JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

Abstract: Aedes-borne diseases such as Yellow Fever and Dengue remain major public health challenges in many countries including Ghana. Ghana reported yellow fever in 2016 and recently in 2021 in the northern regions following an outbreak in neighbouring Burkina Faso. Sampling of Aedes mosquito larvae and adults was done in Damongo, Bolgatanga and Nadowli from 100 houses in each area using a stratified sampling method for 16 months, in the years 2015 and 2016. Standard methods were used to assess the risk of transmission and insecticide susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. A total of 6,630 Aedes mosquitoes were collected using larval sampling from all the three study areas. Out of this number, 34.0% were from Bolgatanga, 43.3% from Damongo and 22.3% from Nadowli. Among the Aedes species collected, 97% were Aedes aegypti, 2.8% were Aedes vittatus and 0.2% were Aedes simpsoni. All the study sites were identified as high risk by the high larval indices observed in 2015 and 2016. All the Aedes aegypti collected from Bolgatanga showed suspected resistance to deltamethrin, permethrin and propoxur based on WHO criteria (deltamethrin 94%, permethrin 93% and propoxur 96%). Aedes aegypti obtained from Damongo were resistant to pyrethroids but susceptible to carbamates. Out of the 200 Aedes aegypti tested, 130 (65%) had the kdr gene mutation (F1534C). Regular monitoring of insecticide resistance development in the Aedes population is necessary to help improve control strategies and reduce risk of yellow fever transmission in the study sites. Keywords: Aedes aegypti, Insecticide Resistance, Yellow Fever, Dengue, Vector Control, Ghana.

Abstract: The effects of four predictor variables (body length, heart girth, neck circumference, and head length) on the body weight of 240 intensively managed Large White pigs of different age categories were investigated. The models were developed for pigs categorized as piglets (less than 6 weeks), growers (6–15 weeks), finishers (16–24 weeks), and breeders (>24 weeks). Body weight was regressed on linear body measurements using stepwise multiple linear regression. Results showed that age and sex-associated differences were significant (p < 0.05) for all morphometric traits. Pearson correlations between body weight and morphometric traits ranged from 0.02–0.99 and 0.04–0.99 for male and female pigs, respectively. Head length (0.99) and heart girth (0.97) were most highly correlated with body weight in males and females under 6 weeks. The optimum regression equations achieved R² values of 97.1% (male piglets) and 98.3% (female piglets). Heart girth alone predicted weight for pigs aged 0–15 weeks with 99.0% accuracy. Keywords: Body length, Head length, Heart girth, Large White, Live weight, Neck circumference.

Abstract: The existence of microcystins-leucine (L) and arginine (R) (MC-LR) in freshwater and marine habitats is considered as the most toxic pollutant threatening natural ecosystem and public health, calling for its awareness and treatment. Therefore, it is important to develop approaches capable of reducing and preventing the toxins detrimental consequences. The application of bacteria biological degradation approach is rising owing to its cost effectiveness, safe processes and non-generation of harmful metabolites. Here, a novel MC-LR biological degrading bacterial community named YFMG was isolated and its degrading characteristics and mechanisms against toxic MC-LR were evaluated. Data indicated that MC-LR biological degradation utilizing YFMG was temperature, pH and initial MC-LR concentration dependent, and maximal biological degradation rate occurred at 0.313 μg/mL/hr. MC-LR biological degradation product Adda was identified by HPLC-ESI-MS. High-throughput pyrosequencing analysis revealed that, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla, and genus Sphingobacterium, Acinetobacter and Stenotrophomonas were enriched in YFMG. Using PCR, YFMG was shown to contain the homologues of mlr gene cluster consisting of mlrABD for MC-LR biological degradation. The biological degrading activities demonstrated by bacterial community YFMG renders it beneficial in biological remediation of the toxins contaminated waterways. Keywords: MC-LR; Biological degradation; Environmental factors; mlr gene cluster; Bacterial community; High-throughput pyrosequencing

