence indicating some Ghanaian nationals migrated abroad to join terrorist groups. The study, therefore, set out to explore the link between international migration and terrorism, if any, with particular reference to Ghana. To achieve this, the study adopted the mixed methods approach. Through a sample size of 100 respondents, it administered questionnaires and conducted in-depth interviews among the sampled population to extract their views and perceptions of the association between international migration and terrorism. It also adopted the securitization and psychometric paradigms as well as the integrated threat and cultural theories to explain how migration and terrorism are constructed as security threats and the attitudes of people towards these threats. The general outcome was that respondents felt there was no connection between terrorism and international migration. Recommendations such as improving border security, constructing a more security–conscious urban infrastructure to handle crisis situations and increased public awareness campaigns on terrorism and security were therefore made.Item Knowledge and Perception about Menopausal Symptoms among Market Women in the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Boateng, A. N.; Dako – Gyeke, P.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences - School of Public Health.Background: Menopause is a natural phenomenon which every woman may experience in a lifetime. In Ghana, although the aged is being given care at various health centres, menopause a condition that comes with old age is not given much consideration. This study sought to examine what market women in the Madina La-Nkwantanang Municipality know and perceive about the menopause transition. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the knowledge and perceptions about menopause among Perimenopause and Menopausal women in Madina La Nkwnatanang Municipality. Methods: A qualitative study of 17 in-depth interviews was conducted at the Madina Market. This included Six (6) Perimenopausal women and (9) Menopausal as part of the sample. Women between the ages of 40 to 65 years were used in the sample. Purposive and snowball sampling were used as a technique in selecting the sample for this study. With this, an initial person was selected who also directed the researcher to other women within the age range wanted. Data was then analysed using an inductive approach, thus using a predetermined framework in analysing data. Findings: Most of the women used for this study in one way or the other had some awareness and knowledge about the menopause condition. The sources where they got this information from were from friends and relations. They perceive the condition as a natural part of life. Most of them believe that once you are a woman you are eligible to experiencing the condition no matter who you are. Those already with the condition have accepted it as a part of life and those who are yet to, are prepared to face it when it finally arrives. Coping strategies they have adopted in minimising symptoms are herbal medication, dieting and the intake of ice cubes in managing hot flushes. Conclusion: Although there was some kind of awareness, in-depth understanding of the menopause condition is little. Therefore there is the need to consider counselling sessions, and also give education to older women approaching the menopause transition to increase knowledge.