Research Articles

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A research article reports the results of original research, assesses its contribution to the body of knowledge in a given area, and is published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal. The faculty publications through published and on-going articles/researches are captured in this community

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10,000 miners, 10,000 votes: Politics and mining in Ghana
(Africa, 2018-11) Ntewusu, S.A.
In their article‘Governing access to gold in Ghana: in-depth geopolitics onmining concessions’, Luning and Pijpers (2017) discuss important politicalissues around mining in Ghana. Using the companies Keegan and Newmont asunits of analysis, and drawing on insights from geography and anthropology,the authors call for an alternative approach to geopolitical issues in mining.They point out that mining concessions are sites of governance that involve eco-nomic players–that is, mining companies and artisanal miners/galamsey–andpolitical authorities positioned at national as well as local scales (ibid.: 761). Ofgreater interest, the authors argue, is the kind of relationship that has developedbetween established exploration or mining companies andgalamseyoperators.The authors point out that the maintenance of such a relationship, thoughuneasy, is necessary in ensuring continuous mining in the areas where thesemining companies are located.This commentary focuses on an aspect of the article that deals with the issue ofgalamsey. Drawing on historical events, I discuss some key characteristics of arti-sanal mining and miners and the issue of hybrid governance, involving traditionaland modern authorities in mining in Ghana.
10,000 year history of plant use at Bosumpra Cave, Ghana
(Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 2015-01) Oas, S.E.; D’Andrea, A.C.; Watson, D.J.
Investigations of hunter-gatherer subsistence, early food production, and the development of agroforestry systems during the Later Stone Age (LSA) of West Africa have proven challenging because of limited recovery and analysis of archaeological evidence relating directly to subsistence. This paper examines changes in the use of plant resources over a 10,000 year period at Bosumpra Cave, southern Ghana. Large quantities of recovered Canarium schweinfurthii (incense tree) and Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) endocarp preserved at the site allow for the assessment of previous observations about changes in the relative importance of tree fruit resources over time. Results point to the possibility that C. schweinfurthii was a managed resource and may be useful as a marker of forager subsistence in tropical forest regions. The exploitation of C. schweinfurthii persisted in the early and middle Holocene, but was eventually overshadowed in the late Holocene by Kintampo food-producing economies based on Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) and E. guineensis. The Bosumpra deposits also yielded domesticated pearl millet and cowpea, allowing for the comparison of LSA hunter-gatherer and early food producer subsistence practices and cultural interactions in southern Ghana.
10-year longitudinal study of malaria in children: Insights into acquisition and maintenance of naturally acquired immunity
(Wellcome Open Research, 2022) Addy, J.W.G.; Bediako, Y.; Ndungu, F.M.; Valetta, J.J.; Reid, A.J.; Mwacharo, J.; Ngoi, J.M.; Wambua, J.; Otieno, E.; Musyoki, J.; Mohammed, K.S.; Berriman, M.; Marsh, K.; Bejon, P.; Recker, M.; Langhorne, J.
Studies of long-term malaria cohorts have provided essential insights into how Plasmodium falciparum interacts with humans, and influences the development of antimalarial immunity. Immunity to malaria is acquired gradually after multiple infections, some of which present with clinical symptoms. However, there is considerable variation in the number of clinical episodes experienced by children of the same age within the same cohort. Understanding this variation in clinical symptoms and how it relates to the development of naturally acquired immunity is crucial in identifying how and when some children stop experiencing further malaria episodes. Where variability in clinical episodes may result from different rates of acquisition of immunity, or from variable exposure to the parasite. Methods: Using data from a longitudinal cohort of children residing in an area of moderate P. falciparum transmission in Kilifi district, Kenya, we fitted cumulative episode curves as monotonic-increasing splines, to 56 children under surveillance for malaria from the age of 5 to 15. Results: There was large variability in the accumulation of numbers of clinical malaria episodes experienced by the children, despite being of similar age and living in the same general location. One group of children from a particular sub-region of the cohort stopped accumulating clinical malaria episodes earlier than other children in the study. Despite lack of further clinical episodes of malaria, these children had higher asymptomatic parasite densities and higher antibody titres to a panel of P. falciparum blood-stage antigens. Conclusions: This suggests development of clinical immunity rather than lack of exposure to the parasite, and supports the view that this immunity to malaria disease is maintained by a greater exposure to P. falciparum, and thus higher parasite burdens. Our study illustrates the complexity of anti-malaria immunity and underscores the need for analyses which can sufficiently reflect the heterogeneity within endemic populations.
