Wastewater use in urban agriculture: an exposure and risk assessment in Accra, Ghana

Wastewater use in urban agriculture is common as a result of rapid urbanisation and increasingcompetition for water. This study sought to assess critical exposures associated with the transmission of faecal pathogens among farmers and consumers of wastewater irrigated produce andto assess the adoption of the multiple-barrier approach advocated by the WHO guidelines tominimise health risks. From September 2012 to August 2013, 323 soil and irrigation water samples,and 501 raw produce and ready-to-eat salad samples were collected from fields, markets,and kitchens in Accra, Ghana. All samples were analysed for E. coli using standard procedures.In addition, 693 participants including farmers, vendors, and consumers were interviewed andobserved. The results showed that irrigation water was significantly more contaminated thanfarm soil, though exposure to soil was found to pose the key risk to farmers due to hand-to mouth  events (10 events/day). Over 80% of the produce samples were found contaminated with E. coli, with street food salad found to be the most contaminated (4.23 Log E. coli/g). Risk factors identified for produce contamination included farm soil, wastewater use, and poor food and environmental hygiene. Awareness of the source of irrigation water was low, but despite the high awareness of health risk, consumers did not prioritize health indicators when buying produce.The study recommends the promotion of interventions that would result in more direct benefits to producers and vendors, together with hygiene education/inspection, hygiene certification, andenforcement of food safety byelaws in order to protect health.Keywords: Ghana, wastewater irrigation, produce, risk perceptions, multiple-barrier approac

EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES AMONG NURSES WORKING IN THE UPPER WEST REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF GHANA

Health workers are in general the first advocate of health benefits and are regarded as role models in whatever they teach especially when it comes to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices. This study sought to find out the current breastfeeding practices of nurses (mothers) in the Upper West Regional Hospital. The study used a descriptive survey design involving 80 female health workers of the Wa Regional Hospital with a child aged more than 6 months. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents. The study found out that majority of the respondents practiced exclusive breastfeeding. This means that majority of the female nurses working at the Wa Regional Hospital practiced exclusive breastfeeding. The study also found out that majority of the respondents' current feeding practice is breast milk with formula and they also used more than one (1) week in doing exclusive breastfeeding. The study found out that the level of maternal education, social class, mother’s comfort in breastfeeding, father’s occupation, religion, and hospital-related (obstetric and pediatric) factors inform mother’s decision to initiate and continue exclusive breastfeeding. It emerged from the study that the attitudes of mothers regarding breastfeeding, mother-infant bonding, mode of delivery, and family support are also important in initiation and sustaining breastfeeding. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service workers especially female nurses working in the Wa Regional Hospital shouldeducate females who are mothers in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding practices. The study further recommends that the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service should empower health care providers (females) with skill and knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding practices and to initiate campaign on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding through social and developments women groups.Keywords: Breastfeeding Practices, Nurses, Upper West, Regional Hospital, Ghan

THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOLISM AMONG THE YOUTH OF ZONGO COMMUNITY OF WA IN THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

There are many adverse consequences of drinking alcohol during youth age. However, there seems to be paucity of studies on alcohol usage among the youths in Ghana in general and Zongo Community youths in Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana in particular. This research seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by determining the effects of alcoholism on the youth of Zongo Community in Wa of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The youth from Zongo Community were selected from the Wa Municipality. The sample consisted of 100 participants who were randomly sampled. The data gathering tool was a 41 item questionnaire containing both open and close-ended questions. The data was analysis in percentages and findings were presented in the form of tables, pie charts and bar charts. The study revealed a high rate of alcohol consumption among youths of Wa Zongo community. The study also revealed that males consume more alcohol as compared to females. It was also found that peer influence, family history of alcohol use and stress are the major causes of alcohol use among youth of Zongo Community in the Wa Municipality. The study recommends for ‘Alcohol Anonymous’ groups to be formed in Wa Zongo Community as well as policies to control the sale and use of alcohol among youth of Zongo Community in the Wa Municipality of Ghana

ICT RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS IN BASIC SCHOOLS IN ADANSI ATOBIASE IN THE ADANSI SOUTH DISTRICT OF GHANA

