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Infections by Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) are on the increase in Ghana, but the level of environmental contamination with this organism, which may contribute to growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), is unknown. Using the WHO OneHealth Tricycle Protocol, we investigated the contamination of E. coli (Ec) and ESBL-Ec in two rivers in Ghana (Odaw in Accra and Okurudu in Kasoa) that receive effluents from human and animal wastewater hotspots over a 12-month period. Concentrations of Ec, ESBL-Ec and percent ESBL-Ec/Ec were determined per 100 mL sample. Of 96 samples, 94 (98%) were positive for ESBL-Ec. concentrations per 100 mL (MCs100) of ESBL-Ec and %ESBL-Ec from both rivers were 4.2 × 104 (IQR, 3.1 × 103–2.3 × 105) and 2.79 (IQR, 0.96–6.03), respectively. MCs100 were significantly lower in upstream waters: 1.8 × 104 (IQR, 9.0 × 103–3.9 × 104) as compared to downstream waters: 1.9 × 106 (IQR, 3.7 × 105–5.4 × 106). Both human and animal wastewater effluents contributed to the increased contamination downstream. This study revealed high levels of ESBL-Ec in rivers flowing through two cities in Ghana. There is a need to manage the sources of contamination as they may contribute to the acquisition and spread of ESBL-Ec in humans and animals, thereby contributing to AMR.

The paper seeks to identify the major inflows of Lake Bosomtwe, the meteoritic lake sited in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It seeks to establish major annual flows as against the lake evaporation in an attempt to establish the water balance of the lake with a view to understanding the factors that are critical to the sustainability of the lake. The average annual rainfall observed in the catchment was estimated to be 350 mm. This is far lower than the average long-term rainfall recorded in the area, of 1,565.9 mm for the period 1950-1971 or that of 1,263.4 mm for the period 1971 to 1991. Even though there appears to be a decline in the two periods, indicating reduction in rainfall amounts with time, the recorded rainfall is not representative. Based on the recorded rainfall and stream flow data, an estimated annual inflow of 0.14027 km3 was derived, with the major inflows being direct rainfall onto the lake surface (99.81%), Nana Abrewa stream (0.15%), Abono bɔ stream (0.04%) and Atafram stream (0.00% insignificant). In view of the reduced flows as a result of lower rainfalls, it is prudent to both conserve and adapt measures to ensure the lake is sustainably managed.

The rational for this study was to assess the microbial quality of fresh vegetables at the farm gate of the Water Works road vegetable farm at Gumbihini in the Tamale Metropolis. A total of thirty-six (36) vegetables comprising lettuce, amarantus and cabbages and eight (8) wastewater samples were collected at random and analysed for a period of four months, to assess the microbial contamination level. Samples were analysed for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, E. coli and helminthes eggs. All vegetables sampled during the study period recorded high levels of total and faecal coliform bacteria. Mean faecal coliforms for the various vegetables were as follows; lettuce 3.7 ± 0.5 CFU.g-1, amarantus 3.5 ± 0.6 CFU.g-1 and cabbage 3.1 ± 0.6 log CFU.g-1 fresh weight. FC levels were above the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) recommended level of 3 log CFU.g-1 fresh weight. E. coli were recorded in lettuce (3.3 ± 0.6 log CFU.g-1 fresh weight) and amarantus (0.6 ± 0.1 log CFU.g-1 fresh weight) but not in cabbages. Lettuce generally recorded high levels of microbial contamination because of the large surface area occupied by its leaves. Two helminth eggs (Strongiloides stercoralis) were identified in lettuce while four (Ascaris lumbricoides) were identified in wastewater. Microbial loads recorded in wastewater were generally higher than that of vegetables. Since most of these vegetables are eaten fresh or slightly cooked, there is course for concern as public health will be adversely affected. Education of farmers and consumers on food safety has to be intensified to avert a possible outbreak.