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Some research works have showed that Ghanaian teachers, teaching chemistry in the senior high school, have conceptual difficulties in organic chemistry. This research explored the factors contributing to teacher's conceptual difficulties on teaching organic chemistry to high school students. Through explanatory sequential mixed methods design quantitative data were collected using questionnaire and qualitative data, using semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire was responded to by 71 teachers teaching chemistry in 31 schools, and six teachers, purposively selected, interacted with researchers through interviews to triangulate any quantitative findings. From the quantitative data, four factors, tertiary exposure, professional collaboration, professional competence, and pre-tertiary exposure emerged. These factors were then used as themes to guide the analysis and presentation of results from the qualitative data. To inform further research, it is recommended that chemistry educators and researchers should examine the four factors that predict most of the teacher conceptual difficulties on organic chemistry.

Organic qualitative analysis is one of the challenging chemical concepts in students learning of chemistry. The West African Examinations Council chemistry chief examiners for years, have lamented on students' poor performance in organic qualitative analysis at the senior high school level. This study, therefore, investigated chemistry students' conceptual understanding of organic qualitative analysis. Convergent mixed methods procedure was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 263 chemistry students. The 263 students were selected through multistage sampling technique to respond to organic qualitative analysis diagnostic test for students. Quantitative data was analyzed using percentages, means, and standard deviations to determine students' level of conceptual understanding on organic qualitative analysis. The results from the study showed that, students demonstrated no scientific understanding on organic qualitative analysis. The qualitative data was open-coded and constantly compared to establish students' conceptual difficulties on organic qualitative analysis. Students demonstrated conceptual difficulties were in the form of alternative conceptions and factual difficulties. It was, therefore, recommended that chemistry teachers should select and use appropriate conceptual change instruction approaches in their teaching to help students conceptualize organic qualitative analysis contents in organic chemistry.

Chemical tests (qualitative analysis) on functional groups may improve students' understanding of basic concepts about the structure of organic compounds and their reactivity. However, upper-secondary school students have difficulties in learning organic qualitative analysis. This research has studied whether the gender of students and school-type affect development of experimental reasoning on organic qualitative analysis. From three school-types, 50.2% males and 49.8% females were sampled through a multistage sampling procedure and participated in a cross-sectional survey. Data from 263 students were collected with the aid of diagnostic test on knowledge of organic qualitative analysis. A two-way between-groups ANOVA and independentsamples t-test were used to analyse the data. It was found no interaction effect of gender and school-type on students' development of experimental reasoning on organic qualitative analysis.

A good number of instructional strategies are identified to help students overcome their learning difficulties in the mole concept. However, Ghanaian senior high school students continue to have difficulties in the mole concept. Hence, there was the need to examine the perceived nature of learning the mole concept in the perspectives of male and female students. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was adopted to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The students, selected through a multistage sampling procedure from four schools, responded to questionnaire and interview guide. Through independent samples t-test statistics it was established that though students were full of uncertainty about the perceived nature of the mole concept that of males differed from their female counterparts. Hence, chemistry teachers should create learning environment conducive enough for male and female students to overcome their uncertainty in the mole concept.

Teaching and Learning of science in basic school is recommended to be interactive in enhancing students' conceptual understanding. For science lessons, the importance of teaching and learning materials (TLM) cannot be overemphasized. This research explored perceived effective use of TLM in science lessons among teachers categorised as; supervisors, mentors, and mentees in teacher education on three factors. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 252 teachers were selected through multi-face sampling techniques to respond to a 40-item questionnaire. The responses obtained were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and one-way ANOVA. It was revealed that there were no differences existed between supervisors, mentees, and mentors on the effective use of TLM in science lessons. Implications of the findings of the research for science teacher preparation and policy are discussed.

Behaviour problems among students with visual disabilities are mentioned as a challenge confronting teachers. This study explores teachers' experiences of behaviour problems and strategies used to mitigate such problems among students with visual disabilities in Ghana. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 purposively selected teachers. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings are discussed using a psychological theory, namely the biological theories and psychodynamic theories. The study shows that students exhibit several classroom behaviour problems, categorised into physiological (emotional problems, noncompliance and aggression) and physical and social problems (verbal abuse, sleeping, talking, habitual lateness and teasing). Factors causing behaviour problems are negative attitudes of teachers, unfavourable teaching methods, the nature of the family, and classroom environment. The study concludes that behavioural (rewards and motivation, punishment, and classroom rules and regulations), humanistic (positive student-teacher relationship) and systemic (participatory teaching strategy and resource persons) approaches can be employed as mitigation strategies.

