Editorial
Why we should pay attention to metrology in our daily lives
One important area in socio-economic development is accurate measurement which helps to enhance the value of the items offered for sale by man to other people.
This important activity is often taken for granted in the sense that many people do not pay attention to accurate measurements. If measurements are accurate, they ensure fairness in trade matters.
Elsewhere in this newspaper, one columnist, has written an article on “How metrology promotes socio-economic development”. The article emphasises, among other things, why society including Ghana ought to pay attention to accurate measurements.
The Spectator wishes to join the world in emphasising that World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, by representatives of 17 nations.
The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal applications. The original aim of the Metre Convention — the world-wide uniformity of measurement — remains as important today as it was in 1875.
World Metrology Day is an occasion set aside for the recognition of more than 100 years of achievement and success in the establishment of a global infrastructure for precise and reliable measurements as well as the immense contributions of many thousands of experts of metrological activities throughout the world.
The Day further aims at drawing the attention of governments of all member states together with other international bodies, to the benefits of effective and reliable measurements and the very large economic benefits which come from their investments.
Every year, a different theme is selected to place emphasise on the different roles played by metrology in socio-economic activities. The theme of this year’s World Metrology Day is Measurement for Health.
This theme was chosen to create awareness of the important role measurement plays in health and in the wellbeing of every one of us.
Indeed, metrology, the science of measurement, plays a central role in scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, in improving the quality of life and in protecting the global environment.
Metrology or accurate measurement is key in socio-economic development as decisions are made based on information from measurements. In fact, wrong measurement results lead to wrong decisions. Thus, metrological activities should result in measurements that meet specified degrees of accuracy and precision. They should ensure that the measurements are adequate and reliable.
As we observe World Metrology Day, the significance of the occasion should be remembered and highlighted at all times to enhance innovation and progress in society. All stakeholders, including consumers, must, therefore, assist in the adoption and use of accurate measurements in all transactions to ensure quality, safety and fairness in trading.
We must all embrace the significance of accurate measurements to ensure smooth promotion of both local and international trade and stimulate the enhancement of our national socio-economic development for the benefit of all.
Editorial
Don’t use polythene bags to store hot, oily foods
Ghanaians have been advised to refrain from putting hot or oily foods in plastic bags because it poses major health risks.
The warning states that storing hot foods in polythene bags, especially ones that are not made for food storage can cause dangerous chemicals to leak into the food, which could be dangerous for one’s health.
Professor Esther Sakyi-Dawson, an Associate Professor of Food Science at the University of Ghana, gave this warning at a World Food Safety Day celebration in Accra on Tuesday.
With the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action,” this year’s World Food Safety Day focused on the critical role that scientific knowledge plays in guaranteeing food safety and fostering confidence in the food supply.
According to Prof. Sakyi-Dawson, when plastics are heated, toxic substances can seep into the food, contaminating it and raising the risk of several chronic illnesses, including hormone imbalances, reproductive problems, and even some types of cancer, which are on the rise in the nation.
According to estimates from the World Health Organisation (WHO), food contamination causes over 400,000 deaths annually and 600 million foodborne illness cases.
Also, a third of all deaths worldwide are caused by foodborne illnesses, which affect at least 91 million people in Africa each year. Of these, 40 percent are in children under the age of five.
Given the concerning statistics, there is an urgent need to raise awareness that eating hot foods like banku, rice, waakye, or “koko” (porridge) wrapped in plastic is extremely harmful to one’s health.
It is more important to avoid putting food in black plastics, which are not food quality and are typically used for carrying items. Similarly, white polythene should not come into close contact with food.
Despite the warning, Ghanaians have been urged to watch out for food-grade plastics, which are frequently thick, to use for food packing and storage as needed
Since “to be forewarned is to be forearmed” The Spectator advises consumers to put their health first by making the appropriate choices about what they put into their bodies for their own safety.
Editorial
Ensure safety of children during rainy seasonfacilities
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the safety of school-going children during these unpredictable weather conditions.
Many children walk long distances to get to school on roads which are mostly poorly drained.
Also, the combination of low visibility, slippery surfaces, and increased vehicular traffic during rains presents real risks to their health and safety.
While I urge local authorities to improve road infrastructure and pedestrian protections around schools, I wish to especially appeal to parents and guardians to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children during this season.
Parents should ensure their children are dressed properly in waterproof or warm clothing, including raincoats, boots, and umbrellas where possible.
Also, parents should accompany younger children to school when it is raining or overly windy, or arrange for responsible adults to do so.
Again, I urge parents to teach their children basic road safety and help them identify the safest routes to school.
In my view, I think it will be prudent to delay leaving the house when rain is heavy or visibility is poor, even if it means arriving at school later and safer.
It is important to remember that safety begins at home. While schools and government agencies have a role to play, parents and caregivers, must not leave the protection of our children to chance.
I believe that with shared responsibility between the state and the family, avoidable accidents could be prevented and ensure every child makes it to school and back home safely.
Abui, Korle Gonno
