Editorial
FDA must act on meat singeing claims
Dear Editor,
I read a story in your highly esteemed newspaper, The Spectator last week where a Toxicologist was urging health authorities in the country the use of tyres and firewood to singe meat for consumption.
This is not the first time this issue has come up. Many months back, read a similar story about singing meat with the aforementioned materials.
According to the report, these material contain dangerous chemical compounds that pose health risks to humans.
Sadly, we have not heard anything from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other agencies who responsibilities are to ensure the populace consume healthy foodstuff.
There are a lot of meat and fish on the market singed with these material which Ghanaians are still patronizing and people are not minded by the problems it bring in future.
Wele (cow hyde) is one of the commonest meat on the market. It is consumed a lot by tuo zaafi and waakye lovers but this is believed to be meat that goes through the tyre and firewood process.
Our authorities must hit the markets and abattoirs to ensure that only healthy meat products were sold to Ghanaians. Let’s save our population from some of these dangerous diseases.
Mawuli Seth,
Achimota
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie