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become one of the basic building blocks of modern society hence ICT resources are key in effective teaching and learning. However, there seems to be paucity of studies on ICT resources available in public basic schools in general andAdansi Atobiase in particular. This research seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by finding out ICT resources available for teachers in their teaching at public basic schools in Adansi Atobiase in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Study methods include, the use of questionnaire (close and open-endedquestions). A total of 40 respondents (40 teachers) who took part in this study were purposively selected. The results indicate that the basic school teachers in Adansi Atobiase do not have all the ICT available resources to facilitate teaching and learning. The study also found out that ICT resources such as ICT teacher, laptop, computers, projectors, ICT laboratory and internet access are not available at basic schools in Adansi Atobiase. It emerged from the study that availability of ICT resources, students’ readiness to embrace technology, teachers’ readiness to embrace technology, availability of technical support, stable power supply and intention to facilitate teaching and learning are the factors that influence the teachers’ usage of ICT resources in teaching and learning in basic schools in Adansi Atobiase. The study recommends that ICT basic resources like computers, laptops and infrastructures should be provided to the basic schools in Adansi Atobiase in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana for effective use of ICT in teaching and learning at the basic schools since it is the basic stage of equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge for national development. The study finally recommends that basic school teachers in the Adansi South District especially those in Adansi Atobiase should be given the necessary training in ICT usage so that they become familiar with modern pedagogy of imparting knowledge and skills, and possible become part of curriculum structure for their professional training.Lastly the study recommends that modern ICT laboratories should be built in Adansi Atobiase to accommodate enough students at time looking at their population size for effective and efficient teaching and learning environment. Keywords:ICT, Resources, Teachers, Basic Schools, Adansi Atobiase, Adansi South District, Ghana

Assessing coherence between sector policies and Climate Compatible Development: Opportunities for triple wins

Climate Compatible Development (CCD) aims to deliver adaptation and mitigation without compromising development progress. To date, adaptation, mitigation and development related to key climate-sensitive sectors have often been treated separately. This paper uses qualitative document analysis, content analysis, expert interviews and a multi-stakeholder workshop to: examine the extent to which policies in climate-sensitive sectors align in framing adaptation, mitigation and development action; and identify key areas of policy coherence in Ghana. The paper answers the following questions: (i) To what extent are Ghana's agriculture, energy, water, forest and wildlife sector policies aligned with climate adaptation, mitigation and development? (ii) What is the extent of policy coherence amongst climate-sensitive sector policies? (iii) Where are the key intervention points available to enhance CCD activities? Findings demonstr ate that Ghana's climate-sensitive sector policies in agriculture, water, energy, forest and wildlife arenas have elements that demonstrate good alignment with adaptation, mitigation, and development priorities. However, as yet, there is only "limited coherence" between climate-sensitive sector policies. The paper identifies the following intervention points: (i) the need to attach greater importance to the threat posed by climate change to agriculture; and (ii) the need to address the lack of inter-agency and inter-ministerial approaches for building partnerships with other stakeholders. Multi-stakeholder workshop discussions highlighted significant challenges relating to limited coordination amongst institutions and agencies, limited institutional capacity and a lack of resources in ensuring coherence. This requires strengthening of national institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide appropriate mechanisms to ensure effective collaboration amongst climate-sensitive sectors to deliver "triple wins". The EPA could exert greater influence by nominating "climate champions" in sector ministries

Trace elements contamination of soils around gold mine tailings dams at Obuasi, Ghana

This study investigated the issue of tailings dams as a potential source of trace elements contamination in soils at the Obuasi gold mine in Ghana. Soil samples taken from depths of up to 12 cm and within a radius of 400 m from the tailings dams (active and recommissioned), were analysed for As, Cu, Pb and Zn using atomic absorption spectrometry. Average concentrations of As, Cu, Pb and Zn in soils around the active tailings dams were respectively 581±130, 39.64 ± 3.02, 24.22 ± 2.62 and 72.64 ± 8.01 mg/kg. Soils in the vicinity of the decommissioned tailings dam registered increased values - 1711 ± 172, 71.44 ± 5.27, 38.67 ± 3.59 and 168.1 ± 36.2 mg/kg for As, Cu, Pb and Zn respectively. Both types of tailings dams impacted adjoining soils with greater concentrations of the trace elements when compared to undisturbed control soils. Arsenic was above the Netherlands intervention value of 55 mg/kg dry weight, even in control soils. The following trend of accumulation was observed in the soils: As>Zn>Cu>Pb. Improved tailings management strategies, among other factors, might have influenced the reduced level of trace elements contamination at the active tailings dams’ site

Wastewater use in urban agriculture: an exposure and risk assessment in Accra, Ghana

In order to minimize the health risks to agricultural workers, and consumers of wastewater irrigated produce, the World Health Organisation has developed guidelines for the safe use of wastewater in agriculture. This study sought to test the appropriateness of the current Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment model and the multiple-barrier approach advocated by the WHO guidelines. Over a one year period, over 500 produce and ready-to-eat salad samples were collected from fields, markets, and kitchens in Accra, Ghana, and over 300 soil and irrigation water samples were collected. All samples were analysed for E. coli, human adenovirus and norovirus using standard microbiological procedures. In addition, almost 700 participants including farmers, food vendors, and consumers were interviewed and observed to assess critical exposures associated with the transmission of faecal pathogens. The results showed that irrigation water was significantly more contaminated than farm soil, though exposure to soil was found to pose the key risk to farmers due to hand-to-mouth events. Over 80% of produce samples were found contaminated with E. coli, with street food salad being the most contaminated (4.23 Log E. coli/g), and that consumption of salads did not meet health standards. Risk factors identified for produce contamination included farm soil contamination, wastewater use for irrigation, poor hygiene, and operating with a hygiene permit. Awareness of the source of irrigation water was low, but despite the high awareness of health risk, consumers did not prioritize health indicators when buying produce from vendors. Similarly, farmers’ awareness of health risk did not influence their adoption of safer farm practices. The study recommends the promotion of interventions that would result in more direct benefits to producers and vendors, together with hygiene education and inspection, hygiene certification and enforcement of food safety byelaws in order to increase the uptake of the multi-barrier approach

