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Ban use of tyres, firewood to singe meat — Toxicologist
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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
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
