News
Ban use of tyres, firewood to singe meat — Toxicologist
A leading environmental toxicologist has made an urgent call on government to prohibit the use of tyres and firewood in meat singeing, citing compelling scientific evidence of severe public health risks.
Dr Prosper Manu Abdulai, a researcher and lecturer at the Mampong Campus of the Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), presented the findings from a comprehensive national study, revealing widespread contamination in meat products processed using these methods.
In a chat with The Spectator, Dr Abdulai explained that burning tyres releases harmful chemicals, especially Benzo[a]pyrene—a substance officially recognised by international health organisations as causing cancer, particularly blood-related cancers like leukemia.
“When rubber tyres burn, they release a dangerous cocktail of toxic chemicals,” Dr Abdulai explained.
“Besides Benzo[a]pyrene, we’ve found high levels of industrial chemicals like PCBs, dioxins, and furans—substances that don’t break down easily in the environment, accumulate in the body’s fat tissues, and interfere with hormone function.”
The research, conducted in 2023, at the various abattoirs in the country, also discovered worrying levels of six heavy metals in the processed meat- including lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, copper and iron—all exceeding safety limits set by international food safety authorities.
Regarding traditional firewood burning, Dr Abdulai broke down the specific dangers: “When wood doesn’t burn completely, it creates tiny particles small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, along with cancer-causing compounds that can damage DNA and alter how genes function.”
Data from the Ghana Statistical Service attributes approximately 4,000 annual cancer-related deaths to contaminated meat consumption.
“Our tests show that even after washing the meat thoroughly, the cancer-causing substances remain at levels higher than what World Health Organisation (WHO) consider safe,” he emphasised.
The toxicologist advocated immediate regulatory action and proposed alternative processing technologies, particularly systems that could convert abattoir waste into biogas – providing a clean energy source while eliminating harmful emissions.
“The scientific evidence is clear,” Dr Abdulai stated. “We’re seeing more cases of reproductive problems, including reduced fertility in both men and women, which can be linked to long-term exposure to these foreign chemicals in the body.”
He concluded with a straightforward appeal: “Our research shows a direct relationship – the more exposure to these chemicals, the greater the health risks. Protecting public health requires us to immediately implement safer meat processing methods based on sound science.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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