The purpose of this study was to find out pre-service teachers' conceptual understanding of an effective science teacher. A total of 100 pre-service teachers from two unique colleges of education in a municipal assembly in Ghana were selected to participate in this case study. In each college, the pre-service teachers were selected through a stratified random sampling procedure. The pre-service teachers responded to a test, and their responses were open-coded and constantly compared to come out with six themes. The findings show that an effective science teacher creates a conducive environment for students to learn science. It is, therefore, recommended that college science educators should prepare pre-service teachers to develop appropriate knowledge, strategies, and techniques needed to create an environment conducive for learning science.

Ghana has experienced a number of education reforms in the post-independence era and the study examined Ghana?s attempt at understanding what constitutes an effective teacher, in relation to sustainable education, through teacher education reforms. Qualitative approaches, such as documents analysis and interviews with 10 experienced college educators, were the methodology for the research. After constant comparison, students' quality and entry requirements, changes in curriculum, and role of development partners in education reforms affected the quality of teacher education. However, cultural context, support systems, and educator professional development are means of achieving sustainable basic education. Ghana should, therefore, have teacher education policies, uninfluenced by changes in political power and ideologies, but tailored to socio-cultural and economic needs of the people; preparing motivated-teachers to accept the profession as a chosen-career.

The continued rapid growth of distance education programmes in higher education has brought concerns regarding how stakeholers perceive quality in distance education. The study examined the differences between the mean indicator ratings by different stakeholders in a distance learning programme. The study adopted a case study research design to collect data from 320 students, 56 facilitators and 24 administrative staff selected randomly from the Institute of Distance Learning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. The data collected through questionnaires were analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software, version 20. Mean indicator rating analysis revealed that students' highest perception of quality was on support services and the lowest was academic integrity and institutional prestige. Whilst both facilitators and administrators rated support services as the highest, infrastructure scored the lowest. The results of the study therefore, revealed common benchmarks and quality indicator (support services) that all parties deem important in designing, implementing, and evaluating distance education programmes. Respondents noted the lack of appropriate tools and media; unavailability of reliable technology and technological plan; ineffective communication and co-ordination; and, time constraints as some of the quality challenges for distance education at the Institute. The study recommends monitoring and evaluation of service delivery for distance learning programmes to ensure fitness for purpose, value for money and customer satisfaction.

This essay explores the cultural expectations and border crossing experiences of two African immigrant families. We trace the cultural assumptions related to child-rearing and schooling that the parents brought with them from their home countries. In uncovering parents' conceptions of the U.S. system of schooling, we hope to highlight implications for how teachers and schools attend to the needs of immigrant parents and how teachers and schools can enact their own border crossing.

Despite the popularity of Web 2.0 technologies and their educational benefits in the 21st century classroom environment, their use for teaching and learning purposes is still very limited. This study extended the technology acceptance model (TAM) to empirically examine factors that determine Ghanaian geography student teachers' acceptance of Web 2.0 technologies for pedagogical purpose. A self-reported questionnaire administered to 300 student teachers in two universities in Ghana out of which 254 responded. The results from the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that technological complexity, perceived usefulness and attitude towards use had a significant direct effect on intention to use Web 2.0 technologies. However, social influence which is an exogenous factor had the strongest influence on the student teachers' intention to use the Web 2.0 technologies than the two key original TAM constructs. Contrary to the original technology acceptance model, statistically, perceived ease of use had no significant influence on perceived usefulness. The findings are intended to provide insights to policy makers about how to design pre-service teacher education programmes that address the demands of teaching and learning with Web 2.0 technologies in Ghana in particular and developing world context in general.

This study employed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to empirically investigate factors that influence Ghanaian pre-service teachers' attitudes towards Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage. To achieve this aim, the study extended the TAM framework by adding leadership support and job relevance as exogenous variables. Data were randomly collected from 380 pre-service teachers studying a 3-year Diploma in Education programme in Ghana. Based on a multiple stepwise regression analysis, the findings suggested the following: (1) leadership support significantly influenced perceived ease of use; (2) job relevance significantly influenced perceived usefulness; (3) perceived usefulness significantly influenced attitude towards use; (4) perceived ease of use significantly influenced attitude towards use (5) the TAM is significant for pre-service teacher education context except the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. The study contributed to the literature by validating the TAM in the pre-service teacher education context in Ghana. It also provided several implications for the research and practice of ICT adoption in the developing world context.

