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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
The Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has met first term Members of Parliament to strengthen cooperation between his office and newly elected legislators.
The engagement was organised to help build better working relations and improve communication within the House.
Bagbin stressed the value of open interaction and mentioned that similar sessions will later involve continuing MPs, the media and the public through televised programmes.
He reiterated the 9th Parliament’s goal of promoting openness and inclusion, describing integrity, honesty, civility and participation as key values for national progress.
He encouraged the creation of a mentorship system to allow experienced members to guide new ones.
Bagbin reflected on the growth of Ghana’s legislature over the years, noting a shift from strong partisan conduct to a more mature multiparty atmosphere.
He urged MPs to maintain their party identity while working together for development.
Present at the meeting were the Clerk to Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Deputy Majority Whip Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe and the Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The attention of the Ministry of the Interior has been drawn to information that the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, has survived two assassination attempts while discharging his duties to the Republic.
According to the ministry in a statement, the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communications at the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Samuel Appiah Darko, mentioned the assassination attempt on Newsfile, a television station in Accra, on December 6, 2025.
He also claimed on the same programme that he had been handcuffed and beaten by 17 police personnel.
“Beyond the security implications of these claims, such dangers to personnel of accountability institutions, if true, can undermine the government’s efforts to combat corruption, which have intensified since it took office,” the ministry stated,
The Ministry has therefore taken up the matter with the seriousness it deserves with some preliminary findings on the alleged assassination attempt.
The ministry revealed that initial contacts with Mr. Kissi Agyebeng have revealed that the assassination attempts on him, as claimed, happened before this year.
“There is no record or report of such threats against his life at any police station or at any of the state security agencies in the country,” the statement further added.
Against this backdrop, the Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has further directed that “Since crime does not expire, the Ministry has ordered a full-scale investigation into the claim of assassination attempts.”
The Ministry has also ordered an investigation into the claim by Mr. Samuel Appiah Darko that he was handcuffed and beaten by 17 police personnel.
The Ministry noted that it will update the public on the outcome of these investigations and the actions to be taken.
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its commitment to protecting all lives and properties to ensure that all Ghanaians can conduct their lawful affairs without any fear for their safety.
