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Taluah, A. R.
1st Scientific and Research Conference. University of Education, Winneba, CAGRIC. Ashanti Mampong - Ghana May 30th – 1st June 2016
Paper presented:
English or No English: Who Cares?
Abstract
Emperor Charles V is noted to have said that: “To God I speak Spanish, to women Italian, to men French and to my horse – German.” In recent times however, in his profession of his polyglotism, Emperor Charles V would have added thus: “to the entire world I speak English”. From few speakers of what is originally known as old English of the Anglo Saxon origin, the English language has grown in depth and breadth impacting nations globally. For many centuries (5th - 21st centuries), the English language has undergone many semantic, pragmatic and syntactic changes, borrowing its lexicon from diverse languages. The changes in its morphological and phonological renditions are also very evident. It serves as national, official and the language of instruction in many nations, Ghana being a case in point. Despite the importance of the English language however, its impact is not fully appreciated, thereby making many a people not to treat it with the appropriate contention that it deserves. This paper therefore attempts to examine the perceptions of the general Ghanaian public and students in particular about the English language and state the realities that pertain. It maintains that for a better grasp of any discipline such as Medicine, Law, Engineering Physics and Mathematics amongst a host of other disciplines, knowledge of the English language is imperative. This paper therefore adopts descriptive and analytic approaches to qualitative research as its methodology of presentation and thus relies mostly on inductive reasoning processes in interpretations.
Emperor Charles V is noted to have said that: “To God I speak Spanish, to women Italian, to men French and to my horse – German.” In recent times however, in his profession of his polyglotism, Emperor Charles V would have added thus: “to the entire world I speak English”. From few speakers of what is originally known as old English of the Anglo Saxon origin, the English language has grown in depth and breadth impacting nations globally. For many centuries (5th - 21st centuries), the English language has undergone many semantic, pragmatic and syntactic changes, borrowing its lexicon from diverse languages. The changes in its morphological and phonological renditions are also very evident. It serves as national, official and the language of instruction in many nations, Ghana being a case in point. Despite the importance of the English language however, its impact is not fully appreciated, thereby making many a people not to treat it with the appropriate contention that it deserves. This paper therefore attempts to examine the perceptions of the general Ghanaian public and students in particular about the English language and state the realities that pertain. It maintains that for a better grasp of any discipline such as Medicine, Law, Engineering Physics and Mathematics amongst a host of other disciplines, knowledge of the English language is imperative. This paper therefore adopts descriptive and analytic approaches to qualitative research as its methodology of presentation and thus relies mostly on inductive reasoning processes in interpretations.
Taluah, A. R.
18th Great Writing International Conference. London Imperial College, London - United Kingdom June 20th - 21st 2015
Paper presented:
Exploring the Perspectives of the Creative Mind: The Innate versus the Acquired
Abstract
From a traditional point of view, every talent is said to be a divine gift: and the creative arts are no exceptions. It is for such reason that there is said to be the god of medicine, thunder, harvest, dance and song, of which the creative arts belong amongst a host of others. It is believed that one who has not been divinely endowed with a gift cannot succeed in the endeavour. Yet, in the very recent generations, diverse formal institutions have been set to fine tune the minds of many individuals into the creative arts. The questions that arise are thus, at what point does the acquired talent supersede the innate or the vice versa? Can formal teaching actually make an artist? And if indeed both perspective can be true of an artist, who is better? While the two perspectives cannot be detached from one another, the fact still remains that the innate talent supersedes the acquired talent. This paper therefore sets out to outline the two main perspectives of the creative mind and examine the diverse notions of the creative arts in the social, economic, political and cultural dimensions. It further delineates the reasons that account for the diverse perspectives of the creative arts and theirs effects on society and the individual creative artists as a whole.