Abstract: Recent years have witnessed an increase in the use of plastic alternatives for food and non-food-related purposes. In line with this, several studies have sought to examine the impact of using naturally occurring biopolymers such as lipids, proteins or carbohydrates to enhance the mechanical and functional properties of edible films and coatings. However, there is limited comprehensive evidence on the influence of bioactives (used either singularly or in combination) on the quality and functional characteristics of these edible packaging. This review therefore sought to explore the effect of bioactives on edible coats and films and the synergistic potential when multiple bioactives are combined in improving the physicochemical and functional properties of not only these edible coats and films but also in the preservation of food commodities. It was identified that the effect of bioactives on the mechanical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of edible films and coatings is not definite and depends to a large extent on the characteristics of both the bioactive and biopolymer used. Also, the use of multiple bioactives in edible packaging has either a synergistic or antagonistic outcome which is influenced by both the bioactive and biopolymer used in the construction of the packaging. Understanding the unique alterations that occur in the properties of a packaging material due to the nature of bioactives incorporated is beneficial in both the construction and use of these edible packaging. Keywords: antioxidant, antimicrobial, bioactive, coatings, edible, films, packaging, synergistic

Abstract: Geoscience knowledge and information are indispensable, especially for developing countries like Ghana in need of modern strategies to tackle sustainability issues. This paper discusses how Geoscience literacy can help achieve some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ghana, focusing on the areas of water, geohazards, mineral resources, and the environment, as well as geoheritage, geoconservation and geotourism. We propose a National Awareness Program in Geoscience and Sustainable Development focused on promoting environmental protection and disaster risk prevention and mitigation culture rather than emergency response. We recommend Geoscience literacy geared towards natural resource development and management and teaching the nexus between geoscience and society building. We also suggest using geotourism as a source of national revenue generation rather than the continuous exploitation of our natural resources. This will ultimately contribute significantly to achieving the SDGs for the country and provide a template for other developing countries where these recommendations align with their SDGs. Keywords: geoscience education, sustainable development goals, natural resources, environment, Ghana.

Abstract: This study examines the socioeconomic characteristics of small-scale maize farmers and their impact on sustainable production practices in Ghana’s semi-deciduous forest and coastal savannah agro-ecological zones. Through a survey of 300 farmers across both zones, we analyzed how factors such as education level, access to credit, extension services, and farm size influence adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Results indicate significant differences in adoption rates between the two zones, with farmers in the forest zone demonstrating higher adoption of integrated pest management and soil conservation techniques. Education level and access to extension services were identified as key determinants of sustainable practice adoption. The study provides insights for policymakers to develop targeted interventions promoting sustainable maize production in Ghana. Keywords: Sustainable Agriculture, Maize Production, Small-scale Farmers, Socioeconomic Factors, Ghana

Abstract: Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a major constraint to cashew production in Ghana. This study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of synthetic fungicides and soybean extract against C. gloeosporioides isolated from infected cashew tissues. Five synthetic fungicides (carbendazim, mancozeb, chlorothalonil, copper oxychloride, and thiophanate-methyl) and crude soybean extract were tested at different concentrations. Fungicide efficacy was assessed through mycelial growth inhibition and spore germination assays. Results showed that carbendazim was the most effective synthetic fungicide with 98.7% mycelial inhibition at 100 ppm, followed by thiophanate-methyl (95.2% inhibition). Soybean extract demonstrated significant antifungal activity with maximum inhibition of 82.4% at 20% concentration. Synergistic effects were observed when soybean extract was combined with sub-lethal doses of carbendazim, resulting in 99.2% inhibition. This study provides valuable data for developing integrated disease management strategies for cashew anthracnose in Ghana. Keywords: Anthracnose, Cashew, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fungicides, Soybean Extract, Plant Disease Management