This study extends the technology acceptance model to identify factors that influence technology acceptance among pre-service teachers in Ghana. Data from 380 usable questionnaires were tested against the research model. Utilising the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) as a research framework, the study found that: pre-service teachers' pedagogical beliefs, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness of computer technology and attitude towards computer use to be significant determinants of actual use of computer technology. Results obtained employing multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that: (1) pre-service teachers' pedagogical beliefs significantly influenced both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, (2) both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness influence attitude towards computer use and attitude towards computer use significantly influences pre-service teachers' actual use of computers. However, statistically, perceived ease of use did not significantly influence perceived usefulness. The findings contribute to the literature by validating the TAM in the Ghanaian context and provide several prominent implications for the research and practice of technology integration development.

The role of parents in the guiding and monitoring of child activities is critical towards the development of the child. In Ghana reforms taken, especially at the basic school level, have focused on improving school infrastructure and enrollment ignoring parents awareness to actively involve themselves both at home and in school activities which the researcher believe is critical toward the attainment of the much needed improvement in performance of students. The research will explore the practice of parental monitoring activities in Ghanaian homes which are needed to improve child performances at school. Specifically the study will explore the practice of parental monitoring in the Junior high school and to determine the relevant aspects of parental monitoring necessary to improve a child academic performance. A sequential explanatory mixed design strategy was adapted for the study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire from parents of 810 selected basic school students across five regions in Ghana. Sampling of respondents in this study employed the use of multi-stage sampling techniques involving; a purposeful sampling of Five (5) Regions including: Ashanti, Greater Accra, Central, Northern, and Eastern, followed by simple random selection of 10 pupils per each grade in starting from Grade 1 to 6 in each of the selected randomly three selected schools in each Region. Data obtained during survey were entered into a SPSS statistical software subsequently analysed using both descriptive and inferential methods. Parental monitoring was measured using seven monitoring activities including: Setting TV time for child, limiting playing time, monitoring homework, Selecting TV programme for child, Setting time for children to come back from school, setting study time for children and selecting subjects for children. The factor analysis technique was conducted on the measurement items of the parental monitoring construct. The study found that parent involvement in all monitoring activities of their children toward academic work was low. The study also establish six major aspects of parental monitoring which parents need to actively engage in for the realization of improved performance.

Science education at the Basic School (Primary and Junior High School) serves as the foundation upon which higher levels of science education are pivoted. This ethnographic study sought to investigate the teaching of Integrated Science at the Junior High School (JHS) level in the classrooms of two science teachers in two schools of differing characteristics. The two teachers were selected purposively for the study. Observations of classroom teaching and casual conversations with the science teachers for an 11 week academic term period were the main source of data for the study. The focus of the observations was on the four stages of an Integrated Science lessons of which the application stage was found to be absent in the science teachers lessons. It was further revealed among other things that the instructional hours for the teaching of Integrated Science are not the same for all schools. Hence, curriculum developers are encouraged to factor the school culture of various schools throughout the country into planning national school curriculum.

The increasing utilization of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in addressing various societal needs has catalysed the need to deploy this all important tool in education in developing countries to address the need of the increasing student enrolment in universities. This study was conducted to assess students' perception of blended learning environment. The blended learning environment was designed on a Moodle platform using an adaptation of the practical enquiry model. This intervention was designed to ensure that the benefits of both online and face-to-face learning environment were harnessed for the achievement of set pedagogical goals. The study used formative experiment with 75 first year university students who were studying Communication Skills (CS) and their lecturers as the participants. The experiment was carried out over two semesters at the University of Education, Winneba-Kumasi Campus in Ghana. The findings showed positive perceptions of student on the blended learning environment. However, the problem of slow Internet connectivity and lack of Internet access for some of the students outside the university campus hindered the effectiveness of the blended learning environment for a few students. Improvement in ICT infrastructure and capacity building for lecturers to adopt blended learning approach were recommended.

