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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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    Continuing Professional Development of Professional Librarians in the Public University libraries in Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2003-10) Adanu, T.S.A.
    This work is a report on a research conducted on the continuing professional development (CPO) of professional librarians in the five public university libraries in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between continuing professional development (CPO) of library professionals working in the five public university libraries in Ghana and job advancement/promotion, CPO and job satisfaction, CPO and job performance/efficiency. Continuing professional development will be defined by the following general factors. These are: the individual, the library/institution, CPO activities. CPD development plan. professional goals and training needs. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents were aware of CPO activities and a significant number of the respondents were actually involved in CPO. CPO was seen as having a positive impact on job satisfaction. A personal plan was seen as important for cpo. Library management of all five public university libraries said CPO was encouraged in different ways although they consented that there was an absence of a written CPO policy. The study showed that CPO had a great influence on job performance. CPO was seen also as a great aid to promotion as well as career advancement. Research and publishing showed up as the most needed of the CPO activities for promotion. Respondents were generally motivated to pursue CPO activities. The major barrier to CPO turned out to be finances and the main motivating factor for engaging in CPO activities was to update skills. Involvement in CPO was generally seen as a shared responsibility of stakeholders, the individual (employee). the library (employer). Training needs identified were many and diverse, reflecting the fact that CPO needs differ from individual to individual. Recommendations were made and suggestions given for further research. Recommendations made included the need for the documentation of CPO policy by employers and policy makers. Library management was encouraged to set up a training department within the library to cater for the training needs of staff including professionals. To the employees or professionals. it was suggested that there was a need for them to recognize that certain CPO activities like research and publishing counted more towards promotion than others. The importance of networking and teaming up for joint research was emphasized. Suggestions for further research included a comparative study between CPO practices and opportunities of professionals in the public universities on one hand and those in the private universities.
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    Strategies of extending Social Security Coverage to workers in the Informal Sector
    (University of Ghana, 2005-06) Ayisi, A.E.
    The research work was meant to find strategies of extending social security coverage to workers in the informal sector to enable them have protection against economic and social distress. The informal sector alone forms 80.6% of the total number of 9.039,318 economically active populations. Data used for the research work was from both primary and secondary sources. A vital tool that was wed in gathering information from the primary source was the questionnaire. In all, thirty questions were asked and grouped under the following headings. • General information on the respondent • Savings levels and preferences • Understanding of the SSNIT Pension Scheme The purposeive sampling procedures and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a total of 156 respondents. The research revealed that workers in the informal sector do not join the scheme because of lack of knowledge. Most of the workers in the sector have failed to contribute due to unsustainable incomes. It was also revealed that benefits offered under the SSNIT Scheme were inadequate and did not meet workers expectations. Based on the findings, it is recommended that SSNIT enact a double -decker social insurance system that will provide for withdrawable contributions to help workers in this sector expand their business as their immediate need. As a result of the lack of knowledge, the media could also help to market the scheme. Benefits to contributors should be adjusted by SSNIT to bridge the gap between the high and low income earners.
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    The Impact of Central Bank Independence on Inflation in Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2009-07) Caiquo, A.K.
    Increasing central bank independence is a recommended strategy for government to establish a credible commitment to price stability, which may be at the expense of other objectives that may be more appealing to the political authorities. Most of the literature reports a negative relation between legal independence and inflation in developed countries with the evidence on central bank independence and growth being tenuous. The turnover rate of the central bank governors (which is the rate at which governors are changed) tends to be positively associated with inflation in less developing countries, implying that low turnover rates is associated with low inflation, the reverse is true. This paper seeks to explore the impact of the degree of independence of the Bank of Ghana on inflation from the actual measure of central bank independence context since 1970 to 2007, making use of a general inflation model. The results reveal a negative impact on inflation in Ghana. Which suggests that the turnover rate of governors has a negative effect on inflation. Since the governor of the Bank of Ghana is appointed by the government, there is the likelihood to succumb to pressures from government in the hope to avoid the termination of appointment. The governmental influence makes the pursuance of effective monetary policies less likely on the part of the governor. The policy implications and recommendations from the study emphasize the need to put in place checks to ensure an effective and efficient transparent mechanism between the Bank of Ghana and the general public. Secondly, the goals of the Bank of Ghana should be clearly defined as well as the monetary instrument to be employed to achieve the goals. Finally, the enactment of the fiscal responsibility law will ensure fiscal discipline on the part of government.
