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Antimicrobial and coagulation potential of Moringa oleifera seed powder coupled with sand filtration for treatment of bath wastewater from public senior high schools in Ghana
(Heliyon, 2020) Ntibrey, Richard Agbo Kwabena; Kuranchie, Francis Atta; Gyasi, Samuel Fosu
The use of natural plant extracts for treatment of water in some parts of the world has been recorded throughout human history. An example is the use of Moringa oleifera in water purification due to its coagulation properties. However, the efficiency of the treatment systems largely depends on the design of the system and its operation. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Moringa oleifera seed powder coupled with sand filtration in treating greywater from public senior high schools in the Bolgatanga Municipality and Kasena Nankana West District in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Microbial and physico-chemical properties of greywater collected monthly from the senior high schools was analyzed. Moringa oleifera seed powder was added to raw greywater and then filtered through a sand filter bed. Physico-chemical and microbial parameters of the treated greywater were then analyzed. Mean turbidity, TDS, TSS, T. phosphate and T. nitrogen of the raw greywater was 312.5 76.58 NTU, 445.6 86.77 mg/L, 160.0 28.68 mg/L, 89.3 7.76 mg/L and 30.19 3.63 mg/L respectively whiles average BOD, COD, E. coli and Total coliform were 1032.5 252.40 mg/L, 1736.0 431.59 mg/L, 84.75 x 106 94.01 x 106 N/100ml and 184.25 x 10s 181 x 106 N/100ml respectively. After treatment, there was percentage reduction in turbidity (98.14%), TDS (72.7%), TSS (98.9%), T. phosphate (75.64%), T. nitrogen (43.11%), Total coliform and E. coli (>99%) were recorded. Turbidity was 0.1 NTU and did not meet the WHO standard for drinking water but T. hardness, E. coli and pH was in line with the WHO limit for drinking water. However, BOD increased, and this could be attributed to the significant protein content in the seed of Moringa oleifera. Moringa oleifera seed powder coupled with sand filtration demonstrated the antimicrobial and coagulative potential as turbidity and E. coli of the raw bath greywater from the senior high schools reduced by >98% and >99.99% respectively after treatment
Assessing the potential health impact of selected heavy metals that pollute lake amponsah in Bibiani, Western North region, Ghana
(Scientific African, 2020) Attiogbe, Francis K.; Mohammed, Abdul Rahim; Kingslove, Quarm
Gold mining contributes significantly to social, economic, and infrastructural development in Ghana. Apart from these benefits, mining activities have negative impacts on the environment as well as the health of fringe communities who depend on the environmental resources for survival. However, despite the increase in small scale mining in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal, the extent to which these activities have impacted on the quality of the Amponsah lake is largely unknown. This study, therefore, assessed whether or not the activities of small- scale miners have impacted the quality of the Amponsah lake as well as the health of the people living in the fringe communities who depend on it for survival. The study used qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the laboratory analysis of water samples as well as the thoughts and opinions of occupants of the fringe communities to achieve the objectives of the study. Findings showed that aside total suspended solids, all the physical parameters assessed were below the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency standards. The mean recorded values for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and total suspended solids were 7.20, 29 °C, 4.80 mg/cm, 383.00 μS/cm, 185 ml/l and 132.40 mg/l respectively. Also, mean concentrations of 0.0053 mg/l, 0.3110 mg/l, 0.0372, and 0.0440 mg/l were recorded for Hg, As, Cd, and Zn respectively with the concentration of zinc only falling below the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency standards. Further, human activities such as small-scale mining, discharge of waste from nearby communities as well as leachate from a dumping site, are the major contributing factors causing pollution in the lake. Mercury source in Lake Amponsah could be through activities of small- scale miners operating around the lake over the years. The unusually high concentration of As could be likely due to the geology of Bibiani. In conclusion, the physicochemical characteristics of the Lake Amponsah have been compromised pointing to a polluted status except for Zn and total suspended solids.