18S and ITS1 genomic sequence variations in Rotylenchulus reniformis isolates from Alabama
(Journal of Cotton Science, 2013-01) Nyaku, S.T.; Kantety, R.V.; Tilahun, Y.; Lawrence, K.S.; Soliman, K.M.; Cebert, E.; Sharma, G.C.
Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., is highly susceptible to infection by reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), which can cause over 10% reduction of cotton yields in Alabama. Detection of reniform nematode (RN) and analysis for molecular variation within its population is important for understanding its interactions with cotton and other host plant species. Restriction analysis of PCR products of ITS1 regions was achieved using four restriction enzymes, HaeIII, HhaI, MspI, and RsaI. These showed similar banding patterns for both male and female populations. However, MspI digestion of ITS1 amplification products showed variants within the combined sex and location effects primarily attributed to a 500 bp fragment that was absent in other restriction digestions. Intra-nematodal variations in 18S and ITS1 rDNA were studied in detail by sequencing a minimum of ten clones in each individual male and female RN isolates in both directions. Multiple sequence alignment of the 18S rDNA sequences showed two major types of sequences within this gene for both male and female RN clones, which could be distinguished at 27 specific sites. Two distinct ITS1 fragments of lengths (550 bp and 720 bp) were observed; referred to as ITS1S and ITS1L respectively. Neighbor-joining analysis was used in revealing the relationships and grouping characteristics between male and female RN clones, with clones grouping together irrespective of sex and isolate. Sequencing of one-third of the 18S and ITS1 rDNA regions provided clear evidence of intra-and inter-nematode variability, in addition to gene conversion events in the 18S rDNA of individual male and female RN clones. © The Cotton Foundation 2013.
An 18S ribosomal DNA barcode for the study of Isomermis lairdi, a parasite of the blackfly Simulium damnosum s.l.
(Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 2009) Crainey, J.L.; Wilson, M.D.; Post, R.J.
The mermithid parasite, Isomermis lairdi Mondet, Poinar & Bernadou (Nematoda: Mermithidae), is known to have a major impact on populations of Simulium damnosum s.l. Theobald (Diptera: Simuliidae) and on their efficiency as vectors of Onchocerca volvulus (Leuckart) (Nematoda: Filarioidea). However, the value of I. lairdi and other mermithid parasites as potential means of integrated vector control has not been fully realized. This is partly because traditional taxonomic approaches have been insufficient for describing and analysing important aspects of their biology and host range. In total, rDNA barcode sequences have been obtained from over 70 I. lairdi mermithids found parasitizing S. damnosum s.l. larvae in three different rivers. No two sequences were found to vary by more than 0.5%, and cytospecies identification of mermithid hosts revealed that I. lairdi with identical rDNA barcodes can parasitize multiple cytoforms of the S. damnosum complex, including S. squamosum (Enderlein). Phylogenetic analysis using a partial sequence from the 18S ribosomal DNA barcode, grouped I. lairdi in a monophyletic group with Gastromermis viridis Welch (Nematoda: Mermithidae) and Isomermis wisconsinensis Welch (Nematoda: Mermithidae).
20 year trends in renal disease mortality in Ghana: A review of autopsies
(Nephrology, 2019-04) Adjei, D.N.; Adu, D.; Quayson, S.E.; Kardaun, J.W.P.F.; Erskine, I.J.; Lartey, I.S.; Agyemang, C.