From a traditional point of view, every talent is said to be a divine gift: and the creative arts are no exceptions. It is for such reason that there is said to be the god of medicine, thunder, harvest, dance and song, of which the creative arts belong amongst a host of others. It is believed that one who has not been divinely endowed with a gift cannot succeed in the endeavour. Yet, in the very recent generations, diverse formal institutions have been set to fine tune the minds of many individuals into the creative arts. The questions that arise are thus, at what point does the acquired talent supersede the innate or the vice versa? Can formal teaching actually make an artist? And if indeed both perspective can be true of an artist, who is better? While the two perspectives cannot be detached from one another, the fact still remains that the innate talent supersedes the acquired talent. This paper therefore sets out to outline the two main perspectives of the creative mind and examine the diverse notions of the creative arts in the social, economic, political and cultural dimensions. It further delineates the reasons that account for the diverse perspectives of the creative arts and theirs effects on society and the individual creative artists as a whole.
Taluah, A. R. (2016). The Haunting Images of the West in Contemporary Ghanaian Poetry. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2,
Abstract
Many literary artists and critics in time past have affirmed the significance of tradition as a source of inspiration in creative works. Though the driving force in moulding a creative work such as a poem is innate, a true artist must have knowledge of a given tradition or traditions to excel in the enterprise. In quite recent times however, much of the poetry by budding poets tends to imitate Western forms in lieu of the traditional. This paper is therefore an attempt to address the effects of foreign traditions on the creative abilities of the Ghanaian youth. It traces the antecedents that are most likely to have caused the negative outlook towards most indigenous traditions in Ghana to the embrace of Western traditions. It also examines some pertinent issues in the educational system in Ghana and the impact of the English language as the language of instruction and its effects on the culture of the creative arts.
Many literary artists and critics in time past have affirmed the significance of tradition as a source of inspiration in creative works. Though the driving force in moulding a creative work such as a poem is innate, a true artist must have knowledge of a given tradition or traditions to excel in the enterprise. In quite recent times however, much of the poetry by budding poets tends to imitate Western forms in lieu of the traditional. This paper is therefore an attempt to address the effects of foreign traditions on the creative abilities of the Ghanaian youth. It traces the antecedents that are most likely to have caused the negative outlook towards most indigenous traditions in Ghana to the embrace of Western traditions. It also examines some pertinent issues in the educational system in Ghana and the impact of the English language as the language of instruction and its effects on the culture of the creative arts.
Taluah, A. R. (2015). The Teaching and Learning of the English Language in Ghana: Problems and Implications. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2,
Abstract
The teaching and learning of the English language in Ghana and Anglophone countries in Africa for that matter has been a subject of unflinching debate in quite recent times. Many opinions point to the assertion that the teaching and learning of the English language is centered on reading comprehension, summary, grammar, spelling and writing skills and other such related areas to the disregard of oral communication skills. Many researchers have found the neglect of oral communication skills in the school curriculum as the major problem in the leaning of the English language. A survey of trends in the teaching and learning of the English language however reveals that the contention is much on the teaching of the English language as compared to its learning as most teachers of English are unqualified to teach English. Drawing from his experiences as a leaner and a teacher of the English language, the research explores in detail the problems and implications in the teaching and learning of the English language. The origin of the English language and its encounter with the diverse languages in Ghana are examined vis a vis its role in diverse facets in the Ghanaian society and new measures proposed for possible adjustments.
The teaching and learning of the English language in Ghana and Anglophone countries in Africa for that matter has been a subject of unflinching debate in quite recent times. Many opinions point to the assertion that the teaching and learning of the English language is centered on reading comprehension, summary, grammar, spelling and writing skills and other such related areas to the disregard of oral communication skills. Many researchers have found the neglect of oral communication skills in the school curriculum as the major problem in the leaning of the English language. A survey of trends in the teaching and learning of the English language however reveals that the contention is much on the teaching of the English language as compared to its learning as most teachers of English are unqualified to teach English. Drawing from his experiences as a leaner and a teacher of the English language, the research explores in detail the problems and implications in the teaching and learning of the English language. The origin of the English language and its encounter with the diverse languages in Ghana are examined vis a vis its role in diverse facets in the Ghanaian society and new measures proposed for possible adjustments.