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    Effect of Compost and Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilizer on Nutrient Uptake, Growth and Grain Yield of Nerica Rice
    (University of Ghana, 2009-11) Tetteh, Z.V.
    Increasing inorganic fertilizer costs for food production and energy requirement for inorganic fertilizer production suggests the need to supplement the nutrient requirement of crops through organic amendments such as crop residues, manures and composts. Combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers can improve rice productivity and sustain soil health and fertility. A pot experiment was conducted to compare the effects of N source as compost (organic), inorganic fertilizer (inorganic) or combined N source (organic + inorganic) on the nutrient uptake, growth and yield of NERICA 1 at the University of Ghana Agricultural Research Centre at Kade. Application of 100% N from compost induced higher tiller number, dry matter and grain yield compared to the no soil amendment (control) treatment. Among the N sources applied the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer exerted higher effects on dry matter, N uptake, tiller number, effective tiller number, plant height, chlorophyll content and grain yield than the application of inorganic N fertilizer alone or compost alone. The highest grain yield of 42.0 g/pot was induced by the combined application of 50% N from compost and 50% N from inorganic N fertilizer. Application of 100% N from compost induced a lower grain yield of 15 g/pot. Application of compost alone however induced the highest harvest index, N harvest index and physiological N efficiency. The highest grain protein content of 10.8% was recorded by the application of inorganic N fertilizer alone. Residual soil N and organic matter were higher in treatments with compost application than in the control or the inorganic N fertilizer alone treatment. In another pot experiment, the effect of basal N application through compost and! or NPK and topdressing with different N amounts at the panicle initiation stage on the nutrient uptake, growth and grain yield of NERICA 1 were also investigated. The application of basal N treatment, either as organic or inorganic induced significant effects on dry matter production, tiller number, chlorophyll content, at panicle initiation and at maturity, compared with the control. The application of N as topdressing also induced significant effects on dry matter, chlorophyll content and grain yield, compared with the control. The combined application of compost at 514 g (8gN) as basal and topdressing at 2.8' gN/pot (urea) induced the highest grain yield of 42.5 gpot-1. Basal N application and topdressing with N fertilizers (urea) were both effective in promoting dry matter and grain yield of NERICA 1.
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    Insecticide Resistance in Diamondback Moth, Plutella Xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeuhdae) from Selected Cabbage Farms Associated with Pyrethroid and Organophosphate Use in Southern Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2005-08) Odhiambo, J.A.O.; Gbewonyo, W.S.K.; Oheng-Ofori, D.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences School of Agriculture Department of Crop Science
    Over dependence on insecticides for the control of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L ) has resulted in development of resistant strains and health hazards due to toxic residues in cabbage. The present study was undertaken to evaluate resistance in DBM and to assess the contribution of residues of insecticides used for DBM control on resistance development. A preliminary survey conducted in Accra and Mampong-Akuapem, revealed inappropriate agronomic practices as the main cause of resistance development and health hazards due to insecticide residues on cabbage. Three pyrethroids viz lambda-cyhalothnn (pawa), cypermethrin (cypercal) and deltamethrin (deltaplan), an organophosphatechlorpyrifos (dursban) and a biopesticide- Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) (dipel) were selected for the study. Wild DBM pupae were sampled from three sites in Accra (Dzorwulu, Airport and Madina) and a site in Mampong-Akuapem. These populations were used to establish a DBM colony, which was reared on potted insecticide-free cabbage in a screen house. Early 4th instar larvae were used for leaf residue bioassays for B.t. and larvae immersion for organophosphate and pyrethroids. Compared to the recommended dosage the L C 9 5 of dursban were 106, 74, 193, 114 fold in DBM populations from Airport, Madina, and Dzorwulu and Mampong respectively. Similarly, for Pawa the LC95 to the recommended dosage were 103, 77, 100, 58 fold for Airport, Madina, Dzorwulu