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Meat Singed with car tyres dangerous
A joint study by the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, have revealed alarming presence of cancer-causing substances in meats singed with car tyres.
Singed meats are meats that have been treated with heat to remove hair, shrink the skin, and make it appear clean.
The study revealed that meats singed with car tyres in Ghana contain high levels of harmful chemicals called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
These chemicals can increase the risk of cancer.
The study led by Prosper Manu Abdulai from the University of Port Harcourt tested meats singed with fuel sources such as car tyres, firewood, and LPG gas in Ghana’s five largest cities – Kumasi, Accra, Koforidua, Tamale, and Ho.
A statement issued by Dr Daniel Norris Berkoe, University Relations Officer, KNUST, indicated that researchers collected 180 samples of cattle and goat meat, singed using three different fuel types: firewood, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and car tyres.
They found out that meats singed with car tyres had the highest levels of PAHs, especially, a dangerous chemical called Benzoapyrene.
Children and the aged are more at risk from these chemicals.
“We did a health risk assessment, and we realised that kids and adults who take this meat whether signed with firewood or tyre are at serious risk of getting cancer,” the statement revealed.
The study recommended the use of safer methods like LPG for singeing meat, especially at abattoirs and calls for stricter rules to prevent the use of tyres.
This is especially concerning, as the levels of this harmful substance in tyre-singed meats exceeded regulatory limits set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The researchers called for an urgent need to explore and promote alternative singeing methods that minimise PAH formation.
LPG, which demonstrated the lowest PAH levels among the tested fuels, could be recommended as a safer alternative to traditional fuels like firewood and car tyres.
The study advocated stricter regulations regarding the use of car tyres for meat singeing, urging authorities to impose heavy penalties for non-compliance to protect public health and ensure that consumers were not exposed to harmful substances. —GNA
News
Government Accountability Series: Minister for Foreign Affairs renders account on performance of Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) on Monday, September 15, 2025, took its turn at the Government Accountability Series to provide updates on the implementation of Ghana’s Foreign Policy.
The Minister highlighted achievements regarding scholarships, consular assistance, operations of Missions abroad, reforms put in place to enhance transparency and service delivery.
He announced that the Ministry secured over 1,500 scholarships for Ghanaians through its bilateral relations.
He added that in the quest for Ghana to become the educational hub in the sub-region, Ghana is offering 1000 scholarships to ECOWAS students in priority fields.
On the issue of Ghanaians who had to seek refuge in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso due to the crisis in Gbinyiri, the Honourable Minister disclosed that 8000 had already returned from Côte d’Ivoire and Government was working with the relevant authorities in Burkina Faso to provide the needed consular assistance to facilitate their return.
The Minister announced the decision to open Consulates in Lisbon, Dublin, Massachusetts and Singapore to enhance Ghana’s diplomatic presence.
He also informed that the Embassy in Iran, which was temporarily closed would reopen on September 16,2025 and assured of the Ministry’s commitment to ensure the safety of the Staff of the Mission and other Ghanaian nationals in the country.
With regard to reforms on passport administration, the Minister informed that there was a Bill before Parliament to revise the current fees for passport.
Responding to questions from the media, he stressed that the arrangement with the United States of America to receive West African deportees was based on Pan-Africanism and not on financial considerations.
He also mentioned that the Chinese Government was committed in collaborating with Ghana to resolve the menace of illegal mining. Contrary to speculations, the Minister stated emphatically that past leaders of the country receive necessary courtesies.
He concluded by announcing Ghana’s participation in the upcoming United Nations General Assembly and indicated that His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama would deliver his statement on 25th September 2025.
He then reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency by keeping the Ghanaian public informed.
News
Declare a state of emergency in parts of the country affected by illegal mining – Coalition Against Galamsey to Mahama
The Coalition Against Galamsey is asking President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas badly affected by illegal mining.
According to the Convenor of the Coalition, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the situation has gone beyond control and requires urgent action to save lives and protect the environment.
He explained that the Constitution allows a state of emergency to be declared when the actions of criminals threaten essential resources such as water, safety, and the survival of communities.
He said illegal miners were destroying water bodies and depriving large communities of clean drinking water, which is an “essential of life.”
Dr. Ashigbey stressed that the call was not for the entire country, but only for parts of Ghana where the destruction is severe.
He added that declaring a state of emergency in these areas will give government the legal power to act quickly and decisively.
He also called on the President to provide clear timelines and targets to guide the fight against galamsey.
This, he said, would help demonstrate government’s seriousness and commitment to ending the menace.
The Coalition insisted that declaring a state of emergency was no longer a last resort but an immediate step needed to save Ghanaians and protect the future of the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
