An environmental pollution investigation was carried out to determine the concentrations of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) (heavy metals) in the surface water and river water bed sediments of lagoons and estuaries along the coastal belt of Ghana. The study assessed the environmental pollution situation and evaluated their sources and distribution of these metals. The total concentrations of Al, As, Cd, and Hg were determined by the neutron activation analysis technique. Water and sediment samples were collected from the Benya, Fosu, and Narkwa lagoons in the Central Region and from the Pra estuary in the western part of Ghana. Some indices, such as contamination factor, pollution-load index, contamination degree, and geoaccumulation index, were used to assess eco-environmental quality of the sampling sites. The analysis indicated that the Fosu lagoon was fairly polluted with Cd. The investigation indicated a highly localized distribution pattern closely associated with the two pollution sources (garbage/solid waste dumps and industrial activities) along the coastal belt. The resulting environmental deterioration required a concerted evaluative effort by all stakeholders.

This aper examines the status of the tilapia fishery in Fosu Lagoon at Cape Coast, in the Central Region of GLana (5'07' N, l"16' W). The blackchin tila ia, Sarotherodon melanotheron (Ruppel), constitutes about 90% by weight of the total fish catch, and t ! e annual yield of 452-664 kg/ha is ap reciably higher than those reported for other tropical lagoons. Variations in the CPUE (0.30-0.96 &g/man-h) were related to fluctuations in the water level of the lagoon. Using the ELEFAN method, estimates of the growth and mortality parameters, based on length-frequency data were: Loo = 16.1 cm TL, K = 0.82/ yr, Z = 4.95/yr, M = 1.90/yr and F = 3.05/yr. The growth estimates and the maturity-length ratio suggest that the population is stunted. The mean length at first capture (Lcso) was estimated to be 6.2 cm TL. Although the present rate of exploitation (E = 0.62) appears high, an analysis of the relative yielder-recruit (Y'/R) and high recruitment shows that this exploitation rate can be maintained by the Egoon population. Recruitment occurs throughout the year with two peaks, and this probably ensures the sustenance of the high yield.

The study sought to find out the views of pupils, teachers and parents on the usefulness of the educational curriculum (i.e. organization, content and methodology) and cocurricular activities in the preparation of pupils for future employment. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used in collecting data for the study across the length and breadth of Ghana from rural, semi-urban and urban areas. Parents believed educating their children could lead to their economic empowerment by getting them wellpaid jobs in the future. Teachers and parents as well as pupils themselves considered English, mathematics and science as the most useful subjects to prepare pupils for future work. Similarly, parents, pupils and teachers were in agreement on sports, games, quizzes, debates and music and dance as the most preferred activities of pupils. On the other hand, subjects least preferred by pupils were named by teachers, pupils and parents as pre-technical kills, re-vocational skills and Ghanaian Languages, probably because they were considered difficult, uninteresting and lacking job relevance. Respondents-teachers, parents and pupils-felt that the ability to carry out instructions correctly, punctuality, honesty and ability to work effectively as a member of a group are attributes learners will need to be equipped with in preparation for future work. It was also proposed that such attributes as respect of authority, tolerance and regular attendance should be imbued in learners at school in preparation for work. The other attributes proposed include computational skills, problem solving skills, initiative, logical thinking, creativity, adaptability, moral integrity, self-confidence, practical skills and jobcentred skills. There was total agreement among pupils, teachers and parents over the relative emphasis schools placed on the preparation for further education with its focus on academic knowledge and the pursuit of success in national examinations than life in the community with its emphasis on citizenship and development of responsible attitude to life in the community. It is recommended that much needs to be done to raise the standard of all forms of career guidance and counseling in schools. For effective linkage of the school curriculum and future workplace ethics and skills and positive attitudes at workplace, it is strongly recommended that all stakeholders of education including industry and employers should be involved in the process of curriculum development.

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the influence of season and day length on production traits, egg characteristics, fertility and hatchability of laying Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). Study Design: Factorial design was used for the study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, Mampong campus from September, 2015 to December, 2016. Methodology: Four (4) hens and one (1) male per replicate and fifteen (15) per treatment were each subjected to 12 hours of artificial light and 12 hours of darkness (12L:12D), 14hours of artificial light and 10 hours of darkness (14L:10D), 16hours of artificial light and 8 hours of darkness (16L:8D) and 18hours of artificial light and 6 hours of darkness (18L:6D). Each group was replicated three times and reared in three seasons (Dry-December-March, Major rains-April-July and Minor rains-August-November) in a 3x4 factorial experiment. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS. Results: Results showed that egg weight, hen-day egg production and egg mass increased (P= .05) with increasing day length. Similar results were observed for yolk height, yolk weight and albumin height. Most production traits, egg characteristics, fertility and hatchability attained the highest (P= .05) value in the major rainy season. Conclusion: It was concluded that day length of 14-16 hours is sufficient for improved laying performance and that breeding cycles should be planned to coincide with the major rainy season.

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