Taluah, A. R. & Musah, A. A. (2015). Moving Poetics: A Linguistic Analysis of Inscriptions on Vehicles. The Dawn Journal, 4,
Abstract
Scholarship has examined a wide range of social interactions in all spheres of life. In our contemporary times, the media to have gained prominence include the internet and the mobile phone. A however unique, yet complex media of communication ongoing on the principal streets of Ghana are inscriptions on vehicles; where owners and drivers of, mostly commercial vehicles express their beliefs and experiences on their vehicles. This medium of communication appears to be most effective and efficient owing to the fact that publishing such information is far less expensive. The information is also free of charge; what is required is for one to be literate in the language in which the inscription is conveyed. This article examines the contexts of shared values and experiences vis-à-vis the inferences and interferences such as biases, emotions and exaggerations that hinder the smooth transmission of messages on vehicles. It also explores the rationale, categories and the overall effects of these inscriptions on the Ghanaian population. This article maintains that inscriptions have great literary significance. They are sententious aphorisms and wise sayings with social and cultural dimensions; hence, the primary objective to open an active line of inquiry into the growing communication on vehicle channels.
Scholarship has examined a wide range of social interactions in all spheres of life. In our contemporary times, the media to have gained prominence include the internet and the mobile phone. A however unique, yet complex media of communication ongoing on the principal streets of Ghana are inscriptions on vehicles; where owners and drivers of, mostly commercial vehicles express their beliefs and experiences on their vehicles. This medium of communication appears to be most effective and efficient owing to the fact that publishing such information is far less expensive. The information is also free of charge; what is required is for one to be literate in the language in which the inscription is conveyed. This article examines the contexts of shared values and experiences vis-à-vis the inferences and interferences such as biases, emotions and exaggerations that hinder the smooth transmission of messages on vehicles. It also explores the rationale, categories and the overall effects of these inscriptions on the Ghanaian population. This article maintains that inscriptions have great literary significance. They are sententious aphorisms and wise sayings with social and cultural dimensions; hence, the primary objective to open an active line of inquiry into the growing communication on vehicle channels.
Kotei, R., Agyare, W. A., Kyei-Baffour, N., Atta-Darkwad, T. and Takyi, A.E.ae (2015). Estimation of Flow-Duration and Low-Flow Frequency Parameters for the Sumanpa Stream at Mampong-Ashanti in Ghana for the 1985-2009 Period. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS, 15,
Abstract
The study examined the characteristics of the Sumanpa stream’s Flow-Duration-Frequency Curve statistics for a period of 25years (1985-2009) and compared the 1990-1999 and 2000-2009 Flow-Duration-Curves. The high, low and mean Flow-Duration-Curves were also analysed. The discharge records were analysed to develop a general quantitative characterization of the stream’s flow variability. Streamflow data was generated from daily stage data using the rating curve model developed at the stream’s gauge station. Flow-Duration-Frequency-Curves were developed using the Weibull plotting position and used to analyse the catchment’s surface and groundwater storage and stream’s flow characteristics. The approach placed the midpoints of the moist, mid-range, and dry zones of the curves at 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively. The high zone was centered at the 5th percentile, while the low zone was centered at the 95th percentile. For 95% of the time, the streamflow equalled or exceeded 0.14 m3s-1, at 5% it equalled or exceeded 45 m3s-1 and at 50% flow equalled or exceeded 5.53 m3s-1.
The study examined the characteristics of the Sumanpa stream’s Flow-Duration-Frequency Curve statistics for a period of 25years (1985-2009) and compared the 1990-1999 and 2000-2009 Flow-Duration-Curves. The high, low and mean Flow-Duration-Curves were also analysed. The discharge records were analysed to develop a general quantitative characterization of the stream’s flow variability. Streamflow data was generated from daily stage data using the rating curve model developed at the stream’s gauge station. Flow-Duration-Frequency-Curves were developed using the Weibull plotting position and used to analyse the catchment’s surface and groundwater storage and stream’s flow characteristics. The approach placed the midpoints of the moist, mid-range, and dry zones of the curves at 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively. The high zone was centered at the 5th percentile, while the low zone was centered at the 95th percentile. For 95% of the time, the streamflow equalled or exceeded 0.14 m3s-1, at 5% it equalled or exceeded 45 m3s-1 and at 50% flow equalled or exceeded 5.53 m3s-1.
