Tamale Teaching Hospital

Yam serves as a cornerstone for food security in West Africa; however, it is categorized as an orphan crop due to little research on the nutritional composition of local yam varieties across different locations. The objective for this study is to determine mineral profiles of two popular white yam varieties (Larbako and Fusheini Billa) across three distinct locations in Northern Region of Ghana (Mion, Yendi and Zabzugu) while the specific objective was to evaluate how the location of cultivation, variety and interactive effects influences yam nutritional profile for six minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe and Zn). The design used in the study was a 2 x 3 factorial experiment with six distinct treatment groups. All the groups were analyzed in triplicates with a level of significance of P<.005. Mineral analysis was done in the Soil and Crop Department Laboratory of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The samples of yam were obtained at Mion District, Yendi Municipal and Zabzugu District. The mineral concentrations were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Flame Photometry, and complexometric titration. The results showed highly significant effects for both location and variety for potassium (P<.001), Calcium (P<.001 and P=.004), Magnesium (P<.001), Iron (P<.001) and highly significant interactive effects (LxV) were observed for Sodium (P<.001), Iron (P<.001) and Zinc (P<.001). The obtained values for the locations (Mion, Yendi, and Zabzugu) are; Iron ranged from 8.73-13.14%, Zinc levels ranged from 5.86% to 5.95%. Potassium levels ranged from 2.23% to 2.45%, Calcium levels ranged from 1.15% to 1.45%, Magnesium levels ranged from 0.53% to 0.65% and Sodium levels were the lowest being less than 0.052%. For yam varieties, Fusheini Billa outperformed Larbako in terms of mineral profile for Potassium (2.40%), Magnesium (0.61%), Iron (11.71%), and Zinc (6.36%). There were varying interactives effects for the six minerals. These findings demonstrate that the nutritional potential of white yam is location specific. Targeted location selection and cultivation of these yam varieties based on agroecological suitability can serve as a strategic intervention to address micronutrient deficiencies and enhance regional food security.

A growing body of literature argues in favor of the influence of organizational culture (OC) on firm performance (FP). Yet this consensus often emanates from studies that over-emphasize the direct culture–performance relationship, with methodologies that are deficient in revealing causal mechanisms and prone to giving ambiguous results. To address these gaps, this study proposes and tests an integrated theoretical framework, synthesizing the Schema Theory, Resource-Based View/Capability theory, and Contingency Theory of Firm Performance. This framework establishes a foundational influence mechanism of OC on performance, moving from cognitive schemas to actualized capabilities and environmental fit. Using data from 249 construction firms in Ghana, we employed a three-stage analytical process; using cluster analysis, we identified five cultural clusters, dominated by Clan and Adhocracy culture types (Organic cultures). Cross-tabulation revealed that large and resource-rich firms (D1K1 and D2K2) were more likely to exhibit balanced cultural profiles. Initial analysis using Kruskal–Wallis H Test showed no significant performance difference between balanced and organic clusters. However, when multiple regression was employed to control for firm classification and adverse industry conditions, the Balanced Culture profile emerged as a statistically significant predictor of superior performance. Consequently, we argue that while an Appropriate Culture, one dominated by organic traits and values, provides survival in a challenged environment, the Balanced Culture profile serves as a critical enabler of superior firm performance, once resource constraints and industry stressors are neutralized. Our findings hold particular importance for international–local joint ventures, where cultural alignment is a critical success factor. Additionally, the proposed framework establishes a robust theoretical foundation for future studies, especially those conceptualizing organizational culture as a foundational, independent variable.

Routing protocols are crucial in agricultural WSNs, enabling efficient data exchange and communication.However, energy consumption is a major constraint.The Developed Distributed Energy-Efficient Clustering (DDEEC) scheme has limitations, including neglecting average distance between nodes and the Base Station (BS) and wasting of energy by idle nodes.To address this, a modified DDEEC scheme, Improved Developed Distributed Energy Efficient Clustering (IDDEEC) is proposed.The new scheme, incorporates residual energy, average energy of the network, distance between cluster head (CH) and BS, and average distance between nodes and BS in CH selection.Inter-cluster multi-hop communication and sleep/wake schemes are also introduced in the new scheme.MATLAB R2018a simulations show the proposed scheme outperforms TDEEC and DDEEC in throughput, residual energy, and network lifetime whiles DDEEC provided better stability period.However, the proposed system is still suitable for precision agriculture applications than other two schemes.