Countries are investing in information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and educating their citizens for effective ICT utilization. The attainment of the anticipated benefits hinges on effective integration of ICT in various levels of education. Effective integration of ICT requires educators and teachers who possess the skills to harness the capabilities of ICT into their teaching and learning environments. This article assesses the extent of pre-university teachers' e-readiness to utilize ICT in teaching their various subjects by assessing their technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). Although the ICT literacy of teachers in the pre-university schools in Ghana is high, their ability to utilize ICT to design and deliver subject contents and improve the learning environments of their respective subjects is low. The article suggests a comprehensive retooling of teachers with capabilities to integrate ICT in teaching their subjects.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the factors affecting tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice in the informal sector among hairdressers in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: A case study was used as the research design. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 47 master hairdressers. Semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data were analysed using the thematic technique. Findings: The study found that apprenticeship fee, fear of competition, delegation reasons, joy and pride of mentorship, apprentices' attitude and time, to be significant factors influencing tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice. It was also evident that time spent with master as he/she performs or works is crucial to learning as most of the learning is through socializing with the master. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of the study is the use of the convenient sampling technique in choosing the participants. The results of this study, if it has to be generalised to all hairdressers in Ghana, it may have to be done with caution since the participants were not drawn from a pool of all master hairdressers in Ghana. Practical implications: The paper provides what apprentices must do to acquire the tacit knowledge of master hairdressers. Originality/value: This paper focuses on the holder of tacit knowledge (master hairdressers) and reveals their motivations to transfer or hoard their tacit knowledge.

This research was conducted to examine the structural validity of the FIT-Choice (Factors Influencing Teaching Choice) scale in the Ghanaian context using teachers in pre-tertiary schools. A cohort of 354 teachers were selected to take part in a quantitative survey, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research found that the participants were influenced by social utility value and personal utility value to choose a teaching career rather than extrinsic utility value. The research further showed that, while in teaching, the teachers mainly believed in their expertise, and were satisfied with their choice of a teaching career devoid of dissuasion. The research recommended giving a better opportunity to teachers to enjoy job security, time for family, transfers and social equity.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence Ghanaian tertiary students' career choices. The paper explores the dimensionality of the career choice factors within the Ghanaian context and also ascertains their degree of influence on students' career choices. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs survey method of research and a set of questionnaire was used to examine the factors that influence students' career choices. A total of 354 undergraduate students from the Ashesi University College in Ghana participated in the study. Factor analysis was conducted on the career choice factors and differences in response between science and business students were ascertained by means of independent sample "t"-test. Findings: The findings of this study indicate that university students in Ghana place much premium on intrinsic value and employability/financial prospect in their career choice decisions than such factors as prestige and desired working conditions. Research limitations/implications: The findings of this study are relevant for policymakers and tertiary education providers interested in making the study of science an attractive option for university students in Ghana. Originality/value: The findings of this paper highlight some of the underlining reasons for the unpopularity of the study of sciences among university students in Ghana.

Purpose: This study examines the multidimensionality of the environmental literacy concept among university business students in Ghana. The study also investigates the relationship between students' interests in environmental issues and knowledge levels of environment and assesses how these two constructs influence students overall environmental behaviour and actions. Design/methodology/approach: Using a total of 591 business students from the University of Ghana Business School, the study uses exploratory factor analysis to examine the multidimensionality of environmental literacy concept. A structural equation modelling-based approach was used to examine the relationship among the study constructs. Findings: Based on the factor analysis results, the study documents that environmental literacy concept can be grouped under four distinct factors (general environmental factors; industry-related factors; environmental assessment factors; and accounting-related factors). The regression results indicate a direct and positive relationship between students' interest in environmental issues and their environmental literacy level. Also, students' interest and their knowledge levels of environmental issues were found to be good predictors of actual students' involvement in activities that promote sustainable environment. Research limitations/implications: The conclusions of the study are based on only data from one public university, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Originality/value: The study is unique as it is the first empirical study to investigate environmental literacy levels in higher education in the Ghanaian setting.

Abstract Background In many places in the world, workers in the meat processing industry report high incidence of injuries. Details of such injuries are not well known for Ghana or much of Africa. Methods A cross-sectional survey involving 300 workers from three major meat processing facilities in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana was carried out using a structured questionnaire from April to June 2023. The prevalence, types and outcome of injuries among workers were assessed. Test of association was established by Chi square analysis. Results Over the prior 6 months, the prevalence of injury was 83.0%. Among the various injury types, lacerations had the highest prevalence (46.0%) followed by musculoskeletal pain (16.7%) bone fractures (14.0%), swelling (13.0%), burns and scalds (7.3%), and dislocations/sprains/strains (6.7%). More than half (58.9%) of injuries sustained were moderately severe (2–7 days of lost work) and nearly half (42.0%) required immediate medical attention. Gender, employment status, wages, availability and use of safety equipment were significantly associated with injuries among abattoir workers. Conclusions The incidence of injuries among abattoir workers in Kumasi, Ghana demonstrates a large public health burden requiring attention and improved enforcement through occupational safety interventions.

