News
Don’t misuse ‘laughing gas’ – FDA cautions public

• Laughing gas is used in some pubs
The public has been cautioned against the misuse of Nitrous Oxide gas also known as ‘laughing gas’ due to its extremely hazardous effects.
Abusers of Nitrous Oxide gas are prone to suffocating and loss of consciousness whilst long-term recreational use (abusers) could also compromise the immune system, cause low blood pressure, heart attack and anaemia.
In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ms Delese Mimi Darko, she said the misuse of the ‘laughing gas’ could also cause mental and neurological disorders (hand and foot numbness and limb spasms), depression and incontinence.
The Authority said its attention had been drawn to the abuse or misuse of Nitrous Oxide gas at nightclubs and parties in the forms of balloons and canisters to induce euphoria and laughter.
The FDA has thus strongly admonished nightclubs, pubs and party organisers to desist from the inappropriate use of Nitrous Oxide gas in their facilities. The public is also thereby urged to promptly report to the Authority on the abuse of Nitrous Oxide gas at such facilities.
The Authority has pledged to collaborate with other relevant stakeholder agencies to address the emerging safety concerns.
In the meantime, the FDA assures the public of its commitment in ensuring public health and safety through continuous public education, engagement and sensitisation of the public on the risks of substances of abuse.
According to the FDA, Nitrous Oxide gas is used as a propellent and a preservative in the food industry and as a medical anaesthetic analgesic.
By Spectator Reporter
News
Mahama scales down celebration of independence anniversary

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the rotational celebration of the Independence Anniversary across various regions to save cost.
The president has also directed the National Planning Committee to revise the programme of activities for the national celebration in Accra to scale down the scope of the celebration and reduce the amount of money spent annually.
Addressing a press conference, Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the government in 2024 spent almost fifteen million Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 15,000,000) on the celebration in Koforidua.
“For that reason, he has decided that this year’s celebration will not take on the spectacular form that we have been used to over the years. Rather than a major event at the Independence Square, where there are contingents of men from the various security agencies and hundreds of schoolchildren, there will be a scaled-down commemoration at the forecourt of the Presidency,” the Minister said.
PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON 68TH INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMEMORATION
1. There’ll be a scaled-down commemoration of this year’s commemoration at the National & District Levels ONLY.
2. There’ll be no commemoration at the Regional Level.
3. The scaled-down National Celebration will take place at the forecourt of the Presidency.
4. There will be no parade or match past of security agencies and school children during the National Celebration.
5. The Regional Ministers are to ensure that MMDAs scale down the commemoration in their Districts.
6. Other activities approved by the President are the 28th February Crossroads Shooting Incident and the President’s Special Awards for Children.
REVISED ACTIVITIES FOR THE NATIONAL CELEBRATION
1. Mounting of a Guard of Honour by the Security Agencies
2. Cultural Performances & Recitals
3. National Address by the President and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
News
EC to re-run Council of State Elections in North East and Ashanti Regions

The Electoral Commission (EC) is set to re-run Council of State Elections in North East and Ashanti Regions.
In a press statement issued yesterday, they stated that “The Electoral Commission wishes to inform the General Public that, the Council
ofState Elections in two regions, namely North East and Ashanti, willbe re-run on
Monday, 17th of February, 2025.”
According to them, this is because there was a tie in the Election in the North East Region.
The top two candidates each had six (6) votes. As such, the Election has to be re-run.
However, in the Ashanti Region, the Election was disrupted by thugs and could therefore not be concluded.
The Commission has therefore written to the Ghana Police Service and copied the National Election Security Taskforce to heighten security at the venues of the elections to prevent any disruptions.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme