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PurposeThe main goal of this study was to determine how students at Ho Technical University (HTU) viewed green construction approaches and the benefits green buildings may provide to Ghana's tertiary institutions to enhance quality of life.Design/methodology/approachThe institution's 350 participants were chosen using a random selection method. A standardised questionnaire was used to gather data, which was analysed using SPSS v.20 and presented in tables using descriptive statistics such as Likert scale analysis, weighted mean and relative importance index (RII).FindingsThe study revealed that awareness of the green building principle is comparatively low amongst the survey participants. Participants agree that the University's green building adoption is high. Students cited decreased utility expenses, improved occupant productivity and cheaper operational costs as important benefits of green construction. Students' thoughts on hurdles to implementing green construction ideas at the University were the enormous price tag of green building technology (RII = 0.89), ignorance of demonstration projects and ignorance of information on green building principles (RII = 0.81).Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers to study Ghanaian students' views on green buildings. This study adds to our understanding of students' thoughts on green building ideas. In addition, it sheds insight into their present awareness, which can help the university administration in Ghana design new paths for green building implementation.

This paper presents the evaluation of the safety measures adopted by Ho Technical University (HTU) students in the use of power extension cords in their halls and hostels, along with their safety considerations for properly selecting these cords to avert fire outbreaks or prevent them from becoming a potential fire hazard. Whenever extension cords are utilized inappropriately it can lead to fire or electric shock perils. The assessment of the awareness level of safety practices is yet to be rigorously pursued as an agenda towards extension cord usage in institutions and agencies perceived to be high energy consumers where fire outbreaks occur frequently. A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a questionnaire for data collection. The findings revealed that about 52% of the respondents did not know the current and power ratings and the effects of overloading the extension cord. It was recommended that consumers purchase extension cords that have been endorsed by an autonomous testing laboratory, whereas the university should immediately organize a seminar to educate the staff and students about the use of the extension cord.

Present-day advancements in embedded systems have uncovered a wide area of innovation in inexpensive supportive systems for the visually impaired. Right from the uncomplicated white cane up to the most exceptional electronic walking stick, many designs have been proposed aiming at assisting and protecting visually challenged persons. This paper aims at contributing to these assistive aids by designing a bamboo stick sensor-based unit with ultrasonic and water detection sensors which is robust, cheap, and easily operated for the deprived blind person. Thus, improving the usefulness of the current white stick to consolidate both above-knee and below-knee deterrent identifications. The developed bamboo stick simply operates using ultrasound sensors for sensing the impediments before contact and a water detection sensor for water detection on the pathway. It offers vibration and different sound feedbacks to the operator per the spot of the obstacle. The results obtained by trial from a volunteer who walked an obstructed path blindfolded were excellent. The results ensure quick detection, safety and enhance the speed of mobility of the user. The simulations performed were accurate and relevant to the ultimate goal of the paper. The electronic bamboo walking stick developed can be used to guide the visually impaired in an indoor or outdoor environment.