and Mampong respectively. In contrast, only 3-fold tolerance to dipel was recorded in Airport and Madina, 2 fold in Dzorwulu and 4 fold in the Mampong DBM populations The study revealed that most of the field-observed resistance among the conventional insecticides might be attributed to cross and multiple resistance. There was however lack of cues for crossresistance between the conventional insecticides and B.t. Molecular studies of B.L resistance using a PCR based method and further resolution using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) showed the B. t. resistant geue 10 nave multiple bands, including the diagnostic band, as compared with bands from the susceptible strains. When the wild larvae were tested for carboxylesterase activities using the naphthyl acetate-diazo blue coupling reaction, significantly higher activities of a- and )3- naphthyl esterases were recorded in the Mampong DBM population than the Accra samples. Compared to previous findings, the mean activity of a-naphthyl esterase had doubled, while an eight-fold increase was registered for p-naphthyl esterase. Although this result has enormous implications for cabbage farming, there was no relationship between resistance levels obtained by bioassay and activities of aand/ or p - esterases. The involvement of other metabolic detoxification enzymes or resistance mechanisms is suggested. Nonetheless, polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic zymogram study using a-naphthyl acetate revealed presence of bands, which are associated with higher resistance in DBM The Mampong population showed higher frequencies of such bands than the Accra populations. Residues of chlopyrifos-methyL, pirimiphos-methyl and pyrethroids (Cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin) were estimated on cabbage samples using biotoxicity to brine shrimp nauplii after fractionation of the insecticide residues using solid phase extractor (SPE). The residue levels of chlopyrifos were found to be higher than the FAO/WHO recommended maximum residue level (MRL). However, residues for pyrethroids could not be detected for most of the study sites due to low brine shrimp mortalities, except for Dzorwulu and Airport B. Compared to earlier findings the residue levels recorded were not only above the WHO/FAO recommended MRL but a 12-18 fold increase was also recorded in residue levels of pyrethroids. Results from this study have shown that the insecticide residue problem for cabbage should be taken seriously in Ghana. Farmers need to be educated on proper use and handling of insecticides in order not to compromise human health. The study suggests that a more integrated approach using IPM principles, careful and selective use of conventional insecticides coupled with judicious use of B. t. could help reduce insect pests and the associated problems on cabbage.
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    Social Marketing as an Hiv/Aids Communication Tool: A Case Study of the Stop Aids, Love L ife Campaign by the Ghana Social Marketing Foundation (Gsmf)
    (University of Ghana, 2004-09) Tetteh, E.; Tietaah, G.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Information and Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies
    This work sought to find out whether social marketing works as an HIV/AIDS communication tool. Theories in social marketing were therefore used to assess the impact of the Stop AIDS, Love Life campaign. Previous campaigns in some third world countries also provided examples of the use of social marketing principles in HIV/AIDS campaigns. The Stop AIDS, Love Life campaign was compared to these campaigns to identify similarities and differences and to assess the impact of the Ghanaian experience. The case study methodology was used. Analyses of data showed that like the other social marketing campaigns, the Stop AIDS, Love Life campaign used development, implementation, and evaluation techniques in social marketing for relative successes and failures. Condom usage in Ghana, for instance, increased by 200% a year after the inception of the campaign although the campaign failed to get young adults to abstain and delay sex. Discussions of the findings proved that the campaign was successful in creating awareness about HIV/AIDS through television, radio and posters. However, participatory communication channels were less used and less popular and this led to failure to meet some campaign objectives. Recommendations were made for the use of more participatory communication channels synonymous with traditional African systems and the need for the avoidance of situations where Western communication policies were implemented in Africa without taking cognizance of the needs of the people and their peculiar situation.
