University of Energy & Natural Resources
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PublicationsThis community contains various publications of Academic Staff of the University of Energy and Natural ResourcesBrowse community ReportsThe Reports Community in the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Institutional Repository serves as a centralized hub for institutional, research, and technical reports. This collection highlights the comprehensive work undertaken by UENR’s faculty, researchers, and students, as well as collaborative projects with local and international partners.Browse community School of EngineeringExplore the collections and items in this community.Browse community School of Information StudiesExplore the collections and items in this community.Browse community School of Natural ResourcesExplore the collections and items in this community.Browse community School of ScienceExplore the collections and items in this community.Browse community ThesesThe Theses Community is a dedicated space within the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Institutional Repository for preserving and showcasing the academic excellence and research output of our studentsBrowse community Vice Chancellor's ReportExplore the collections and items in this community.Browse community Working DocumentsExplore the collections and items in this community.Browse community
Recent Submissions
The latest research added to the repository.
ArticleWhom Do I Ask? First-Time Postpartum Mothers in a Developing EconomyThere is seemingly no clear path to obtain the relevant information during postpartum as
there is limited understanding of the information-seeking behaviour of postpartum women in recent times
and difficulty in getting adequate healthcare information in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, numerous studies
exist on information needs and information-seeking behaviour in the health sector, but none emphasized both
the health information needs and information-seeking behaviour of postpartum women.
This study aimed to investigate the health information needs and the information-seeking behaviour
of first-time postpartum mothers in the Sunyani Municipal Hospital in Ghana.
The study employed a cross-sectional survey which used a quantitative research approach and a
convenience sampling technique to sample 139 first-time mothers using a questionnaire that is based on a
scientific understanding of how people find and use information.
It was revealed that the majority of first-time mothers had experienced the need for health
information and had adequate knowledge about health issues but inadequate or moderate knowledge of
postpartum health issues. Their most preferred source of health information is the healthcare professional
due to their trust in them, and first-time mothers also consulted other informal sources without proper
evaluation.
The state of becoming a mother comes with its challenges, and as such, timely and accurate
health information is needed to help curb these challenges. Through training and education, government and
authorities can help protect postpartum mothers from harm.ThesisEvaluation of Potential Impacts of the Introduction of Electric Vehicles in the Transportation Sector in GhanaThis study evaluated the potential environmental, economic, and socio-technical impacts of adopting electric vehicles (EVs) in Ghana using well-to-wheels analysis, cost comparison, and policy review. Findings reveal that substituting internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) with EVs could reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by 30–45%, equivalent to 2.5–3.2 tonnes of CO₂ avoided per vehicle annually. Local air pollutants such as NOₓ and PM₂.₅ could decline by 25– 40% and up to 30%, respectively, improving air quality and public health. Although EVs currently cost 30–50% more than ICEVs, their lower operating costs yield annual savings of US$800–1,200, translating into lifetime savings of US$8,000–12,000 per vehicle. These benefits make EVs economically viable in the long term, especially with supportive government incentives. Policy implications emphasize the need for a coherent national EV framework integrating fiscal incentives, renewable-powered charging infrastructure, and public–private partnerships. Policymakers should prioritize EV integration into Ghana’s transport and energy systems through tax reforms, import duty waivers, and local manufacturing support. Electrifying commercial transport fleets could further enhance emission reductions and energy security.
The study contributes to existing literature by providing context-specific empirical evidence on EV adoption in Ghana, addressing gaps in environmental, economic, and policy analysis within developing economies. It extends the Diffusion of Innovations and Sustainable Development theories to assess socio-technical readiness and institutional feasibility in low- and middle-income contexts. Overall, EV adoption represents a viable pathway toward Ghana’s sustainable transport transition and national emission reduction goals.ThesisJoint Model for Cd4 Count Measurements and Time-to-First Occurrence of Hospitalization and Death Among Hiv And Tuberculosis Pericarditis PatientsThis study investigated the effects of Mycobacterium immunotherapy (M.w) and timevarying CD4 counts on survival outcomes, specifically the time to first hospitalization and death, in patients with HIV and tuberculosis (TB) pericarditis. Joint modeling techniques were used to integrate longitudinal CD4 measurements and survival data, adjusting for factors like age, gender, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) status. The analysis was conducted using linear mixed effects models and the Cox proportional hazards model, and the best model was selected based on performance criteria. The results showed that M.w treatment did not significantly impact the risk of death with a hazard ratio (HR = 0.404) or hospitalization (HR = 0.014) compared to placebo. However, a one-unit increase in CD4 count was associated with a 2% reduction in the risk of death and hospitalization.
