Purpose: This study aims to investigate and characterise the fashion and textile (FT) waste stream in Accra, Ghana. Specifically, it focuses on identifying significant sources of FT waste, current management practices, and the potential of upcycling. As the global fashion industry increasingly addresses sustainability challenges, understanding localised waste patterns is crucial for developing effective, circular, and sustainable interventions tailored to the needs of the developing world. Methodology/Design: Employing a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted, utilising snowball sampling to recruit 11 participants who are experts and key stakeholders in the fashion, waste management, and sustainability sectors in Accra. In-depth data were collected through online interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp, with all sessions audio recorded. The data were analysed with NVivo software, enabling systematic thematic coding and interpretation. Participant interviews were supplemented with government reports and academic literature, triangulating the data to provide a broader context. The study received ethical approval from De Montfort University (DMU) and followed DMU's research ethics policy, including obtaining informed consent from all participants. Findings: Initial findings reveal that the FT waste stream in Accra is primarily driven by imports of second-hand clothing, surplus from local production, and inadequate waste sorting. Participants emphasised the lack of formal infrastructure (e.g., dedicated textile recycling centres), limited public awareness, and weak enforcement of relevant policies. However, there was consensus on the emergence of community-led movements/initiatives focused on upcycling and reuse. The findings also suggest growing awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of reducing textile waste by creating valuable products. Practical and Social Implications: This study provides policymakers, environmental organisations, and social entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to improve the sustainable management of FT waste. Furthermore, it raises social awareness by highlighting how community-driven solutions and active stakeholder engagement can foster eco-innovation and advance circular economy practices in urban Ghana. Originality: The study addresses an important research gap by presenting one of the first qualitative analyses of the fashion and clothing waste context in Accra. By integrating local perspectives with global sustainability discourses, it offers a unique contribution to the field. Its emphasis on upcycling and the inclusion of diverse stakeholder voices enhances its originality, positioning it as a valuable addition to both theoretical and practical research on sustainable fashion and waste reduction in sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present a mini-integrated review on upcycling as a marketing strategy used by brands in promoting sustainability. Upcycling has emerged as a promising strategy for sustainability in the fashion industry. Activities within the industry have resulted in the release of toxic chemicals, carbon emissions and unsustainable products with significant environmental impacts. This has influenced manufacturers and researchers to adopt alternative but sustainable approaches. Design/methodology/approach – In this mini-integrated review, relevant documents and information were sourced from appropriate databases and websites to provide a brief insight into upcycling as a marketing tool. Findings – This mini-integrated review further provides insight into how effective upcycling can be integrated into a brand’s marketing strategy as a tool to communicate its commitment to sustainability and the production of high-value products for consumer satisfaction. It concludes that the fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, and the practice of upcycling has surfaced as a potential solution to address issues of sustainability paving the way for further studies. Originality/value – Brands use upcycling to differentiate themselves from competitors and appeal to consumers who prioritize sustainability. By emphasizing the environmental benefits of upcycling, brands can position themselves as leaders in the domain of sustainable fashion practices.

The development of e-textiles for various sensing and health monitoring applications has remained difficult because the printed electronic inks must be highly stable on textile substrates, yet flexible enough to adapt to the human contour. Despite the adverse challenges, significant progress has been made over the last few years in the formulation and application of conductive inks for e-textiles. This mini systematic review, therefore, presents the recent advancements in the formulation and application of conductive inks for e-textiles in concert with the clarion call for sustainable textiles. The Scopus database was used to identify relevant publications within the field for effective analysis. After scrutinizing the bulk of publications, a total of 30 studies comprising articles and conference papers were selected and structured in 3 themes, namely, formulation of conductive inks for e-textiles, fabrication and printing methods, and challenges of fabricating conductive inks on textiles. Findings show that significant progress has been made toward formulating silver nanowire inks with exceptional conductivity and flexibility, stabilization of carbon nanotubes and graphene inks with consistent electrical properties, and high substantivity to different textile substrates without pretreatment. Subsequently, deposition techniques such as screen printing, ultrasonic spray coating, syringe-based deposition systems, and direct-write printing are being used for the full realization of printing conductive inks for e-textiles, and are highlighted in this paper. In general, technological advancements have increased the capabilities of e-textile devices made with conductive inks.

OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this study was to present a systematic review of the health-related problems of factory workers in the textile and fashion industry. These workers endure long sitting postures, poor workspace conditions, and long working hours to complete their overload of tasks. This situation results in several health problems that affect the productivity, mental health, and well-being of the workers.METHODS:The relevant data (21 article publications) were obtained from the Scopus database. Analysis of the 21 articles was grouped under 3 research themes based on the critical reading of the content and abstracts: respiratory problems, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological stressors and other health issues.RESULTS:The findings show that factory workers are exposed to dust particles of cotton and other raw materials, fumes, and chemicals from manufacturing processes. This prolonged exposure without the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) leads to respiratory diseases like byssinosis that affect the workers' health. Additionally, working in a particular posture due to the workstation design for prolonged hours causes musculoskeletal disorders or pains. Workers also suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress from workload and pressure, hence making them unstable with reduced productivity.CONCLUSIONS:The findings of the study reinforce the need for a safe workspace and spacious work environment, provision of PPE, training in occupational hazards, frequent health checks, and ergonomic assessment of workstations to reduce prolonged work postures. Stakeholders, employers, policymakers, and governments should collaborate to safeguard and protect the well-being and health of the workers at these factories.

Purpose Safety-related issues are prominent in dyeing workplaces and studios that result in accidents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the compliance towards health safety practices by students at the dyeing studios in selected universities in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A structured online questionnaire was developed and used to collect 285 responses from students studying at the textile and fashion department of ten universities in Ghana. The study used the partial least square (PLS) algorithm of the structural equational modelling (SEM) by bootstrapping with 5,000 samples in the SmartPLS-SEM version 4.0. Findings Students exhibited good attitudes with significant knowledge regarding health safety hazards at the dyeing studio. Results revealed that students’ attitudes significantly and positively affect their knowledge of health safety hazards; hence, as attitude increases, their knowledge of health safety hazards also increases. However, institutional support significantly and negatively affects the knowledge of health safety hazards by students at the dyeing studio. Subsequently, institutional support significantly and positively affects students’ attitudes towards health safety hazards at the dyeing studio; hence, as institutional support increases, their attitude towards health safety hazards also increases. In the moderation analysis, results showed that students’ attitude dampens the negative relationship between institutional support and student’s knowledge. Practical implications Work-related safety at the dyeing studios is very important to help drive for an injurious free hands-on practice with dyeing activities. Hence, the findings of this study call on institutions to provide appropriate personal protective equipments and first aid kits, effective training and supervision for workspace safety at the dyeing studios for students. This would go a long way to maintain good health safety practices during students’ dyeing activities at the studio, hence eliminating possible hazards. Originality/value The present study provides an in-depth understanding of how key variables such as institutional support influence the knowledge and attitude of students towards studio dyeing practices. Key findings from the study reiterated the importance of training workshops, state-of-the-art studios and adherence to safety by students to prevent injuries.

Fabricating printed electronic inks that are highly stable on textile substrates has remained a challenge for researchers to fully achieve e-textiles for various sensing and health monitoring applications. This review reports progress in addressing challenges with conductive inks for e-textiles. Relevant studies highlight major achievements including developing stable carbon nanotube and graphene inks with consistent electrical properties, formulating silver nanowire inks with excellent conductivity and flexibility, and enhancing the adhesion of carbon nanotube inks to fabrics without pretreatment. Key findings show improved dispersion and biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes using silk protein, high stability of graphene inks in optimized solvents, and flexible semiconductor inks able to withstand bending. Overall, advances have expanded the capabilities of e-textile devices fabricated with conductive inks.

