University of Ghana Readers

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The Readers are a collection of essays reflecting developments in the discipline or sub-discipline over several years. They are meant to highlight Legon’s contribution to knowledge development over the last 65 years. The books include articles by many luminaries, Professors and Lecturers past and present.

Each Reader will be essential reading for senior undergraduates, graduate students and professionals in the field concerned. They will give the students and even the faculty themselves a better understanding of their roles as participants in an on-going intellectual activity and tradition.

But the intended audience is not limited to academia – each reader presents the face of its unit to the wider community, both in Ghana and abroad, and will be useful to anyone who wants to know something of what is going on in that field at the University of Ghana.

All the books are being published by Ghanaian publishers, at affordable prices.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 70

Contaminant Hydrology: Concepts of Oil Pollution and Environmental Management
(2013-12-09) Owusu, G.
Oil contamination in soils, aquifer, and sea can pose threats to water resources and other ecosystems agents. In this chapter I will discuss physical and institutional characteristics of oil contaminants management in surface water, soil water, groundwater, and ocean. The contaminants include Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) and Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL). Oil contaminants that enter through soil surface may undergo through the following processes: Dissolution, Advection, Dispersion, Diffusion, Adsorption, Volatilization, and Biodegradation. As the oil pollutants travel through hydrological cycle there are various risks associated with exposure of it to environment. When it is exposed to human beings it is called Human toxicological risks; when it is exposed to ecology we call it Eco-toxicological risks, and finally when it spreads to join other water bodies we call it Spreading risks. These risks can be stopped through assessment and implementation of five-step environmental remediation framework that include Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), Threshold Value Assessment, Mapping and Modelling of Contaminants, Oil Contaminant Risk Assessment, and Choosing appropriate environmental Remediation techniques. This basic knowledge in contaminant hydrology can help manage environmental problems associated with large scale oil exploration and production in Ghana.
The Changing Views on the Role of Small Towns in Rural and Regional Development in Africa
(2013-12-09) Owusu, G.
This paper discusses the changing views on the role of small towns in rural and regional development in twentieth-century Africa. It argues that one cannot understand the growth and development of small towns in Africa without examining development paradigms in general, and the historical development of urban places in Africa before the 1950s. For the future, it argues for a decentralised approach to development, incorporating local views and knowledge in the shaping of Africa’s urban and rural places in the twenty-first century.
GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMOURS ( GIST)
(2013-12-09) Baako, B.
GIST is the commonest mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. It was classified a leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma until recently 1998 when it had been characterised by a specific histological and immunological pattern. GIST is proven only if the tyrosine kinase receptor kit- CD117 or the platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) can be demonstrated and spindle cell, epithelioid cells and cells of mixed differentiation are present histologically. It was unresponsive to chemo and radiotherapy until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the USA’s approval of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib in the year 2000- the first effective systemic treatment to be discovered. Primary and secondary resistance can occur. Surgery in the early stages (<5cm), when it can be completely excised with healthy margins with no spillage or intraperitonea l bleeding has been curative.
Geomorphological Processes and Landforms of the Coastal Environment
(2013-12-09) Awere-Gyekye, K.; Kusimi, J.M.; Yiran, G.A.B.
The coastal zone is shaped by geomorphic processes. These processes result in the development of coastal landscapes characterized by varied landforms; erosional or depositional. The coastal environment is also made up of rich coastal resources and as a result it is home to more than half of the world’s population and a diversity of flora and fauna. Hence there are interactions between human and coastal systems and these interactions lead to the modification of these coastal resources and the landscape. Although there could be several benefits resulting from these interactions, the coastal system is under threat of degradation due to both human and natural factors and this call for a concerted effort to manage it sustainably. Therefore, integrated coastal zone management is seen as the optimal method for managing the coast.
The Volta Lake System in Ghana: An Overview of the Physical Attributes Resource Management and Environmental Challenges
(2013-12-09) Ayivor, J.S.; Vordzogbe, V.V.