Assessment of physicochemical properties of Besease wetland soils, Ghana
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2020) Atta-Darkwa, Thomas; Asomaning, Samuel Kwasi; Agbeshie, Alex Amerh
The shallow and erodible soils of low fertility uplands have led to farmers extending their cultivable areas to wetlands for optimal crop production since these systems have the potential for exploitation in the dry season. To ensure its sustainable use, the physicochemical and the hydrological characteristics of the valley bottom should be ascertained. Studies were conducted to assess the suitability of wetlands for crop production by analysing the physicochemical properties of Besease wetland soils. Soil samples were collected from specific sites and profile pits for physical and chemical analysis in the laboratory. Field experiments were also conducted for soil physical properties. Soil textural analysis revealed that the average texture of the Besease inland valley was sandy loam with the distribution of sand, silt and clay as 55.42, 35.04 and 9.50%, respectively. Bulk density and moisture content on the field increased with depth in all profiles. Results of hydraulic conductivity using the mini disk infiltrometer ranged from 2 to 88.3 cm/day. The infiltration rate on the studied wetland ranged from 0.02 to 0.78 cm/min. The pH, OC, TN and CEC of the soil profile distribution for site P11-P14 obtained ranged from 6.9-4.6, 4.69-0.19%, 0.2-0.01%, 9- 2.6 meq/100 g down the horizon respectively. The study unraveled a sustained plant nutrient availability and elongation of water level ponding which will result in increased water storage under rice cultivation in the studied wetland.
Assessment of the potential of charred briquettes of sawdust, rice and coconut husks: Using water boiling and user acceptability tests
(Scientific African, 2021-05-21) Akolgo, Gilbert Ayine; Awafo, Edward A.; Essandoh, Eric Osei
Charred briquettes production is a sustainable way of producing cooking fuel from waste. Unsustainable harvesting of wood for fuel production has contributed immensely to the rapid deforestation in Ghana. This study determined the potential of charred briquettes of sawdust, rice and coconut husks in meeting cooking energy needs of households. In a further step, the acceptability of biomass users in the study to replace their current fuels with charred briquettes was established. The calorific value of the charred briquettes was found to be 24.69 MJ/kg. The highest combustion efficiency of briquettes was determined as 34.7% when a multi-feed gasifier stove (MFGS) was used. There were 14% and 80% reduction in particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions, respectively when briquettes was used instead of charcoal in the MFGS. The analysis of the production cost of briquettes revealed that 1 kg of briquettes should be sold at Gh¢ 2.48 in order to make a 10% profit. The user acceptability survey indicated that about 40% of respondents are ready to patronize briquettes should it be sold at Gh¢ 2.48. This study established that briquette is a suitable replacement for wood and charcoal, if its full potential is harnessed and the energy utilization efficiency of biomass (sawdust, rice and coconut husts) briquettes is confirmed
Barriers and opportunities for cleanliness of shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements in Kenya
(BMC Public Health, 2020) Simiyu, Sheillah N.; Kweyu, Raphael M.; Antwi-Agyei, Prince
Background: The sharing of sanitation facilities is a common practice in low-income areas in sub-Saharan Africa. However, shared sanitation is currently categorized as a limited sanitation service, and may therefore not count towards meeting the global goals. These shared facilities are often the only option available for most residents in low-income settlements, and improving their cleanliness and overall management is key to reducing open defecation and risk of disease. This study sought to investigate barriers and opportunities for improved cleanliness of shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements of Kisumu city, Kenya. Methods: Thirty-nine in-depth interviews and 11 focus group discussions were held with residents – mainly tenants and landlords – of a low-income settlement in Kisumu. Analysis followed a thematic approach to define the problem, specify the target behaviour and identify the changes needed. Results: Sanitation facilities were mainly pit latrines, typically shared among landlords and tenants. Participants singled out behavioural (poor use of the shared toilets) and social (lack of cooperation in cleaning) challenges that led to unclean shared toilets. Available opportunities for improvement included instituting clear cleaning plans, improving communication among users, and enhanced problem-solving mechanisms between landlords and tenants. These approaches could form the basis for designing intervention strategies for improving the cleanliness of shared sanitation facilities. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to focus on social aspects for improvement of cleanliness in shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements. Through a social approach, shared sanitation facilities can be managed appropriately to provide the millions of low-income residents in Kenya an opportunity to access sanitation. This study provides further evidence on approaches for improved management of shared sanitation facilities in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Joint Monitoring Program’s (JMP) recommendation for high quality shared facilities.
