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Amedeker, M. K., (2020). Changing educational policies: Implications for ICT integration in science instruction and performance of students in Ghanaian senior high schools. P. Kommers, A. B. N., Viana, T. Issa, & P. Isaias (Eds.). The 7th International Conference on Educational Technologies 2020 (ICEduTech, 2020). Sao Paulo, Brazil: IADIS Press.
Abstract
Every country’s educational policy directs the implementation and success or otherwise of education outcomes. This study analysed some educational policies of the Ministry of Education of Ghana to determine the current state of use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in science instruction in Ghanaian senior high schools. Most of the policies aimed at promoting functional learning through use of ICTs. However, the various senior high school science syllabuses are not explicit on the use of ICTs for teaching science. Also ICTs integration in science teaching at the senior high school levels has been constrained by uncoordinated and a flurry of policy implementation procedures. It is recommended that education should be democratised to engage local practitioners.
Every country’s educational policy directs the implementation and success or otherwise of education outcomes. This study analysed some educational policies of the Ministry of Education of Ghana to determine the current state of use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in science instruction in Ghanaian senior high schools. Most of the policies aimed at promoting functional learning through use of ICTs. However, the various senior high school science syllabuses are not explicit on the use of ICTs for teaching science. Also ICTs integration in science teaching at the senior high school levels has been constrained by uncoordinated and a flurry of policy implementation procedures. It is recommended that education should be democratised to engage local practitioners.
Tarawally, M., Xu, W., Hou, W., Mushore, T. D. and Kursah, M. B. (2019). Land use/land cover change evaluation using land change modeller: A comparative analysis between two main cities. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 16,
Abstract
Owing to the proven capability of remotely sensed data in the extraction and analysis of land use land cover (LULC) change, Landsat ETM+ and OLI imagery of 2000 and 2015 have been used in this research to carry out the LULC change comparative analysis in Bo and Freetown, two major urban areas in Sierra Leone, Africa. The supervised imagery classification with maximum likelihood algorithm method was adopted for the extraction of LULC categories. To demonstrate our idea effectively, we used the land change modeller integrated into IDRISI Selva software package to quantify and map the changes of each LULC category. Employing an error matrix table and estimator of Kappa statistics (Khat), we achieved overall accuracy and Khat greater than 80% for both cities and class level accuracies were also achieved as greater than 70%. The LULC change statistics show dynamic characteristics of LULC in the areas where maximum fluctuation was observed in dense vegetation category in Bo and agricultural land in Freetown. The built-up area shows a continuous increasing trend in both cities. Results of our analysis demonstrated that dense vegetation increased by 1024 ha (ha) in Bo whereas it reduced by 3807 ha (ha) in Freetown between 2000 and 2015 study years. Likewise, agricultural land increased by 545 ha (ha) in Bo and decreased by 9145 ha (ha) in Freetown during the same period. It is worth noting that the built-up area increased in both cities as 1326 ha (ha) and 8543 ha (ha) were recorded in Bo and Freetown, respectively. The spatial trend of LULC transition reveals that most of the transition has been occurring in the central part of Bo; whereas the transition occurs in the northern and southern parts in Freetown. However, both cities witness transition at the southern part with regards to dense vegetation category. These findings could assist in making policies for the efficient use of natural resources leading to the development of sustainable urban environments.
Owing to the proven capability of remotely sensed data in the extraction and analysis of land use land cover (LULC) change, Landsat ETM+ and OLI imagery of 2000 and 2015 have been used in this research to carry out the LULC change comparative analysis in Bo and Freetown, two major urban areas in Sierra Leone, Africa. The supervised imagery classification with maximum likelihood algorithm method was adopted for the extraction of LULC categories. To demonstrate our idea effectively, we used the land change modeller integrated into IDRISI Selva software package to quantify and map the changes of each LULC category. Employing an error matrix table and estimator of Kappa statistics (Khat), we achieved overall accuracy and Khat greater than 80% for both cities and class level accuracies were also achieved as greater than 70%. The LULC change statistics show dynamic characteristics of LULC in the areas where maximum fluctuation was observed in dense vegetation category in Bo and agricultural land in Freetown. The built-up area shows a continuous increasing trend in both cities. Results of our analysis demonstrated that dense vegetation increased by 1024 ha (ha) in Bo whereas it reduced by 3807 ha (ha) in Freetown between 2000 and 2015 study years. Likewise, agricultural land increased by 545 ha (ha) in Bo and decreased by 9145 ha (ha) in Freetown during the same period. It is worth noting that the built-up area increased in both cities as 1326 ha (ha) and 8543 ha (ha) were recorded in Bo and Freetown, respectively. The spatial trend of LULC transition reveals that most of the transition has been occurring in the central part of Bo; whereas the transition occurs in the northern and southern parts in Freetown. However, both cities witness transition at the southern part with regards to dense vegetation category. These findings could assist in making policies for the efficient use of natural resources leading to the development of sustainable urban environments.