Kotei, R., Agyare, W. A., Kyei-Baffour, N., Nana Kena, F., and Atta-Darkwa, T. (2015). Development of Groundwater Recharge Model for the Sumanpa Catchment at Ashanti-Mampong-Ashanti Area in Ghana. Science Research, 3,
Abstract
The research aimed at developing a groundwater recharge model from available and reliable data of recharge predictor variables from 1985-2009 for the Sumanpa catchment in the forest-savannah transitional zone. Streamflow data for the Sumanpa River was generated from daily stage data using the rating curve model developed by the researchers at the gauge station. The streamflow data generated was partitioned into its various components, including runoff and recharge by means of the PART and RORA computer programmes respectively. The relationship between the catchment’s groundwater recharge and its predictor variables were determined by means of a scatter plot, using R statistical package, and their strengths quantified using the Pearson Correlation Test. The test indicated a strong positive correlation between recharge, rainfall and runoff and a strong negative correlation with actual evapotranspiration. Based on these a lumped conceptual deterministic groundwater recharge model was developed for the Sumanpa catchment using the multiple regression analysis. Keywords: Groundwater Recharge, Actual Evapotranspiration, Correlation, Geomorphological, Conceptual
The research aimed at developing a groundwater recharge model from available and reliable data of recharge predictor variables from 1985-2009 for the Sumanpa catchment in the forest-savannah transitional zone. Streamflow data for the Sumanpa River was generated from daily stage data using the rating curve model developed by the researchers at the gauge station. The streamflow data generated was partitioned into its various components, including runoff and recharge by means of the PART and RORA computer programmes respectively. The relationship between the catchment’s groundwater recharge and its predictor variables were determined by means of a scatter plot, using R statistical package, and their strengths quantified using the Pearson Correlation Test. The test indicated a strong positive correlation between recharge, rainfall and runoff and a strong negative correlation with actual evapotranspiration. Based on these a lumped conceptual deterministic groundwater recharge model was developed for the Sumanpa catchment using the multiple regression analysis. Keywords: Groundwater Recharge, Actual Evapotranspiration, Correlation, Geomorphological, Conceptual
Kotei, R., Agyare, W. A., Kyei-Baffour, N. and Atakora, E. T. (2015). MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE SUMANPA RIVER CATCHMENT AT MAMPONG-ASHANTI IN GHANA. ARPN Journal of Earth Sciences, 4,
Abstract
The study determined and analysed morphometric characteristics of the Sumanpa catchment in the Forest- Savannah Transitional zone of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Quantitative morphometric parameters were determined using remote sensing and GIS techniques to assess the requirements for ecological and hydrological conservation, planning, development and management of the catchment landscape. Results indicated that the total length of stream segments was highest under the first order streams and decreased as the stream order increased. The catchment has an area of 38 km2with channel closeness of 0.934 km km-2 indicating permeable sub-soil. The catchment has a relief of 137m and a total length of stream network of 36.51km out of which 61% was ephemeral, 38.9 % was second and third order streams. The catchment has 44 % of its area located on slopes between 5-10o with generally good vegetation cover. There are 31 streams linked to a 3rd order trunk stream forming a trellis drainage pattern. The catchment’s morphometric features suggest a general fragile topographic condition which needs strategic approach for soil and water conservation measures and urban landuse planning.
The study determined and analysed morphometric characteristics of the Sumanpa catchment in the Forest- Savannah Transitional zone of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Quantitative morphometric parameters were determined using remote sensing and GIS techniques to assess the requirements for ecological and hydrological conservation, planning, development and management of the catchment landscape. Results indicated that the total length of stream segments was highest under the first order streams and decreased as the stream order increased. The catchment has an area of 38 km2with channel closeness of 0.934 km km-2 indicating permeable sub-soil. The catchment has a relief of 137m and a total length of stream network of 36.51km out of which 61% was ephemeral, 38.9 % was second and third order streams. The catchment has 44 % of its area located on slopes between 5-10o with generally good vegetation cover. There are 31 streams linked to a 3rd order trunk stream forming a trellis drainage pattern. The catchment’s morphometric features suggest a general fragile topographic condition which needs strategic approach for soil and water conservation measures and urban landuse planning.
