Geographical Analysis of Mobile Network Reception Quality -Signal Strength : A Case Study of Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Cost of mobile phone communication service in Ghana is seen by many subscribers to be too high when compared to other countries, developed and developing. Despite the cost, mobile usage penetration in Ghana has reached 75%. Perhaps the agonizing part is not how much one pays for the service, rather, the paying for unattained service. In many locations, voice calls are not audible while others fall into dead zones. The argument is that mobile phone service providers need to educate their customers on the signal strength of the subscriber’s location before customers subscribe for the service. This study presents the spatial pattern of mobile network reception quality in the AMA. The objective was to identify gaps in coverage using signal strength of two mobile network providers, MTN and TIGO. The study found that MTN had 184 masts transmitting signals within AMA. However there is a considerable concentration of them within the central AMA, accounting for the strong signal strength in areas around Accra Central, Accra Newtown, Kaneshie, Kotobabi, and Adabraka. Major localities of signal gaps for MTN are found around Little Legon, Burma Camp and Mpoase. MTN has three times more subscribers than TIGO. TIGO had 50 masts which are unevenly distributed and concentrated in areas around Darkuman, Kokompe, and Abeka. Generally, TIGO’s signal showed stronger from field test, but it has fewer subscribers. TIGO has major gaps in areas around Burma Camp, parts of Dansoman, Chorkor, Korle Gonnor, Little Legon, East Legon towards Adjiringanor, Mpoase and Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Signal Strength, Multi-criteria decision making, Accra Metropolitan Area DOI: 10.7176/CER/13-1-05 Publication date: January 31st 202

Second-Order Assessment of Scientific Expert Claims and Sharing Epistemic Burdens in Science Communication

When laypersons are presented with scientific information which seeks to modify their way of life, they are expected to believe, suspend belief, or reject it. Second-order assessment of scientific experts helps laypersons to make an informed decision in such situations. This is an assessment of the trustworthiness of the person making the scientific claim. In this paper I challenge the optimistic view of Anderson (2011), regarding the ease with which laypersons can perform second-order assessment of experts, by pointing out some of the obstacles that may prevent laypersons from arriving at an informed decision through this means. By showing that laypersons cannot easily perform second-order assessment of experts, I make a case for sharing epistemic burdens in science communication by using Lackey's (2006) concept of dualism in the epistemology of testimony and Irzik and Kurtulmus’ (2019) work on public epistemic trust in science, as a guide. I invite experts to bear a greater share of the epistemic burden when communicating with laypersons because of their privileged epistemic condition vis-à-vis laypersons

Measuring Desertification in continuum: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index-based Study in the Upper East Region, Ghana

This paper builds on current research in desertification and approaches design to assist in the accurate measurement of desertification in both spatial (pixel level) and temporal scales taking cue from two earlier studies by Lampray in 1975 and Prince in 1998. These studies vary both in time and space, hinge on different perceptions which directed the methodological approach and conclusions, their points of divergence and convergence have proven to be the strength of many current desertification studies including this one. The focus of this study was to find an indicator-based based approach, i.e. Using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) which can measure desertification in a continuum over long term. Whereas long–term and continuous analysis is important, this study finds that spatial pattern of land degradation in the UER differ from place to place and from time to time  which may be attributed  to land use types and intensity. The study therefore concludes that although the general surfaces appearance is important, localized land degradation and short term degradations are likely to be overlooked. Assessing desertification in continuum should reflect both temporal and spatial land degradation degradation trajectories. These trajectories have implications for identifying the cause or causes of degradation and developing targeted approach both at the regional and local levels. In the case of the UER, efforts at combating desertification would more likely be effective at locality level where decisions on land preparation, including the use of fire, the timing and the method of cultivation is likely to be effectively enforced. Key Words: desertification, continuum, pixel, spatio-tempora