AIM: Data on the changing levels in renal morbidity and mortality are scant globally. We sought to assess trends in renal disease mortality and attributable causes over a 20 year period in Ghana. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 20 year autopsy records of the Pathology Departments of leading teaching hospitals in Ghana, (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi) from January 1994 to December 2013. Data comprising autopsies from in-patients, community cases and coroners' cases were used. We defined primary cause of death as death directly due to renal disease and secondary cause of death as death in which renal disease was a comorbid or contributing factor. RESULTS: Over the period, there were a total of 94 309 deaths, of which 5608 were attributed to renal disease (5.9/100). Mortality rate remained fairly the same from 1994 to 2009 (5.0%), but doubled from 2010 to 2013 (10.8%). Similar trends were observed among males and females during the same period. However, males had slightly higher mortality rates (6.6%; 95% CI: 46.1%-6.8%) compared to females (5.6%; 95% CI: 5.4%-5.8%; P = 0.271). The major leading attributable causes of renal disease death include end stage renal disease 45.0% and acute pyelonephritis accounting for 20.9% of the cases. Hypertensive heart disease accounted for 30.0% of all secondary cause of death while congestive heart disease and septicaemia accounted for 13.0% and 12.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We observed marked increase in the renal disease mortality rate during the last few years predominantly driven by chronic and infectious related renal diseases as a main cause, and hypertensive heart disease and congestive heart failure as the main secondary causes. Measures geared towards prevention, treatment and managing such conditions may impact on the reduction of renal disease mortality rate among Ghanaian populations.
The 2000 general elections and presidential run-off in Ghana: An overview
(Democratization, 2010-09) Ayee, J.
The December 2000 general elections and presidential run-off in Ghana were arguably the most important since independence in 1957 and constituted a significant landmark in Ghana's democratic development. This article explains the reasons why, and offers a detailed account of the election campaign, an assessment of the quality of the electoral process and an analysis of the results. The opposition victory is explained in terms of several key factors, before concluding with regard to the positive implications for the consolidation of democracy in Ghana in the future.
The 2007 Kenyan Elections: Lessons for the Rest of Africa
(University of Ghana, 2008) Debrah, E.
The 2008 Political Parties’ Code of Conduct in Ghana: A Toothless Bulldog?
(African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 2008) Gyampo, R.E.
The idea of drafting a Code of Conduct for political parties in the run up to the December 2008 General Elections by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA-Ghana) under the auspices of the Ghana Political Parties’ Programme (GPPP), was hailed by many Ghanaians and political analysts as a step in the right direction. Indeed, the establishment and inauguration of enforcement bodies under the Code was seen as a useful initiative by The IEA to give the Code “teeth to bite”. This study however reveals that the establishment and inauguration of the enforcement bodies under the Code did not make it unique after all. In more practical terms, the study revealed that the 2008 Political Parties’ Code of Conduct is not in anyway different from the ones drafted in 2000 and 2004. It is just as ineffective as a toothless bull dog that can only bark but cannot bite. The whole process of drafting the Code can therefore be described as one of the numerous Ghanaian efforts at looking for solutions to problems through workshops, retreats and symposia whose outcomes and resolutions are never implemented but left on shelves to gather dust
The 2020 Maize Production Failure in Ghana: A Case Study of Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality
(Sustainability, 2022) Obour, P.B.; Arthur, I.K.; Owusu, K.