Kotei, R., Kyei-Baffour, N., Agyare, W. A., Korankye, O., Adarkwa, T. A. and Amartey, J. N. A. (2015). EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SATA SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME IN GHANA AFTER ITS INCEPTION AND POST-REHABILITATION PERIODS. ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science, 10,
Abstract
The evaluation was carried out on the Sata Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme built, to ensure food security, create employment for the youth, alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of farmers, in 1994. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to collect the data. The poor performance and low patronage by farmers stimulated this study. The non-involvement of farmers on the management of the scheme, lack of repairs and maintenance of the infrastructure, ineffective irrigation management committee, incorrect irrigation frequencies, lack of marketing strategies were some of the major reasons identified for the inability of the scheme to fulfill its primary objectives. Five years after its rehabilitation the scheme was far from its objectives. The scheme’s physical system was poorly rehabilitated and there was no comprehensive revitalization. It is recommended that for the scheme to achieve its objectives, a framework based on understanding the physical, cropping, economic and social-organizational components of the scheme is developed. Also, extension work to identify the socio-economic effects of the irrigation scheme for effective management and implementation of future schemes needs to be carried out.
The evaluation was carried out on the Sata Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme built, to ensure food security, create employment for the youth, alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of farmers, in 1994. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to collect the data. The poor performance and low patronage by farmers stimulated this study. The non-involvement of farmers on the management of the scheme, lack of repairs and maintenance of the infrastructure, ineffective irrigation management committee, incorrect irrigation frequencies, lack of marketing strategies were some of the major reasons identified for the inability of the scheme to fulfill its primary objectives. Five years after its rehabilitation the scheme was far from its objectives. The scheme’s physical system was poorly rehabilitated and there was no comprehensive revitalization. It is recommended that for the scheme to achieve its objectives, a framework based on understanding the physical, cropping, economic and social-organizational components of the scheme is developed. Also, extension work to identify the socio-economic effects of the irrigation scheme for effective management and implementation of future schemes needs to be carried out.
Atta-Darkwa, T., Kabo-bah, A.T., Akolgo,G.A., Kotei, R. and Amo-Boateng, M. (2016). ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY FOR IRRIGATION IN THE ODA RIVER BASIN, EJISU-BESEASE, GHANA. International Journal of Current Research, 8,
Abstract
Hydrochemical study is a useful tool to identify the suitability of groundwater for irrigation purpose. Groundwater samples were collected from fourteen piezometers from the various locations in the study area to assess the quality of groundwater for irrigation use. To achieve this objective, concentrations of physicochemical parameters were analysed and interpreted with different irrigation indexes like Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), ECw, Percent sodium, Magnezium hazard and Kelly’s ratio. The various parameters estimated showed that electrical conductivity values ranged between186 to 638 μS/cm, TDS values were less than 500mg/l, SAR values varies from 0.34 to 0.86 meq/l, Na % values ranges from 20.55 % to 44.09 %, MH values ranged between 25.86 % to 55.29 % and KR varying between 0.13 and 0.44. The hydrochemical study of the area revealed that alkaline earths exceed alkalis and weak acids exceed strong acids in groundwater which presented a Ca-Mg-HCO3 groundwater type. Results from the groundwater chemistry of the boreholes plotted on the USSL diagram and the Wilcox diagram indicated that the groundwater is of good quality for irrigation. The study unraveled the mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry rock-forming minerals and evaporation.
Hydrochemical study is a useful tool to identify the suitability of groundwater for irrigation purpose. Groundwater samples were collected from fourteen piezometers from the various locations in the study area to assess the quality of groundwater for irrigation use. To achieve this objective, concentrations of physicochemical parameters were analysed and interpreted with different irrigation indexes like Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), ECw, Percent sodium, Magnezium hazard and Kelly’s ratio. The various parameters estimated showed that electrical conductivity values ranged between186 to 638 μS/cm, TDS values were less than 500mg/l, SAR values varies from 0.34 to 0.86 meq/l, Na % values ranges from 20.55 % to 44.09 %, MH values ranged between 25.86 % to 55.29 % and KR varying between 0.13 and 0.44. The hydrochemical study of the area revealed that alkaline earths exceed alkalis and weak acids exceed strong acids in groundwater which presented a Ca-Mg-HCO3 groundwater type. Results from the groundwater chemistry of the boreholes plotted on the USSL diagram and the Wilcox diagram indicated that the groundwater is of good quality for irrigation. The study unraveled the mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry rock-forming minerals and evaporation.