Quality of Environmental Impact Statements in Ghana

Studies are normally undertaken to evaluate quality of EIS because it gives an indication of the usefulness of the EIA process. However, such study is lacking in Ghana. 30 sampled EISs were reviewed in this paper using Lee and Colley review package. About 93% of EISs were rated satisfactory. Out of this, 50% were rated “good” whilst the remaining 50 were rated “borderline”. None of them was rated “A”. Many factors accounted for the satisfactory rating. These are availability of guidance and guidelines from EPA and use of consultants in preparation of the statements. However there were many significant omissions within review categories and sub-categories. These included determination of magnitude of impacts, estimating quantities of waste materials and methods employed, estimating quantities of raw materials, consideration of alternative sites for projects and avoidance of bias in EISs. Although their effects on overall assessments were masked by higher ratings in other categories and sub-categories, improvements are required to rectify these omissions. Keywords: proponent, review area, categories, environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental impact statement (EIS), environmental protection agency (EPA)

The Experiences of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Graduates\u27 Transition Into a Low-and Middle-Income Economy\u27s Job Market: A Phenomenological Study

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to understand the information communication technology graduates’ perceptions and lived experiences as they transitioned into the workforce in Grenada (a low- and middle-income economy island state). The theories guiding this study are Goleman’s theory on emotional intelligence, Knowles’ self-directed learning theory, and Becker’s human capital theory. These theories represent the skill sets that help individuals adapt to new environments, acquire new skills, and become efficient in the workplace. The study used twelve Grenadians with degrees in information communication technology and sought employment in Grenada. The data collection was conducted through individual interviews, focus group interviews and a questionnaire through online platforms. A thematic analysis process was used to analyze the data collected, which included coding and categorizing them into themes. The emergent themes that were discovered through this study were the importance of (a) emotional intelligence abilities, (b) self-directed learning abilities, (c) adaptability to non-information communication technology fields, (d) difficulty transitioning, and (c) easy transitioning into the job market. The findings revealed that ICT graduates from a low to middle-income economy with a small population could easily transition into the workforce by having (a) high emotional intelligence, (b) good self-directed learning skills, (c) prior relevant working experience, and (b) a network of relevant working contacts. The participants suggested a more practical approach to education within their field. They also noted that emotional intelligence had a major role in their employment and overall performance

An outcome and process evaluation of the PAMSCAD supplementary food program at Ayeredee in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana, West Africa

This research was an evaluation of the impact of a nutrition program on women at Ayeredee in the Nkoranza district of the Brong—Ahafo region of Ghana, west Africa. As a part of Ghana\u27s emphasis on primary health care, the program is aimed at improving children\u27s nutritional status and preventing malnutrition, disease and death. Specifically, the Program of Action to Mitigate the Social Cost or Adjustment (PAMSCAD) supplementary food program was examined to determine whether the goals of the program are being met. An empowerment agenda which focused on both process and outcome was used as the conceptual framework for the evaluation. The objectives were to collect descriptive data on both empowerment outcomes and processes, to determine the relationship between the former and the latter, and to understand in more depth the context, process, and outcomes of the program through qualitative interviews and observations. A total of 66 mothers and nine service providers were involved. The results indicated that the respondents evaluated outcomes more positively than the processes. In terms of process, the majority of the women were satisfied with the location and services of the centre; but they women had mixed feelings about the technical quality and conduct of the service providers; and they did not have much control over the planning and the implementation of the program. In terms of outcome, the women were confident about the health and nutrition skills that they had acquired; they had improved access to food; they showed a strong sense of confidence; and they were satisfied with the program. In terms of the relationship between process and outcome, the processes of Provider Conduct and Self-determination were most strongly related to the outcomes. In order to improve the efficiency of the services at the centre, 1 identified appropriate roles for community psychologists which entail engaging in genuine community involvement

Detecting and Quantifying Desertification in the Upper East Region of Ghana using Multi-spatial and Multi-Temporal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index