Abstract: The Ghanaian economy is faced with mismatch with regard to the average cost of a healthy diet and food affordability index despite the progress made over the years towards ensuring sustainable food security and affordable food for consumers to curb hunger, thereby resulting in a moderate level of hunger level as depicted by global hunger index (GHI). Urgent action and policy solutions are needed to achieve zero hunger by 2030, addressing inequalities, transforming food systems, and promoting sustainable agriculture in order to achieve sustainable development goal 2. The study seeks to statistically model the projected affordability index (AI), self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) and the global hunger index for a robust and sustainable agriculture to achieve sustainable food security and agriculture in ending hunger in Ghana. The study used secondary data from Census of Agriculture contained in the Statsbank of Ghana Statistical Service. The results reveal Ghana’s global hunger index is projected to improve from moderate to low hunger with a GHI score of 8.5, whilst the self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) on the other hand is projected to hover around 97.3 and moderate affordability index. Innovative policies are informed by the results and the conclusion of the study. Keywords: Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture, Statistical Modeling, Global Hunger Index, Ghana Economy

Abstract: Soil liquefaction presents major risks to infrastructure in earthquake-prone areas. Machine learning (ML) algorithms enhance prediction accuracy; however, data imbalance poses a challenge. As one of the foremost papers on the application of ML for soil liquefaction prediction in Ghana, this study utilises a dataset comprising Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Groundwater Level (GWL), Relative Density (Dr), Natural Moisture Content (NMC), Atterberg Limits and Particle Size Distribution (PSD) from southwestern Accra, Ghana. The positive class in the dataset, representing liquefaction events, made up only 12.64%, requiring the use of the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) to correct the class imbalance. Evaluated were three machine learning models: Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest Classifier (RFC) and Support Vector Classifier (SVC). SMOTE enhanced recall, with LR rising from 0.50 to 0.88 and RFC from 0.50 to 0.75. The recall for SVC increased to 0.62. Precision decreased for LR (0.67 to 0.50) but increased for SVC (0.71), resulting in the highest F1-score (0.67). RFC achieved a precision of 0.67 and an F1-score of 0.71. SVC showed the highest predictive performance, with accuracy rising from 0.92 to 0.94 following SMOTE application. These findings underscore the potential of alternative machine learning methods in geotechnical engineering and the significance of SMOTE in improving predictions for imbalanced datasets. The study highlights the need to assess metrics beyond accuracy, especially in imbalanced datasets, to ensure reliable predictions in risk-sensitive areas such as soil liquefaction assessment. Keywords: Liquefaction, Machine Learning, Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Support Vector Classification, SMOTE, Seismic Hazard

Abstract: Most research reports on the phytochemical constituents of cocoa are on the bean and powder with very little on the importance of the vegetative parts of the cocoa tree. To identify and promote the utilization of these tree parts, the study evaluated the chemical components of cocoa roots and their application in alcoholic bitters production. Dry cocoa roots were screened for phytochemicals including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In an attempt to develop alcoholic bitters, dry cocoa roots were soaked in two alcoholic solutions with concentrations 85 and 43% (v) using three alcohol/root ratios of 9:1, 8:2 and 7:3 for each concentration. A total of 8 phytochemicals which included alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides as well as 60 VOCs such as lauryl alcohol and undecanoic acid were identified in the roots. Physicochemical analysis of the bitters revealed no significant differences among the bitters in terms of pH, Specific gravity (SG), and Brix for each alcohol solution. Sensory analysis revealed significant differences in terms of colour, brightness and bitter taste among experimental products developed (p < 0.05). However, the differences in their aromatic flavours were insignificant with 43% alcoholic bitters and 7:3 alcohol/root ratio having the highest acceptability score of 6.72. With an LD50 above 5000 mg/kg (b.w.), cocoa tree roots have the potential of being utilized in the beverage industry. Keywords: Cocoa, Phytochemicals, Alcoholic Bitters, Volatile Organic Compounds, Beverage Industry