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    Communication Channel Preference and Its Relationship With Accessibility to Information
    (University of Ghana, 2001-10) Adugu, E. K.; Fiadjoe, F. Y. M.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Extension
    The study aimed at researching into communication channel preferences and how it relates to accessibility to information, the study was carried out in the Ho district of the Volta Region of Ghana, Data was collected from four communities in the Ho district. These are: Tanyigbe, Hodzo-Ve, Dave and Gbleve. Volta Community Water and Sanitation Program (VCWSP) ranked Tanyigbe community highest in terms of socio-economic status. Hodzo-Ve, Dave and Gbleve communities had the same lower level of ranking with respect to socio-economic status. The above four communities were purposively selected. The oldest males and females in every fifth house in all the selected communities were interviewed. Fifty-nine males and sixty-one females were interviewed. In all, one hundred and twenty beneficiaries were interviewed in the selected communities. With respect to the extension agents, the following were interviewed: The regional extension supervisor of VCWSP, the Ho district extension supervisor of VCWSP, the regional software officer of VCWSP and the regional gender officer of VCWSP. The prior state of beneficiaries was marked by water and sanitation practices, which created conducive conditions for the health problems and hazards facing them. In response to this situation, innovation information packages were developed by the VCWSP in collaboration with beneficiary communities and disseminated to them. The aim of the innovation information transfer was to change the knowledge and practices of beneficiaries from the prior state to the desired State. Based on the channels used by the source for information dissemination and the preferred channels of the beneficiaries, three categories of beneficiaries exposed to innovation information emerged. These are: A: Beneficiaries who preferred a particular channel and it was used by the source for information delivery to them. B: Beneficiaries who preferred a particular channel but it was not used by the source for information delivery to them. C: Beneficiaries to whom the source used a particular channel for information delivery but it was not their preference. For those in category “A” where preferred channels are used, accessibility to innovation information is high. For those in categories “B” and “C” where preferred channels are not used and the channels used are not preferred respectively, accessibility to information was lower compared with the cases where preferred channels are used. It follows that the higher the extent to which preferred channels of beneficiaries are used, the higher the accessibility to information. Where preferred channels of beneficiaries are used, limitations imposed on beneficiaries due to their peculiar circumstances are taken into consideration. Issues relating to opportunity to interacting with and accessing information are considered. It is for these reasons that throughout the various stages of the innovation decision process, the selfemployed, those employed by others and the unemployed indicated that their channel preferences would enable them undertake their economic activities more effectively. This is reflected in the self-employed having higher frequency of acquisition of information from the source compared with the other types of employment. However, due to the utility of the information to solve problems confronting beneficiaries in their prior state, even where channels used were not convenient to them, they exposed themselves to the information. This was likely due to the fact that they were in dire need of information to solve water and sanitation problems confronting them. All the categories of beneficiaries exposed to innovation information from the source indicated that there had been a change in knowledge with respect to their prior state and are practicing the suggested changes. These occurred in spite of the fact that the channels used by the source were not the preferred channels of beneficiaries to various extents resulting in different levels of accessibility to information. This is due to the fact that all beneficiaries exposed themselves to the innovation information whether channels used by the source were preferred or not preferred. Beneficiaries exposed themselves to innovation information because it was congenial with their beliefs and more importantly their critical need situation. In conclusion, in development communication, relevant information is best communicated to and with the ultimate users of the information through the use of appropriate channels in order to influence their behaviour in the desired direction. Behaviour modification can be achieved faster when the communication channels preferred by the target beneficiaries are used in the information exchange process since this ensures maximum information accessibility.
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    Incentives for Participation in Forest Management in the High Forest Zone of Ghana; Gender, Age and Social Origin.
    (University of Ghana, 2000-02) Boafo, M.S.; Benson, C. A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research Centre
    The social and economic incentives for community to participate in forest management activities to achieve sustainable management of forests have received very little attention in West Africa. In particular, differences in relation to gender, age and social origin have not been examined. Local communities use the forest for different purposes and have participated in different ways towards the sustainable management of the forest depending on their livelihood and social differences such as gender, age and social origin. Ninety people from four communities comprising two migrant communities, an admitted settlement in the forest reserve and a forest landowning community served as participants for this study. The study utilized participant observation, participant interviews and strategic planning workshops. Local communities value and use forests and forest resources for household subsistence and as a supplementary source of cash income depending on gender, age, social origin and household responsibilities of each individual. Local communities have participated in the management of the forest through forest boundary cleaning, forest rehabilitation, monitoring for illegal activities, prevention of fire outbreaks and forest management planning. Participation in each activity depends on the gender, age and social origin and to some extent the access to collect and gather forest resources. Many people in the local communities were interested in participating effectively and efficiently in the management of the forest if sustainable and secured social and economic incentives are in place. Local communities are interested in participating in forest boundary cleaning, monitoring and reporting illegal activities, controlling and protecting of forest fires, rehabilitating degraded areas of the forest, including thinning and harvesting operations, and in forest management planning. Appropriate incentives for participating effectively and efficiently are dependent on the gender, age and social origin of each individual. These include social and economic incentives such as payment of wages for each activity, access to the forest for gathering and collecting forest resources for both household subsistence and income generation, community development projects, increase in revenue rates, regular payment of revenues, employment for the Juniors and a share in the final crop planted in the forest through rehabilitation work.