BICARBONATE ANION AND TAED AS ACTIVATORS IN PEROXIDE BLEACHING OF A MECHANICAL PULP
(CELLULOSE CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY, 2019-09) FRANCIS, RAYMOND C.; LUUKKONEN, ANTTI; ATTIOGBE, FRANCIS K.
Earlier research demonstrated that the bicarbonate anion (HCO3 − ) activated hydrogen peroxide and made it into an effective bleaching agent for both chemical and mechanical pulps at pH ~ 8.5. The peroxide/bicarbonate treatment is designated as a PB stage. It was also observed that in PB bleaching of chemithermomechanical pulps (CTMPs), a higher initial pH resulted in more H2O2 being consumed and the achievement of a higher bleached brightness. This research focused on using Na2CO3 instead of NaHCO3 to achieve a higher pH in PB bleaching of softwood CTMP. Further activation of the H2O2 was obtained by the addition of N, N, N’, N’-tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED). There was a high peroxide residual when 3.0% H2O2 on pulp (oven-dried or OD basis) was used in a conventional alkaline peroxide (P) stage. Sodium carbonate was added to the P stage effluent (with or without TAED), which was recycled and used to pretreat unbleached pulp. A significant increase in brightness (~3 points) was obtained when the pretreated pulp was regularly bleached with 3.0% H2O2 on pulp in a P stage
Biochar as a Soil Amendment Tool: Effects on Soil Properties and Yield of Maize and Cabbage in Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana
(Open Journal of Soil Science, 2020-03-03) Akolgo, Gilbert Ayine; Kemausuor, Francis; Awafo, ,Edward Abingya
Ghana’s soil is continuously declining in fertility due to continuous cultivation and rapid mineralization of its soil organic matter. Previous studies have touted the potential of biochar to help improve soil properties and increase the yield of crops. This study investigated the effects of the application of biochar on physicochemical properties of soil and the yield of maize and cabbage in Ghana. The study indicated that application of biochar significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM) from 3.88% (for control) to 5.72% (for biochar application rate 20 ton/ha and 0 ton/ha of NPK). It also increased soil pH from 6.55 in (for control) to 7.30 (for biochar application rate 20 ton/ha) and 0 ton/ha of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) which can help ameliorate the soil acidity problem of Ghanaian soils. This field study, demonstrated that addition of biochar from sawdust increased the yield (between the control (0 ton/ha of biochar, 0% of recommended dose of NPK) and 20 ton/ha, 0% recommended dose of NPK) of maize and cabbage by 6.66% and 7.57% respectively. This study concluded that application of biochar offers a great potential to improve soil quality and the yield of maize and cabbage in Ghana
CFD modelling and analysis of the trajectory and behaviour of oil pollutant particles in the ghanaian territorial waters
(Scientific African, 2020-04-28) Uba, Felix; Fiagbe, Yesuenyeagbe A.K.; Opoku, Richard
Petroleum activities like production, transportation and storage have placed Ghanaian waters among zones negatively impacted by human activities. These places are occupied by human occupations and its associated risks. Oil pollution in the environment affects biota and degrades human health. Predictive and descriptive tools have made the assessment of this situation possible for water quality management. In addition, these tools help in contingency planning in dealing with potential threats in the environment. In this research, the MOHID hydrodynamic numerical model was used to render forecast capacity for the possibility of finding susceptible areas to spilled oil particles in the Ghanaian waters from human activities around the region. The concept of nesting domains was used to reduce the cost and processing time (i.e. CPU) time, for computation. The hydrodynamics was modelled under three levels and validated with an average deviation of 14.00% and correlation factors above 0.80 from measured results. To locate possible shorelines susceptible to oil particles, random locations and oil exploration sites were used as discharge points for the simulations. In