This paper examines the causes of widespread maize production failure in Ghana during the 2020 minor growing season. A mixed-methods approach was used to study smallholder maize farmers in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality to provide a holistic understanding of the factors behind the maize production failure and to inform policy interventions. The results show that the decline in maize grain yield was caused by the failure of the minor season rains and, more importantly, the destruction of maize plants by fall armyworms. Other factors include poor soils and inadequate farm inputs contributed minimally to the observed maize failures. The agronomic practices adopted by the farmers to mitigate crop failures were undermined by their inability to master the onset and cessation of rainfall, the ineffectiveness of pesticides to control the fall armyworms and financial challenges. It is recommended that the government promote and support rainwater harvesting to address the impacts of drought and pests on food crop production. Furthermore, to ensure sustainable For food production, a combination of indigenous knowledge and scientific farm practices are crucial. accurately forecast the weather and control the fall armyworms.
21st Century Protection of Moral Rights under Copyright Law: the way Forwards
(2008)
The 230-kDa gamete surface protein of plasmodium falciparum is also a target for transmission-blocking antibodies
(Journal of Immunology, 1987) Quakyi, I.A.; Carter, R.; Rener, J.; Kumar, N.; Good, M.F.; Miller, L.H.
Immunization with extracellular sexual stages of the malaria parasites can induce the production of antibodies which block the development of the parasites in the midgut of a mosquito after a blood meal. We have generated a number of monoclonal antibodies against gametes and zygotes of the human malaria Plasmodium falciparum. Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) reacting with a 230-kDa gamete surface protein (mAb 1B3 and 2B4 both isotype IgG2a) were found to block transmission of P. falciparum to mosquitoes. Blocking was complement dependent and this was verified in vitro by the rapid lysis of newly formed gametes and zygotes in the presence of the mAb and active complement. Both mAb reacted by immunofluorescence with the surface of gametes and zygotes from isolates of P. falciparum from various geographical areas. Each mAb immunoprecipitated a 230-kDa protein from 125I-labeled surface proteins of newly formed gametes and zygotes and immunoblotted a protein doublet of about molecular mass 260 and 230 kDa from gametocytes and gametes of P. falciparum. Only the 230-kDa protein is expressed on the surface of newly formed macrogametes and zygotes. The 230-kDa gamete surface protein forms a molecular complex with two proteins of 48 and 45 kDa. The 48- and 45-kDa gamete surface proteins have previously been shown to be targets of mAb which block infectivity of P. falciparum to mosquitoes. The present study now demonstrates that antibodies against the 230-kDa gamete surface protein block transmission of P. falciparum to mosquitoes. The 230-kDa gamete protein is thus a potential candidate for a gamete vaccine.
A 28-year-old Man from Ghana with a Chronic Ulcer on His Ankle: Leg Ulcers in Sickle Cell Disease
(Clinical Cases in Tropical Medicine, 2014) Sey, F.; Ekem, I.
3.6 Million Neonatal Deaths-What Is Progressing and What Is Not?
(Seminars in Perinatology, 2010-12) Lawn, J.E.; Kerber, K.; Enweronu-Laryea, C.; Cousens, S.
Each year 3.6 million infants are estimated to die in the first 4 weeks of life (neonatal period)-but the majority continue to die at home, uncounted. This article reviews progress for newborn health globally, with a focus on the countries in which most deaths occur-what data do we have to guide accelerated efforts? All regions are advancing, but the level of decrease in neonatal mortality differs by region, country, and within countries. Progress also differs by the main causes of neonatal death. Three major causes of neonatal deaths (infections, complications of preterm birth, and intrapartum-related neonatal deaths or "birth asphyxia") account for more than 80% of all neonatal deaths globally. The most rapid reductions have been made in reducing neonatal tetanus, and there has been apparent progress towards reducing neonatal infections. Limited, if any, reduction has been made in reducing global deaths from preterm birth and for intrapartum-related neonatal deaths. High-impact, feasible interventions to address these 3 causes are summarized in this article, along with estimates of potential for lives saved. A major gap is reaching mothers and babies at birth and in the early postnatal period. There are promising community-based service delivery models that have been tested mainly in research studies in Asia that are now being adapted and evaluated at scale and also being tested through a network of African implementation research trials. To meet Millennium Development Goal 4, more can and must be done to address neonatal deaths. A critical step is improving the quantity, quality and use of data to select and implement the most effective interventions and strengthen existing programs, especially at district level. © 2010 Elsevier Inc.
