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
News
Crystal Chapter of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Inducts New Executives
The Crystal Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) has inaugurated its new executive council to lead the chapter for the coming term.
The induction ceremony took place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, during the chapter’s meeting at the Ibis Style Hotel, Airport, Accra.
The new executives, sworn in by Field Representative Mr. Eric Ansah-Addo, pledged to uphold the mission of the fellowship and diligently serve in their respective capacities.
Mr. Joseph Boamah Sasu led the newly elected in the dedication of the tenure into the hands of God and also a fundraising for the chapter.
The newly elected executives are
President, David Kissi, Vice President 1,Morad Fouad Tabbicca, Vice President 2, John Frederick Agudetse Esq. SSecretary, Paa Kwesi Korankye Ainoo, Treasurer, Michael Doryumu, Membership Director, Nana Ackah-Watson Jainie Esq.Voice, Publicity, and Tapes, Nana Kwesi Coomson
Other members of the executive council include, Jainie Agovi Jainie – Counselling, Precious Enyonam Akorli, Coordinator, LoTF, Nana Antwi Darkwa, Ushering, Benjamin Boateng Jnr. – Prayer, Nana Fynn Class-Peters – Voice & Literature, Isaac Achiampong, Special Projects, Kwame Danquah Jr – Business & IT, Emmanuel Odei, Music
Joseph Arthur, Care & Compassion
Vincent Bolor.
Members of the Banquetting team are, Limann Mohammed, David Agbai and
Dorcas Bekoe.
The outgoing president, Jainie Agovi Jainie, urged the new leaders to approach their roles with unwavering dedication, treating their service as a duty to God rather than the chapter.
FGBMFI aims to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to every sphere of society through the lives of Christian business professionals.
The fellowship creates a platform for men and women to grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and positively impact their communities and workplaces.
Its vision is to empower individuals to achieve spiritual and professional excellence, transforming society with the principles of the Kingdom of God.
The Crystal Chapter remains committed to fostering spiritual growth and leadership development among its members, ensuring the fellowship’s impact continues to resonate across business and social landscapes.
News
Sammy Gyamfi appointed Acting MD of PMMC
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Sammy Gyamfi Esq. as the Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).
In that role, Mr Gyamfi will be responsible for setting up the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), one of the key promises in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto.
The establishment of the GoldBod will be under the direction of the Minister for Finance
The GoldBod is one of the top priorities of the Mahama administration aimed at economic revitalization and shall, among other things, be responsible for the sustainable management and marketing of the country’s gold resources for the benefit of the
Ghanaian people.
It will include formalizing the small-scale gold mining sector and
providing mining support services for the industry.
Mr Sammy Gyamfi is a lawyer and Economic Policy Analyst with a BSc in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Law from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
He holds a Barrister at Law certificate from the Ghana School of Law and an MA in Economic Policy Management from the University of Ghana.
He is also an alumnus of the
Harvard Kennedy School with Executive Certificates in the Emerging Leaders and Strategic Leadership Programmes.
Mr. Sammy Gyamfi has previously worked with Exton Cubic Group Limited, a reputable mining company in Ghana, and is the National Communications Officer of the NationalDemocratic Congress