all, about 8 locations were included for the research and they are as follows: (2.9 oE, 4.4oN), (1.7oE, 4.6oN), (0.9oE, 4.9oN), (0.9oE, 4.6oN), (0.3oE, 5.2oN), (0.3oE, 4.6oN), (0.5oE, 5.5oN) and (0.5oE, 4.6oN). In conclusion, it took the oil particles 2 days, 6 hours; 1 day, 17 hours; 3 days; 4 days; 1 day; 4 days, 1 hour; and 22 hours for the first seven locations to get beached at the shore. For particles located at (0.5oE, 5.5oN), they were beached outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Ghana. The study has revealed that the territorial waters of Ghana acts as beaching sites for oil pollutants independent of the discharge location.
Comparison and Estimation of Four Infiltration Models
(Open Journal of Soil Science, 2020-02-21) Atta-Darkwa, Thomas; Antwi, Eric Ofosu; Amankwah, Emmanuel
Infiltration is an important component of the hydrological cycle. It provides soil moisture in the vadose zone to support plant growth. This study was conducted to compare the validity of four infiltration models with measured values from the double ring infiltrometer. The parameters of the four models compared were estimated using the linear regression analysis. The C.C was used to show the performance of the predictability of the models. The RMSE, MAE and MBE were employed to check the anomalies between the predicted and the observed values. The results showed that, average values of the C.C ranged from 0.9294 - 0.9852. The average values of the RMSE were 4.0033, 17.489, 11.2400 and 49.8448; MAE were 3.1341, 15.9802, 10.6525, and 61.4736; and MBE were 0.0786, 9.5755, −0.0007 and 47.0204 for Philip, Horton, Green Ampt and Kostiakov respectively for the wetland soils. Statistical results also from the Fisher’s multiple comparison test show that the mean infiltration rate estimated from the Green Ampt’s, Philip’s and Horton’s model was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the observed. The re sults indicated that the Kostiakov’s model had the highest deviations as it overestimated the measured data in all the plots. Comparison of the statistical parameters C.C, RMSE, MAE, and MBE for the four models indicates that the Philip’s model agreed well with the measured data and therefore, performed better than the Green Ampt’s, Horton’s and Kostiakov’s models respectively in that order for Besease wetland soils. Estimation of infiltration rate by the Philip’s model is important in the design of irrigation schemes and scheduling. Therefore, in the absence of measured infiltration data, the Philip’s model could be used to produce infiltration information for inland valley bottom soils that exhibit similar characteristic as Besease wetland soils
COVID-19 in Africa: rethinking the tools to manage future pandemics
(African Health Sciences, 2021) Emahi, Ismaila; Watts, Mimmie CNC; Azibere, Samuel
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an incurable, progressive pneumonia-like illness characterized by fever, dry cough, fatigue, and headache during its early stages. COVID-19 has ultimately resulted in mortality in at least 2 million people worldwide. Millions of people globally have already been affected by this disease, and the numbers are expected to increase, perhaps until an effective cure or vaccine is identified. Although Africa was initially purported by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be severely hit by the pandemic, Africa recorded the least number of cases during the first wave, with lowest rates of infections, compared to Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This statistic might be attributed to the low testing capacity, existing public health awareness and lessons learnt during Ebola epidemic. Nonetheless, the relatively low rate of infection should be an opportunity for Africa to be better prepared to overcome this and future epidemics. In this paper, the authors provide insights into the dynamics and transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) during the first wave of the pandemic; possible explanations into the relatively low rates of infection recorded in Africa; with recommendations for Africa to continue to fight Covid-19; and position itself to effectively manage future pandemics.
