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Pharmacists warn of drug resistance due to galamsey activities

The Pharmacy Technician Association of Ghana (PTAG) has joined the national uproar over the escalating spate of illegal mining with its debilitating effects on the well-being of the people.

The Association has hinted of an emerging patient’s resistance to some drugs used in treating patients with illegal mining (galamsey) side effects.

Pollutants, particularly heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic are often released during gold separation process, where chemicals like cyanide, sulphuric acid and nitric acid were often used.

Mr Addai was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the Association’s 15th Annual General Conference, held at the University of Cape Coast.

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The conference was themed: “Addressing the global antimicrobial resistance: A call for patient education and collaboration.”

According to Mr Richard Ofosu Addai, President of the Association, the continuous use of poisonous chemicals had resulted in the surge of serious uncommon diseases in recent times.

“A serious national health danger is imminent and alarming. We are at a point where many patients are developing resistance to the known medications administered to patients with galamsey side effects.”

Besides the rising cost of treatment for such diseases and affordability, he questioned how one could manage the failure of a doctor’s prescription to treat an ailment because of someone’s negligence in mining.

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Mr Addai pointed out the stark reality the nation was facing at this critical juncture of the escalating illegal mining menace, must be tackled head-on.

He queried why, the government had not been able to declare a crackdown on illegal mining after more than seven years in office.

“The country is still grappling with these illegal miners who were continually wreaking havoc on both land and water resources.

“It was imperative that the government promptly prohibited all forms of artisanal mining to cleanse the sector and safeguard the environment,” he stressed.

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He also endorsed the united efforts of groups and associations in combating the illicit mining activity, which was a looming threat to both humanity and the ecosystem.

Mr Addai urged Pharmacy Technicians to cultivate a harmonious rapport with patients, educating them on the proper utilization of medications to address issues of misuse and abuse.

Professor Nana Ekua Suapim Nyaniba I, Dehia Hembaa, who presided over the event, implored the government to equip institutions and law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trafficking of drugs in the country. -GNA

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 Intake of ‘Gobe’ can prevent heart diseases —Nutritionists

Gari and beans is good for the heart
Gari and beans is good for the heart

Nutritionists have advised Ghanaians to eat more beans-based meals, including the popular local dish, gari and beans, also known as ‘Gobe’ to prevent heart diseases. They said incidenc­es of obesity and cancer could be minimised with the regular intake of beans meals.

At a programme in Accra to mark the World Pulses ( Beans) Day on Monday, Mr Wise Chukudi Letsa, Nu­tritionist and Dietician, who spoke on the topic: ‘Beans: The Super Food for Healthy Living and Healthy Farmlands,’ admonished Ghanaians to include beans in their diets.

Mr Letsa said beans was rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, miner­als, irons and other nutrients and contained just a little fat. Mr Letsa, a Nutritionist with Lets Consult, stated that the presence of those nutrients in beans explained why its intake could prevent heart diseases and other ailments, hence the need to consume it regularly.

The event, dubbed: ‘Meatless Monday’ was organised by the Com­munications Initiative for Change (CIC), a Ghanaian non-profit organ­isation.

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The ‘Meatless Monday’ is an initiative aimed at encouraging Ghanaians to reduce their intake of meat by taking in more beans-based meals on every Monday of a week.

It was launched after the United Nations in 2019, set aside Febru­ary 10 to celebrate and encourage the consumption of pulses (beans) worldwide. This year’s celebration was hinged on the theme: ‘Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems.’

Mr Peter Agbovi, National Secre­tary, Chefs Association of Ghana, said a variety of meals could be prepared with beans, which include Waakye (rice and beans), Kose (beans paste made into cakes), Ayikple, Aboboi, Tuo Zaafi, Akyeke, and kakro.

He encouraged Ghanaians to con­sume more of those foods to stay healthy.

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Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey, the Ex­ecutive Director, CIC, indicated that even if people could not eat beans-based meals regularly, efforts should be made to consume them every Monday.

He said that was the essence of the introduction of the ‘Meatless Monday’ initiative. -GNA

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 Restore beauty of Kwame Nkrumah Circle area / State of Kwame Nkrumah Circle an eyesore!

A homeless man sleeping in the sand close to the removed blocks
A homeless man sleeping in the sand close to the removed blocks

Small size quarry stones fixed at open spac­es under the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange was to leave the place open and free from activities of beggars and other activities of the homeless.

By the way the stones were fixed, it makes the area, particularly the VIP and Neoplan Station stretch of the Interchange, inhabit­able by the destitute.

But a walk through the area currently suggest the opposite.

At the median where pavement blocks have been taken over by these home­less and destitute, the area has been turned into a hotel where a number of these unfortunate ones have com­fortably laid their mattress­es and other stuff to rest from the day’s activities.

They have crossed over to the SSNIT and Kaneshie Station area with their activ­ities and have removed the quarry stones which were to ward them off the place to enable them find spaces to sleep comfortably.

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The pavement blocks re­moved from different loca­tions under the interchange now serves as foundations on which beds were laid and in some cases, mosquito nets erected.

Their continued pres­ence is not only creating a nuisance for commuters but marring the beauty and serenity of the place.

Sadly, the activities of these deprived fellows have been ignored while the numbers keep increasing day by day.

The Spectator finds the development very worrying and calls on the responsible authorities to clear the area to restore the beauty and serenity of the area.

 By Victor A. Buxton

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