Controlling migration, especially the irregular type, has been an issue of global concern and one of the contending issues in academic discourse today. The study sought to create a reflection of human migration in the national developmental agenda through textile art. As a qualitative study, the Practice-based research design was adopted. Also, conceptual fabrics in the Ghanaian context were used since they add more meaning to stories with their conceptual nature. With immigrants, immigration officers, and refugee camp officers as a target, a sample size of 15 coupled with 105 engaged in an exhibition was considered. Interviews and Observations were used as instruments to solicit information from the participants. The study reveals the suitability of textile art in story-telling on pressing issues using mixed-media and panel concepts of art creation. It is recommended that artists should pay attention to pressing issues like migration in their creations to ensure national development.

The fashion industry has contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, hence global environmental pollution. Recent happenings in the fashion industry especially activities of fast fashion have promoted rapid production of apparel and accessories to meet the taste and preferences of consumers. These products have resulted in clothing waste ending up in landfills, or burnt in the open, which poses severe environmental risks. Considering this, a mini review was conducted to investigate sustainable technological innovations within circular fashion and bio-based materials which have been advanced in the fashion industry. These recent advances have influenced the possibility of ensuring a cost-effective solution for consumers, limiting waste, and reducing carbon emissions in the environment. Furthermore, we present a selection of case studies by brands and designers on new approaches and materials developed within the circular fashion concept and for bio-based materials. Findings show varying approaches and technologies developed within the circular fashion concept to reduce clothing waste products in the environment. Circular fashion has introduced approaches such as resale, repair, and rent models, the concept of recycling for textile waste, and the concept of disassembly in design which ensures the possibility of easily deconstructing the various parts of a product without any difficulty. Additionally, the development of bio-fabricated materials, bio-dyes, and do-it-yourself (DIY) materials from natural sources has promoted bio-materials with less environmental impact. Consumer perception remained an important element for effective sustainable fashion. Findings revealed that price plays a critical role in influencing consumers to purchase bio-based materials and recycled clothing, with others willing to buy these products due to the environmental impact. It is recommended for effective collaborative efforts between consumers, industry, and the government, for a positive mindset and shift towards a sustained fashion industry.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the physical, ultraviolet (UV), colour appearance and colour fastness properties of selected fabrics dyed with natural dyes from Daboya and Ntonso communities of Ghana. The study further highlights the rich cultural heritage of traditional dyeing from these two communities. Craftsmen in West Africa especially Ghana, have sustained the traditional dyeing methods to produce textile products for consumers. Design/methodology/approach In this study, two sample fabrics were purchased from craftsmen at Ntonso and Daboya communities in Ghana. These fabrics were analysed at the laboratory under standard test methods for their physical, UV, colour appearance and colour fastness properties. Findings Results showed that all the sample fabrics have good UV shielding performance (ratings above 50+). Daboya sample fabrics (dyed with indigo dyes) produced more colour stains than the sample fabrics from Ntonso (dyed with black “kuntunkuni” dyes). The K/S sum value or colour yield reduced after washing but that alternatively increased the calculated ultraviolet protection factor. Practical implications Findings from this study exposed the unique UV performance of dyed traditional fabrics (using natural dyes) from Ntonso and Daboya communities in Ghana. This inspires and enforces the need for craftsmen to improve their production cycle to produce these fabrics in different sizes which provides the necessary UV shielding abilities for consumers in the wake of climate changes. Originality/value This study demonstrated that the natural dyeing process at the two communities produced relatively good UV and colour fastness properties of the sample fabrics. These eco-friendly dyeing practices have survived over time to maintain and promote the concept of sustainability within the textile and fashion industry in Ghana.