Degradation analysis of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) modules under outdoor conditions in Ghana
(Energy Reports, 2021-08-25) Aboagye, Bernard; Gyamf, Samuel; Antwi Ofosu, Eric
Photovoltaic (PV) module degradation rate depends on technology, manufacturer and environmental conditions. This makes it challenging to transfer the results of degradation analysis from one country to another. Thus, the increase in deployment of PV systems in Ghana makes degradation analysis a necessity. This study quantified the degradation rates and predicted the lifetime of 16 PV systems of different module technologies and age groups installed in different locations under outdoor conditions in Ghana to provide a better understanding of the long-term behavior of installed PV systems in Ghana. It presented the frequency distribution of output power degradation of different PV module technologies, estimated their power degradation rates, and predicted and compared the lifetime of these technologies. The country was grouped into three strata and 104 PV modules of different technologies which were older than 5 years were selected from 16 PV systems in these strata, depending on availability and accessibility. The electrical parameters of the PV modules were measured by current–voltage (IV) tracing. The results revealed that crystalline silicon modules degraded less than amorphous silicon. The median and mean power degradation rates of, monocrystalline silicon were 1.23%/year and 1.37%/year respectively, polycrystalline silicon were 1.35%/year and 1.44%/year respectively and, amorphous silicon were 1.65%/year and 1.67%/year respectively. Overall, the median and mean predicted lifetime of the PV systems (crystalline and amorphous silicon) were 14 year and 16 years respectively but the median lifetime of both monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules was 16 years while that of amorphous was 13 years. It was predicted that 50% of PV modules studied would fail before 15 years, indicating that most of the PV modules in Ghana are unlikely to operate for the 25 years warranty, signifying less power output and shorter lifetime of the modules which could discourage the widespread implementation of PV systems in Ghana
Distributed Generation and Renewable Energy Integration into the Grid: Prerequisites, Push Factors, Practical Options, Issues and Merits
(Energies, 2021-08-29) Iweh, Chu Donatus; Gyamf, Samuel; Tanyi, Emmanuel
Power system operators are in search of proven solutions to improve the penetration levels of distributed generators (DGs) in the grid while minimizing cost. This transition is driven, among others, by global climate concerns, the growing power demand, the need for greater flexibility, the ageing grid infrastructure and the need to diversify sources of energy production. Distributed renewables would not easily substitute the conventional electric grid system, perhaps because the latter is a well-established technology and it would not be prudent to abandon it, while the new distributed renewable energy technologies are generally not adequately developed to support the total load. Thus, it is becoming increasingly necessary to consider sustainable options such as integrating renewable energy sources into the existing power grid. This study is a review that is mainly hinged on distributed generation (DG) classification, the challenges of DG to grid integration, practical options used in DG integration, lessons learned from some countries with successful DG to grid integration, push factors in the growth of DGs and the merits of DG to grid integration. These standpoints of DG to grid interconnection are critical in conducting grid planning and operational studies, which should be conducted in strict observance of aspects such as optimal technology selection, optimal capacity and a suitable connection point of DGs in the network. Therefore, the perspectives highlighted regarding DG can assist power system engineers, developers of DG plants and policymakers in developing a power network that is stable, efficient and reliable.
Enhancing Extractive Resource Governance in Ghana and Nigeria under Fragmented Policy Landscape and Limited Resource Scenarios: Insight from the Barrow Framework
(International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, 2021-02) Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, Kwaku; Abugri, Simon; Derky, Nana Sarfo Agyemang
Policy coherence is key to ensuring that the wellbeing of society is achieved within an environment that guarantees sustainable production and consumption patterns. From a conceptual lens of the Barrow Framework, we examine governance lapses in extractive resource governance and explore mechanisms for integrating policy coherence, environmental sustainability and strengthening governance arrangements in Ghana and Nigeria. The Barrow Framework’s Index Score (BAR-X) employs Multi-Criteria Decision-Making analysis in a focus group discussion and Policy Coherence Analysis to identify policy gaps and prioritize institutions, socioeconomic and environmental themes. Policy coherence analysis of Ghana and Nigeria from the BAR-X showed an overall performance of 34 % and 30 % respectively falling far below the minimum expected score of 80 %. We demonstrate that resource governance policies of Ghana and Nigeria do not adequately address the tripod of institutional efforts, developmental load and the biospherical pivot. Under extremely limited resource conditions, it is recommended that civil society/non-profit organisations, financial institutions and regional institutions are supported with proceeds from extractive resources to particularly promote agroecology, technology and innovation towards maintaining ecological balance through preservation, protection, conservation and the reduction of ecological and carbon footprints.
Geospatial Assessment of Land Use and Land Cover Patterns in the Black Volta Basin, Ghana
(J Remote Sens GIS, 2020-01-06) Amproche, A. A.; Antwi, M; Kabo-Bah, A.T.
The Black Volta Basin in Ghana has experienced some losses in its productive lands due to mining. This study assessed the Land use/cover (LULC) changes within the Basin for a period of eighteen years, and mapped current and potential mining hotspots in the Basin. The study used multispectral Landsat images for the years 2000, 2015 and 2018. Supervised classification method and Spectral Angle Mapper were used to classify and map the LULC types. Feature-based extraction method was then used to delineate mining sites along the River in the Basin. Six (6) LULC types were classified. Findings from the study revealed that four of the classified LULC experienced some form of decline between the years 2000 and 2018, except Bareland and settlements which consistently increased within the period, with Barelands recording the highest increase of 21% between 2000 and 2015 and 18% between 2015 and 2018, signaling a sharp increase in the three year period. From the feature-based extraction, 312 segments of an average area of 8.4 km of each segment were found to be mining sites from the 2018 image analysis, which is about 80% of the total Bareland in 2018. Likewise, 146 segments of an average area of 3.9 km of each segment were found to be potential mining sites. This implies that mining within the basin is threatening other LULC and hence, reclamation and restoration activities need to be intensified. The outcome of this research could facilitate technological strategies towards restoration projects within the Basin.
Gypsum amendment and seasonal variability: effect on soil quality, fruit characteristics and toxicological responses of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus l.) in the Ahafo-Kenyasi Mining Area of Ghana
(World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2021-03) Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, Kwaku; Abugri, Simon; Derkyi, Nana Sarfo Agyemang
Depending on soil, climate and crop characteristics exposed subsoils can be amended with gypsum for agricultural activities when topsoil is inadequate as a result of natural and geophysical activities. To determine how exposed subsoil amendment with gypsum interact with weather patterns to influence soil chemical properties, cucumber growth, fruit characteristics and heavy metal concentration, a two-seasonal experiment was conducted in the major and minor rainy season of 2020 in the Ahafo-Kenyasi Mining Area in Ghana. The experiment was laid out as a 6x2 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design, consisting of 6 gypsum application rates (20 ton/ha, 40 ton/ha, 60 ton/ha, 80 ton/ha, 0 ton/ha (subsoil control) and 0 ton/ha (topsoil control)) in two rainy seasons and replicated three times. The results show that gypsum application and rainy seasons interact to significantly influence soil chemical properties, cucumber growth and fruit characteristics. Increasing gypsum application resulted in decreased organic carbon, increased calcium, increased available P, increased exchangeable magnesium (Mg), increased