RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

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Open Access
Achieving higher GDP growth rates in Ghana
(Academic Research International, 2013-07) Enu, Patrick; Havi, E.D.K.; Osei-Gyimah, F.; Attah-Obeng, Prudence; Opoku, C.D.K.
The study is on achieving higher GDP growth in Ghana: which sector is to lead. The main objective of this paper was to examine the contributions of the agricultural, service and industrial sectors to economic growth in Ghana. Time series data from 1966 to 2011 on all the variables of interest was obtained from the World Development Indicators 2012 series. The Ordinary Least Squares estimation technique was used for the analysis. The results showed that a 1% increase in the growth of the agricultural sector will cause GDP growth to increase by 0.452849%. Also, a 1% increase in the growth of the services sector will lead to 0.376308% increase in GDP growth. Finally, 1% increase in the growth of the industrial sector will bring 0.1827% increase in GDP growth. All the explanatory variables are statistically significant at the 5% level of significance. It is concluded that the agriculture sector contributed most to the overall growth. It is recommended that for Ghana to achieve higher GDP growth rate, she should activate/strengthen the agricultural sector to lead the growth in the Ghanaian economy
Open Access
An investigation into how gender and age affect the perceived hedonic and utilitarian value of customers in shopping malls.
(The Retail and Marketing Review, 2023-11-30) Turkson J. Patrick; Amoah Felix; Eyk Van Marlé
This research aimed to examine the effect of gender and age on shopping mall customers’ perceived utilitarian and hedonic value. The quantitative study was followed, and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Only respondents who had shopped in shopping malls between November 2020 and January 2021 were recruited to complete the questionnaire. The final data analysis included 500 usable questionnaires. The study revealed a significant difference between the gender and utilitarian value of shoppers within the shopping malls. Similarly, significant differences were found amongst the ages of the respondents and in both hedonic and utilitarian value. Based on the empirical findings, it is recommended that shopping mall managers segment the activities of the shopping mall in terms of the gender of consumers to enhance effective targeting and satisfy consumer desires and needs. It is also suggested that managers of shopping malls strive to identify the pressing needs and desires of the various age groups who shop at the malls. This will assist shopping mall managers in their planning to fulfill customers’ expected hedonic and utilitarian value.
Open Access
Analysis of the Agricultural Sector of Ghana and Its Economic Impact on Economic Growth
(Academic Research International, 2014-07) Enu, Patrick
The research seeks to determine the impact of the agricultural sector on Ghana’s economic growth and the effect of the various sub- sectors of the agricultural sectors on Ghana’s economic growth. The study uses time series (1996-2006) data on agriculture, service, industry and the various sub-sectors under agriculture, which includes forestry, fishery, crops/ livestock and cocoa. A regression model was specified and OLS was employed to estimate the respective impact of agriculture, service and industry on GDP growth. At the end of the study agricultural output had a significantly positive impact on Ghana’s growth as compared to the other sectors (agricultural output (0.354515); service output (0.283401); industrial sector (0.303257)). In addition, the study further analysed the effect of the various sub sectors under agricultural sector in GDP growth since the agricultural sector contributed more significantly to GDP. At the end of the study cocoa subsector was identified to be vital to economic growth and development in Ghana. Hence, the cocoa subsector should continue to be priority position even with the discovery of oil
Open Access
Analysis of variance of diabetic neuropathic pain interference, intensity and hypertension types in Ghana
(2022-03-21) Adzika, Vincent; Appiah-Poku, John; Mensah, David; Pedro, Athena; Ahorlu, Collins; Kantanka, Safo; Quasie, Olga
Diabetic Neuropathic Pain (PDN) is the most prevalent chronic complication of diabetes and affects 30– 90% of patients with adjuvant complications. Hypertension has been found to increase the risk of longterm vascular complications of Type 2 diabetes mellitus which includes peripheral sensory diabetic neuropathic pain. However, the relationship between Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Interference, Intensity and Hypertension types among Type 2 Diabetes has not been extensively investigated. This study investigates the relationship between hypertension PDN intensity interference and pain intensity. The research design was a cross-sectional descriptive design. A sample of 125 participants was systematically selected for the study A demographic questionnaire and the Brief Pain Inventory for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy was used to collect the data. ANOVA was used to determine whether there is an association, between the hypertension types and PDN pain intensity and interference. The study concluded that there was no relationship between Hypertension types and PDN intensity and interference. The study further discovered that whether a patient had normal hypertension, prehypertension, stage 1 hypertension, or Stage 2 hypertension, they felt equal pain
Open Access
Application Of ISO 22000 In Comparison With HACCP On Industrial Processing Of Milk Chocolate
(International Food Research Journal, 2013) Afoakwa, E. O; Mensah-Brown, H.; Crentsil, G. K.; Frimpong, K.; Asante, F.