This paper presents an overview of the Volta lake system in Ghana, highlighting key issues which need urgent public attention and policy response. Data for the study were derived from both published and unpublished literature, as well as from remotely sensed sources. The paper discusses the physical characteristics of the lake and its basin, resource management and environmental challenges of the lake system. The strategic location of the Volta Lake in the heart of the Volta basin is noted together with its importance as a reservoir for hydro-electric power generation, fishery resources, lake transportation, opportunities for irrigation, lakeside commerce and tourism. The paper catalogues environmental issues affecting the lake system, which include lakeshore deforestation, loss of biodiversity, fluctuating water levels, seasonal flooding of riparian areas, water-borne diseases, growth of aquatic weeds, climate variability and water quality degradation. Other challenges as highlighted by the paper include lakeshore erosion and sedimentation, proliferation of aquatic weeds, problems associated with lake transportation, water governance and downstream hydrological changes and the consequential changes in the ecological conditions of the residual river and the adjoining floodplain. The main concern presently is that the threshold or conflict situation has emerged where people have to choose between extensive exploitation of the lakeshore resources for economic livelihood enhancement and environmental protection for sustained power generation. The paper concludes that a better way forward is to begin looking at the Volta Lake system as a shared responsibility with a transnational concern, if the future of this resource is to be sustained.
A Review of Population-Based Studies on Hypertension in Ghana
(2013-12-09) Addo, J.; Agyemang, C.; Smeeth, L.; Aikins, A.D.; Edusei, A.K.; Ogedegbe, G.
Hypertension is becoming a common health problem worldwide with increasing life expectancy and increasing prevalence of risk factors. Epidemiological data on hypertension in Ghana is necessary to guide policy and develop effective interventions. A review of population-based studies on hypertension in Ghana was conducted by a search of the PUBMED database, supplemented by a manual search of bibliographies of the identified articles and through the Ghana Medical Journal. A single reviewer extracted data using standard data collection forms. Eleven studies published on hypertension with surveys conducted between 1973 and 2009 were identified. The prevalence of hypertension was higher in urban than rural areas in studies that covered both types of area and increased with increasing age (prevalence ranging from 19.3% in rural to 54.6% in urban areas). Factors associated with high blood pressure included increasing body mass index, increased saltconsumption, family history of hypertension and excessive alcohol intake. The levels of hypertension detection, treatment and control were generally low (control rates ranged from 1.7% to 12.7%). An increased burden of hypertension should be expected in Ghana as life expectancy increasesand with rapid urbanisation. Without adequate detection and control, this will translate into a higherincidence of stroke and other adverse health outcomes for which hypertension is an established risk factor. Prevention and control of hypertension in Ghana is thus imperative and any delays in instituting preventive measures would most likely pose a greater challenge on the already overburdened health system.
Solid Waste Management in Ghana: The Past, the Present and the Future
(2013-12-09) Oteng-Ababio, M.
Of all environmental problems that have come into focus and become the most conspicuous landmarks on most Ghanaian urban landscape, managing solid waste has been the slowest to develop either direction or regulatory mechanisms. This study presents a case overview of SWM practices in Ghana. It provides a litmus test of where the country is by examining the characteristics of waste generated, and the effectiveness of the management system as well as the potential challenges it faces. Based on the assessment of the quantities of waste generated, and the evaluation of the soundness of the management system, the general picture is that significant quantities of waste are generated, but there are no sound management practices. The evidence suggests that waste policy implementation successes have generally tended to be driven by approaches that make economic sense to the private sector. This study provides a framework for policy and planning strategies including the call on the authorities to build on local expertise. The study maintains that presently, proper waste management is an area in which our ignorance still exceeds our knowledge and that it is the poor management of waste, not the waste per se, that makes towns and cities filthy.
Obstruction of the Biliary Tract
(2013-12-09) Darko, R.