Older patients (46+ years) had a higher risk of death (HR = 7.510), while ART use with (HR = 0.169) and heart rates above 100 beats per minute (HR = 0.064) were associated with reduced mortality risk. In conclusion, M.w treatment had no significant effect on survival outcomes, but higher CD4 counts, ART use, and heart rate were key predictors of reduced death risk.
Keywords: Joint modeling, CD4 count, HIV, Tuberculosis pericarditis, Survival analysis, Mycobacterium indicus pranii
Key implications for stakeholders: Results suggest integrating serial immunological markers (CD4 trends) into patient risk stratification and highlight the need for cautious evaluation of adjunctive immunotherapy (M.w).
DedicationArticleReceptor Modeling, Ecological Risks, and Human Health Impacts of Mercury in Some Ghanaian Topsoils due to Mining and Commercial ActivitiesGlobally, elevated environmental mercury levels have been linked to artisanal and
small-scale gold mining; however, investigations into mining communities often overlook other
potential sources and their contributions to soil mercury accumulation. This study explored the
positive matrix factorization receptor model to identify other possible sources of mercury
contamination in two major mining communities (Kenyasi and Obuasi) and a commercial city
(Sunyani) in Ghana. The mercury concentrations across the three study areas showed no
significant differences (p = 0.257 at the 95% confidence level). The positive matrix factorization
model identified mining as the major contributor to mercury accumulation in Obuasi and
Kenyasi, with other activities, such as farming, also contributing substantially. The generation
and burning of hazardous waste in the Sunyani municipality due to increased commercial.
activities have contributed significantly to mercury contamination. Although the hazard quotient
indicated no adverse health effects in the study areas (HQ < 1), the pollution and ecological risk
indices showed that Obuasi was significantly enriched with mercury, with considerable levels
found in Kenyasi and Sunyani. The results from this study will serve as a good database for
environmental studies on mercury particularly in Kenyasi and Sunyani, where there has not been
any extensive research on mercury contamination.ArticleSpatial Distribution, Bioaccessibility, and Human Health Implications of Potentially Toxic Elements in Mining‑Impacted Topsoils in Obuasi Municipality of GhanaPotential toxic elements emanating from
extracted ores during gold processing present occupational
and unintentional health hazards in communities,
the general populace, and the environment.
This study investigated the concentrations and potential
health effects of metal content in the topsoils of
Obuasi municipality, which has been mined for gold
over the past century. Surface topsoil samples, sieved
to 250 μm, were initially scanned for metals using
x-ray fluorescence techniques, followed by confirmation
via ICP-MS. In vitro bioaccessibility assays were
conducted using standard methods. The geoaccumulation
indices (Igeo) indicate high enrichment of As
(Igeo = 6.28) and Cd (Igeo = 3.80) in the soils, especially
in the eastern part of the municipality where
illegal artisanal mining is prevalent. Additionally, the
southern corridor, situated near a gold mine, exhibited
significant levels of As and Mn. Results obtained
for the total metal concentrations and contamination
indices confirmed the elevation of the studied potential
toxic elements in the Obuasi community. A hazard
index value of 4.42 and 3.30 among children and
adults, respectively, indicates that indigens, especially
children, are susceptible to non-cancer health effects.ArticleContamination Status of Residential and Farmland Surface Soils within the Sunyani Municipality of GhanaExposure to heavy metals poses serious human health and ecological threats, especially in developing countries where ecological risk assessment and remediation are often ignored. While many studies have reported heavy metal toxicities in rapidly urbanizing cities with increased anthropogenic activities, limited information exists on metal toxicities and their ecological risks in soils within the Sunyani Municipality. Top soils were sampled from residential and farmland surface soils and analyzed for the concentration and potential risks for nine heavy metals within Sunyani Municipality. Apart from As and Mn, the two study sites generally recorded elevated levels of all metals than the pristine soil samples from the University of Energy and Natural Resources botanical garden. Levels of chromium, copper, lead, and zinc were however marginally higher in residential surface soils than in the farmlands. The soil contamination factor and geoaccumulation index both revealed moderate As, Hg, and Mn contamination at the two study locations. Furthermore, the soil enrichment factor showed significant enrichment for arsenic and moderate enrichment for cadmium
in residential soils, while the farmland soils revealed moderate enrichment of As, Hg, and Mn. The potential ecological risk indices also showed considerable risk at both study locations, while the pollution load index revealed higher cumulative pollution in residential areas (PLI = 0.48) compared to the farmland surface soil (PLI = 0.40). The study therefore recommends the regulation of human activities and the use of chemicals that are possible sources of metal contamination
to maintain the metals’ baseline levels in the soil, and reduce their health and environmental impacts.
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