Hazard analysis was conducted to identify critical control points (CCPs) during cocoa processing and milk chocolate manufacture and applied into a hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plan. During the process, the different biological, physical and chemical hazards identified at each processing stage in the hazard analysis worksheet were incorporated into the HACCP plan to assess the risks associated with the processes. Physical hazards such as metals, stones, fibres, plastics and papers; chemical hazards such as pesticide residues, mycotoxins and heavy metals; and microbiological hazards such as Staphyloccous aureus, coliforms, Salmonella, Aspergillus and Penicillium were identified. ISO 22000 analysis was conducted for the determination of some pre-requisite programmes (PrPs) during the chocolate processing and compared with the HACCP system. The ISO 22000 Analysis worksheet reduced the CCPs for both cocoa processing and chocolate manufacture due to the elimination of the pre-requisite programmes (PrPs). Monitoring systems were established for the CCPs identified and these included preventive measures, critical limits, corrective actions, assignment of responsibilities and verification procedures. The incorporation of PrPs in the ISO 22000 made the system simple, more manageable and effective since a smaller number of CCPs were obtained.
Metadata only
Assessing the Influence of Parenting Styles and Gender on Career Choice among Undergraduate Students of Methodist University College Ghana
(Texila International Journal of Academic Research, 2014-08-04) Abomah, Peter Worlanyo
The study assessed the parenting style and gender influence on the career choice of undergraduate students of a private tertiary institution in Accra Ghana. A Cluster sampling technique was employed to collect data. A sample size of 160 respondents, made up of 62 males and 98 females of the Methodist University College, participated in this study. Standardised questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques in SPSS were applied to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings indicated that parenting styles reliably predict career choices among both male and female undergraduates. Democratic and strict parenting styles had a positive and significant influence on career choice. Gender difference had a negative influence on career choice. Permissive parenting style, uninvolved-neglectful parenting style, educational level of students, and age of students were statistically insignificant on career choice of students.
Open Access
An Assessment of tutor characteristics and student ICT competencies in Colleges of Education in Ghana
(European journal of education studies, 2020) Yeboah, William; Sarpong, Pious Akwasi; Appiah, Bright
The rapid growth of the global economy and the information-based society has pressurized education systems around the world to use ICTs to teach the knowledge and skills students need in the 21st Century. The growth of the ICT sector has challenged teachers to prepare for effective use of new teaching and learning tools in their profession. This study sought to examine teacher experience and qualifications as well as student ICT competencies (skills and knowledge). The mixed method approach was employed for the study. A total of 352 respondents made up of 8 principals, 24 tutors and 320 teacher trainees from all the eight colleges were sampled. Data is gathered through open-ended questions that provide direct quotations with the interviewer as an integral part of the investigation. Three research questions guided the study. The research questions were answered using charts, frequency and percentages. The findings established that that the intensive use of ICT and the process-oriented learning environment supported the development of students’ expertise in ICT and enhanced students in critical thinking skills. The study recommends that students should be involved in using ICT in learning activities such as doing assignments, taking quizzes, and searching the internet for learning resources among others.
Open Access
Barriers to timely administration of hepatitis B birth dose vaccine to neonates of mothers with hepatitis B in Ghana: midwives’ perspectives
(SAGE Open Nursing, 2023-05-22) Adjei, Charles Ampong; Suglo, Damasus; Ahenkorah, Alfred Yanful; MacDonald, Shannon E.