Amoah, R. A. and Kursah, M. B. (2019). Geospatial analysis of landfill site selection perspectives using geographic information systems in Bongo district, Ghana. SN Applied Sciences, 1,
Abstract
This study applied geospatial tools in geographic information systems (GIS) to produce five different landfill suitability maps using criteria selection and prioritisation from the governmental guideline, the local technocrats, the indigenes and two optimal options, which are made up of the harmonisation of the three perspectives. The results from the five perspectives are compared and analysed using the error-index technique. The results showed a low spatial agreement (low degree of matching) between the landfill suitability from the governmental guideline and the rest of the perspectives. It also showed a consistent reduction in the areas classified as suitable landfill sites from the governmental guideline to the indigenous perspective. The governmental guideline, thus, exhibits wider spatial discrepancy from the perspective of the local technocrats, and it is even incongruent with that of the indigenes. This study, therefore, exposed a classical case where proponents of landfill sites could meet the governmental guideline and legally acquire a permit, but the site could be socioculturally disruptive to the residents. This is identified as the potential source of residents’ opposition to landfill siting. The challenges of the criteria in the guideline are also highlighted. A revision of the guideline is suggested, as it is risk-seeking in its current form. Based on this, the bottom-up approach for designing landfill guidelines is recommended.
This study applied geospatial tools in geographic information systems (GIS) to produce five different landfill suitability maps using criteria selection and prioritisation from the governmental guideline, the local technocrats, the indigenes and two optimal options, which are made up of the harmonisation of the three perspectives. The results from the five perspectives are compared and analysed using the error-index technique. The results showed a low spatial agreement (low degree of matching) between the landfill suitability from the governmental guideline and the rest of the perspectives. It also showed a consistent reduction in the areas classified as suitable landfill sites from the governmental guideline to the indigenous perspective. The governmental guideline, thus, exhibits wider spatial discrepancy from the perspective of the local technocrats, and it is even incongruent with that of the indigenes. This study, therefore, exposed a classical case where proponents of landfill sites could meet the governmental guideline and legally acquire a permit, but the site could be socioculturally disruptive to the residents. This is identified as the potential source of residents’ opposition to landfill siting. The challenges of the criteria in the guideline are also highlighted. A revision of the guideline is suggested, as it is risk-seeking in its current form. Based on this, the bottom-up approach for designing landfill guidelines is recommended.
Mensah, B.; Darkwa , I.O; Bonful,E.; Moses, B. T. Pomeyie,C. N; Mohammed S. & Danso-Wiredu E. Y
Ghana Geographers Association Annual Conference 2019: Smart Cities in the 21st Century: The Geographers Perspective.. KNUST, Kumasi 6th-10th August 2019
Paper presented:
Application of Classical Urban Land Use Models to Internal Structure of Ghanaian Cities
Abstract
Ghana is rapidly urbanizing. Villages are growing into towns, towns into cities, and cities into more sophisticated planned areas. Theories and models have been postulated to explain the internal structure of cities in developed countries, especially with respect to land use variations: Concentric Zone model by Ernest W. Burgess, Sector model by Homer Hoyt, and Multiple nuclei by Harris and Ullman. Some scholars have argued that these classical models of urban structure developed in North America prior to 1945 have cross-cultural application. This paper basically sought to assess the extent to which the internal structure of some selected Ghanaian cities portray the land uses put forward by the classical urban land-use models. The study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) as a major tool of analysis whiles making use of in-depth ground observations of the study cities. The findings of the study showed that, whereas the Central Business District, the wedge-shaped residential zones, and the presence of multiple nuclei were characteristic of some Ghanaian cities, the absence of homogeneity in most of the sectors and undefined industrial zones were typical contradictions. The models could therefore be applied minimally to the older inner areas of the selected cities. Based on this, a new urban land use model for Ghanaian cities is proposed in the study
Ghana is rapidly urbanizing. Villages are growing into towns, towns into cities, and cities into more sophisticated planned areas. Theories and models have been postulated to explain the internal structure of cities in developed countries, especially with respect to land use variations: Concentric Zone model by Ernest W. Burgess, Sector model by Homer Hoyt, and Multiple nuclei by Harris and Ullman. Some scholars have argued that these classical models of urban structure developed in North America prior to 1945 have cross-cultural application. This paper basically sought to assess the extent to which the internal structure of some selected Ghanaian cities portray the land uses put forward by the classical urban land-use models. The study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) as a major tool of analysis whiles making use of in-depth ground observations of the study cities. The findings of the study showed that, whereas the Central Business District, the wedge-shaped residential zones, and the presence of multiple nuclei were characteristic of some Ghanaian cities, the absence of homogeneity in most of the sectors and undefined industrial zones were typical contradictions. The models could therefore be applied minimally to the older inner areas of the selected cities. Based on this, a new urban land use model for Ghanaian cities is proposed in the study
Danso-WireduE. Y. and Mohammed S.