The culture and artistic heritage of Ghana have been endorsed by the rich influence of Akan symbols like Adinkra, the akuaba doll, and others from various ethnic groups. However, the integration of ethnically unique near-extinct symbols into an art piece to highlight the cultural diversity of Ghana for wall hanging is rare. This work brings to life indigenous Ghanaian symbols on the verge of extinction from four ethnic groups, namely, the Akan, Ewe, Ga-Adangbe, and Mole-Dagbani to design a wall hanging for interior decoration, especially for public spaces by adopting Cora Marshal's aesthetico research to generate a "Quali-Aesthetico" model. The design aesthetically ingrained conceptual aboriginal art and near-extinct indigenous Ghanaian symbols from the four ethnic groups as inspiration. The creative integration of these symbols yielded an interesting art piece that provides a unique ambiance for a simulated interior-decorated airport and an art gallery suitably displayed on flat interior surfaces. Besides the artistic expression of the art piece, interpretations of the uniquely combined symbols and their philosophical meanings have been provided to educate the public about the rich Ghanaian cultural heritage. The art piece also seeks to preserve near-extinct identity symbols and create a sense of belonging for the younger generation.

The issue of second-hand clothing which is exported from Europe and America into the African market remains a critical problem that poses threats to the eco-system. These clothing are sometimes unusable and have a limited life span which is eventually disposed of into landfills and water bodies. Thus, producing smells and toxic chemicals that pollute the air and environment when burnt or left to decompose. These indiscriminate disposals have been a major concern to citizens, stakeholders, and Governments. With the recurring threats posed by this practice, new technological innovations have been proposed and developed by leading brands and new start-ups in the industry to limit such negative impacts. Several studies on second-hand clothing are from the Global South, with limited research conducted by researchers within developing countries to understand the influence of behaviours and attitudes of consumers on the purchase of this clothing. Hence, this paper presents the first attempt to understand consumer attitudes towards the purchase and disposal of second-hand clothing in the environment of Ghana. Furthermore, the initial sections of the paper highlight new technologies and approaches developed by global brands and start-ups in Africa to curb second-hand clothing waste. A structured online questionnaire was developed and used to collect empirical data from 135 consumers in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions of Ghana, a context that few studies have focused on. The regression analysis revealed that both attitude and disposal behaviour have a significantly positive influence on the consumption intention of consumers. Lastly, attitude had a positive and no significant impact on the relationship between disposal behaviour and consumption intention. Findings contribute to appropriate policy and regulation formation, the need for education, and environmental perspectives on the effects of these clothing for the implementation of circular initiatives. Hence, the study recommends the provision of waste bins, the establishment of recycling plants, and the enforcement of strict regulations to limit the importation of second-hand clothing into the Ghanaian markets.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is manifested by irreversible worsening renal function and is associated with proteinuria and hyperuricaemia.Objective: To determine the prevalence of CKD, hyperuricaemia and proteinuria and explore the relationship between CKD, hyperuricaemia and proteinuria among outpatients in Banjul, The Gambia.Design: Prospective cross-sectional studySetting: Outpatient clinics of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and Medical Research Council Laboratories in Banjul.Methods: Two hundred and eight consecutive patients with hypertension on treatment and 108 nonhypertensive patients aged over 25years were enrolled. A questionnaire was filled and anthropometric measurements were taken. An oral glucose tolerance test was done. Serum uric acid and creatinine were determined from venous blood samples and proteinuria was determined by urine dipsticks. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft and Gault equation. CKD was defined and classified by The National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Diseases Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines.Results: The results of 300 participants were included in this analysis. The prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 36%, proteinuria 25% and CKD 41% (10.7% of participants had Stage 1, 6.7% Stage 2, 21.7% Stage 3, 1.3% Stage 4 and 0.3% Stage 5). The mean uric acid was 0.33 (0.13) mmol/L, mean creatinine 88.1 (54.1) μmol/L and mean GFR was 103.2 (80.2) ml/min/1.73 m2 .There was a strong and significant association between hyperuricaemia, proteinuria and CKD among these participants before and even after controlling for age, sex, hypertension and diabetes mellitus.Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD, hyperuricaemia and proteinuria in patients attending clinics in Banjul was high. There was a strong and significant association between CKD, hyperuricaemia and proteinuria.