Background: The global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis aims to reduce new hepatitis B infections by 90% by 2030. Yet, hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD) vaccination, which is effective in preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, remains low in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the essential role that midwives play in infants’ birth dose immunisation, we explore their perspectives on the reasons for delays and non-administration of HepB-BD to eligible neonates in Ghana. Methods: We conducted interviews with 18 midwives, stratified by region (Greater Accra and Northern regions). Participants were selected purposively. The data were transcribed, coded, and analysed following the Braun and Clarke data analysis procedure. Results: The participants conveyed a broad range of barriers to HepB-BD vaccination in Ghana. These include the mother’s denial of hepatitis B seropositivity; the mother’s ignorance of the impact of hepatitis B on their newborn; partners’ noninvolvement in post-test counselling; and the high cost of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and hepatitis B monovalent vaccine. Other reasons included vaccine unavailability and midwives’ oversight and documentation lapses. Conclusion: We recommend educating expectant mothers on the importance and effectiveness of HepB-BD vaccination during antenatal care (ANC) visits, as well as educating midwives on HepB-BD vaccination procedures. In addition, ensuring sufficient supplies and administering hepatitis B vaccines in the delivery ward should be done to guarantee that babies receive the vaccines on time. Importantly, Ghana needs policies that require HepB-BD vaccination as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to ensure the investments and funding it needs.
Open Access
Benefits of fire insurance and consequences of noncompliance in Ghana
(Globus: Journal of Methodist University College Ghana, 2015) Enu, Patrick; Osei-Gyimah, Frank; Eleke, Aboagye P.
The topic of the study is Benefits of Fire Insurance and Consequences of Noncompliance. This study was carried out to determine the level of public awareness of insurance benefits and to identify the reasons for non- compliance with fire insurance policies. Convenience sampling technique was used in the collection of data. The study indicated that electrical faults, carelessness, improper use of LPG gas and illegal connections cause fire outbreaks. Most Ghanaians do not comply with fire insurance policy; hence they do not know the benefit of fire insurance policy. Ghanaians do not comply with fire insurance policy due to inadequate education on fire insurance policies and their benefits, insurance companies not being reliable, lack of enforcement of the Insurance Act 2006, Act 724 section 184, and lack of interest in the fire insurance policy. Also the economy experiences unemployment, loss of property, loss of lives, decreases in output and low level of investment whenever there are fire outbreaks. The study revealed that the majority of Ghanaians are not aware of the Insurance Policy Act and its associated benefits. It is recommended that active education about the benefits of insurance and strict enforcement procedures should be followed.
Open Access
Bifurcation analysis of waning-boosting epidemiological models with repeat infections and varying immunity periods
(Elsevier, 2024-04) Opoku-Sarkodie, R.; Bartha, F.A; Polner, M.; Röst, G.
We consider the SIRWJS epidemiological model that includes the waning and boosting of immunity via secondary infections. We carry out combined analytical and numerical investigations of the dynamics. The formulae describing the existence and stability of equilibria are derived. Combining this analysis with numerical continuation techniques, we construct global bifurcation diagrams with respect to several epidemiological parameters. The bifurcation analysis reveals a very rich structure of possible global dynamics. We show that backward bifurcation is possible at the critical value of the basic reproduction number, 0 = 1. Furthermore, we find stability switches and Hopf bifurcations from steady states forming multiple endemic bubbles, and saddle–node bifurcations of periodic orbits. Regions of bistability are also found, where either two stable steady states, or a stable steady state and a stable periodic orbit coexist. This work provides an insight to the rich and complicated infectious disease dynamics that can emerge from the waning and boosting of immunity.
Open Access
Body Type, Self-Esteem and Assertiveness among High School Students in Ghana
(Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2016-08-01) Bruce, Daniel
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body type, self-esteem and assertiveness among adolescents of ages between 13 and 19 years. To achieve this aim, the study sampled 56 male and 94 female adolescents of the Senior High School in Accra, Ghana. Results showed that, higher self-esteem leads to assertiveness. Results also showed that body type perception affects self-esteem. It is, therefore, recommended that Guidance and Counselling officers in our schools should educate adolescent students on the three body types and the advantages associated with being one of these body types. This may help prevent developing body dysmorphic disorder, low self-esteem and non-assertiveness among students with negative perceptions of their body types and the possible effects on their personal relationships with peers, general academic performance and in- school and out-of- school life.
