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Botchwey, G.K.A (2014). Granting voice without power? An interrogation of Ghana’s decentralisation conundrum. The Social Educator, 4,
Abstract
This paper examines intersections in community development and decentralisation. Democratic decentralisation programmes have been interpreted as tackling voicelessness and powerlessness. They are therefore seen as an important dimension of political development, by giving voice to the voiceless, empowering the powerless and enabling them to participate in their governance. Critical community development also involves giving a more effective voice to groups and interests who are hardly heard, to articulate their concerns and get them addressed. The paper examines these issues in the context of rural communities’ struggles over environmental pollution, land, mining and forestry problems. Findings reveal that some voice has been granted to local populations under Ghana’s decentralisation programme. However, the voice does not carry adequate power to change conditions that local populations consider unacceptable, exposing a gap between voice and power. Reasons that account for this gap include upward orientation of accountability systems and reporting lines towards central government, information gaps that hamper engagement of local populations with State institutions and other organisations, and lack of legislation that protects the interests of local populations. The study therefore reveals that representation at decision-making arenas does not necessarily translate into influence over decisions made.
This paper examines intersections in community development and decentralisation. Democratic decentralisation programmes have been interpreted as tackling voicelessness and powerlessness. They are therefore seen as an important dimension of political development, by giving voice to the voiceless, empowering the powerless and enabling them to participate in their governance. Critical community development also involves giving a more effective voice to groups and interests who are hardly heard, to articulate their concerns and get them addressed. The paper examines these issues in the context of rural communities’ struggles over environmental pollution, land, mining and forestry problems. Findings reveal that some voice has been granted to local populations under Ghana’s decentralisation programme. However, the voice does not carry adequate power to change conditions that local populations consider unacceptable, exposing a gap between voice and power. Reasons that account for this gap include upward orientation of accountability systems and reporting lines towards central government, information gaps that hamper engagement of local populations with State institutions and other organisations, and lack of legislation that protects the interests of local populations. The study therefore reveals that representation at decision-making arenas does not necessarily translate into influence over decisions made.
Osei, L. A.
African Theatre Arts Association Conference (AfTA). Accra, Ghana July 9th-12th, 2014
Paper presented:
Dance in academia: Patience Kwakwa and Esi Sutherland in perspective
Abstract
The establishment of African dance studies in scholarship is firmly established ipso facto. Perhaps names that readily come to mind at the mention of dance in Ghanaian scholarship are J .H. Nketia, Mawere Opoku and Ofotsu Adinku. This may be as a result of research conducted on these scholars. Unfortunately, names like Patience Kwakwa and Esi Sutherland have become an oversight in dance scholarship. Patience Kwakwa, one of the first female dancers appointed during the establishment of Ghana Dance Ensemble (1962) and later rose to become a Senior Lecturer, Department of Dance Studies, University of Ghana; and Esi Sutherland who is serving on the Institute of African Studies Advisory Board of the same Ghana Dance Ensemble and a cultural activist have contributed extensively to dance in academia. By looking at the histories and trajectories of these scholars, the paper attempts to unravel the works of this two women to the development and innovation of dance in academia.
The establishment of African dance studies in scholarship is firmly established ipso facto. Perhaps names that readily come to mind at the mention of dance in Ghanaian scholarship are J .H. Nketia, Mawere Opoku and Ofotsu Adinku. This may be as a result of research conducted on these scholars. Unfortunately, names like Patience Kwakwa and Esi Sutherland have become an oversight in dance scholarship. Patience Kwakwa, one of the first female dancers appointed during the establishment of Ghana Dance Ensemble (1962) and later rose to become a Senior Lecturer, Department of Dance Studies, University of Ghana; and Esi Sutherland who is serving on the Institute of African Studies Advisory Board of the same Ghana Dance Ensemble and a cultural activist have contributed extensively to dance in academia. By looking at the histories and trajectories of these scholars, the paper attempts to unravel the works of this two women to the development and innovation of dance in academia.
Osei, L. A.
WASRC – PASMAE International Conference & Special PATAG Inset Workshop. Winneba, Ghana June 10th -14th, 2014
Paper presented:
Using the gota dance as a tool for communication
Abstract
In recent times, due to modernity, the youth of today have become unfamiliar with traditional dances from their various communities. Yet dance as a cultural activity defines who we are and most importantly where we may be heading. This dance workshop will present to its participants “Gota” a Ghanaian traditional dance. Though performed by a particular region of Ghana, it is a social dance and all can enjoy the various movements in it. This presentation seeks to educate its participants (teachers) on how to package our traditional dances for maximum participation and enjoyment. The presentation involves practical demonstrations and group participation.
In recent times, due to modernity, the youth of today have become unfamiliar with traditional dances from their various communities. Yet dance as a cultural activity defines who we are and most importantly where we may be heading. This dance workshop will present to its participants “Gota” a Ghanaian traditional dance. Though performed by a particular region of Ghana, it is a social dance and all can enjoy the various movements in it. This presentation seeks to educate its participants (teachers) on how to package our traditional dances for maximum participation and enjoyment. The presentation involves practical demonstrations and group participation.
