Editorial
Don’t singe meat with car tyres, it’s harmful
In last week’s edition of The Spectator, we published a story headlined “Meat singed with car tires dangerous” which was attributed to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
Meats that have been heated to eliminate hair, shrink the skin, and give it a clean appearance are known as singed meats.
According to the report, eating meat that has been singed, especially from burning tyres, can be dangerous because it may contain heavy metals that can build up in the body and damage organs like the kidneys.
A collaborative investigation conducted by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, and the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, led to this discovery.
It was discovered that meats smoked with car tyres contained dangerous amounts of chemicals that cause cancer. This should be a health issue for everyone, particularly in places where inappropriate smoking is prevalent.
Additionally, the study found that meats smoked with car tyres in Ghana have high concentrations of dangerous compounds that raise the risk of cancer.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of these compounds, according to the researchers who examined meats smoked using fuel sources such as firewood, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and car tyres.
This is due to the fact that burning tyres generates heavy metals that can taint meat and, if consumed, can lead to neurological issues, developmental problems in children, and renal damage – all of which are currently major health concerns in Ghana – among other serious health effects.
They consequently called for stronger regulations to stop the use of car tyres for singeing and suggested that safer alternatives, such as LPG, be used for singeing meat, particularly in abattoirs.
They also emphasised the urgent need to investigate and promote alternative singeing techniques. However, according to the experts, LPG can be suggested as a safer substitute for conventional fuels like firewood and car tyres.
The Spectator agrees with the researchers’ recommendations that, in order to safeguard the public’s health and guarantee that customers are not exposed to dangerous compounds, authorities should implement stronger rules governing the use of car tyres for meat singeing and impose severe fines for noncompliance.
Dear Editor,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
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