R. Darko The obstruction of the biliary tree may be intrahepatic or extrahepatic. It may also be partial or complete. When obstruction is significant the classical symptoms of jaundice, pruritus, pale stools and dark urine are prominent. Most cases of intra hepatic bile duct obstruction are not amenable for surgical repair and therefore emphasis will be placed on extrahepatic bile duct obstruction. Carcinoma of the head of pancreas is the commonest cause followed by a gall stone causing the biliary obstruction. There are four categories based on the behaviour of the jaundice.(a) Progressive jaundice (b) Fluctuating jaundice (c). Chronic continuous obstruction and (d), Segmental obstruction where the patient is usually not jaundiced. Even though the clinical diagnosis is usually satisfactory investigations are important. The most important investigations include observing a high level of blirubin and alkaline phosphatise. Delineation of the common bile duct by ultrasonography is the initial investigation but other investigations are necessary. Magnetic resonance imaging is reliable. Treatment may be palliative where the site of obstruction is bypassed or curative where the cause of the obstruction is removed. Complications abound if adequate preparation is not done in the jaundiced patient. The liver glycogen stores should be instituted by adequate intake of daily infusion of 10% dextrose for 3 to 4 days before operation. Coagulopathy that occurs in the jaundiced patient is corrected by administration of parenteral Vit K1. To prevent post-operative renal failure it is important to ensure adequate pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative hydration.
Explanations to the Evolution of Landscapes in Geomorphology
(2013-12-09) Kusimi, J.M.
The chapter reviews landscape evolution models from classical period to date. The classical models include catastrophism and uniformitarianism, some of the early modern era ones are, dynamic equilibrium, geographic cycle, slope replacement and the recent ones are classified as geomorphic transport laws. The classical and early modern models are describe as descriptive because they lack numeric measurements of processes and forms whiles the contemporary models that are more empirical are termed quantitative. The fundamental principles underlying these models, limitations and strengths have been examined. Geomorphology is moving towards the quantitative phase of explaining earth surface processes and landforms because of the need to be predictive of future trends base on findings of past and current studies. However, due to the peculiarity of the discipline, geomorphogists need to work with other environmental and earth scientists to be able to develop models that will be useful and applicable in explaining landscape processes and forms.
MALIGNANT GASTRIC NEOPLASMS; HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
(2013-12-09) Adu-Aryee, N.A.
Gastric cancers are known to have poor prognosis worldwide except for Japan and Korea. There is a changing trend in the distribution of tumours with a relative increase in the proportion of proximal tumours in the western world. This has not been found to be true in Ghana. The addition of various forms of adjuvant treatment has improved the prognosis of treatment worldwide and these are being introduced into oncologic practice in Ghana with good prospects. Opportunities exist for researching into prognostic features of this devastating tumour
Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction
(2013-12-09) Kyei, M.Y.
The lower urinary tract, comprising the bladder and urethra, acts as a functional unit that allows low pressure storage of urine and subsequent emptying at intervals when appropriate. At voiding, there is contraction of the bladder muscles, relaxation of the bladder neck and the external urethral sphincter allowing urine to flow, with complete bladder emptying facilitated by the urethrovesical reflex. Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) refers to conditions that block the flow of urine from the bladder leading to difficulty with voiding. For this review, publications and ongoing research work on LUTO in the Urology Unit of the Department of Surgery are primarily considered. Generally, the causes of LUTO show some variation according to age and sex. Urethral stricture and benign prostate enlargement is a common cause of LUTO in the adult male population, while urinary tract infections, uterine fibroids and pelvic prolapsed disease are observed in females. The patients present with lower urinary tract obstructive symptoms such as straining at micturition and poor urine stream. Management is based on the cause of the LUTO which may include catheterization as an emergency intervention followed by a definitive medical management and/or surgical intervention. For malignant lesions radiation therapy may be used. LUTO remains a major presentation by patients in the Urology Unit. While preventive measures are helpful in some conditions, others require not only well planned management strategies but further research into more optimal and lasting interventions.
Adoption and Benefits of Contemporary Management Accounting Systems: Evidence from Ghanaian Manufacturing Firms
(2013-12-09) Nartey, E.
This paper aims at examining the level of adoption and benefits derived from contemporary management accounting practices by Ghanaian manufacturing firms. The study employed a survey strategy to solicit information from 62 manufacturing firms within the Accra-Tema industrial area of Ghana. Results show that the adoption rate of contemporary management accounting techniques compared to the traditional techniques is low. Overall, traditional management accounting techniques relating to annual budgetary practices and budgeting for controlling costs and coordinating activities were found to top the list as highly adopted. The study also establishes that there is a positive relationship between contemporary management accounting techniques and the operational activities.
