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Wrapping Fante kenkey in polyethylene …dangerous to health
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• 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
Christians have been urged to demonstrate a living faith in Jesus Christ by allowing their confession of Him as Lord and Saviour to reflect in their daily lives.
According to the Kaneshie District Pastor of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), Rev. Dzidzor Nathaniel Affram, a genuine Christian’s confession should go beyond words and be demonstrated through obedience to God, love for others and service to the Church.
He made the call at the 40th anniversary remembrance service for the late Wesley Kwasi Kwadzo at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, Maranatha Congregation at Awudome Avenui in the Volta Region.
Speaking on the theme, “The Church Built on a Living Confession,” Rev. Affram said life would continually present challenges capable of testing Christians’ faith, making it necessary for believers to hold firmly to their confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.
He explained that accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour required Christians to live according to His teachings, stressing that their faith must be evident in their conduct.
“A living confession listens to God and not man,” he said, urging Christians to remain obedient to God even when faced with difficulties and pressures.
Rev. Affram further encouraged the congregation to care for vulnerable people and demonstrate concern for others, adding that such acts were practical expressions of Christian faith.
He also urged Christians to identify and use their God-given gifts to build the Church.
He said every member of the Church had a role to play and cautioned Christians against looking down on others because of their status or abilities.
The remembrance service brought together family members, friends, members of the congregation and sympathisers to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the late Wesley Kwasi Kwadzo.
By Lizzy Okai
Two female students from the Eastern and Upper West regions of Ghana have booked their qualifications for the finals of this year’s World Vision Ghana School Sanitation Solutions Challenge slated for September 21, at the National Theatre in Accra.
The girls are Dede Nyarko from the Nkawkaw St Anthony RC JHS in the Eastern Region and Dasanah Candi Mwine Maalo from the Star of God RC JHS in the Upper West Region.
In all, 10 schools reached the semifinal stage held in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
The School Sanitation Solution Challenge by the World Vision Ghana instituted in 2019 is an annual national competition for Ghanaian pupils from primary six to Junior High School students up to form two.
The programme aims to foster environmental consciousness and empower children to concrete sustainable water, Sanitation and hygiene (WASH) Solution
The annual event is supported by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ghana Education Service and Zoomlion Foundation among other partners.
The girls won their respective contest from SHELP and COCOA zones and are expected to face other competitors from the southern zones for the ultimate prize at the National Theatre next month.
Dasanah Candi Mwine Maalo had an aggregate score of 77 points to pick the Shelp zone slot while Dede Nyarko also had an aggregate score of 89 to win from the Cocoa zone.
The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, in a speech read on his behalf commended World Vision Ghana and its partners for instituting the competition to highlight sanitation issues in the country.
“Placing young people at the centre of the conversation on sanitation is highly commendable,” he said.
According to him under the government’s reset agenda, sanitation has received renewed attention as a critical component of effective local governance and service delivery
Mr Akwaboah said sanitation issues is a national responsibility and which everybody must play a role in ensuring clean, safer and sustainable environment devoid of diseases.
The WASH Technical Specialist- World Vision Ghana Atta Arhin in an address highlighted that while Ghana has achieved high basic access rates to safe drinking water approximately 87 per cent nationally, environmental sanitation and elimination of open defections lag critically behind.
He said the winner of the seventh edition would embark on a fully sponsored educational trip abroad and other prices.
From Daniel Dzirasah, Sunyani
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