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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- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Multimedia and Its Platforms for Archaeological Information Dissemination in Elmina(2025) Adokpah, S.This work investigates the role of multimedia and its platforms in disseminating archaeological research findings in Elmina, Ghana. This is intended to bridge the communication gap between researchers and local communities and diversify access to the results of archaeological and heritage investigations. Although multimedia technologies have transformed archaeology in recent years around the globe, with the attendant consequence of providing platforms to share archaeological discoveries with the general public, their impact has been limited in Ghana. This research thus sought to identify and document multimedia platforms used by the people of Elmina to assess the availability of information on Elmina cultural history. For the research, an Audio-visual document was uploaded to the multimedia platforms preferred by the people of Elmina, namely YouTube and TikTok. Multimodal ethnographic and other anthropological research strategies were also used to gather information. The results indicate that the people of Elmina preferred TikTok, Facebook, and other multimedia platforms to access archaeological research findings. These platforms are given preference above journal articles, books, chapters in books, seminars, and conferences. The audio-visual recommended by several respondents during the research is attached (https://youtu.be/kw1SDEphDD4?si=l7usLyrEUwKR_EX3).Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Determinants of Antenatal Health Care Utilisation among Young Mothers in Liberia(University of Ghana, 2024) Nyeneh, R.Women who receive adequate antenatal care (ANC) are less likely to encounter pregnancy and delivery difficulties. Despite the advantages of ANC, many young women in Liberia continue to fall short of the WHO's recommended minimum of four visits. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of antenatal health care utilisation among young mothers in Liberia, as well as the demographic and socio-economic characteristics that influence their ANC utilisation. Cross-sectional data from the 2019-2020 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey were analysed in this study. A sample of 1,296 young mothers aged 15 to 24 who had previously given birth were selected for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, percentage distributions and charts were used to describe the background characteristics of respondents at the univariate level. Associations between demographic and socio-economic characteristics and ANC utilisation were analysed at the bivariate level using Pearson chi square tests and cross-tabulations at a 95% confidence level. At the multivariate level, the relationships between demographic and socio-economic characteristics and ANC utilisation were analysed using binary logistic regression. The findings of the study indicate that the prevalence of ANC utilisation by young mothers in Liberia was relatively high at 88.9%. The educational profile of the sample also showed that 50% of young mothers had secondary or higher education, while mothers who were not in union constituted nearly half (46.9%). 68.3% of the mothers initiated ANC during the first trimester, while 29% found the distance to a health facility to be a problem that limited their access. At the bivariate level, correlations were found between the number of ANC visits, the time of the first ANC visit, the region of residence, the distance to the health facility, and marital status. At the multivariate level, ANC usage was not significantly predicted by mothers' age, education level, wealth status, region and place of residence, marital status,parity, health insurance, or religion, according to the results of the binary logistic regression analysis. However, the timing of the first ANC visit and the distance to the health facility were significant predictors of ANC utilisation among young mothers. The study’s findings inform the need for policy makers (government and partners) to expand access to ANC services by providing more ANC service centres that are closer to communities, in order to reduce the burden of distance to a health facility. They should also develop programs that encourage young women to seek early ANC and reduce stigma against pregnant young women.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , An Ethnographic Study of the Management of Male Infertility in East Gonja(University of Ghana, 2023) Abdu, J. I.This ethnographic study examines the management of male infertility in East Gonja, Ghana, investigating how socio-cultural norms shape therapeutic pathways and experiences. The research addresses the profound social significance of fatherhood in patrilineal societies and explores how infertility threatens masculine identity, leading to complex health-seeking behaviors within pluralistic medical systems. Utilizing extended participant observation and in-depth interviews with infertile men, traditional healers, and biomedical practitioners, the study reveals how cultural beliefs attributing infertility to spiritual causes initially direct men toward traditional treatments. Key findings demonstrate that economic constraints, geographic barriers, and pervasive stigma significantly delay biomedical care access, creating therapeutic itineraries that