Ghana Geographers Association Annual Conference 2019: Smart Cities in the 21st Century: The Geographers Perspective. KNUST, Kumasi 6th-10th August 2019
Paper presented:
Environmental Dynamism: increasing housing needs in Urban Ghana, a threat to environmental resources?
Abstract
The rate of indiscriminate deforestation for housing purpose in Ghana is as a result of lack of a comprehensive land use policy in the country. Land has been managed through various legal instruments and customary practices. Since land is in the hands of the community members, the state seems helpless in ensuring that various land use purposes are achieved. Though it is clearly stated in the country’s land policy that ‘the principle of optimum usage for all types of land uses, will be assured by the government, the same document states clearly that the state will ensure that every socio-economic activity is consistent with sound land use through sustainable land use planning in the long-term. But evidence in the country is contrary to what is stipulated in the land use policy document. The study therefore focuses on the use of agricultural land at the fringes of urban Ghana for housing purposes. This is a largely desktop research focusing on review of literature, the use of Old maps, GIS and employing observation techniques to study land cover change and housing provision. The study found out that land use cover in areas close to the city of Accra and Tamale has largely been replaced by housing. It concluded that if land use policy is not put in place to restrain Ghanaians from excessive deforestation for housing, the country stands the chance of losing its natural resources, especially, the forest vegetation. It ends by advocating sound sustainable housing typologies in the country.
The rate of indiscriminate deforestation for housing purpose in Ghana is as a result of lack of a comprehensive land use policy in the country. Land has been managed through various legal instruments and customary practices. Since land is in the hands of the community members, the state seems helpless in ensuring that various land use purposes are achieved. Though it is clearly stated in the country’s land policy that ‘the principle of optimum usage for all types of land uses, will be assured by the government, the same document states clearly that the state will ensure that every socio-economic activity is consistent with sound land use through sustainable land use planning in the long-term. But evidence in the country is contrary to what is stipulated in the land use policy document. The study therefore focuses on the use of agricultural land at the fringes of urban Ghana for housing purposes. This is a largely desktop research focusing on review of literature, the use of Old maps, GIS and employing observation techniques to study land cover change and housing provision. The study found out that land use cover in areas close to the city of Accra and Tamale has largely been replaced by housing. It concluded that if land use policy is not put in place to restrain Ghanaians from excessive deforestation for housing, the country stands the chance of losing its natural resources, especially, the forest vegetation. It ends by advocating sound sustainable housing typologies in the country.
Danso-Wiredu E. Y., (2019). Our Environment and Us. Ghana in the Global Context.
Abstract
As especially human influences on the natural environment is deepening and changing in all aspects and at a speed difficult to comprehend, both current and past experiences have been blended to illustrate the contents of this book in a bid to improve readers’ appreciation and keep them abreast of the times. Our Environment and Us: Ghana in the Global Context highlights both spatial and temporal constraints on human beings to conceptualize and act swiftly on threats pose by the environment. Globally, there is a wide difference between the lived experiences of the environment between the western and the developing countries. As most developing countries struggle to find their daily sustenance and therefore give no regards to how they are obtained, the Western world has reached a stage that they are usually mindful of how sustenance is used without compromising on environmental sustainability. In order to develop a suitable approach and methodology to the current research, the history of human environment research, and the theoretical context to the scientific research, needs to be understood. The book reveals to the reader the theories, concepts and research that are used to explain the relationship between human beings and their environment.
As especially human influences on the natural environment is deepening and changing in all aspects and at a speed difficult to comprehend, both current and past experiences have been blended to illustrate the contents of this book in a bid to improve readers’ appreciation and keep them abreast of the times. Our Environment and Us: Ghana in the Global Context highlights both spatial and temporal constraints on human beings to conceptualize and act swiftly on threats pose by the environment. Globally, there is a wide difference between the lived experiences of the environment between the western and the developing countries. As most developing countries struggle to find their daily sustenance and therefore give no regards to how they are obtained, the Western world has reached a stage that they are usually mindful of how sustenance is used without compromising on environmental sustainability. In order to develop a suitable approach and methodology to the current research, the history of human environment research, and the theoretical context to the scientific research, needs to be understood. The book reveals to the reader the theories, concepts and research that are used to explain the relationship between human beings and their environment.
Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. and Sam E. F (2019). Commodity-Based Trading Associations at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Geography, 11,
Abstract
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. and Sam E. F (2019). Commodity-Based Trading Associations at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Geography, 11,
Abstract
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
Danso-Wiredu E. Y. (2020). Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. (2020). Saving for one another: the informal economy of subsistence among the urban poor in Ghana. GeoJournal, ,
Abstract
Urban space is monetized. Survival in urban areas is therefore largely dependent on the dictates of methodological individualism, capitalist norms and values, which are invariably linked to rentseeking and instrumentalism in most urban transactions. The urban poor in Ghana, who are mostly informal sector workers, face enormous challenges in transacting with banks and other financial institutions. This challenge, however, does not prevent them from participating in the money market. They devise strategies of savings and acquiring loans largely on interest-free basis. They also invest in informal activities to financially secure themselves and their future. This paper discusses the mechanisms that regulate the institutionalization of informal savings and investments in urban poor communities in Accra and Winneba in Ghana. It is based on a qualitative research conducted between 2014 and 2016 with 133 participants in four Ghanaian communities using purposive sampling technique. The study employs the concept of equality matching to discuss urban financial common strategies. The paper attempts to debunk the hegemony of the capitalist profit perspective in urban transactions, emphasizing that the urban poor in Ghana mobilize their finances through established social relations with largely no profitmaking in mind. Keywords Urban poor · Informal savings · Urban-commoning · Financial strategies · Equality matching · Ghana
Urban space is monetized. Survival in urban areas is therefore largely dependent on the dictates of methodological individualism, capitalist norms and values, which are invariably linked to rentseeking and instrumentalism in most urban transactions. The urban poor in Ghana, who are mostly informal sector workers, face enormous challenges in transacting with banks and other financial institutions. This challenge, however, does not prevent them from participating in the money market. They devise strategies of savings and acquiring loans largely on interest-free basis. They also invest in informal activities to financially secure themselves and their future. This paper discusses the mechanisms that regulate the institutionalization of informal savings and investments in urban poor communities in Accra and Winneba in Ghana. It is based on a qualitative research conducted between 2014 and 2016 with 133 participants in four Ghanaian communities using purposive sampling technique. The study employs the concept of equality matching to discuss urban financial common strategies. The paper attempts to debunk the hegemony of the capitalist profit perspective in urban transactions, emphasizing that the urban poor in Ghana mobilize their finances through established social relations with largely no profitmaking in mind. Keywords Urban poor · Informal savings · Urban-commoning · Financial strategies · Equality matching · Ghana
Hanson, R., Twumasi, A. K. & Boi-Doku, A. (2019). Analysis of industrial effluent from some factories in Tema. European Journal of Earth and Environment, 6,
Abstract
This research work analysed the quality of some important physico-chemical parameters of industrial effluents collected from two soap factories (A and B) in the Tema industrial area. In the study, PO4-, NH3, BOD, COD, TSS and turbidity for both factories were high compared to the EPA standards. Measures of NO3-, total hardness, calcium, and chloride, for both factories were below the EPA standard. Alkalinity value for factory A was below the EPA standard while that for factory B was higher. pH value for factory A was within the pH range for EPA while that of factory B was higher. TDS and conductivity for factory A were below the recommended EPA standard while that of factory B was higher. Due to the high amount of PO4-, NH3, and turbidity, eutrophication could occur in the receiving water, thereby affecting aquatic life. The high BOD, COD and TSS contribute to the decrease in oxygen supply in the receiving water which indicates high pollution by organic pollutants. The high alkalinity, TDS, conductivity and pH could contribute to the deformity and death of fishes in the receiving water from especially Factory A. Effluents from both factories were highly polluted in many respects and so EPA audits must be intensified to prevent pollution of water bodies in Ghana.
This research work analysed the quality of some important physico-chemical parameters of industrial effluents collected from two soap factories (A and B) in the Tema industrial area. In the study, PO4-, NH3, BOD, COD, TSS and turbidity for both factories were high compared to the EPA standards. Measures of NO3-, total hardness, calcium, and chloride, for both factories were below the EPA standard. Alkalinity value for factory A was below the EPA standard while that for factory B was higher. pH value for factory A was within the pH range for EPA while that of factory B was higher. TDS and conductivity for factory A were below the recommended EPA standard while that of factory B was higher. Due to the high amount of PO4-, NH3, and turbidity, eutrophication could occur in the receiving water, thereby affecting aquatic life. The high BOD, COD and TSS contribute to the decrease in oxygen supply in the receiving water which indicates high pollution by organic pollutants. The high alkalinity, TDS, conductivity and pH could contribute to the deformity and death of fishes in the receiving water from especially Factory A. Effluents from both factories were highly polluted in many respects and so EPA audits must be intensified to prevent pollution of water bodies in Ghana.