Open Access
Brand Trust and Brand Loyalty: A Moderation and Mediation Perspective
(Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 2019-11-11) Shin, Sean Kwan Soo; Amenuvor, Fortune Edem; Basilisco, Richard; Owusu-Antwi, Kwasi
This study aims to empirically test the effect of brand trust on brand commitment and brand loyalty while examining the mediating and moderating roles of brand commitment and brand reputation respectively. To achieve this aim, data is collected from 412 smartphone users in South Korea. The hypotheses advanced to achieve this aim are tested through the structural equations modeling technique. The results of the study reveal that brand trust and brand commitment positively and significantly influence brand loyalty. The study further finds that brand trust is positively and significantly related to brand commitment, while the latter mediates the relationship between brand trust and brand loyalty. Equally, the study finds support for the moderating role of brand reputation on the relationship between brand trust and brand commitment. The study provides managerial and theoretical illuminations into comprehending brand trust, brand commitment, brand reputation, and brand loyalty.
Open Access
Brand Trust and Brand Loyalty: A Moderation and Mediation Perspective
(2019-11-11) Shin, Sean Kwan Soo; Amenuvor, Fortune Edem; Basilisco, Richard; Owusu-Antwi, Kwasi
This study aims to empirically test the effect of brand trust on brand commitment and brand loyalty while examining the mediating and moderating roles of brand commitment and brand reputation respectively. To achieve this aim, data is collected from 412 smartphone users in South Korea. The hypotheses advanced to achieve this aim are tested through the structural equations modeling technique. The results of the study reveal that brand trust and brand commitment positively and significantly influence brand loyalty. The study further finds that brand trust is positively and significantly related to brand commitment, while the latter mediates the relationship between brand trust and brand loyalty. Equally, the study finds support for the moderating role of brand reputation on the relationship between brand trust and brand commitment. The study provides managerial and theoretical illuminations into comprehending brand trust, brand commitment, brand reputation, and brand loyalty.
Open Access
Brand Trust and Brand Loyalty: A Moderation and Mediation Perspective
(2019-11-11) Shin, Sean Kwan Soo; Amenuvor, Fortune Edem; Basilisco, Richard; Owusu-Antwi, Kwasi
This study aims to empirically test the effect of brand trust on brand commitment and brand loyalty while examining the mediating and moderating roles of brand commitment and brand reputation respectively. To achieve this aim, data is collected from 412 smartphone users in South Korea. The hypotheses advanced to achieve this aim are tested through the structural equations modeling technique. The results of the study reveal that brand trust and brand commitment positively and significantly influence brand loyalty. The study further finds that brand trust is positively and significantly related to brand commitment, while the latter mediates the relationship between brand trust and brand loyalty. Equally, the study finds support for the moderating role of brand reputation on the relationship between brand trust and brand commitment. The study provides managerial and theoretical illuminations into comprehending brand trust, brand commitment, brand reputation, and brand loyalty.
Open Access
Calculation Of Interfacial Tensions Between Macromolecular Solutions And Soltrol-130 From Contact Angles Measurements
(ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2013-02) Sinayobye, E.; Mensah-Brown, H.; Yaya, A.; Kakane, V. C. K.; Baryeh, E. A.
The determination of the surface tension of some liquids or solutions has been carried out using a tensiometer. The determination of the contact angle between the liquids and a planar surface has also been carried out using photography. Polar and dispersive contributions of the surface tension were obtained by calculation while the polarities of the liquids and solutions were determined applying Wu equations. This method gave the different results for solutions prepared from macromolecular compounds (acroleine - ethanolamine macromolecular solution 1g/l, acroleine - diethanolamine macromolecular solution 1g/l, polyglutaraldehyde-ethanolamine macromolecular solution 0.7 g/l and polyglutaraldehyde - diethanolamine macromolecular solution 1 g/l) synthesized by Malonda from glutaraldehyde and acroleine. The dispersive and polar contributions of the surface tension were computed and used to calculate the interfacial tensions of solutions by the simple measurement of the contact angle. The results have revealed that the computed interfacial tensions were comparable to the values measured directly by the tensiometer for polyglutaraldehyde- ethanolamine macromolecular solution 0.7 g/l and polyglutaraldehyde - diethanolamine macromolecular solution 1 g/l) making an interface with Soltrol-130 of 17.1 and 16.9 dynes/cm compared to direct measured values of 17.2 and 17.7 dynes/cm respectively representing 1% and 5% error, respectively.
