Research Article
Potential Repellent and Insecticidal Effects of
Millipede-derived Secretions Against Anopheles gambiae s.l., the Main Malaria Vector in Africa
Kue Tagne Styve Jordan,
Nwane Philippe,
Mahob Raymond Joseph,
Makon Samuel Didier
,
Mbenoun Massé Paul Serge*
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
214-223
Received:
17 March 2026
Accepted:
8 April 2026
Published:
8 May 2026
Abstract: Chemical insecticides have greatly contributed to the emergence of resistant mosquito populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Innovative strategies exploring novel animal-derived secretions may offer new avenues for effective vector control. We investigated the chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extract (HE) from millipede Ophistreptoides sp. and assessed its repellent and insecticidal effects against the susceptible Anopheles gambiae Kisumu strain. Millipedes were collected from vegetation and macerated in 70% distilled alcohol and 30% tap water for 5 days. A spectrophotometric approach was performed for the determination of all compounds present in the extract. The repellent effect was evaluated on fifty adult females of An. gambiae using impregnated papers with extract at different concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL, with acetone as control. The adulticidal effect was measured after 1 hour of exposure, with mortality assessed at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exposure. Spectrophotometric analysis identified 2-2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone and methyl-1,4-benzoquinone as the main compounds in the extract. The repellency rate ranged from 57.69 ± 11. 46 at 25 mg/mL concentration to 97.54±1.42% at 100 mg/mL concentration. Mosquito mortality rates increased significantly (p < 0.05) with both exposure time and tested concentration with the highest toxicity recorded at 72 h post-exposure (LC50 = 18.09 mg/mL; LC95 = 186.44 mg/mL). This study highlights the potential of millipede-derived bioactive compounds in integrated vector management and suggests further research into their molecular modes of action and formulation for mosquito nets and spray.
Abstract: Chemical insecticides have greatly contributed to the emergence of resistant mosquito populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Innovative strategies exploring novel animal-derived secretions may offer new avenues for effective vector control. We investigated the chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extract (HE) from millipede Ophistreptoides sp. an...
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Review Article
‘Multiparty’ Democracy in Ghana a Blessing or a Curse: The Case of the Fourth Republic
Emmanuel Badu Amoah*
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
224-234
Received:
9 December 2025
Accepted:
23 December 2025
Published:
6 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20260203.12
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Abstract: Since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1993, Ghana has emerged as one of Africa's most stable democracies, renowned for its peaceful political transitions and equitable elections. Central to this stability is its multiparty system, which facilitates the participation of diverse political actors and ideologies in the political process. This study critically evaluates whether Ghana's multiparty democracy has been advantageous or detrimental over the past three decades, with a focus on its impact on political stability, governance, citizen engagement, and national development. The literature on the issues, suggest that the multiparty system has positively influenced Ghana's democratic trajectory. Firstly, it has reinforced constitutional rule and terminated the military interventions that characterized the pre-1992 era, with regular elections and peaceful transfers of power enhancing political legitimacy and international reputation. Secondly, the environment fosters public participation, media plurality, and a robust civil society, resulting in high voter turnout and vibrant political discourse. Thirdly, competition among parties drives the implementation of developmental policies, improving social services, infrastructure, and education to attract voters. However, challenges threaten the long-term sustainability of Ghanaian democracy. The dominance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has marginalized smaller parties, reduced ideological diversity, and led to polarized discourse, even affecting the judiciary. This polarization fosters corruption and vote buying and undermines democratic integrity. Frequent policy reversals undermine institutional efficiency and hinder economic transformation and equitable development, raising doubts about whether democracy meets citizens' needs or serves partisan interests. This study typically uses a review approach as a methodological system to arrive at a conclusion. The study concludes that Ghana's multiparty democracy presents both advantages and challenges. Although it has bolstered political stability and democratic practices, systemic flaws persist, impacting effective governance. It posits that the future of Ghana's democracy hinges on reforms to depoliticize state institutions, strengthen internal party democracy, improve civic education, regulate campaign financing, and promote inclusive governance, thereby transforming multiparty democracy into a genuine driver of national progress.
Abstract: Since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1993, Ghana has emerged as one of Africa's most stable democracies, renowned for its peaceful political transitions and equitable elections. Central to this stability is its multiparty system, which facilitates the participation of diverse political actors and ideologies in the political process. This s...
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