Anthony Elanga’s late equaliser boosted Manchester United’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League as they fought back to draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. The 19-year-old had been on the pitch less than six minutes after replacing Marcus Rashford, when he raced onto Bruno Fernandes’ perfectly-weighted pass to roll the ball past home goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Until that point it had looked as though Diego Simeone’s Spanish champions were going to take a narrow advantage to Old Trafford after delivering a masterclass in controlling the game without dominating possession. Joao Felix’s early header from Renan Lodi’s inviting cross gave the hosts a dream start with United looking ragged on their right, where interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s gamble of playing Victor Lindelof at full-back failed badly. The Swedish central defender looked uncomfortable throughout and was booked for a tug on Felix before his miserable evening was ended prematurely by his withdrawal midway through the second half. By then Atletico could and perhaps should have been two goals ahead with Sime Vrsaljko heading the ball off Lindelof and onto the United bar in the closing moments of the first half after some more dismal defending. While Rangnick’s side enjoyed plenty of the ball, they were slow and indecisive in possession and barely looked capable of carving open their well-drilled opponents who repeatedly picked off every sloppy United pass in midfield. Atletico were also unlucky to not score late on themselves when Antoine Griezmann rattled the visitors crossbar. However, Elanga, who missed the crucial penalty when Rangnick’s side lost in the FA Cup to Middlesbrough earlier this month, followed up his goal at Leeds on Sunday with another important intervention to change the complexion of the tie before the second leg in Manchester in three weeks time. Source: BBC

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed about 2.5 sq km (1 sq m) of cannabis farms in Ondo state in the south-west of the country. “Thirteen suspects were arrested and 250 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds as well as 63.85 kilogrammes (of) cannabis weeds were recovered,” the AFP news agency quotes the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, as saying. The operation was conducted deep inside five major forests, which Nigerian media outlet PM News lists as Omolowo/Powerline forest, Ipele, Ala, Ogbese forest and Utte and Okuluse forest. The operation took place from 15 February until 21 February, Mr Babafemi said. Source: BBC

The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Freddie Blay has said Dome-Kwabenya lawmaker, Sarah Adwoa Safo asked permission to be away for sometime. “Adwoa Safo had asked permission to be away for sometime,” he said when asked about the whereabout of the Gender Minister. When asked again why members of the NPP are worried about her absence if indeed she asked permission to be away, he answered “why shouldn’t people be worried. We are in parliament where the numbers are almost at par except that we have one person majority over the NDC. “People need to vote for E-levy or any matter that will come to Parliament. Parliament is sharply divided over many issues and the vote is critical. We need every single vote to add to our numbers and therefore, party leadership, government and even the President, we are worried about it. “We want our numbers to be in a situation where we can take advantage of our majority,” he told TV3’s Evelyn Tengmaa in an interview on Wednesday February 23. Some members of the NPP believe Adwoa Safo is sabotaging the government. For instance, the MP for New Juabeng South, Michael Okyere Baafi, said she is making the work of the government in Parliament difficult. “All the problems government is facing are attributable to Adwoa Safo. Clearly, her intention and posture show that she wants to sabotage NPP,” he said on Kumasi-based Hello FM. The MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has also revealed that the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare gave him ¢120,000 to be deposited into the bank account of Adwoa Safo for her to attend to Parliament duties to work for the government. “The Chief of Staff called me and I went, I swear my mother’s grave, Chief of Staff gave me ¢120,000 and deposited into Adwoa Safo’s Fidelity Bank account. “I took the money there into the Fidelity Account, ask her personal assistant if what I am saying is not the truth,” a furious Kennedy Agyapong said. He added “Now we are in opposition, the way Adwoa Safo is treating the party, it is clearly showing that we are in opposition and this shouldn’t be tolerated at all,” he told Asaase Radio on Tuesday February 22. Mr Agyapong had raised issues against the conduct of Sarah Adwoa Safo. He said that the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection has failed in life for requesting that she should be made a Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament. He wondered why a cabinet minister will now want to occupy a position that is below the rank of a Minister. Speaking on her rampant absence from Parliament, Mr Agyapong, who has two children with her, said: “She says she wants to be Deputy Majority, that woman has failed in life. A whole cabinet minister now demanding that she should be made a Deputy Majority Leader before she comes, she should go to hell. “You don’t come to Parliament and you are on TikTok dancing? Dome Kwabenya is not for Apostle Kwadwo Safo, get it straight. I am very furious because people are insulting me because I went there to campaign for her. Mike Oquaye the Speaker, the man that I respect very well, I campaigned against his son because Adwoa used my kids, calling me and begging me to help her. And now everybody is insulting me for doing that but I have not regretted it, she is very responsible when it comes to the kids,” he said on GTV Monday, February 21. Asked how many days she has been absent from Parliament, he answered: “More than 15 days and the law says 15 days.” Asked again whether Ghanaians should expect her seat to be declared vacant, he said: “Why not? She should go and contest on TikTok.” Story by: Laud Nartey

Founder and Leader of Prophetic Chapel Hill Prophet Nigel Gaisie has been reportedly invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. He is to report on Monday, February 28, according to a Facebook post by journalist Kwabena Bobie Ansah. More to follow.... Below is a screenshot: Credit: 3news.com

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, hosted the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Ichard Razaaly. The visit by H.E Ichard Razaaly was to, among other things, discuss Ghana’s readiness to implement the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) signed between Ghana and the European Union. Addressing the EU Ambassador and his delegation, the Minister, outlined key actions undertaken by the government in preparation for the issuance of the FLEGT license. Hon. Jinapor indicated that the timber industry is of huge interest to the government as it contributes significantly to the country’s socio-economic development. To this end, he acknowledged the importance of collaborating with the EU to realize the full benefits of the timber industry. He stated that the government is committed to ensuring sustainable management and exploitation of its timber resources and the VPA provides the platform to further the cause. Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor further cited initiatives such as the Green Ghana Project, robust afforestation towards the restoration of the degraded landscape, as part of the government’s aggressive afforestation program in contributing towards global actions to mitigate the effect of climate change. The Minister reiterated the government’s full commitment to the implementation of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT ) scheme. He further indicated that plans are far advanced to make Ghana the first African country to issue a FLEGT license and the second in the world after Indonesia. The Minister stated as follows; “We made progress in our system and are ready to ensure that we become the first country in Africa to start FLEGT licensing. Ghana is very committed to the Voluntary Partnership Agreement and our team has worked tirelessly to arrive this far. The development of our timber licensing system is also helping Ghana address issues of illegal timber on our domestic and regional trade”. On his part, H.E Ichard Razaaly stated that the European Union has pledged its support to countries that adopt sustainable methods in exploiting their timber resources and commended Ghana for staying committed to the tenets of the VPA. He also commiserated with the people of Ghana over the Appiatse explosion and expressed the hope that the measures being instituted will forestall future occurrences. He was, however, quick to add that the development partners are mobilizing funds to contribute towards the Appiatse Support Fund. The Voluntary Partnership Agreement which was signed between the Republic of Ghana and the EU in 2009, aims at developing the systems needed to control, verify and license legal timber for both domestic and export markets. Story by: News Desk Report