400 Years? Ancestors Disappear! Historical Misorientation and Disorientation in the Year of Return and the 400 Years Narrative
(Journal of African American Studies, 2023) Kambon, O.; Songsore, L.; Aketema, J.
1619 CE was selected as the starting point in reference to enslaved Afrikans supposedly arriving at the British colony of Jamestown, Virginia as referenced on numerous Government of Ghana websites for 2019’s Year of Return. In this article, we will use various primary and scholarly sources to interrogate “white” epistemologies and anglocentric frames of reference of using 1619 CE as a starting point for anti-Black enslavement while challenging biblical parallels and references to 400 years (Brauchle in Virginia changing marker denoting where first Africans arrived in 1619, Web: dailypress.com, 2015). Using an Afrikan-centered analysis, we argue that the arbitrary selection of the anglocentric date of 1619 CE cannot be at the center of any narrative told from the perspective of Afrikan = Black people lest we erase the memory of hundreds of thousands of Afrikan ancestors enslaved prior to that time in what would eventually become the continental USA and elsewhere.
A 5-deoxyflavonol derivative in Mimosa pudica
(Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2003-01) Kirk, L.F.; Møller, M.V.; Christensen, J.; Stærk, D.; Ekpe, P.; Jaroszewski, J.W.
1. Subject and source Aerial parts of Mimosa pudica L. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) were collected near Accra, Ghana. Voucher specimen (GC47684) was deposited in Herbarium GC (Ghana Herbarium, Botany Department, University of Ghana, Legon). 2. Previous work The interest in M. pudica (the so-called sensitive plant) has mainly been concerned with chemistry and biology of the thigmonastic movement (rapid leaf movement observed upon touching the leaves) and nyctinastic movement (slow movement con- trolled by a biological clock) of the leaves, and several leaf-movement factors have been reﬁned (Kameyama et al., 2000; Ueda and Yamamura, 2000; Ueda et al., 2000). Phenolics (Ueda et al., 2000; Josewin et al., 1999; Englert et al., 1994), norepi- nephrine (Applewhite, 1973) and a non-protein amino acid leucenine (mimosine) (Kleipool and Wibaut, 1950) have been isolated. A saponin (Jiang et al., 1990) and a bufadienolide (Yadava and Yadav, 2001) were reported in M. pudica seeds.
A - 61C and C - 101G hp gene promoter polymorphisms are, respectively, associated with ahaptoglobinaemia and hypohaptoglobinaemia in Ghana
(Clinical Genetics, 2003) Teye, K.; Quaye, I.K.E.; Koda, Y.; Adjei, A.A.; Tsuneoka, M.; Pang, H.; Kimura, H.
We have investigated the genetic basis for the Hp0 phenotype amongst 123 randomly selected Ghanaians. A total of 17 individuals were determined to be Hp0 phenotype, based on the classical method for Hp phenotyping of Hb-supplemented plasma. Out of the 17 Hp0 individuals, nine subjects were further classified as ahaptoglobinaemic and eight as hypohaptoglobinaemic by Western blots and double immunodiffusion. We identified three previously known base substitutions (A-55G, A-61C and T-104A) and three new ones (C-101G, T-191G and C-242T) within the 5' flanking region of the Hp gene. The A-61C base substitution significantly decreased transcriptional activity and was associated strongly with Hp2 allele and ahaptoglobinaemia. The C-101G substitution was similar in transcriptional activity to the wild-type and was associated with Hp1S allele and hypohaptoglobinaemia. The Hpdel allele seen in Asian populations was absent. We conclude that the Hp0 phenotype in Ghana has a genetic basis that differs significantly from that seen in Asia.
‘9th May 2017 is OUR DAY’: The Homeland Study Group Foundation and contested national imaginaries in postindependence Ghana
(Nations and Nationalism, 2022) Adotey, E.