The incidence of ESRD seems to be increasing in Ghana as with the rest of the world. This study compared the sociodemographic features, diagnostic characteristics (clinical, biochemical and imaging) and clinical outcomes of ESRD patients who chose either RRT or conservative therapy as well as the factors that influenced their choice.

This study evaluates, among others, the employment status, performance and job satisfaction of graduates of the BA Industrial Art programme from 2012 to 2017. The objective is to serve as a guide for programme revision and policy direction to fill curriculum gaps in meeting the expectations of the industry. The study was based on mixed-method research design involving quantitative and qualitative approaches and employs descriptive survey and observational methods through triangulation of questionnaire and interviews. Data collected through questionnaire were analysed with SPSS, whereas thematic analysis was used for data obtained through interviews. The study finds 20% of the 350 sampled population with relevant jobs in their respective fields of study. 45% have no jobs whereas 35% have diverted into other fields due to lack of employment in their areas of specialisation. The need to revise the industrial art programme into job-specific programmes or develop demand-driven programmes to address the needs of industry is highly recommended. This is to make the programme relevant to reflect current best practices towards the training of right calibre of graduates, who will fit into specific positions in the industry for sustainable development of the industrial art subsector.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is routinely diagnosed by creatinine-based guidelines, which is sub-optimal marker after injury due to renal and non-renal factors. This has necessitated the need for more specific and sensitive biomarkers for early detection of AKI in at risk patients. This prospective cross-sectional study used the biomarkers of cell cycle arrest and Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) to assess AKI among hospitalized patients.Methods: We conveniently enrolled 151 in-patients at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Winneba in Ghana. Socio-demographic and clinical information were collected using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of serum creatinine, and AKI diagnosed and staged using the KDIGO guideline. Fresh urine samples were collected and urinary NGAL, TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 2) and IGFBP-7 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7) were estimated using ELISA kits.Results: The cell cycle arrest biomarkers and NGAL were significantly (P < 0.001) higher among participants with AKI than those without AKI. [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP-7] showed the best diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.94, CI = 0.90-0.98) followed by [IGFBP-7]*NGAL] (AUC = 0.93, CI = 0.87-0.99), with NGAL having the least (AUC = 0.62, CI = 0.46-0.78). The cut-off for [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP-7] showed the best predictive ability (95.8% sensitivity, 77.2% specificity, 44.2% PPV and 99% NPV). The cut-off for NGAL, on the other hand, showed the least predictive ability (62.5% sensitivity, 42.5% specificity, 17.0% PPV and 85.7% NPV).Conclusion: Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) best predicts the development of AKI, and can be used in high risk patients for early diagnosis of AKI.

Background: Although visceral fat (VF) and its influence on cardiovascular diseases have been extensively studied among diabetic patients, there is a need for an easier, and less expensive but equally good predictor for VF. This study was conducted to assess potential anthropometric measurements that can be directly linked to visceral fat levels among diabetic patients. Method: 405 diabetic patients attending the Diabetic clinic of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi-Ghana were recruited. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic background and brief medical history. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by direct measurement and visceral fat levels was measured using the Body Composition Monitor (Omron (R) 500, Germany) which generated digital results on a screen. Results: The total participants comprised 81 males and 324 females, with an average age of 58.5 +/- 9.9 years. The females exhibited a higher mean waist circumference (101.4 +/- 12.3 cm) and average hip circumference (104.6 +/- 9.9 cm) than the males. The female participants also had higher body mass index (BMI) (28.3 +/- 5.1 kg/m(2)) compared to males (26.5 +/- 4.2 kg/m(2)). The association between VF and waist circumference was r = 0.631, p < 0.001, followed by hip circumference (r = 0.536; p < 0.001). The significant predictive abilities of waist circumference and hip circumference to identify diabetic patients with high visceral fat were AUC = 0.787; p < 0.001 and AUC = 0.786; p < 0.001, respectively. Conclusion: Waist circumference and hip circumference promise to be potential alternative predictors of visceral fat accumulation in type 2 diabetes.