Welcome to UGSpace

UGSpace is the institutional repository of the University of Ghana. UGSpace is an open access electronic archive for the collection, preservation and distribution of digital materials to:

  • facilitate the deposit of digital content of a scholarly or heritage nature
  • and ultimately share, preserve and promote the intellectual output of the University in a managed environment.

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 16
  • Book Chapters  
    Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.
  • Conference Proceedings and Papers  
  • Grey Literature  
    Grey literature consists of research and information produced outside conventional publishing channels, such as reports, policy briefs, working papers, and conference materials. It offers valuable insights and data that complement peer-reviewed sources, supporting research, policy, and practice.
  • Heritage Materials  
  • Institute of African Studies (IAS) J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives  
    The J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives preserve Ghanaian and African cultural heritage through music, oral traditions, photographs, and audiovisual collections. Guided by Professor Nketia’s vision that African traditional arts must be collected, preserved, practiced, and continually inspire creative expression, the Archives serve as a living resource for scholarship, teaching, and innovation

Recent Submissions

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    Disability Gaps in Schooling and Learning Outcomes of Children in Ghana
    (Child Indicators Research, 2026-07-27) Opoku, K.; Ackah, C.G.; Asuman, D.
    This paper examines schooling and learning outcomes of children with disabilities in Ghana. We used data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and linear regression models to estimate the relationship between disability status and schooling and learning outcomes of children aged 5 to 17 years. We then explore the sources of the gaps in schooling and learning outcomes by decomposing the disability gaps into explained and unexplained components. Our results show that disability is associated with poor schooling and learning outcomes for children in Ghana. We find that ities are less likely to be enrolled in school and those who have enrolled are less likely to be in the grade appropriate for their age. Children with disabilities also recorded lower performance in reading tests compared to children without disabilities. We also find that the disability gap in schooling and learn ing outcomes arises from unexplained factors, which may include institutional and structural factors, rather than differences in observable characteristics between chil dren with and without disabilities. Addressing these gaps requires targeted policy interventions, including investment in disability-accessible infrastructure, inclusive teaching pedagogies, and stronger enforcement of inclusive education laws and policies to ensure that children with disabilities have equitable access to schooling and learning opportunities.
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    Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Biochemical Risk Factors Associated with Sporadic Onset of Alzheimer's Disesase in Ghanaian Patients
    (University of Ghana, 2026) Doku-Agama, W.A.
    Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to cognitive decline and dementia, with increasing prevalence globally and rising public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. Limited research exists on the genetic and biochemical risk factors associated with sporadic AD onset in Ghanaian populations, necessitating localized investigation. Aim: This study aimed to examine associations between clinical, biochemical factors, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the APOE gene with sporadic onset of Alzheimer's disease in Ghanaian patients. Method: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, involving clinically diagnosed AD patients and matched neurologically healthy controls. Clinical assessments, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), biochemical assays including lipid profiles, and genotyping of APOE SNPs via PCR-RFLP were performed to evaluate associations with AD. Results: The study recruited 83 participants, predominantly older adults with a mean age above 73 years. AD cases showed significantly lower cognitive scores on MoCA compared to controls. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein levels in AD cases. Genotyping indicated a higher frequency of APOE4 alleles in cases versus controls; however, statistical association was not significant, likely due to sample size constraints. Common comorbidities included hypertension and diabetes, more prevalent in AD cases. Conclusion: The findings highlight the multifactorial nature of sporadic AD involving genetic susceptibility, lipid metabolism dysregulation, and vascular comorbidities among Ghanaians. This study provides foundational data for future research and underscores the need for larger studies to confirm genetic associations and develop tailored diagnostic and intervention strategies in the Ghanaian population
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    Design, Synthesis, and Medicinal Chemistry Profiling of Analogues of Mmv676444 and Mmv1794959, for their Biological Activities
    (University of Ghana, 2025) Ade, C. F.
    The impact of the global disease burden leaves a lasting toll of mortality and disability, par ticularly on the most affected regions, impeding development and economic advancement. A prevalent disease with devastating public health challenges particularly in sub-Saharan Africa is malaria. Despite some positive impact of global efforts on its prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains of malaria‘s causative agent, raises concerns about the long-term therapeutic efficacy of the most potent drugs for its treatment. In view of this, the discovery of more potent, user-friendly drugs, remains crucial for addressing drug resistance in malaria. Drug discovery employs phenotypic screening to identify new chemical entities for medicinal chemistry explorations, potentially leading to first-in-class medicines. These drugs have the potential to serve as candidates for multiple diseases, often exhibiting novel mechanisms of action, highlighting their critical role in com bating drug resistance. In this project, two scaffolds, MMV676444 and MMV1794959, iden tified in phenotypic screens were explored for their therapeutic potential, primarily against malaria. A total of 36 analogues of the MMV676444 