pH during both major and minor rainy seasons. Vine length, number of leaves, number of fruits per plant and fruit weight of cucumber were increased with increasing gypsum application during the minor rainy season. In spite of exceeding permissible limits in soils and crops, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) showed similar concentrations (below 2 mg/kg) in cucumber during the minor and major rainy seasons across gypsum treatments. Lead (Pb) concentration in cucumber was significantly higher in the major season across treatments. There was no difference in lead (Pb) concentration for treated vs untreated, and no increase across the amendment range. Further studies on how heavy metals in soil and plants interact with plant phytochemicals in ecosystems and living tissues are recommended
How Much Will Safe Sanitation for all Cost? Evidence from Five Cities
(Environ. Sci. Technol., 2020) Delaire, Caroline; Peletz, Rachel; Haji, Salim
: Global sustainable development goals call for universal access to safely managed sanitation by 2030. Here, we demonstrate methods to estimate the financial requirements for meeting this commitment in urban settings of low-income countries. Our methods considered two financial requirements: (i) the subsidies needed to bridge the gap between the willingness-to-pay of low-income households and actual market prices of toilets and emptying services and (ii) the amounts needed to expand the municipal waste management infrastructure for unserved populations. We applied our methods in five cities− Kisumu, Malindi, Nakuru in Kenya; Kumasi in Ghana; and Rangpur in Bangladesh and compared three to five sanitation approaches in each city. We collected detailed cost data on the sanitation infrastructure, products, and services from 76 key informants across the five cities, and we surveyed a total of 2381 low-income households to estimate willingness-to-pay. We found that the total financial requirements for achieving universal sanitation in the next 10 years and their breakdown between household subsidies and municipal infrastructure varied greatly between sanitation approaches. Across our study cities, sewerage was the costliest approach (total financial requirements of 16−24 USD/person/year), followed by container-based sanitation (10−17 USD/person/year), onsite sanitation (2−14 USD/person/year), and mini-sewers connecting several toilets to communal septic tanks (3−5 USD/person/year). Further applications of our methods can guide sanitation planning in other cities.
Hydrodynamic Model for Operational Forecasting in Coastal Waters of Ghana
(Open Journal of Modelling and Simulation,, 2020-04-07) Felix, Uba; Essandoh, Eric Osei; . Nyantakyi, Emmanuel K
The provision of economic resources to countries at the shore of Gulf of Guinea is a very important effort that has helped West Africa to develop to some extent. Taking the study area as a system it will be important to know the dynamics that occur in it to help neighouring countries predict its physical and thermodynamics states at all times. Ghana is located in West Africa and it is bordered in the south by the Gulf of Guinea or Atlantic Ocean. The objective of this research is to characterize the hydrodynamic circulation of the Gulf of Guinea areas neighouring Ghana. A 3-Dimensional hydrodynamic model was implemented in the territorial waters of Ghana using the Mod elo Hidrodinâmico, MOHID model to represent the dynamics and study the complex circulation pattern of the sea. To achieve this in an affordable computational time, nested domain approach was used to implement the hydrodynamic model in both 2 and 3-Dimensional gridded levels. The first level is a barotropic model with only tide. The nested domains of the rest of the levels are baroclinic forced with atmospheric and oceanic elements. To quantify its accuracy, the model was validated and calibrated in three stages; first, the frequency of the water level, followed by the circulation pattern and last, analysing the nature and profiles of the atmospheric and oceanic elements. The implemented model showed good agreement with the measured water surface level in the domain with mean error values not exceeding 14.00% of the measured data and with correlation factors higher than 0.80. Also, the intensity and direction of velocity observed in the current data are well represented by the model at the water surface levels with mean errors lower than 20.00% of the measured data components. The profiles obtained for both the temperature and salinity at shore show completely a straight line for salinity and also a straight line which is slightly curved at the top for the temperature profile. The vertical straight line for the salinity profile shows that at the shore the waters are not stratified vertically or they are well mixed. The slight curve at the top of the temperature graph accounts for the mixing dynamics that occur close to land or the effect of heat flux at the surface. It can be concluded that the hydrodynamic model obtained by this study is the true reflection of the territorial waters of Ghana
