News
Ghanaian Scientist Uses Math to Tackle Food Safety Risks in Online Food Delivery Era
Emmanuel Addai, a Ghanaian Ph.D. researcher specializing in Mathematical and Data-driven Modeling of infectious disease and cyber forensics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has co-authored a pioneering study that reveals how the rapid growth of online food delivery services is fueling the spread of food-borne illnesses.
In the peer-reviewed article, Addai and his collaborators developed a mathematical model that incorporates both human and insect populations (particularly flies) to simulate how food safety is compromised during doorstep food deliveries.
The model uniquely uses fractional calculus (Caputo operator) to reflect real-world memory effects such as poor hygiene practices and delayed policy responses.
The study shows that:
• Asymptomatic carriers, delivery personnel, and flies are critical transmission vectors.
• Government interventions such as food safety training for restaurant staff and stricter hygiene enforcement can significantly reduce outbreaks without disrupting food delivery services.
• The model was proven stable and accurate under rigorous mathematical conditions and tested using numerical simulations in MATLAB.
By integrating public health, data science, and mathematical modeling, Addai’s work provides a policy-ready framework for managing infectious outbreaks in urban food systems.
This research aligns with global food safety goals and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, 11, and 12).
For Ghana and beyond, this research underscores the urgent need for better regulation, monitoring, and public health oversight of digital food platforms, particularly in rapidly urbanizing and densely populated cities.
As the online food delivery industry continues to grow, especially in emerging economies such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and India, the lack of standardized food safety protocols and oversight for delivery chains has emerged as a major public health risk.
Emmanuel Addai’s research provides an evidence-based mathematical framework for policymakers to anticipate and manage these risks through optimal interventions.
This work is particularly impactful for developing nations, where informal food vendors and under-regulated delivery systems often operate outside the scope of national health standards.
His model can be adapted to simulate various real-world conditions urban slums, peri-urban hubs, and even cross-border trade routes, allowing government agencies and health departments to simulate outbreak scenarios, prioritize inspection strategies, and develop early-warning systems.
Furthermore, Addai’s contribution supports Ghana’s national priorities under the Ghana Food Safety Policy and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially:
• SDG 3: Good health and well-being,
• SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities,
• SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production.
Ultimately, Emmanuel Addai’s contribution stands as a critical bridge between theoretical science and practical policy application, enabling stakeholders to make data-driven decisions in regulating the fast-growing online food delivery ecosystem.
This makes his research not only nationally important to Ghana’s public health strategy but also internationally recognized as a novel methodology applicable in both low- and high-income settings.
ByJulius Kofi Satsi
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the strong ties and shared values that continue to define relations between Ghana and South Korea.
During the discussions, President Mahama highlighted the historic connection between the two nations, noting their common commitment to democracy, human rights, and a shared historical experience.
He emphasised the opportunities for deeper cooperation, stating that Ghana’s rich natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological expertise and innovation, present a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
The President also underscored Ghana’s strategic role within the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for production and exports into a market of over 1.4 billion people.
President Lee Jae Myung, in his remarks, described Ghana as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, and agriculture.
He also reflected on the longstanding cultural and economic connection symbolised by the popular “Ghana” chocolate brand made from Ghanaian cocoa, which has been enjoyed in Korea for over five decades.
Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural engagement, and economic collaboration, with President Lee noting that President Mahama’s visit provides a timely opportunity to deepen practical cooperation that will directly benefit the citizens of both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