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    Spatial Patterns of Mycobacterium Ulcerans Infection (Buruli Ulcer) In the Akwapim South District
    (University of Ghana, 2001-08) Ohene, K.E.; Nabila, J.S.; Agyei-Mensah, S.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, Department of Geography and Resource Development
    This study is about the spatial patterns of the Mycobacterium ulcerans infections (Buruli ulcer) in the Akwapim South district. The Triangle of Human Ecology model was used to account for the observed spatial patterns of the disease. The spatial distribution of the disease was mapped through the residential addresses of the patients as shown in the district medical records. The endemic communities were stratified into three segments namely the high, low and nonendemic areas or zones. The settlements for the study were then randomly selected from each stratum. This was proceeded by the selection of the target population according to the research objectives. Primary data were collected from three sources namely the household heads, Buruli ulcer patients and the health personnel (including the District Director of Health Services). Besides this, direct personal observation of the natural environment as well as interviews with certain individuals yielded primary information this study. The study looked out for the magnitude of the problem, the underlying factors of the spatial patterns and the socio-economic impact on the populace. Children were found to be more vulnerable to infection than adults. Thus prevalence decreased with age with an overall slight female predominance in incidence. It was further discovered that the quality of the natural environment to a very large extent influenced the spatial variations of the disease. It was more prevalent along watercourses and low-lying areas but non-existent on high grounds with better drainage. This confirms the research proposition and findings elsewhere that the disease is more prevalent along water bodies. Low patronage of health care facilities influenced by the socio-economic status of the respondents and the skewed distribution of such facilities was observed to have contributed to the incidence of the disease in the communities. For it is believed that accessing a health facility for advice earlier could have lessened the scourge. Restricted access to health facilities thus varies from place to place and this reflects in the spatial patterns of the disease. The disease, it was discovered had adversely affected the socio-economic lives of the patients themselves and their families due to prolonged treatment. This supports the fact by some scholars that prolonged treatment or hospitalization can bring untold hardships to both patients and their families. Efforts by the health authorities in the district to check the spread of the disease were thwarted resource constraints. The study concludes that the disease is a socio-economic problem, thus recommendations have been made, which if implemented will reduce incidence in the future.
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    Environmental Impact of Small-Scale Salt Mining on Socio-Economic Activities in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District in the Central Region
    (University of Ghana, 2004-06) Anipam, A.D.; Nyame, F.K.; Ofoli-Danson, P.K.; Aseidu, A.B.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies
    The study involved analysis of water samples from wells, salt pans and lagoons as well as soil samples in the proximity of areas in communities where small-scale salt mining activities is undertaken in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District. In addition, a social survey and detailed observation o f anthropogenic activities were also made to determine the effects o f small-scale salt mining on the environment, and how these environmental impacts affect socio-economic activities in the study area. Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH. conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l (216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l) respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and 300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of the communities in the study area. Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH. conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l (216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l) respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and 300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of the communities in the study area.Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH. conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l (216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l) respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and 300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of the communities in the study area. The nutrient contents o f the soil in the study area were not far below the Booker Tropical Soil Manual acceptable range for most crops. The organic contents of the soil are, however, very low with values ranging between 0.2% and 2.0% and 0.3% and 3.4% recorded. Recorded conductivity values were between 80mS/cm and 5430mS/cm. Values recorded for nitrogen and potassium were between 0.01% and 0.1 % and 10.5 and 66.5mg/kg, respectively. This is an indication that soils in the study area are not fertile probably due to the activities o f small-scale salt mining in the study area. Gardening at the immediate outskirts o f the communities, which was a previous pastime of most inhabitants, has reduced. Those who are involved in full time farming are also moving further inland to farm. The social survey and the observations made indicated that large tracts o f mangrove forest along the banks o f the lagoons have been cleared to make way for the construction o f salt pans. The mangroves served as source o f fuel for domestic use in some o f the communities as well serve as firewood for fish smoking and boiling of brine in the production o f salt. Again, areas occupied by the mangroves served as hunting grounds for fish, crabs and migratory birds which are either consumed or sold for money. Destruction o f mangroves has led to a reduction in the above mentioned activities. Despite the apparently negative impacts that small-scale salt mining may be having on the environment, many inhabitants in the study area, especially women still want salt mining activities to be undertaken of the benefits derived by way o f employment and income. Construction o f salt pans in the coastal scrub and grassland vegetation belt, and the replanting o f mangrove trees in abandoned salt pans, should be encouraged to reduce the impact o f small-scale salt mining on the environment.