The Appiatse Support Fund has on Wednesday, 23rd February 2022 received in turns donations from the GCB Bank PLC, the Minerals Income Investment Fund ( MIIF), a Deputy Minister at the Office of the Attorney General, Hon. Diana Asonaba Dapaah and a Business Woman by name Madam Philomina Asantewaa Debrah. The GCB Bank PLC which was the first institution to take its turn after the Ghana Chamber of Mines, donated an amount of GHC100, 000 as their quota to rebuilding and rehabilitation of Appiatse. A Representative from GCB Bank PLC who spoke on behalf of the team described the Appiatse incident as tragic and sympathized with the victims saying that GCB is prepared to support the rebuilding of the Appiatse community. He stated, "GCB has opened an account and have used their facility to disseminate information to everyone who is prepared to support the community by providing a short code *422 * 530# for easy payment". A team from the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) headed by their CEO, Mr. Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, also joined the plie of donors to give GHC200,000 as their contribution to the support fund. Mr. Koranteng said their donation is to demonstrate to the people of Appiatse that they are with them in their trying time. He announced that they have visited the Appiatse relief camp to do a need assessment study which has informed their decision to donate some 250, 000 worth of relief items, 50 tents to provide shelter for 100 people, roofing sheets, among others in the coming week. He pledged that they will go to the extent of helping with the setting up of the tents as and when delivered to the camp. He commended the Chairperson of the Committee and her members for "a Yeoman's job done, by mobilizing people to give for such a worthy cause. The Deputy Minister for the Office of the Attorney General, Hon. Diana Asonaba Dapaah also presented a cheque of 2,000 Ghana cedis to Support Fund. Madam Philomina Asantewaa Debrah, a businesswoman, and an Entrepreneur also brought in some relief items being clothes, shoes, and utensils to be sent to the people of Appiatse. Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, the Chairperson of the Appiatse Support Fund Committee, in her message of appreciation to all donors set the records straight with regards to the donation of relief items. She stressed "We are so grateful for your generosity but I need to state that this Fund is specifically for the reconstruction of Appiatse and for their livelihoods and so to prevent any mix-up and encourage orderliness, I will employ those who want to donate relief items to please go to the Appiatse community to make their donations to them" She also called for Ghanaians and friends of Ghana to support the furnishing of the temporary structures with roofing sheets, wood, and other building materials to complete the project in time. She also gave specifics to what the people are currently calling out for as relief items. "what I hear is that the people are interested in receiving beans, maize, gari, salt, and canned foods. We would be glad if you could send these things rather than rice" Below are some pictures: Story by: News Desk Report

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has hit hard on the leadership of the Ghana Chamber of Mines saying their contribution to the Appiatse Support Fund is not significant. The Minister made these remarks when the Ghana Chamber of Mines donated $4 Million USD to the Appiatse Support Fund on Wednesday. Addressing Journalists in Accra, the Minister said “The contribution you have made is most welcomed. I am particularly glad that you have mentioned the names of the companies who have contributed and that is very important. Permit me not to miss words, AngloGold Ashanti contributed, Chirano Ghana Limited has contributed, New Mount has contributed, Goldfields has contributed but I am afraid I have to point this out that a chamber of your strength, size, members, portfolio, and the matters you deal with in this country and what you are involved in, I am afraid, I am sorry, I am not too sure, this is significant. I don’t think that I will share in that sentiment” “The four companies that have contributed, the Ghanaian people are extremely grateful to them and very appreciative of what they have done” The Minister also added that the calls to ban mining in the country is inappropriate adding that it contributes to the economy. “When an incident like this happens, it just has a way of amplifying and heightening that suspicion” Hon. Jinapor also stressed that it will not be out of pain if the Ghana Chamber of Mines took the full bill of the reconstruction of the Appiatse Community. “It will not be out of pain if the Ghana Chamber of Mines were to be taking the whole bill of the reconstruction of this community. It will absolutely not be out of pain in all respect” “If I had my way, this support fund idea would have been abandoned for the chamber to step forward and say this is an incident which was occasioned by a matter relating to the mining so we take this entire bill” On his part, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Eric Asubonteng, said “The Chamber was very concerned about the incident, and have therefore pulled their resources together, culminating in the Four Million Dollars (US$4,000,000.00) they were presenting” He revealed that the main contributors to the donation are Anglogold Ashanti Ltd, Chirano Gold Mines Ltd, Goldfields Ghana Ltd, and Newmont Ghana Ltd. He said the Chamber has a total membership of over seventy (70) companies and expressed his hope that the other members will contribute to the Fund. Mr. Asubonteng also thank the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, for his leadership and the constructive and decisive manner in which he handled the Appiatse explosion incident. “It has been handled in such a way that the industry has been held together. Because it could have meant anything, and if it had gotten out of hand, it wouldn’t have been to the benefit of any stakeholder, Mr. Assubonteng said. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has inaugurated a committee to review the report of the devesting committee established by the lands commission. According to the Minister, it is pursuant to act 1036. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday, he said “Ladies and Gentlemen, land in our country, has historical, religious, political, economic, and social significance. It evokes a lot of emotions and passion, rightly so; and this is more so when stool lands, acquired through the toil and blood of our forefathers, are involved. Indeed, between 1894 and 1897, when the colonial Government attempted to vest our lands in the crown, through the Crown Lands Bill, 1894 and the Lands Bill, 1897, our forebears fiercely resisted this, forcing the colonial government to withdraw these Bills. In the northern part of our country, however, the Administration (Northern Territories) Ordinance, 1902, vested all lands in the Northern Territories in the crown, in trust for the people” “After our independence in 1957, rampant political agitations and allegations of the use of stool land revenue to support political activities led to the enactment of the Ashanti Stool Lands Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958) and the Akim Abuakwa (Stool Revenue) Act, 1958 (No.78 of 1958), which vested Ashanti lands and Akim Abuakwa lands, respectfully, in the President in trust for the stools” The Sector Minister also mentioned that by the Stool Lands (Validation of Legislation) Act, 1959, the Stool Lands Act, 1960 (Act 27), and the Administration of Lands Act 1962, (Act 123), the power of the President to vest stool lands in himself was extended to the whole country. He further noted that Section 7 of Act 123, empowered the President, to, by Executive Instrument, declare any stool land to be vested in the President in trust if it appeared to the President to be in the public interest. “Presidents, before the coming into force of the 1992 Constitution, in the exercise of this power, vested several stool lands in the President, in trust for the people, including stool lands in Accra and Tema (E.I. 108 of 1964), Saltpond (E.I. 131 of 1978), Daboasi (E.I 7 of 1990), Kaasi (E.I. 4 of 1991), and Assin-Nsuta (E.I. 21 of 1992)” “The coming into force of the 1992 Constitution, however, changed the vesting regime in our country. By article 257(3) and (4), all northern territories lands, which were vested in the President, were de-vested, and same vested in the appropriate skins, and article 267(1) vested all stool lands “in the appropriate stool on behalf of, and in trust for the subjects of the stool in accordance with customary law and usage.” Hon. Jinapor mentioned that while the Government retained its power of eminent domain over all lands in the country, the import of article 267(1) was that, no stool land could be vested in the President after the coming into force of the Constitution. “As the Supreme Court explained in Omaboe III v Attorney-General and Lands Commission [2005-2006] SCGLR 579, after the coming into force of the 1992 Constitution on 7th January 1993, any statute or subsidiary legislation which purports to vest in the President or Government of Ghana, lands which still stool lands, would run counter to Article 267(1) of the 1992 Constitution.” He noted that unlike lands in the northern territories where the Constitution expressly devested them, article 267(1) did not operate to devest already vested stool lands. Like the Court, again, explained in the Omaboe case “Those lands that were once stool lands, but which had been vested at some point in time in the President or Government, without any subsequent de-vesting in favor of the original stools by a statutory or constitutional provision…. they continue to be vested in the President or Government of Ghana until the State takes measures by an express statutory language to de-vest itself and re-vest them in the original stool owners.” “Ladies and Gentlemen, no statutory devesting was made, until the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) came into force on 23rd December 2020. While the Act did not de-vest vested lands, it provided in section 270(2) that Within six months of the coming into force of this Act, the Lands Commission shall begin the process of evaluating all existing vested lands with the view to recommending to the President, the de-vesting of those lands.” Samuel A. Jinapor hinted that the President shall then, based on those recommendations, authorize the de-vesting of any land previously vested in the President if he deems it right to so do. “Consistent with these provisions, the