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Meat Singed with car tyres dangerous
A joint study by the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, have revealed alarming presence of cancer-causing substances in meats singed with car tyres.
Singed meats are meats that have been treated with heat to remove hair, shrink the skin, and make it appear clean.
The study revealed that meats singed with car tyres in Ghana contain high levels of harmful chemicals called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
These chemicals can increase the risk of cancer.
The study led by Prosper Manu Abdulai from the University of Port Harcourt tested meats singed with fuel sources such as car tyres, firewood, and LPG gas in Ghana’s five largest cities – Kumasi, Accra, Koforidua, Tamale, and Ho.
A statement issued by Dr Daniel Norris Berkoe, University Relations Officer, KNUST, indicated that researchers collected 180 samples of cattle and goat meat, singed using three different fuel types: firewood, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and car tyres.
They found out that meats singed with car tyres had the highest levels of PAHs, especially, a dangerous chemical called Benzoapyrene.
Children and the aged are more at risk from these chemicals.
“We did a health risk assessment, and we realised that kids and adults who take this meat whether signed with firewood or tyre are at serious risk of getting cancer,” the statement revealed.
The study recommended the use of safer methods like LPG for singeing meat, especially at abattoirs and calls for stricter rules to prevent the use of tyres.
This is especially concerning, as the levels of this harmful substance in tyre-singed meats exceeded regulatory limits set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The researchers called for an urgent need to explore and promote alternative singeing methods that minimise PAH formation.
LPG, which demonstrated the lowest PAH levels among the tested fuels, could be recommended as a safer alternative to traditional fuels like firewood and car tyres.
The study advocated stricter regulations regarding the use of car tyres for meat singeing, urging authorities to impose heavy penalties for non-compliance to protect public health and ensure that consumers were not exposed to harmful substances. —GNA
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
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Health minister launches Ghana Medical Cares Trust Fund Taskforce
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially inaugurated the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (MahamaCares) Taskforce to oversee the successful implementation of the initiative.
MahamaCares, an initiative of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, aims to provide dedicated financial support to individuals suffering from chronic and debilitating illnesses.
The initiative is designed to ensure fairness in healthcare access, particularly for those facing financial barriers to treatment.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Akandoh highlighted that while the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has improved medical coverage, it does not completely ease the financial burden of treating chronic diseases.
He stated, “The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is a bold response to this challenge. It’s purpose is clear: no Ghanaian should choose between their health and financial ruin.”
He noted that the taskforce has been tasked with developing a strong policy and legal framework to establish MahamaCares as a statutory entity.
In addition, the team will be responsible for designing a sustainable funding model to ensure the long-term viability of the fund, setting clear eligibility and disbursement criteria to guarantee fairness, and evaluating Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure to recommend improvements for better accessibility.
Rev. Prof. Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, Chairman of the nine-member taskforce, expressed his immerse gratitude to the President and the Minister for the opportunity to serve.
He assured that the taskforce would work diligently to ensure the success of the MahamaCares initiative and deliver on its mandate effectively.
Other members of the taskforce include; Prof. Emeritus Binka – former Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Margaret Kweku – Public Health Consultant, Dr Alfred Doku – Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Radolph Nsor-Ambala – financial expert, Dr Anthony Gingong – representative of the National Health Insurance Trust Fund, Dr. Anthony Seddoh – Health Policy and financing expert, Anna Pearl Akiwumi Siriboe – lawyer and the Attorney General’s representative for the committee and Dr Belinda Afriyie – Public Health Consultant Secretary for the Taskforce.