Open Access
Celebrity Self-disclosure and Social Cohesion: Perspectives from Ghanaian Instagram Users
(Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 2019-11-16) Basilisco, Richard; Amenuvor, Fortune Edem; Owusu-Antwi, Kwasi; Hyeok, Choi Jae
The phenomenon of social cohesion has gained much traction in the extant literature. However, research that assesses how celebrity self-disclosure can be leveraged to engender social cohesion remains very scanty in the existing literature. The current study aims at empirically testing the effect of celebrity self-disclosure on social cohesion while accounting for the roles of fans’ behavior, social presence and attachment to celebrities. To realize this aim, data is collected from 306 Instagram users who follow at least one celebrity. The hypothesis intended to realize these aims are tested by adopting structural equation modeling technique. The results show that celebrities’ descriptive self disclosure (but not emotional self-disclosure) influences fans’ archiving and commenting behavior. Additionally, celebrities’ emotional self-disclosure (but not descriptive self-disclosure) as well as fans’ commenting, and archiving behaviors are instrumental in predicting fans’ social presence. The study further finds that fans’ social presence is essential in predicting their attachment to celebrities, while their (fans’) attachment to celebrities and social presence are significant antecedents of social cohesion. Furthermore, attachment to celebrities is found to significantly mediate the relationship between social presence and social cohesion. The study provides practical and theoretical insights into understanding social cohesion, celebrity self-disclosure, fans’ behavior, social presence and attachment to celebrities.
Open Access
Celebrity Self-disclosure and Social Cohesion: Perspectives from Ghanaian Instagram Users
(2019-11-16) Basilisco, Richard; Amenuvor, Fortune Edem; Owusu-Antwi, Kwasi; Hyeok, Choi Jae
The phenomenon of social cohesion has gained much traction in the extant literature. However, research that assesses how celebrity self-disclosure can be leveraged to engender social cohesion remains very scanty in the existing literature. The current study aims at empirically testing the effect of celebrity self-disclosure on social cohesion while accounting for the roles of fans’ behavior, social presence and attachment to celebrities. To realize this aim, data is collected from 306 Instagram users who follow at least one celebrity. The hypothesis intended to realize these aims are tested by adopting structural equation modeling technique. The results show that celebrities’ descriptive self disclosure (but not emotional self-disclosure) influences fans’ archiving and commenting behavior. Additionally, celebrities’ emotional self-disclosure (but not descriptive self-disclosure) as well as fans’ commenting, and archiving behaviors are instrumental in predicting fans’ social presence. The study further finds that fans’ social presence is essential in redicting their attachment to celebrities, while their (fans’) attachment to celebrities and social presence are significant antecedents of social cohesion. Furthermore, attachment to celebrities is found to significantly mediate the relationship between social presence and social cohesion. The study provides practical and theoretical insights into understanding social cohesion, celebrity self-disclosure, fans’ behavior, social presence and attachment to celebrities.
Open Access
Changes in Biochemical and Physico-chemical Qualities during Drying of Pulp Preconditioned and Fermented Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Beans
(Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Science, 2014-04-28) Afoakwa, Emmanuel Ohene; Budu, Agnes Simpson; Mensah-Brown, Henry; Takrama, Jemmy Felix; Akomanyi, Evans
This study investigated the effects of post-harvest pod storage as a means of pulp preconditioning on the souring production, flavour precursors development and free fatty acids during drying of fermented Ghanaian cocoa beans. A 4 x 4 full factorial experiment was conducted with pod storage (0, 7, 14, 21 days) and drying times (0, 2, 4 and 6 days) as the principal factors. The souring/acidification indices (pH and titratable acidity), total sugar, total nitrogen and free fatty acids (FFA) were studied using standard analytical methods. The results showed that titratable acidity, total sugars and total nitrogen in cocoa beans decreased during drying and with increasing pod storage durations probably due to their participation in Maillard non- enzymatic reactions to form flavour volatiles and colour pigments as Amadori intermediates. By contrast, FFAs and pH increased during drying and with increasing pod storage durations. Pod storage for up to 7 days followed by 6 days of fermentation and drying respectively produced beans with acceptable FFA values below 1.75% whilst enhancing the flavour precursors development and reductions in nib acidity. However, these observed changes were more dependent on pod storage than on drying.