Corporate Governance and Earnings Management: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa.
(2013-12-09) Akyeampon, D.; Amidu, M.; Abor, J.
This paper examines the link between corporate governance and earnings management (EM) of firms in some selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A two-step estimation procedure using firm level data is applied. The first step employs a panel data estimation technique to analyze working capital discretionary accruals (WCDAC), a proxy for EM. Building on these results, the second stage examines the sources of EM, placing emphasis on the role of corporate governance and institutions. We find that EM of firms in Africa can be explained by the size of the board, its composition, return on assets, and debt ratio. In addition, our result reveals varying results as different corporate governance mechanisms affect EM across the various countries.
A Comprehensive Review of the Policy and Programmatic Response to Rising Chronic Non-Communicable Disease in Ghana
(2013-12-09) Bosu, W.K.
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana remain a significant cause of illness and death in Ghana over many years. Yet, until recently, they have been neglected and not considered a health priority. This paper reviews the national policy and programme response to chronic NCDs over the period 1992 to 2009.Unpublished reports, documents, relevant files of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) were examined to assess programmatic response to chronic NCDs. Literature was searched to locate published articles on the epidemiology of chronic NCDs in Ghana. The websites of various local and international health institutions were also searched for relevant articles. Several policy and programme initiatives have been pursued with limited success. A national control programme has been established, NCDs are currently a national policy priority, draft tobacco control legislation prepared, public education campaigns on healthy lifestyles, instituted cervical cancer screening and a national health insurance system to reducing medical costs of chronic NCD care. Major challenges include inefficient programme management, low funding, little political interest, low community awareness, high cost of drugs and absence of structured screening programmes. Emerging opportunities include improving political will, government’s funding of a national cancer screening programme; basic and operational research; and using funds from well-resourced health programmes for overall health system strengthening.Although Ghana has recently determined to emphasise healthy lifestyles and environment as a major health policy for the prevention and control of chronic NCDs, low funding and weak governance have hindered the effective and speedy implementation of proposed interventions.
The Geography of Tourism in Ghana
(2013-12-09) Asiedu, A.B.
Tourism, which is increasingly viewed as an attractive development option for many parts of the developing world, has been studied by an increasing number of academic disciplines even though no widely accepted interdisciplinary field of tourism studies has yet been defined. While recognising the contributions of other disciplines to the subject matter of tourism however, geographers have been found to make distinct and significant contributions. Travelling from one’s place of normal residence to a distant location where tourism experience transpires involves spatial interaction which is a major and pivotal theme in geographical studies. Inspite of the growing recognition and importance of geography in tourism studies, not much attention has been given to it even in the wider fields of academic geography. It is against this background and the limited local materials on the topic that have necessitated the need for this chapter on the Geography of Tourism in Ghana. The chapter is organized under five (5) sections. The first section is the introduction section and this is followed in section two with a discussion on the concept of tourism. The third section deals with the subject matter of tourism whiles the fourth section is devoted to a discussion on geography of tourism in Ghana. The final section is on study conclusions and an agenda for future studies on geography of tourism in Ghana.
Diabetes in Ghana: A Review of Research on Prevalence, Experiences and Healthcare
(2013-12-09) Aikins, A.D.; Owusu-Dabo, E.; Agyemang, C.
Diabetes is a major cause of adult morbidity and death in Ghana. In this chapter we review empirical studies on diabetes in Ghana to highlight trends in prevalence as well as medical and social responses to its public health challenges. We conducted by a search of the PUBMED and Psycinfo databases, supplemented by a manual search of bibliographies of the identified articles and through the Ghana Medical Journal as well as local sources of literature available across public libraries. The key findings are as follow. The prevalence of diabetes has risen from 0.2% in the late 1950s (among a community of men in Ho) to 6.0% in 2009 (among a community of men in Kumasi). In Accra, a prevalence of 6.4% was recorded in a mixed community in the late 1990s and 9.1% among civil servants in 2006. Prevalence rates of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), when measured are double or treble the diabetes prevalence, which suggests that higher numbers of individuals are at risk of developing diabetes in the future. People living with diabetes experience complex psychosocial challenges including psychological and emotional insecurities, and limited social support. Management and self-care is poor, and healer-shopping between medical systems is common. Major limitations exist with diabetes care including poor diabetes education, a lack of guidelines for diabetes care, erratic supply of essential diabetes drugs at health facilities and poorly trained health care professionals to manage diabetes including doctors, nurses and dietitians. We consider challenges for research, healthcare and policy.