prioritize cultural congruence over clinical efficacy. The study further documents how communal decision-making processes both support and pressure affected men, while indigenous knowledge systems offer explanatory models that fundamentally differ from biomedical frameworks. Recommendations include developing culturally-sensitive reproductive health policies that acknowledge traditional belief systems, improving rural access to biomedical services through integrated care approaches, and implementing community-based interventions to reduce stigma. This research contributes to medical anthropological literature by illuminating the understudied male experience of infertility in resource-limited settings and advocating for holistic approaches to reproductive health that address both biological and socio-cultural dimensions of care.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Response of Cowpea Mutant Lines to Planting Distance and Seasonal Variation in the Semi Deciduous Ecozone(University of Ghana, 2024) Mensah, M. K.Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important legume crop grown for its nutritional and economic benefits, particularly in the tropical and sub-tropical agro-ecological zones in Sub Saharan Africa. However, optimizing cowpea production remains a challenge due to an inadequate knowledge on the ideal spacing and cowpea varieties suited for specific climatic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield potential of three cowpea mutant lines (M1:HansM9 (12) (3), M2:HansM9 (12) (5), and M3:HansM9 (12) (25) in referenced to two standard varieties (Mi4: Asontem (An improved variety) and Mo5: Hansadua (improved variety) in a semi-deciduous agro-ecological zone. The study employed a 3x5 factorial experiment laid out in a split-plot design with three (3) spacing intervals (S1; 60 cm × 20 cm, S2:60 cm × 30 cm, and S3:60cm × 40cm) during both the major and minor rainy seasons. There were fifteen treatment combinations with four (4) replications resulting in a total of sixty (60) plots. The spacing interval treatments were employed at the main plots (Block) with the three mutant lines and the two varieties on the subplots. Various vegetative and reproductive parameters, including plant height, number of branching, plant girth, canopy size, number of pods, seeds per pod, and total seed weight per hectare were studied. Results showed that the closest spacing (60 cm × 20 cm) led to the highest grain yield, particularly for the mutant line HansM9 (12) (25), which outperformed other varieties in terms of total seed weight and overall yield. In contrast, the wider spacing (60 cm × 40 cm) promoted greater vegetative growth, making it suitable for practitioners aiming to maximize biomass production. The major rainy season was found to be the most conducive for growth and yield, while irrigation is recommended to enhance productivity during the minor season. In summary, HansM9 (12) (25) is recommended for high-density planting (60 cm × 20 cm) to maximize grain yield, especially during the major season. Asontem is more suited for biomass production, particularly at wider spacing (60 cm × 40 cm)Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Heritagisation of Fishing in Ga Mashie Accra-Ghana(University of Ghana, 2023) Aryee, V. A.This doctoral study contributes to the understanding of artisanal marine fishing as a heritage in Ga Mashie. It explores the tangible and intangible resources that constitute the fishing heritage, with regard to the traditional practices and cultural dynamics of fishing within the community. This research builds on the historical documents by Odotei (1991,1992,2002), which highlights the historical perspective of fishing in Ga Mashie and the influence of the introduction of outboard motors on the activities of fisherfolks. A community-based participatory research was undertaken, using qualitative methods of inquiry. The research employed ethnographic methods in the community by involving community members in focus group discussions, and formal and informal interviews. Additionally, the fishing practices and daily activities related to fishing within the community were observed. Whenever possible, participation in these activities was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the community's way of life. Archival research was conducted at the Public Records and Archives Administration Department (PRAAD), Balme Library, Google Scholar online repositories, NTNU Oria and the NTNU African Library. The research’s theoretical framework was based on heritagisation, which is the process of recognizing objects, places, and practices as cultural heritage (Harrison, 2013). The study identified the fishing heritage of Ga Mashie to include both tangible and intangible assets, represented by traditional institutions, ideology, and cultural expressions. The study uncovered that the heritage of fishing hasn’t remained static and has constantly evolved to accommodate the cultural dynamics ensuing in its environs. The heritage has been influenced by the increase in population, modernity, illegal fishing practices, closed season regulations ongoing waterfront redevelopment projects and urbanisation and consequently evolved new practices. In conclusion, the study discusses cultural changes and dynamics related to fishing heritage in Ga Mashie. In reflecting on the future of Ga Mashie's fishing heritage, the study recommends both academic and pragmatic community engineered methods for its management.