ABSTRACTObjectives Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has been associated with several mental disorders including depression. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been suggested as a mediator between T2DM and depression. We investigated the association between BDNF and depression in T2DM patients in a primary health facility in Ghana.Methods In a case-control study design, depression was assessed using the Patient’s Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in 200 T2DM patients and 160 non-diabetic controls. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on lifestyle, socio-demography and medical history. Fasting blood samples were collected from each participant to measure plasma lipid profile and serum BDNF levels.Results T2DM patients had higher levels of depression (31.5% vs 10.6, p

Abstract Introduction Tuberculosis is a global health problem that causes 1. 4 million deaths every year. It has been estimated that sputum smear-negative diagnosis but culture-positive pulmonary TB diagnosis contribute to 12.6% of pulmonary TB transmission. TB diagnosis by smear microscopy smear has a minimum detection limit (LOD) of 5,000 to 10,000 bacilli per milliliter (CFU/ml) of sputum result in missed cases and false positives. However, GeneXpert technology, with a LOD of 131–250 CFU/ml in sputum samples and its implementation is believe to facilitate early detection TB and drug-resistant TB case. Since 2013, Ghana health Service (GHS) introduce GeneXpert MTB/RIF diagnostic in all regional hospitals in Ghana, however no assessment of performance between microscopy and GeneXpert TB diagnosis cross the health facilities has been reported. The study compared the results of routine diagnoses of TB by microscopy and Xpert MTB from 2016 to 2020 at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH). Methods The study compared routine microscopic and GeneXpert TB diagnosis results at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) from 2016 to 2020 retrospectively. Briefly, sputum specimens were collected into 20 mL sterile screw-capped containers for each case of suspected TB infection and processed within 24 h. The samples were decontaminated using the NALC-NaOH method with the final NaOH concentration of 1%. The supernatants were discarded after the centrifuge and the remaining pellets dissolved in 1–1.5 ml of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and used for diagnosis. A fixed smears were Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast stain and observed under microscope and the remainings were used for GeneXpert MTB/RIF diagnosis. The data were analyze using GraphPad Prism. Results 50.11% (48.48–51.38%) were females with an odd ratio (95% CI) of 1.004 (0.944–1.069) more likely to report to the TB clinic for suspected TB diagnosis. The smear-positive cases for the first sputum were 6.6% (5.98–7.25%), and the second sputum was 6.07% (5.45–6.73%). The Xpert MTB-RIF diagnosis detected 2.93% (10/341) (1.42–5.33%) in the first and 5.44% (16/294) (3.14–8.69%) in the second smear-negative TB samples. The prevalence of Xpert MTB-RIF across smear positive showed that males had 56.87% (178/313) and 56.15% (137/244) and females had 43.13% (135/313) and 43.85% (107/244) for the first and second sputum. Also, false negative smears were 0.18% (10/5607) for smear 1 and 0.31% (16/5126) for smear 2. Conclusion In conclusion, the study highlights the higher sensitivity of the GeneXpert assay compared to traditional smear microscopy for detecting MTB. The GeneXpert assay identified 10 and 16 positive MTB from smear 1 and smear 2 samples which were microscopic negative.

Since the pre-colonial period to the post-colonial era, public health administration has been intertwined with several issues ranging from the inadequacy of public health facilities and health workers, improper settlement planning, insanitary conditions, inadequate laws, their implementation and enforcement of same. Using a qualitative approach of research, the study focused on the historical interpretation of the challenges and effects of public health administration on health workers and patients in Ghana. This empirical study focused on responses from workers in the Accident and Emergency Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Ghana. The study teased out information from expert informants to make useful generalizations to shape public health administration in relation to similar facilities in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa. Among other things, it also studies how reported sicknesses and or medical cases such as COVID-19 and the management of same at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in contemporary times. Again, based on the empirical responses, the study provided empirical prescriptions to help improve public health administration in health facilities in Ghana, which has wider ramifications for related facilities on the African continent. Attention and resources should not only be given to clinical care, to the neglect of public health. Efforts should cut across every sector of healthcare and fully equip the office of public health administration to do a more efficient work. There is also the need to make inferences from the various past challenges and effects of public health administration in the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ghana at large to know how to deal with similar challenges emanating from the day to day running of Ghana’s health institutions including the required preparednes to deal with epidemics and pandemics at the local and national levels.

