Emmanuel Amankwah

This study investigates the social and environmental consequences of student behaviors that predispose them to environmental health risks in Ghanaian higher educational institutions (HEIs). Using a risk assessment model and hierarchization matrix analysis, the project identified students as the most sensitive human element in the academic environmental management system (AEMS), while university administrators emerged as the most affecting. Risk scenarios were modeled to assess the likelihood and severity of harm. Results revealed students (68%) consistently engage in behaviors that heighten exposure to environmental hazards. The findings highlight the urgent need for safety culture reforms in universities and suggest the adoption of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to institutionalize hazard mitigation. This paper presents the study’s social impact, methodology, and broader implications for environmental and public health management in HEIs.

Microalgae are a promising renewable energy source due to their rapid growth, high nutritional value, and minimal competition with food production. The study evaluates the feasibility of large‐scale algae‐based biofuel production in Ghana, contributing to the global shift toward sustainable energy. A review of existing literature reveals that Ghana currently lacks small‐scale algae cultivation initiatives, highlighting a gap in the country’s biofuel sector. A study claims that scaling up a 1000‐L open raceway bioreactor for bio‐crude lipid production would require an initial investment of approximately USD 24,596. Despite the theoretical viability of algae biofuels, several challenges hinder commercialization, including Ghana’s reliance on traditional biomass, lack of supporting policy, and the absence of a market for algae‐based products. These factors create significant barriers to investment and large‐scale production. However, given the increasing global demand for renewable energy, strategic policies, financial incentives, and further research could pave way for algae‐based biofuels as a viable alternative in Ghana’s energy mix. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions by government and stakeholders, ensuring the integration of microalgae into Ghana’s renewable energy strategy.

Thermal power generation is the main source of power in the energy mix of the country. Erratic rainfall patterns, the high cost of fossil fuel for thermal generation, and increase electricity demand have contributed to rampant power outages in the recent past. This paper examined energy conservation and efficiency awareness practices of households in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. It assessed the level and variability in energy conservation practices and the level of energy-savings awareness education among households. Three hundred and ninety-six households were randomly selected from nine communities using stratified sampling techniques. Five stakeholders from the electricity sector were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews. The data sets were modeled using the utility maximization framework to econometrically estimate socioeconomic factors influencing the energy conservation behaviour of households. The findings reveal that years spent in school by household heads, income levels, expenditure, age of households, and the number of times electricity power triples off daily were among the key factors influencing individual households’ choice of energy-efficient appliances. There was significant variability between existing social strata in terms of income and use of electrical appliances among households that warrants policy direction. Based on the findings, this study recommends a robust energy literacy program to improve households’ energy efficiency practices awareness, and to ensure energy cost savings, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation that will enhance the drive towards achieving sustainable development goals seven.

Effects of crop residues for animal consumption and soil enhancement on the electricity generation potential of residues: A case study of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district, Ghana

Agriculture is the backbone of the Ghanaian economy and serve as a source of employment, income generation and poverty reduction for many people in the agricultural value chain. Agriculture over the years has contributed significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) until recently when the performance of the sector and the contribution to GDP began to dwindled. With the current economic challenges after COVID-19, high fuel costs and ravaging food prices, every effort should be put in place to increase food production to reduce food importation which put pressure on the local currency and drives food prices high. The introduction of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) policy was to boost agricultural productivity, eliminate hunger, reduce poverty, achieve food sufficiency and reduce unemployment. The policy is also to helps achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 1- No Poverty and Goal 2 - Zero hunger especially in this post-COVID era. This paper was carried out by reviewing policy documents, articles and interacting with certain stakeholders on the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. The PFJ policy hinges on five pillars namely: improved seeds, fertilizer supply, dedicated extension services; market, and e-agriculture. However, the policy is flawed with many challenges. The review showed that the policy lacks clear direction as regards its implementation. Key implementation features such as provision of irrigation facilities, introduction of mechanization services, dedicated market for farmers’ produce and land tenure systems among others were major issues. It was also observed that there were poor monitoring and evaluation, corrupt practices such as the diversion of improved seeds and fertilizers, high cost of farm inputs and lack of sustainability plan as in the case of previous interventions. This article will, therefore, help policymakers and the government to review and focus on key areas of the policy that will improve food production, create jobs, ensure food security and transform the general economy.