The need for process and indicator-based approach for assessing desertification is paramount to the drive to combat desertification in sub-Sahara Africa. It is in line with this that this study sought an approach based on early indicator, which can be measured in a continuum and at multispation and multitemporal scale in order to eliminate short-term phonological variations which are not direct character of desertification in its measurement. The study focused on surface vegetation change trends, as depicted by NDVI, on the African continent, Sahel Africa and the Upper East Region to detect and quantify desertification.  The study analyzed NDVI from AVHRR GIMMS NDVIg data (1982-2007) and validated that with Landsat TM5 data (1984-2007). The multitemporal and multispatial validation technique was used to analysis annual temporal and spatial mean NDVI change trends over 26 years. The study finds that temporal NDVI of the African continent has a linear relationship with the seasonal rainfall changes of the year. The mean monthly NDVI for the African region also shows greenness disparity between the northern and southern halves of the continent. It was further observed that mean annual NDVI decrease occurred between 1982 -1983, 1988, 1994, and the largest stretch of decrease expanding over 8 years occurred from 1997-2005. The rise and fall of the NDVI trend from 1982-1997 suggest regular drought on the African continent while the 8-year decrease from 1997-2005 suggests a period of desiccation. These notwithstanding, the NDVI trend of the African continent show no evidence of desertification over the study period. The mean NDVI of the Sahel Africa shows that between 1982 and 1990 NDVI was rising and falling, portraying inter-annual rainfall irregularities of the region. The period 1995-2001 saw NDVI recovering above average, with the highest mean NDVI in 2001. NDVI fell below average from 2002 to 2006. On the average, NDVI of the Sahel Africa increased by about 2.6% during the period under study. Temporal NDVI of the UER also shows rise and fall trends similar to the Africa and Sahel Africa. However, UER NDVI increased by a higher percentage point 6.7%, as compared to the Sahel Africa average of 2.6% over the 26-year study period. The spatial analysis focused on pixels that lost and those that gained surface greenness over the reference period. The study compared three periods; 1982-1990, 1990-1999 and 1999 - 2007.An average of 19 pixels (8km2) equals 152 km2 lost vegetation (1982-1990), while 280 pixels, equivalent to 2240 km2, gained vegetation. The maximum gain for 1990-1999 was almost 48% of the maximum NDVI for 1987 and 2007. Although GIMMS NDVIg did not find much land degradation, the LTM NDVI shows widespread pockets of spatial degradation in the UER which were not visible in the GIMMS NDVIg. The study concluded that spatial resolution of satellite data changes land degradation dynamics observed in the analysis. Key Words: Detecting and quantifying desertification, multi-spatial, multi-temporal

The Impact of United Nations Millennium Development Goals on Sub-Saharan Africa

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) provide an international framework that builds commitment and cooperation towards poverty reduction. Since its adoption in 2000, several strides have been achieved in reducing human impoverishment across regions and countries. Despite the limitations associated with the framework, the ramifications and evidences continue to show its potential for poverty reduction. In this paper, the progress of implementation and the targets of MDG 1 for five developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have been examined namely: Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda. The challenges in implementation were also examined. While Ghana may have halved the proportion of the population living in poverty by 2006, several challenges of funding persist. The review shows that building national capacities for implementation, political and economic stability, increased agriculture productivity and production, and increased international aid are critical avenues by which the attainment of the MDG 1 can be hasten. Keywords: MDGs, poverty reduction, Sub-Saharan Afric

Efforts at evicting street hawkers from the streets of Accra: the good and the bad

By operating in public spaces not authorized for trading activities, street hawkers offer various products for sale in order to eke out a living. However, the activity of street hawking finds itself at the wrong side of the laws governing the use of city-space. Several attempts by city authorities to evict hawkers operating at these unauthorized locations have yielded limited results. The number of street hawkers multiply day in and day out, even at locations previously not noted for hawking on the streets of Accra. This study sought to understand the motivation for the return of street hawkers amidst city authorities’ ban of street hawking and subsequent forceful eviction by city taskforce personnel. The study finds that hawkers have and will continue to resist eviction from the street as their own survival and that of an average of four (4) dependents solely rest on daily incomes made from hawking. The study also finds that the persistence of traffic congestion, the lack of effective policing of hawking spots, the minimal entry capital required to start hawking and the potential of obtaining substantial turnover over and above public sector wage will continue to fuel street hawking in Accra. The study recommends that an assessment and enforcement of the land use regulations as well an effective management of traffic flows in the city are likely to serve as a disincentive to hawking. Again street hawking is likely to be controlled if policies are directed at keeping children in school beyond junior high school level. Hawking in Accra is dominated by people who are not able to pursue academic study beyond senior high school and therefore have little employable skills. Suggestions are also made with regards to the reconciliation of data on street hawkers and their contributions to the economy both at the local and national level, in order to appreciate the demographic characteristics of city dwellers as well as their need to survive even as they strive to maintain modern cities and towns. Key words: Hawking, Metropolis, Accra, Taskforce, Living, Cit