Assessment of contamination of singed hides from cattle and goats by heavy metals in Ghana

Many local butchers in Ghana have been using scrap tyres as substitute for firewood to singe slaughtered ruminants. This study analysed such singed hides from seven goats and three cattle in unregulated local slaughtering operations near the Kumasi abattoir, for risk of heavy metal contamination (Mg, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb and Zn) using atomic absorption spectrometry. Relative to unsinged control hides, singed treatments generally elevated heavy metal levels in both goats and cattle hides. Magnesium, Mn, Cu, Ni and Cd concentrations in un-singed goats hide increased by 23, 29, 54, 24 and 20% respectively to 108.63 ± 3.85, 0.83 ± 0.13, 1.63 ± 0.13, 2.15 ± 0.29 and 2.26 ± 0.20 mg/kg in the singed material. Similarly, singeing increased Mg, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd and Zn concentrations in cattle hide by 94, 49, 130, 33, 174 and 1055% to 80.0 ± 5.25, 2.13 ± 0.26, 5.67 ± 1.24, 3.50 ± 0.17, 4.20 ± 0.17, and 204.49 ± 36.69 mg/kg respectively. Lead concentration in cattle hide on the other hand decreased by 34% upon singeing, from 4.61 ± 0.30 mg/kg in un-singed controls to 3.06 ± 0.26 mg/kg in singed material. High concentrations of the metals in singed hides could not be entirely attributed to the singed treatment alone, in view of considerable background levels of heavy metals recorded in the un-singed samples; a situation that probably reflected a larger problem of heavy metal pollution in the local environment. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in hides were above maximum permissible levels (MPLs) of 0.05 and 0.01 mg/kg respectively set by the European Commission Regulation, whilst Zn was also above MPL of 50.0 mg/kg, according to the Meat Food Products Order of India. It was concluded that the hides were potentially unsafe for human consumption.Key words: Heavy metal contamination, meat products, singed treatments, consumed animal hide

INCORPORATING ICT INTO TEACHING AND LEARNING IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN AJUMAKO: CHALLENGES FOR TEACHERS AND THEIR SUPPORTSTRATEGIES

The study aimed atexamining the challengesthe basic school teachers in Ajumako Township face in incorporating ICT into teaching and learning as well as the support systems available to them. The descriptive survey design was employed for this study. The researcher used questionnaire as the main instruments for data collection. The target population for the study was all the basic school teachers in Ajumako of theCentral Region of Ghana. In all, 40 teacherswere used for the study. Simplerandom sampling strategy under the probability sampling technique was employed to select respondents for the study. Percentages were used for the analysis of the response. It emerged from the study that availability of ICT resources, students’ readiness to embrace technology, teachers’ readiness to embrace technology, availability of technical support, stable power supply and intention to facilitate teaching and learning are the factors that influence the teachers’ usage of ICT resources in teaching and learning in basic schools in Ajumako. The study also found outthat providing effective pedagogical strategies for effective ICT introduction, offering opportunity to observe teachers who use technology virtually or in real practice, augmenting curriculum with technology-enhance instructions, providing freedom for teachers in selecting and using curriculum and provision of effective, timely and continuous training to improve ICT skills and manage a technology-rich classroom are the support systems available forthe teachers to incorporate ICT into teaching and learning. Based on the findings, it was recommended that ICT basic resources like computers, laptops and infrastructures should be provided to basic schools in Ajumako of the Central Region of Ghana for effective use of ICT in teaching and learning since it is the basic stage of equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge for national development. Teachers should also be given the necessary training in ICT usage so that they become familiar with modern pedagogy of imparting knowledge and skills, and possiblybecome part of curriculum structure for their professional training

Education and Employment Outcomes in Ghana through the Lens of the Capability Approach

Existing literature on education and employment confirms that in Ghana educational qualification largely influences the type of work. Through the lens of the Capability Approach, which sees human development in terms of the expansion of freedoms and opportunities, this paper identifies, for a cross-section of Ghanaians, the array of employment opportunities between and within education endowments. “Between endowments” refers to differentials in opportunities for individuals with different levels of educational qualifications, while “within endowments” considers the differentials for individuals with the same level of education. The source of data is the 2005/06 Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS5). Results show that education is not enough to erase inequalities. Multinomial regression analysis demonstrates that functionings differ according to the individual’s context, household and personal conversion factors. This is explained by inequalities in the requirements for a particular job (between educational endowments) and by job accessibility due to personal characteristics (within educational endowments)