Osei, L. A. (2014). Encouraging dance and its notation in Ghanaian basic schools. Journal of Performing Arts, 4,
Abstract
For many years, we have come to accept that oral traditions have aided in the passing on of information from one generation to the other. However, due to social change and modernity, the youth of today do not want to have anything to do with the past. Unfortunately our present life and future depend greatly on our past. Formal education has become the main source for the handing down of information. Yet cultural issues like dance have not been well catered for by formal education. What are the reasons and to what extent can they be looked at? It is the objective of this paper to examine this through a project carried out in a formal education environment.
For many years, we have come to accept that oral traditions have aided in the passing on of information from one generation to the other. However, due to social change and modernity, the youth of today do not want to have anything to do with the past. Unfortunately our present life and future depend greatly on our past. Formal education has become the main source for the handing down of information. Yet cultural issues like dance have not been well catered for by formal education. What are the reasons and to what extent can they be looked at? It is the objective of this paper to examine this through a project carried out in a formal education environment.
Osei, L. A. (2014). Encouraging Dance and its Notation in Ghanaian Basic Schools. Journal of Performing Arts, 4,
Abstract
For many years, we have come to accept that oral traditions have aided in the passing on of information from one generation to the other. However, due to social change and modernity, the youth of today do not want to have anything to do with the past. Unfortunately our present life and future depend greatly on our past. Formal education has become the main source for the handing down of information. Yet cultural issues like dance have not been well catered for by formal education. What are the reasons and to what extent can they be looked at? It is the objective of this paper to examine this through a project carried out in a formal education environment.
For many years, we have come to accept that oral traditions have aided in the passing on of information from one generation to the other. However, due to social change and modernity, the youth of today do not want to have anything to do with the past. Unfortunately our present life and future depend greatly on our past. Formal education has become the main source for the handing down of information. Yet cultural issues like dance have not been well catered for by formal education. What are the reasons and to what extent can they be looked at? It is the objective of this paper to examine this through a project carried out in a formal education environment.
Dawson-Amoah, G., & Wilson, K. B. (2014). Using the Internet. In Apeanti, W. O. & Essel , D. D. Easy-To-Master, Introduction To ICT. Kumasi, Ghana: PrintKraft.
Abstract
Essel, D. D., & Wilson, K. B (2014). . In Apeanti, W. O. & Essel , D. D. Easy-To-Master, Introduction To ICT. Kumasi, Ghana: PrintKraft.
Abstract
Clement Ayarebilla Ali and David Naaya Zuure (2015). The Dietary Right of Children and Its Effect on Pupils' Performance in Mathematics in Rural Ghana; The Voices of Stakeholders in Naaga Traditional Area. Education and Science Journal of Policy Review and Curriculum Development, 5,
Abstract
Despite strengthening commitments from governments to provide quality education, a significant portion of pupils across rural Ghana still feed on poor diets. These diets seemed to effect negatively on pupils' performance in Mathematics in these areas. The purpose of this study was therefore, to explore the dietary right of children and its effect on pupils' performance in Mathematics. We randomly sampled one hundred stakeholders, comprising health workers, parents, teachers, pupils and orphans in the area. The MS Excel was used to produce descriptive charts and tables to analyze their responses. It was discovered that sociocultural norms, poverty and ignorance attributed to the denial of the dietary rights of the pupils. These resulted in high incidence of deficiency diseases, absenteeism, truancy, low enrollments and drop-out rates. These subsequently had negative effects on the pupils' performance in Mathematics, which in turn, retarded the socioeconomic growth and development of the rural Ghanaian economy, and the African economy as a whole. We therefore, recommended meal sensitization and new cultural paradigm shifts to improve upon performance in Mathematics in the rural schools.
Despite strengthening commitments from governments to provide quality education, a significant portion of pupils across rural Ghana still feed on poor diets. These diets seemed to effect negatively on pupils' performance in Mathematics in these areas. The purpose of this study was therefore, to explore the dietary right of children and its effect on pupils' performance in Mathematics. We randomly sampled one hundred stakeholders, comprising health workers, parents, teachers, pupils and orphans in the area. The MS Excel was used to produce descriptive charts and tables to analyze their responses. It was discovered that sociocultural norms, poverty and ignorance attributed to the denial of the dietary rights of the pupils. These resulted in high incidence of deficiency diseases, absenteeism, truancy, low enrollments and drop-out rates. These subsequently had negative effects on the pupils' performance in Mathematics, which in turn, retarded the socioeconomic growth and development of the rural Ghanaian economy, and the African economy as a whole. We therefore, recommended meal sensitization and new cultural paradigm shifts to improve upon performance in Mathematics in the rural schools.