Open Access
Changes in Nib Acidity, Proteolysis and Sugar Concentration as Influenced by Pod Storage and Roasting Conditions of Fermented Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Beans
(Journal of Food Science and Engineering, 2013-12-20) Ofosu-Ansah, Eric; Budu, Agnes Simpson; Mensah-Brown, Henry; Takrama, Jemmy Felix; Afoakwa, Emmanuel Ohene
Changes in nib acidity, protein and sugar concentration during roasting of pulp pre-conditioned and fermented cocoa (Theobroma cacao) beans were investigated. A 4 × 4 full factorial design with the principal experimental factors as pod storage (0, 3, 7 and 10 d) and roasting time (0, 15, 30 and 45 min) were used. The roasted samples were evaluated for pH, titratable acidity, protein content and sugars concentrations using standard methods. Increasing pod storage caused consistent increases in pH with concomitant decreases in titratable acidity, whereas increasing roasting time caused only marginal and insignificant changes in pH but significantly decreased the titratable acidity. The protein content decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing pod storage and roasting time. Reducing sugars increased marginally with increasing pod storage treatments whiles increasing roasting time significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the reducing sugars of the beans for all pod storage. The non-reducing sugar and total sugar content of the beans decreased significantly from 3.493 mg/g to 2.641 mg/g and from 9.284 mg/g to 8.891 mg/g, respectively, for pods stored from 0 to 10 days while roasting time caused slight decreases in non-reducing sugars with a considerable decrease in total sugars. Pod storage up to seven days decreased considerable the nib acidity (non-volatile acids), non-reducing sugars and total sugars while roasting up to 45 min at 120 °C caused dramatic decreases in the nib acidity and reducing sugars with only marginal decreases in non-reducing sugars and total sugars.
Open Access
Changes in some biochemical qualities during drying of pulp pre-conditioned and fermented cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) beans
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2015-01-01) Afoakwa, E. O; Kongor, J. E; Budu, A. S; Mensah-Brown, H; Takrama, J. F
Fermentation and drying are critical to the development of flavour precursors that generate into distinctive chocolate flavour notes during industrial manufacture. These processes also lead to reduction in acidity and free fatty acids of nibs, which dictates the levels of bitterness and colour development in chocolates. This study investigated changes in nib acidity, flavour precursors (sugars concentration and proteins) and free fatty acids during drying of pulp pre-conditioned and fermented cocoa beans using a 4 x 3 full factorial experimental design with pod storage (0, 3, 7 and 10 days) and drying time (0, 3 and 6 days) as the principal factors. Non-volatile (titratable) acidity, pH, sugars (reducing, non-reducing and total sugars), changes in protein content and free fatty acids of the beans were studied using standard analytical methods. Increasing pod storage consistently increased pH of the fermented nibs at the end of drying with consequential decrease in titratable acidity. The pH increased from 4.92 for the freshly harvested pods to 6.00 for pods stored for 10 days at the end of the drying process. Similarly, pH of the fermented beans increased with increasing drying time for all pod storage treatment except for pods stored for 10 days. The pH of fermented beans whose pods were stored for 3 and 7 days were 5.26 and 5.56 respectively after drying for 7 days. Protein, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing duration of drying at all pod storage periods. Pod storage and drying significantly (p<0.05) increased the free fatty acids content of the fermented nibs. The FFAs of the dried beans increased from 0.47% for the unstored (freshly harvested) pods to 0.55% for pods stored for 3 and 7 days and 0.58% for pods stored for 10 days. However, FFAs content of all the dried fermented beans were below the acceptable limits of 1.75% oleic acid equivalent in cocoa butter at all pod storage periods. Storage of cocoa pod between 3–7 days with 7 days of drying (after 6 days fermentation) led to considerable reductions in nib acidity, reducing sugars, nonreducing, total sugars and proteins and acceptable FFA levels.

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