BackgroundMalaria remains a leading cause of morbidity among children under five in Ghana despite widespread deployment of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Understanding the effectiveness of ITN use under routine programmatic conditions is essential for guiding national malaria control strategies. This study assessed the impact of ITN use on malaria infection among children under five and explored contextual factors that may influence intervention performance.MethodsWe analyzed nationally representative, georeferenced data from surveys in Ghana. Spatial quantile maps were created to describe regional patterns of ITN ownership, ITN use, indoor residual spraying (IRS), and malaria prevalence. Multilevel regression models, estimated using conventional and Bayesian approaches, examined the association between ITN use and malaria infection while accounting for enumeration area and regional clustering. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity scores was used to balance covariates, and the marginal odds of ITN use were estimated. We further estimated the risk difference (RD) using a linear probability model.ResultsThis study included a total of 11,481 children. Sleeping under an ITN led to an estimated 13% reduction in the odds of malaria infection (aOR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.81–0.93) and an absolute risk reduction of 2.2% (RD = − 0.022; 95% CI − 0.037 to − 0.006). Spatial analyses revealed misalignment between intervention coverage and malaria burden, while behavioral and contextual factors likely contributed to the modest effect size.ConclusionsITN use provides meaningful but limited protection against malaria infection among young children in Ghana. Strengthening malaria control will require attention to behavioral and contextual drivers of exposure and improved alignment of interventions with local transmission patterns.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41182-026-00932-8.

Lifelong health is profoundly shaped by our earliest environments. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework demonstrates how health, nutrition and nurture from preconception through adolescence determine the trajectory of wellbeing and the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. Africa offers a unique lens for examining how nations can intervene early to curb the future burden of NCDs. Across Africa, this understanding arrives at a critical juncture. As the continent faces a rising tide of NCDs, its children, adolescents, and families still hold the power to reshape their lifelong health destinies. Amid rapidly changing social and nutritional landscapes, schools emerge as pivotal platforms for prevention amongst other strategies involving health systems and innovative technologies. Embedding DOHaD principles into school-based health education, by emphasizing optimal nutrition, informed parenting, and the life-long benefits of breastfeeding can equip young people with the knowledge and agency to protect their own health and that of future generations. By translating scientific evidence into culturally grounded, community-driven action, we can cultivate health-literate, resilient societies that thrive free from preventable diseases. Investing in early-life interventions and multisectoral partnerships transforms the fight against NCDs from a reactive struggle to a collective opportunity for health, equity, and sustainable development to ensure that every generation grows stronger at every age united against the lifelong shadow of NCDs.

Telemedicine requires the provision of medical images over unstable networks in a secure manner. Traditional hybrid cryptographic algorithms e.g. ECC-LSB watermarking provide confidentiality, but are often limited by a large computational cost hence limiting its use to real time. This paper, in turn, offers a lightweight security architecture that integrates Least Significant Bit (LSB) watermarking, Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme (ECIES) and the Advanced Encryption Standard in Counter Mode (AES-CTR) to provide fast and secure encryption of medical images. The red channel of every image is watermarked through LSB watermarking to store Patient Electronic Health Records (EHR), and the RGB channels are encrypted with AES-CTR independently, making it possible to perform parallel processing. ECIES is used to transfer symmetric encryption keys. The security of the proposed framework is evaluated in terms of confidentiality, integrity preservation, and resistance to common attacks. Experimental results, validated against conventional ECC-based LSB watermarking schemes, demonstrate superior image quality with MSE of 0.0022, PSNR of 74.64 dB, and UIQI of 1.0, while achieving encryption and decryption times below 0.3 seconds, throughput at 1.51MB/s and 1.91MB/s respectively which makes it suitable to the real-time telemedicine and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) settings.

Aquaculture has surpassed capture fisheries in terms of production and is among the fastest growing food sectors. It has great potential to contribute to food security and nutrition, poverty reduction, jobs, and environmental sustainability. Fish seed is increasingly considered to be a major driver and disabler of aquaculture development. However, little is known about how fish seed systems operate, their challenges and opportunities, or entry points for strengthening them. This study analyzes primary data on the challenges and opportunities faced by various actors along the fish seed chain, documents the lessons from a fish seed project (Ghana Tilapia Seed Project, 2019–2022), and provides an analysis of entry points for strengthening fish seed systems. Using an analytical framework that tracks germplasm base, seed production and quality, seed availability and distribution, and the information flow along the fish seed value chain, we analyze the case of Ghana, the top producer of farmed tilapia in sub-Saharan Africa. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, including value chain analysis, action-oriented research methods, and statistical analysis of survey data. Findings indicate that the initial rapid growth in tilapia production in Ghana was partly due to an improved local strain released in 2004; however, the recent stagnation is largely caused by seed-related issues (poor maintenance and improvement of germplasm base, seed quality and availability, lack of information and coordination, and lack of enforcement of regulations). This study highlights the successes and lessons learned from the Ghana Tilapia Seed Project on broodstock distribution, training on fingerling production, establishment of nurseries, and training of fish farmers. The lessons highlight the need for policy changes and capacity building related to strain development and broodstock management. These findings fill the large gap in evidence on the functioning of fish seed systems and how to strengthen them. They can directly inform ongoing country-level efforts and programs aiming to develop aquaculture. • Initial rapid growth in tilapia production in Ghana is partly due to improved strain. • Recent stagnation is largely due to challenges with low seed quality and availability. • New broodstock, hatchery training, and new nurseries increased seed supply and demand. • Training and digital tools led to more farmer's knowledge, productivity, and income. • Seed policy change and capacity to evaluate and manage multiple strains are needed.