Samlafo, B.V (2015). Iodine, Copper, and Zinc Levels as Indices of Nutritional Status among Residents of Wassa West District, a Mining Impacted Region of Ghana, Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. International Journal of innvative research & development, 4,
Abstract
Human hair and nail samples from fifty volunteers were collected from Wassa West district, a mining impacted region of Ghana, and used as biomakers of nutritional status. Activation Analysis (INAA) was employed to analyze for levels of iodine, copper and zinc. The mean concentrations of iodine in hair of experimental subjects was3.34± 0.54μg/g. The control subjects had a mean concentration of 1.21± 0.32μg/g of iodine. These levels were above the ideal level of 1.0μg/g to meet the physiological requirements of the individual. Mean iodine in nails of the experimental subjects was 2.70±0.25μg/g, and that of the control was 1.50±0.12μg/g. Mean Copper levels in hair of experimental subjects were determined to be 28.49±3.40μg/g and the control recorded 15.91±2.15μg/g. Mean copper levels in nail of the experimental subjects was 29.64±1.05μg/g and the control was 19.08±2.21μg/g. Mean zinc levels in hair of the experimental subjects was 105.82±2.12μg/g, and that of the control was 113±3.45μg/g. Mean levels of zinc in the nails of the experimental subjects was 105.51±3.21μg/g and the control was 105.75±2.68μg/g. Generally, there were no striking significant statistical differences between the two groups. The two groups were well nourished.The precision and the accuracy of the analytical technique (INAA) were assessed by simultaneous activation of certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The values obtained compared well with the certified values as Pearson’s correlation coefficient was + 0.99. The measurement precision as specified by the relative standard deviation was within ±0.4%.The experimental values were within ±5% of the certified values. T-test was used to establish significant statistical differences(p<0.05) between the two groups. Keywords: Nutrition, human hair, nail, poverty, mining, biomaker, health, diet
Human hair and nail samples from fifty volunteers were collected from Wassa West district, a mining impacted region of Ghana, and used as biomakers of nutritional status. Activation Analysis (INAA) was employed to analyze for levels of iodine, copper and zinc. The mean concentrations of iodine in hair of experimental subjects was3.34± 0.54μg/g. The control subjects had a mean concentration of 1.21± 0.32μg/g of iodine. These levels were above the ideal level of 1.0μg/g to meet the physiological requirements of the individual. Mean iodine in nails of the experimental subjects was 2.70±0.25μg/g, and that of the control was 1.50±0.12μg/g. Mean Copper levels in hair of experimental subjects were determined to be 28.49±3.40μg/g and the control recorded 15.91±2.15μg/g. Mean copper levels in nail of the experimental subjects was 29.64±1.05μg/g and the control was 19.08±2.21μg/g. Mean zinc levels in hair of the experimental subjects was 105.82±2.12μg/g, and that of the control was 113±3.45μg/g. Mean levels of zinc in the nails of the experimental subjects was 105.51±3.21μg/g and the control was 105.75±2.68μg/g. Generally, there were no striking significant statistical differences between the two groups. The two groups were well nourished.The precision and the accuracy of the analytical technique (INAA) were assessed by simultaneous activation of certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The values obtained compared well with the certified values as Pearson’s correlation coefficient was + 0.99. The measurement precision as specified by the relative standard deviation was within ±0.4%.The experimental values were within ±5% of the certified values. T-test was used to establish significant statistical differences(p<0.05) between the two groups. Keywords: Nutrition, human hair, nail, poverty, mining, biomaker, health, diet
Samlafo, B.V, Doamekpor, L.K, Bobobee, L.H (2015). Limonoids Constituents in the Stem Bark of Guarea Cedrata. Knowledge of Research, 2,
Abstract
Presence of limonoids and related compounds which can be used for insecticidal and medicinal purposes was investigated in the stem bark of Guarea cedrata. The plant material was air-dried, milled and cold macerated in methanol. The concentrated methanol extract gave brown crystals which were subjected to thin layer chromatographic analysis (TLC). The methanol crystals were also subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening, after TLC analysis. Column chromatography was later performed on the crude methanol extract to separate the various components. Five fractions were collected from the column. The five components obtained, after chemical analysis all gave characteristic limonoid colour reactions with Ehrlich’s reagent. Keywords: Guarea cedrata, Limonoids, Extraction, Lice, Alkaloids, Glycosides.
Presence of limonoids and related compounds which can be used for insecticidal and medicinal purposes was investigated in the stem bark of Guarea cedrata. The plant material was air-dried, milled and cold macerated in methanol. The concentrated methanol extract gave brown crystals which were subjected to thin layer chromatographic analysis (TLC). The methanol crystals were also subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening, after TLC analysis. Column chromatography was later performed on the crude methanol extract to separate the various components. Five fractions were collected from the column. The five components obtained, after chemical analysis all gave characteristic limonoid colour reactions with Ehrlich’s reagent. Keywords: Guarea cedrata, Limonoids, Extraction, Lice, Alkaloids, Glycosides.