scaffold were synthesised and characterized us ing spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Mass spectroscopy (MS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR). The prepared analogues were tested in vitro against the sensitive strain NF54 of the malaria para site and H37rv of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). While poor antitubercular activities (MIC 33.3 µM – > 62.5 µM) were generally observed, some of the analogues showed prom ising antimalarial activity, with the most active analogue, CFA/092, yielding an IC50 value of 12 nM. Further studies conducted on CFA/092 indicated favourable metabolic stability, con firming its suitability for further optimization as a lead scaffold. Furthermore, preliminary investigations on selected analogues also showed encouraging activity (IC50 = 1.16 µM – 3.71 µM) against L. donovani promastigotes. On the other hand, 2 analogues of MMV1794959 were successfully synthesised and charac terised with 1H and 13C NMR, LC-MS, and FTIR. Though the analogues (CFA/P3021 and CFA/P3076) exhibited reduced lipophilicity and improved solubility in comparison to the hit scaffold, they were poorly active against malaria (P. falciparum (3D7)).
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    Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Genetic Diversity of Non‐Typeable Streptococcus pneumoniae Carriage: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
    (Health Science Reports, 2026-07-16) Reeks, R.K.; Ntim, O.K.; Donkor, E.S.
    Background: Non‐typeable Streptococcus pneumoniae (NT‐Sp) strains lack detectable capsules and are often missed by tra ditional serotyping. While associated primarily with asymptomatic carriage, NT‐Sp has emerged as a key player in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene dissemination and serotype replacement in the post‐vaccine era. This systematic review and meta‐ analysis synthesize global evidence on NT‐Sp carriage, its prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and genetic diversity. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect was conducted up to May 2025. Eligible studies reporting NT‐Sp carriage, molecular typing, or AMR profiles were included. Data extraction and quality assessment followed PRISMA guidelines. A meta‐analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence of NT‐Sp carriage and resistance, with subgroup and meta‐regression analyses exploring heterogeneity. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale adapted for cross‐sectional studies. Only open‐access and free full‐text articles were included, which may have introduced selection bias. Results: Forty studies from 23 countries were included. The pooled NT‐Sp carriage prevalence was 4.64% (95% CI: 2.78%–6.92%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 97.1%, 95% CI: 96.6%–97.5%). Subgroup analyses revealed geographic vari ation, with Oceania showing the highest prevalence (7.24%, 95% CI: 1.39%–17.04%) and North America the lowest (0.44%, 95% CI: 0.05%–1.11%). Age‐stratified analysis showed that studies, including all ages had the highest estimate (29.88%, 95% CI: 0.00%–100.00%), while children had a pooled prevalence of 4.05% (95% CI: 0.00%–15.80%). Vaccination era did not significantly influence NT‐Sp carriage (p = 0.312). Resistance was highest for co‐trimoxazole (67.21%, 95% CI: 49.92%–82.73%), penicillin (44.57%, 95% CI: 24.45%–65.50%), and erythromycin (39.85%, 95% CI: 19.58%–61.77%). Meta‐regression identified the “all ages” participant category as a significant predictor of lower NT‐Sp prevalence (p = 0.034). Molecular tools revealed substantial genomic diversity, with dominant clonal complexes varying by region. Conclusion: NT‐Sp is a globally distributed and genetically diverse pneumococcal subset with considerable AMR potential. Its persistence post‐PCV introduction and resistance gene carriage highlights the need for improved detection, molecular surveillance, and consideration in next‐generation vaccine development. Specifically, clinical laboratories in high‐prevalence settings should adopt molecular methods (e.g., PCR or WGS) to detect NT‐Sp in carriage surveillance; empirical antibiotic guidelines for pediatric respiratory infections should consider NT‐Sp resistance patterns, particularly the high prevalence of co‐trimoxazole resistance (67%) and next‐ generation PCV trials should include NT‐Sp carriage as an exploratory endpoint. Integrating NT‐Sp into global pneumococcal control strategies is essential.
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    Neonatal Bloodstream Infections: A Narrative Review on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges and Prospects in Developing Countries
    (Health Science Reports, 2026-06-20) Odoom, A.; Osman, A.; Ntim, O.K.; Kotey, F.C.N.; Donkor, E.S.
    Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) pose a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Neonates are highly vulnerable due to underdeveloped immune systems and immature physical barriers, a risk amplified by poor hygiene and limited healthcare access in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), leading to an estimated incidence of 5.5 cases per 1000 live births. This review aims to provide insight into the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of neonatal BSIs in developing countries and to identify prospects for improving their diagnosis and treatment. Methods: This review employed a nonsystematic narrative approach. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The search prioritized peer‐reviewed articles, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published within the past decade (2015–2025). Results: Diagnosis is severely hampered by nonspecific symptoms and limitations of conventional methods like blood culture, especially in resource‐constrained settings lacking advanced molecular diagnostics. This often necessitates empirical antibiotic treatment, which intensifies antimicrobial resistance (AMR), complicates therapy, and leads to adverse outcomes. Promising solutions include rapid diagnostic technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), clinical decision support systems (CDSS), novel antimicrobial agents, alternative therapies like maternal immunization, and robust public health strategies, such as anti microbial stewardship and stringent infection prevention. Conclusion: Addressing this complex issue requires concerted global efforts, substantial investment in local laboratory infrastructure, enhanced healthcare provider training, and the development of context‐appropriate, affordable solutions to improve neonatal outcomes in LMICs.