This study explores the emerging role of museums and cultural spaces in Ghana as platforms for promoting mental health and social inclusion. Drawing on an interdisciplinary qualitative framework that integrates public health, psychology, museum studies, and cultural theory, it investigates how cultural institutions contribute to psychosocial well-being and community cohesion. A multi-site case study approach was used, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations, participatory workshops, and document analysis across three key institutions, including the National Museum of Ghana, the Manhyia Palace Museum, and the Nubuke Foundation. A total of thirty (30) participants engaged in the study with the use of the maximum variation of the purposive sampling strategy. The findings suggest that museums function as therapeutic and affective spaces, fostering emotional healing, identity affirmation, and a sense of belonging through aesthetic engagement, storytelling, and participatory programming. However, the study identifies structural barriers to inclusion, such as limited accessibility, under-representation of marginalized voices, and weak integration with health policy frameworks. Furthermore, innovations like art therapy workshops, social prescribing initiatives, and digital outreach demonstrate considerable promise in expanding museums’ social roles. The study concludes by calling for strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and policy investment to fully realize the psychosocial and inclusive potential of Ghanaian museums. It recommends developing therapeutic, community-based programs in partnership with psychologists, social workers, and local organizations to promote mental health and social connection. Contributing to global discussions on museum-based health interventions, the study highlights African-centered approaches and argues for a culturally grounded, community-responsive museum practice.

Abstract Current climate change adaptation assessments are limited in their scope, accuracy, and relevance to local contexts. Here, we present an improved assessment approach using coproduction, applied to locally led adaptation (LLA) to flood risk in Tamale, Ghana. Through a multi-year process, including participatory ranking, focus groups, and household surveys, 11 solutions were assessed. Assessments considered multiple risk-reduction mechanisms, equity, sustainability, and co-impacts. Community-based and behavioural solutions, such as collective action and tree planting, were deemed most effective, whilst structural and technical solutions were ranked lower. By integrating these assessments into a flood risk model, we show that LLA approaches significantly reduced flood risk overall but did not address existing inequalities. Our results showcase the potential of coproduction to increase the scope and robustness of adaptation assessments and highlight practical challenges of delivering on the LLA principles in real-world settings.

Mathematical modeling and artificial intelligence play a critical role in optimizing food drying processes. This study innovatively combines thermodynamic, kinetic, and energy performance modeling of an IR-HA conveyor-belt dryer for Moringa oleifera leaves with multi-criteria optimization utilizing Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Self-Organizing Maps (SOM). Drying experiments were conducted at air velocities ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 m/s, air temperatures of 30–50 °C, and infrared intensities of 100–600 W/cm². It was observed that increasing the air temperature from 30 to 50 °C and the IR intensity from 100 to 600 W/cm² significantly shortened the drying time by up to 42 % and reduced the specific energy consumption (SEC) from 4.3 to 2.1 MJ/kg. In contrast, higher airflow increased the drying time by 18 % and raised the SEC. The drying process exhibited an accelerating followed by a falling rate period, with the Midilli and Kucuk model providing the best fit to experimental curves (R² > 0.99, RMSE < 0.004). Maximum drying and thermal efficiencies of 29 % and 27 %, respectively, were achieved. To enhance predictive capability, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) were integrated with thermodynamic and kinetic modeling, enabling accurate prediction and clustering of optimal operating conditions. The proposed framework offers practical guidance for scaling up IR–HA conveyor drying of temperature-sensitive products, ensuring energy efficiency, sustainability, and quality preservation. This investigation examines the limitations of previous research on energy optimization and efficiency analysis of Moringa leaves using a conveyor belt dryer. Additional studies are necessary to assess the economic feasibility of implementing such a system for sample drying and to understand how drying affects the thermal properties of the products.