BENIGN AND PREMALIGNANT BREAST DISEASE
(2013-12-09) Dedey, F.
Benign Breast disease is one of the common diseases mainly affecting women. It includes a wide spectrum of disorders, some of which have malignant potential. It is therefore important to diagnose and manage these diseases appropriately. Breast Disease is assessed using the triple assessment. This includes clinical and radiological assessment, as well as biopsy for histological confirmation. Breast pain, lumps and nipple discharge are the most common features of benign breast disease. A thorough examination is useful in distinguishing benign from malignant breast disease. Radiological assessment involves the use of mammography and ultrasonography commonly. Core biopsies are usually preferable for obtaining tissue for histological diagnosis. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, incision and excision biopsies may however be indicated in specific situations. Treatment options depend on the specific disease and may be surgical or non surgical. Common benign breast diseases include fibrocystic changes and fibroadenoma in females and gynaecomastia in males. Premalignant breast disease, most commonly Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, has become more common with increase in screening procedures. It carries a higher risk of invasive disease as compared to the benign breast diseases. It should therefore be treated appropriately to prevent development of invasive carcinoma.
The Back Without Which There Is No Front
(2013-12-09) Anyidoho, K.
Using as its basic point of reference the principle of continuity so fundamental to Ewe conception of development and of life itself, the author of this paper draws on personal experience and testimony to establish an organic relationship between Ewe oral tradition and poetry written in English by himself and others. The article examines certain contradictions surrounding the use of colonial heritage language and culture as the basis of creativity and general education in Africa. It also demonstrates the challenges of creative work in colonial heritage languages as well as special benefits of original work in African languages that draws on models from the oral tradition. However, given the reality of the primary orality of African cultural practice, the paper also acknowledges the need for using modern technology for transmitting African literature, especially poetry, through recordings of the spoken voice.
MANAGEMENT OF UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING
(2013-12-09) Archampong, E.Q.
While the recent emphasis on conservative measures in the management of peptic ulcer disease has facilitated control of the disease in the community, this has not reflected in commensurate decline in complications of the disease, such as bleeding or perforation. Indeed, recent reports from Ghana indicate that perforation and bleeding incidents are on the increase and do result in significant morbidity and mortality posing serious challenges in management. This chapter sets out to ascertain the magnitude of the problem posed by upper gastrointestinal bleeding at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, exploring the dominant causes and the current protocol for management. This has been done through a retrospective analysis of some 552 cases of haematemesis and melaena referred to the endoscopy centre at the hospital over a two year period. The study has revealed that peptic ulcer disease is responsible for 27.5 percent (Duodenal Ulcer: 15.9 and Gastric Ulcer: 11.6) and that contrary to perception, oesophageal and grastric varices together account for 31.3 percent (oesophageal 30-6, and gastric 0.7). Negative findings were made in 14.1% of cases. Management has emphasized importance of initial management (resuscitation) and early diagnosis by endoscopy in a stable patient.
Student Pidgin – A Ghanaian Pidgin-Sound-Alike Youth Language
(2013-12-09) Dako, K.
Student Pidgin is a Ghanaian Pidgin-sound-alike Youth Language that so far as we can ascertain was started in the high-prestige boys’ secondary schools in Cape Coast in the late 1960s – early 1970s. It is today the unmarked code of communication among secondary and tertiary male students and is gradually being adopted by female students in the same institutions. Whereas Student Pidgin (SP) is grammatically close to Ghanaian Pidgin English (GhaPE) and can be classified as a WAP (West African Pidgin), it is sociolinguistically not a pidgin. This chapter investigates the structural, lexical and idiomatic peculiarities of SP, the identity assumed by its speakers, and it examines how it fits into the pattern of other urban youth languages in Africa.