Abstract Background Loneliness affects individuals of all age groups, and mobile fishers are susceptible to loneliness due to the nature of their occupation. However, there is no study examining loneliness and risky behaviours among fishers in Ghana. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine fishers’ mobility history, prevalence of loneliness, predictors of loneliness, effects of loneliness on fishers, coping strategies to address loneliness, and prevalence of risky behaviour among fishers in Elmina, Ghana. Methods This is a convergent parallel mixed-method study involving 385 fishers in Elmina. A questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data from respondents. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher exact tests, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the quantitative data, while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results From the quantitative findings, most fishers were mobile (54.5%) and travelled alone (45.7%). Approximately 83% of the fishers experienced loneliness. Male fishers (AOR = 0.049; 95% CI = 0.003–0.741; p-value = 0.030), fishers affiliated with the African Traditionalist religion (AOR = 0.043; 95% CI = 0.002–0.846; p-value = 0.038), and fishers who travelled with their working colleagues (AOR = 0.002; 95% CI = 0.000-0.023; p-value = ≤ 0.001), were less likely to be experience loneliness. Feeling bored, isolated and worried/anxious were the main perceived effects of loneliness. Alcohol consumption and finding a companion to spend time with were the main strategies fishers used to cope with their loneliness. Most male fishers consumed alcohol (92.5%; p-value = ≤ 0.001) and spent time with companions (73.5%; p-value = ≤ 0.001) to cope with their loneliness. The quantitative and qualitative findings showed that fishers engaged in risky behaviours (excessive alcohol consumption, casual sex, and smoking marijuana and tobacco). From the quantitative findings, more male fishers engaged in excessive alcohol consumption (97.6% vs. 74.5%; p-value = ≤ 0.001), casual sex (88.2% vs. 61.7%, p-value = ≤ 0.001), smoking marijuana (43.0% vs. 13.0%, p-value = ≤ 0.001) and tobacco (49.4% vs. 19.1%; p-value = 0.001) than female fishers. Conclusions Loneliness and risky behaviours were common among fishers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design interventions to help reduce loneliness and risky behaviour among fishers.

The electricity indebtedness of Ghanaian schools is increasing due to the high cost of electricity in the country. As a result, the utility companies frequently disconnect the schools from the grid to force them to settle their debts. Meanwhile, the school can reduce its bills from rooftop solar PV systems, yet little attention is given. The study uses the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) as a case to assess the technical feasibility, economic viability, and potential benefits of implementing rooftop solar PV electricity in Ghanaian schools. Google Earth software was used to estimate the structure's rooftop surface areas to determine the potential energy harvest from a PV plant.In contrast, the economic analysis uses the net present value (NPV), internal rate of returns (IRR), discounted payback period (DPP) and profitability index (IP) to appraise the intended project. The results show that using rooftops of school structures can provide the needed electricity for local consumption and export excess to the grid for sales. The NPV, IRR, IP, and DPP recorded from the study are million GHS 15.15, 21%, 1.6 and 8 years, respectively. The findings highlight the potential of rooftop solar PV systems to meet educational institutions' electricity demand, exploring the possibility of exporting excess to the national grid for revenue (income generator), reducing operational costs, and contributing to a sustainable energy transition.

Water has prominence over all the usable natural resources to humankind due to its very significance to human life. Approximately, 70% of Ghana's populace relies on groundwater exploitation for freshwater consumption. Managed aquifer recharge is capable of sustaining water resources for all livelihood activities. Underperformance of MAR systems is often due to site-specific hydrogeological conditions turning out to be less favorable than anticipated. This study evaluates the site-specific conditions for MAR sites identification in granitic aquifers, integrating in situ hydrogeological factors and GIS-MCDA. One hundred and twenty-one datasets from different boreholes comprising hydro geophysics, borehole drilling and pump test reports were used. The constraint mapping results indicate 92% suitable for MAR application within the study area, implying available enormous bare lands for flooding recharge technique. The suitability analysis discloses that 48 and 51% of the studied area fall within very high and high suitable zones, respectively, showing convincing and great potential to support infiltration ponds for MAR technology application. The valuable information provided through this study can serve as a guide for MAR implementation and for sustainable groundwater resources management within the Upper East region of Ghana. HIGHLIGHTS The most important need and issue for a MAR scheme is the proper site evaluation.; Availability of enormous bare lands for flooding recharge technique.; The area has very large suitable areas for MAR due to its rural scattered settlements.; The in situ hydrogeological information is comparatively very comprehensive and highly reliable.; Guide for MAR implementation and sustainable groundwater resources management.;

