News
Wrapping Fante kenkey in polyethylene …dangerous to health
• Mrs Delese Darko, CEO of FDA
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has reiterated the use of traditional wrapping materials such as dried plantain or banana leaves. These materials, according to the FDA, are natural and do not release harmful chemicals when heated. Additionally, they add flavour and aroma to the food, enhancing its taste and overall experience.
The FDA has, therefore, cautioned producers and consumers of the continuous use of plastic films as a primary packaging material for Fante kenkey. has raised health concerns admonished the public on the effect of using polythene for packaging Fante Kenkey.
According to the FDA, the temperature at which the kenkey was cooked could release harmful chemicals and toxins in plastics, which can contaminate the kenkey, posed health risks to consumers.
The FDA said, the use of polyethylene in wrapping Fante kenkey before cooking should be discouraged due to the biological magnification of phthalates as their continual consumption could pose severe public health issues.
Research findings published in scientific journals for decades have also shown that BPA is immediately excreted in the urine when ingested, indicating a low public health concern.
It cited a study conducted by Mensah et al (2012) which revealed that one of the primary concerns for the use of plastics in cooking Fante kenkey is the release of plasticizers which are chemicals added to plastics to increase their flexibility and durability. Plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates have been linked to various health problems, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and cancer. When plastics are heated, plasticizers can leach into the food they are in contact with, causing food contamination. Another concern is the release of dioxins and furans, which are toxic chemicals that can form when polystyrene plastics are heated to high
As indicated above, BPA and phthalates are synthetic chemicals used as precursor materials in the manufacturing of plastics. Moreno (2014) also reported that some studies in women found that exposure to phthalates had led to increased levels of thyroid hormone, oxidative stress, and illnesses such as endometriosis and breast cancer.
These chemicals have also been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system damage.
It is important to note, however, that Bisphenol A, which is used in polycarbonate plastic containers, is not used in the manufacture of low-density polyethylene plastics, including those used for bagging koko and the ‘olonka’ bags.
Consumers are also advised not to buy sachets and bottled water displayed on the bare sun, refuse hot food items packaged in direct contact with plastic bags, and also avoid covering boiling food items with plastic bags.
By Spectator Reporter
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Sammy Ayeh has picked up nomination forms to contest for the position of Deputy National Communications Officer position.
Announcing his intention, Dr. Ayeh said he is offering himself to help communicate the party’s vision clearly and connect its message with the aspirations of Ghanaians.
He expressed deep gratitude to the party’s National Communications Officer, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, describing him as an able leader on whose shoulders he has risen.
“His exceptional leadership, mentorship and confidence in me have shaped my journey and strengthened my resolve to serve,” Dr. Ayeh stated.
He said if elected, he will seek to build on that foundation by strengthening research-driven communication, empowering grassroots communicators, and enhancing strategic media engagement.
Dr. Ayeh humbly appealed to party members and supporters for their support.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Data Protection Commission has called on the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JoyNews and other media houses to protect the personal information of 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Commission expressed concern over the public disclosure of the evacuees’ personal details, including their names, signatures and records of financial assistance received.
It warned that making such information public could expose the affected individuals to identity theft, fraud and other forms of harm, especially given the threats to their safety that some of them may have faced.
The Commission explained that the 1992 Constitution protects the dignity and privacy of every individual. It also cited the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), which sets out rules for the lawful collection, use and disclosure of personal information.
While acknowledging the importance of transparency, parliamentary oversight, the right to information and press freedom, the Commission stressed that these principles do not automatically justify the unrestricted publication of personal details.
It said the disclosure of the records by the Minority Caucus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JoyNews and other media organisations must be assessed based on the law, the purpose of the disclosure and the privacy rights of the individuals involved.
The Commission further noted that although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament are registered data controllers in good standing, their registration does not exempt them from their legal responsibilities under the Data Protection Act.
It has therefore urged all the parties involved to take appropriate steps to protect the affected individuals, including immediately restricting access to or removing personal details from publicly available records where their continued disclosure is not legally justified.
The Commission announced plans to conduct a regulatory review to determine whether the disclosures had a lawful basis, what safeguards were applied and whether the privacy rights of the evacuees had been adequately protected.
It said it would engage the relevant parties as part of the review and take appropriate regulatory action if any breach of the law is established.
The Commission reiterated that protecting personal information and respecting human dignity must remain central to efforts to promote public accountability.
By: Jacob Aggrey