Hydrologic response to climate change in the Densu River Basin in Ghana
(Heliyon, 2020-08-11) Oti, Jonathan Opoku; Kabo-bah, Amos T.; Ofosu, Eric
Climate change continues to pose a threat to the sustainability of water resources. Global warming can have several effects on the water resources and water demands in the Densu River Basin especially household water use and agriculture use among several others. However, the extents to which the hydrology of the Densu River Basin is will be altered in the future remains unknown. In this research, the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP21) system was used to study the impacts of future climate change on water resources in the Densu River Basin. Future climate data (rainfall and temperature) for the period 2051–2080 was generated from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute's climate models (ICHEC-EC-EARTH and RCA4) for RCP4.5 scenario under CORDEX experiment. The results of the study indicate that the Densu River Basin will experience a temperature increase by 8.23% and a 17% reduction in rainfall resulting in 58.3% reduction in water resources in the area. The climate change impact analysis indicates a reduction in the river streamflow due to decrease in rainfall. It is recommended that future research on climate change adaptation for water management in the Densu River Basin should be conducted.
Impact of urban land cover change on the garden city status and land surface temperature of Kumasi
(Cogent Environmental Science, 2020-06-17) Mensah, Caleb; Atayi, Julia; Kabo-Bah, Amos T.
Rapid urban expansion and development have resulted in the conversion of many natural green surfaces within cities to non-transpiring built-up surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt. These artificial urban surfaces cause substantial variation in land surface temperatures that affect the urban microclimate. Thus, there is the need to substantially quantify the extent of green cover loss within growing cities and its impact on surface temperatures. This study used LANDSAT data to spatially assess the extent of urban expansion and its effect on land surface temperature within Kumasi, Ghana. Subsequently, the results showed significant changes in the land cover, which had an effect on the observed land surface temperatures from 1986 to 2015. Generally, there was an overall increase in the built-up areas by 24.13% (55.81 km2 ) from 1986 to 2015, with a corresponding increase in the mean land surface temperature by 4.16°C. As such, there is the need for the adoption of sustainable urban planning strategies with green vegetation conservation initiatives for modern city planners. This would help reduce urban land surface temperatures while promoting clean air circulation within the city
The implications of macroenvironmental forces and SMEs investment behaviour in the energy sector: the role of supply chain resilience
(Heliyon, 2021-11-15) Appiah, Michael Karikari; Sedegah, Daniella Delali; Akolaa, Rosemary Anderson
Following a theory of strategic positioning perspective, this paper aims to explore the operating context in which dimensions of the macro-environment factors are likely to enhance Small and Medium Enterprise's (SMEs) intentions to invest in the Ghana's’ downstream oil and gas sector. Specifically, macro environment model has been developed wherein an important exogenous context (supply chain resilience) variable has been considered and studied its moderating effect on the relationship between macro environment dimensions and intentions to invest. The study also, examined the conditional effect of micro environment dimensions on intention to invest at different levels of supply chain resilience. Using Partial Least Square method we analyze cross sectional data across Ghana's SMEs spectrum between the periods 2017–2018. Our indicative evidence suggests that political factors, economic factors, environmental factors and technological factors are related to SMEs intentions to invest in the down stream oil and gas. Moreover, the research findings revealed that supply chain resilience moderated the relationship between macroenvironment dimensions and intention to invest. The link between macro environment dimensions and intention to invest was strengthened via the interaction effect of supply chain resilience. These robust results are consistent with the theory of strategic positioning. Overall, our results are akin to policy makers agenda to create enabling macro environment to improve local businesses participation in the Ghanaian oil and gas value chain. Besides, the findings will assist SMEs owners and managers in their decisi ons to invest in the downstream oil and gas sector by strengthening investment capability at different levels of Supply chain resilience.

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