Abstract Background The newly developed malaria vaccine called “R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine” showed a high safety and efficacy level, and Ghana is the first country to approve this new vaccine. The present study aimed to evaluate the rate of vaccine hesitancy (VH) towards the newly developed malaria vaccine among parents who currently have children who are not eligible for the vaccine but may be eligible in the near future. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the factors that could potentially influence VH. Methods A cross-sectional survey using both online-based questionnaires and face-to-face interviews was conducted in Ghana from June to August 2023. The survey specifically targeted parents of ineligible children for vaccination, including those aged less than 5 months or between 3 and 12 years. The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccination (PACV) scale was used to assess parental VH. Results A total of 765 people participated in this study. Their median age was 36.0 years with an interquartile range of 31.0–41.0 years, 67.7% were females, 41.8% completed their tertiary education, 63.3% were married, 81.6% worked in non-healthcare sectors, and 59.7% reported that their monthly income was insufficient. About one-third (34.5%) of the parents were hesitant to give their children the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine. The following predictors were associated with VH: working in the healthcare sector (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30–0.80; p = 0.005), having the other parent working in the healthcare sector (AOR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.30–0.94; p = 0.034), and not taking scheduled routine vaccinations (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.27–2.84; p = 0.002). Conclusions Addressing VH is crucial for optimizing R21/Matrix-M vaccine coverage in Ghana's malaria control strategy. By tackling VH issues, Ghana can effectively safeguard children's health in malaria-prone areas.

Introduction: Savannah Region witnessed a decline in measles-rubella (MR) vaccination coverage prior to the measles outbreak in 2022. This study aimed to assess contributory factors of the low routine MR vaccination coverage and proffer recommendations to improve vaccination uptake. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts (Bole and Central Gonja) of Savannah Region from December 2022 to June 2023. Caregivers of children 18–59 months were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess predictors of MR vaccination status. Results: Children of caregivers with inadequate knowledge of MR vaccination (AOR = 0.58, 95 %CI: 0.47–0.72), travelled more than five km to access health services (AOR = 0.48, 95 %CI: 0.39–0.59), described health workers attitude as poor (AOR = 0.44, 95 %CI: 0.26–0.74), and those who sought treatment for adverse events following immunization (AEFI) from the pharmacy (AOR = 0.65, 95 %CI: 0.51–0.84) were less likely to complete MR vaccination. On the contrary, children of female sex (AOR = 1.27, 95 %CI: 1.05–1.53), aged 24–59 month (AOR = 2.56, 95 %CI: 1.05–1.53), caregivers with primary or secondary education (AOR = 1.43, 95 %CI: 1.11–1.84; and AOR = 2.23, 95 %CI: 1.64–3.03 respectively), and those who did not experience rescheduling of vaccination sessions (AOR = 1.61, 95 % CI: 1.25–2.01) were more likely to complete routine MR vaccination schedule. Conclusion: Inadequate caregiver knowledge, poor geographical access to health services, poor healthcare worker attitude, and non-institutional management of AEFI significantly contributed to the low MR vaccination uptake in the Savannah Region. Adopting tailored approaches to addressing these factors could improve vaccination coverage.

Approximately 60 % of men globally over the age of 50 experience a diminished quality of life as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Consequently, while the national direct cost for managing BPH is hovering around $4 billion in the USA, the individual direct cost for medications is estimated at $1536 and $425 annually for the USA and Ghana, respectively. Due to the chemotherapeutic drawbacks in BPH treatment, a concerted effort is urgently needed to find new chemotypes with novel mechanism of action to combat the disease. This research aims to employ computational techniques to identify new compounds from ethno-pharmacological plants from Ghana for treating BPH. Altogether, 250 natural products from Croton membranaceus, Heliotropium angiospermum, Annona muricata, Serenoa repens, Cissus quadrangularis, Tribulus terrestrials, Vernonia amagdalina and Momordica foetida from Ghanaian origin were virtually screened against 5alpha reductase 2 (5aR2), a primary drug target implicated in the parthenogenesis of BPH. Out of the 254 compounds docked, three compounds (A, B and C) showed a binding energy lower than testosterone (-10.4 kcal/mol), the main substrate of the target and comparative to finasteride (-11.7 kcal/mol), one of the drugs currently used for treating the disease. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations studies revealed Leu224 to be critical for ligand binding and complex stability. The pharmacological and physicochemical profiles show the compounds to possess good pharmacodynamics with negligible toxicities. While the compounds A, C, G, H, I and J were, respectively, predicted to treat prostate disorders with Pa (0.909, 0.221, 0.743, 0.729, 0.978, and 0.443) and Pi (0.003, 0.132, 0.005,0.005, 0.002, 0.016), that of A, B, D, G, H, I, and J were found to be associated with the inhibition of 5alpha reductase with Pa (0.840, 0.102, 0.097, 0.377, 0.123, 0.909, and 0.201) and Pi (0.001, 0.075, 0.089, 0.003, 0.036, 0.001, and 0.004), respectively. These lead-like compounds possessing plausible chemotherapeutic moieties with putative 5aR2 inhibitory potential need further experimental validation via in vitro studies.