Ghana has been held up as an oasis of stability in a highly volatile region of Africa due to its peaceful decolonization process, absence of serious civil conflict and successful change of governments. However, in Ghana, as in parts of post-independence Africa, there are lingering secessionist movements that are a legacy of colonialism. The latest comes from the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) which declared the former British Togoland, a former United Nations trust territory administered by the United Kingdom, as an independent state called Western Togoland. Through the prism of competing or alternative national imaginaries rather than the weak and dysfunctional state paradigm, this article seeks to explain the roots of a form of Togoland nationalism in Ghana in 1956 that remains relevant today. The paper argues that an Apparently, successful integration can stimulate/give support to alternative nationalist imaginaries.
A cascading approach using se-resnext, resnet and feature pyramid network for kidney tumor segmentation
(Heliyon, 2024) Appati, J. K.; Yirenkyi, I. A.
Accurate segmentation of kidney tumors in CT images is very important in the diagnosis of kidney cancer. Automatic semantic segmentation of the kidney tumor has shown promising results to wards developing advance surgical planning techniques in the treatment of kidney tumor. However, the relatively small size of kidney tumor volume in comparison to the overall kidney volume, and its irregular distribution and shape makes it difficult to accurately segment the tu mors. In addressing this issue, we proposed a coarse to fine segmentation which leverages on transfer learning using SE-ResNeXt model for the initial segmentation and ResNet and Feature Pyramid Network for the final segmentation. The processes are related and the output of the initial results was used for the final training. We trained and evaluated our method on the KITS19 dataset and achieved a dice score of 0.7388 and Jaccard score 0.7321 for the final segmentation demonstrating promising results when compared to other approaches.
A case–control study of prevalence of anemia among patients with type 2 diabetes
(2016-05-04) Antwi-Bafour, S.; Hammond, S.; Adjei, J.K.; Kyeremeh, R.; Martin-Odoom, A.; Ekem, I.
Abstract Background Anemia is defined as a reduction in the hemoglobin concentration of blood, which consequently reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells such that they are unable to meet the body’s physiological needs. Several reports have indicated that anemia mostly occurs in patients with diabetes with renal insufficiency while limited studies have reported the incidence of anemia in people with diabetes prior to evidence of renal impairment. Other studies have also identified anemia as a risk factor for the need for renal replacement therapy in diabetes. Understanding the pathogenesis of anemia associated with diabetes may lead to the development of interventions to optimize outcomes in these patients. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence of anemia among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A total of 100 (50 with type 2 diabetes and 50 controls) participants were recruited for our study. Participants’ blood samples were analyzed for fasting blood glucose, full blood count and renal function tests among others. The prevalence of anemia was then determined statistically. Results A high incidence of anemia was observed in the cases. Of the patients with diabetes, 84.8 % had a hemoglobin concentration that was significantly less (males 11.16±1.83 and females 10.41±1.49) than the controls (males 14.25±1.78 and females 12.53±1.14). Renal insufficiency determined by serum creatinine level of >1.5 mg/dL, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/minute/1.73 m2, and erythropoietin levels was also observed to be high in the cases (54.0 %; with mean creatinine concentration of 3.43±1.73 and erythropoietin 6.35±1.28 mIU/mL). A significantly increased fasting blood glucose, urea, sodium, potassium, and calcium ions were observed in the cases (7.99±1.30, 5.19±1.99, 140.90±6.98, 4.86±0.53 and 1.47±0.31 respectively) as compared to the controls (4.66±0.54, 3.56±2.11, 135.51±6.84, 4.40±0.58 and 1.28±0.26 respectively). Finally, a significant association between hemoglobin concentration and fasting blood glucose was also observed in the cases. Conclusions The findings suggest that a high incidence of anemia is likely to occur in patients with poorly controlled diabetes and in patients with diabetes and renal insufficiency.