News
Six foods that can trigger allergies – Dr. Kofi Brifo
The Founder of the Skin Foundation Africa, Dr. Kofi Brifo, has outlined six common foods that can cause and trigger allergic reactions.
They include milk, nuts, eggs, wheat, seafood such as shrimps and lobsters, and soy products like soy milk.
Speaking on the topic “Allergies and the Skin: What to Know” on GBC’s Breakfast Show, Dr. Brifo explained that allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance.
He said this can lead to inflammation, itching, redness, skin rashes, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
According to him, allergies are very common in urban African communities, affecting about 30 to 40 percent of people.
He added that reactions can be caused by environmental factors such as detergents, perfumes, skincare products, insect bites, and foods.
Dr. Brifo noted that food remains one of the leading causes of allergic reactions and highlighted six major triggers.
These are cow milk, nuts, eggs, wheat, seafood such as shrimps and lobsters, and soy products.
He stressed that while some people may have individual triggers like pineapples, these six foods are the most common culprits, especially in children.
On treatment, Dr. Brifo cautioned the public against the misuse of steroid creams for rashes, particularly in children, warning that this could lead to harmful side effects such as stretch marks at an early age.
He explained that allergies cannot be completely cured but can be managed through awareness, avoidance of triggers, and gradual desensitisation methods.
Dr. Brifo urged the public to take allergic reactions seriously, especially when symptoms go beyond rashes and include difficulty in breathing, describing such cases as life-threatening emergencies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
I have never made tribal statements in my political career – Bryan Acheampong
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2028 elections and former Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong has clarified that he has never made any tribal comments in his political career.
His response comes after Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia recently addressed claims of tribal politics in the party.
Mr. Acheampong responding to the allegations insisted that his comments were being misrepresented.
According to him, the discussions he raised were about the challenges facing the party and its choice of candidates, not about ethnicity.
He said facts must be respected in such conversations, and party officers should be able to speak frankly without being accused of tribalism.
Mr. Acheampong explained that while the NPP had both a party problem and a candidate problem, the issues were not linked to tribal politics.
He noted that the party’s internal problems could be resolved within three years if handled properly.
He recalled that in the past, the NPP supported Dr. Bawumia because it was believed he could win votes from the North and Zongo communities.
Mr. Acheampong said similar statements about voter appeal were made then without being described as tribal, and therefore his recent comments should not be taken out of context.
He stressed that he had never engaged in tribal discourse and accused political opponents of twisting his words for propaganda.
“This is a political season and things will be twisted. I understand it is part of the game. We are in a post-truth era,” he said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
The new number plates system would enhance security and prevent smuggling – DVLA CEO
The Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, says the introduction of a new number plate system will improve road safety and stop vehicle smuggling.
Mr. Kotey explained that the plates, which will be fitted with RFID technology, will be linked to a central database to make it impossible to register smuggled or “Togo” cars.
“The new plates will give us better security and make it easier to track vehicles involved in crime,” he affirmed.
He added that the system would speed up toll collection and help identify cars by their regional codes.
“This is about making vehicle regulation modern, transparent, and safe for everyone,” he stressed.
Mr. Kotey announced that the new plates were expected to be introduced in 2026.
By: Jacob Aggrey