Abstract Background Substance use among adolescents poses significant risks to their health, wellbeing, and development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana. However, little is known about the outlets and reasons for substance use among Ghanaian adolescents. This study examined the prevalence, correlates, reasons for substance use, and outlets of these substances among adolescents aged 10–17 in Ghana. Methods Data were obtained from the Department of Children, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Ghana, which employed a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-methods technique to collect quantitative and qualitative data from children aged 8–17, parents or legal guardians and officials of state institutions responsible for the promotion and protection of children’s rights and wellbeing. Overall, 4144 adolescents aged 10–17 were interviewed for the quantitative data, while 92 adolescents participated in 10 focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to analyse the quantitative data, while the qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results The prevalence of substance use was 12.3%. Regarding the types of substance use, alcohol (56.9%) and cigarettes (26.4%) were the most common substances. Being a male and currently working are significant risk factors, whereas being aged 10–13, and residing in the Middle- and Northern-ecological belts of Ghana are significant protective factors of substance use. Peers, household members who use substances, drug stores, and drug peddlers are the major outlets. The reasons for substance use were fun, substance as an aphrodisiac, boosting self-confidence, dealing with anxiety, and improved social status. Conclusions There is a relatively high substance use among adolescents in Ghana, and this calls for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing substance use by providing risk-behaviour counselling, parental control, and effective implementation of substance use laws and regulations.

AbstractThis study explored the perspectives of community members on the management and ownership of freshwater resources. A mixed-method study was conducted targeting household heads, traditional leaders, and assembly members in communities surrounding the lake. Household heads (309), and 14 focus group discussions were used in the study. There were 46.9% and 29.4% of the respondents who perceived that the lake was owned by the government and the community (chiefs and the indigene) respectively. While 48.2% and 28.8% perceived the traditional authority and the government separately as the managers of the lake. The study found out that, the community perceives the Lake as their resource and hence their traditional leaders should have control over it with support from the government and other NGOs. This implies that activities carried out concerning the Lake should have the approval of people to avoid conflict and power struggles.

The difficulties of girls working in the "Kaya" trade in Ghana's urban markets are the main subject of this policy review paper. It is to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the family and the government in dealing with "Kayayie" in Ghana. The paper largely adopted a desk study approach, the main sources being scholarly studies, and a review of information from government agencies, with the addition of the authors’ observations and experiences with Kayayie. The argument of the paper is based on Everett Lee's (1960) Push and Pull Model, which describes migration in terms of factors making people move out of their origins. The paper concludes that budget issues hinder the government's ability to address the kayayei phenomenon. The paper suggests that the government prioritize the welfare of "Kayayei" in the national budget and consider a nationwide data-collection exercise to generate accurate data on kayayei for improving programming and policy decisions regarding kayayei. The results also show that some families push their daughters into marriage to profit from it, while some girls are compelled to travel to the South to avoid being forced into marriage. Since families are primarily responsible for meeting their children's needs, there is a need to improve family life education about the importance of being more accountable for the maintenance of children in the sending communities as well as other migration-prone communities.

Abstract This study examined factors affecting fishers' interest in participating in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing at Elmina fishing community in the Central Region of Ghana. The study additionally inquired of respondents if they would be willing to submit to an HIV test and, if so, if they knew where to go for the test. The study also looked at the barriers that prevented fishers from getting tested for HIV. A cross‐sectional convergent parallel mixed‐method design was used to examine 385 fishers who were at least 18 years old and engaged in any form of fishing activity. Only about 9% of respondents reported having ever tested for HIV. Although the overall testing rate was low, the results indicate a higher testing rate in females than among males. Multivariate analysis shows that sex, age and type of fishing occupation are significant predictors of willingness to test for HIV among the study participants. Even though many people in the study location may know where to get tested for HIV, they are unwilling to do so. Many residents of the research area may be aware of where to get tested for HIV, but they are unwilling to go. This suggests a lack of enthusiasm due to misunderstandings and misconceptions about what HIV testing uptake entails. Additionally, stigmatization is a significant barrier to the acceptance of HIV testing in the study area and needs to be reduced by increased education.