Lands Commission, in June 2021, six months after the coming into force of the Act, established a twelve-member committee, chaired by the Director of Public and Vested Lands Management Division of the Lands Commission, Ms. Mabel H. Yemidi, to undertake a case by case inquiry into the current status of vested lands, collate the views of the pre-vesting owners, study the challenges and lessons learned from previous attempts at devesting, and make recommendations to the President within six (6) months” He stressed that the Committee, in accordance with these terms of reference, conducted their work and have presented their preliminary report to him. “Given the importance of land to our national and cultural lives, and to ensure that the President is provided with the full facts and given advice motivated by candor, integrity, and professionalism, so as to enable him to take the appropriate decisions, in the public interest, in relation to the de-vesting of lands in our country, I have established this committee, to review the Yemidi Committee report, and make recommendations to me, on all matters relating to de-vesting, for my review and onward submission to the President, advise Government” The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources explained that the Committee will be chaired by Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi, head of Appiah-Kubi & Associates Law Firm, a distinguished lawyer of many years experience, specialized in property law, former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Free Zones Board, a two-time Member of Parliament for the Asante Akim North Constituency and a former Deputy Minister for Railway Development. The other members of the Committee are; Kumbun-Naa Alhaji Naa Abu Iddrisu II, representing the National House of Chiefs, a distinguished surveyor and a fellow of the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, Dr. Wordsworth Odame-Larbi, representing the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, a Land Policy and Land Administration Consultant, a former Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, with several publications on land administration reforms and compulsory acquisition to his credit. The committee will also have Dennis Adjei-Dwomoh, representing the Ghana Bar Association, the Managing Partner of Law Plus, founding member of GIMPA Faculty of Law and the founder of the award-winning Dennis Law online legal research; and Maxwell Adu-Nsafoa, the Technical Director for Lands at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Also, a distinguished surveyor, who has worked in different capacities at the Lands Commission, including serving as the Regional Lands Officer for seven (7) out of the then ten (10) regions of our country. The Minister hinted that he is confident, that given the expertise and experiences of this five-member Committee, they will deliver on their mandate. “Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen, the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is committed to ensuring that the de-vesting of vested lands if deemed necessary, is done fairly, equitably, transparently, justly, and based on integrity. Our duty is to assist the President in this regard. And we will do all our best, to ensure that each stool, clan, family, or individual affected by the vesting of their lands, receive just consideration of the matters in issue” The Sector Minister assured that President Akufo-Addo and his Government are determined to do right to all stools, clans, families, and individuals across the country, by resolving this age-old problem once and for all. On his part, the Chairperson of the committee, the head of Appiah-Kubi & Associates Law Firm, Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi thanked President Akufo-Addo and Hon. Jinapor for giving them such an opportunity. He stressed that he and his team will not let the President, Sector Minister, and the nation down. He challenged his colleagues to put out their best for the interest of the country and its citizens. Below is a video and pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), Lawyer Jerry Shaib has hinted that the clean beach campaign being introduced by his outfit will reduce the number of plastic waste materials deposited on beaches from municipal waste discharge systems. The CEO made these known while outlining the specific objectives of the CODA Clean Beach campaign in Accra. Addressing Journalists on Wednesday, Lawyer Shaib said “The Clean Beach campaign will provide infrastructure for reducing the number of plastic waste materials deposited on beaches from municipal waste discharge system” He charged all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) within the zone are being engaged to support the campaign. The CEO further mentioned that the program will also have a strong private sector and development partner support in its implementation. “The program seeks to mobilize coastal communities to be involved in environmental cleanliness; and provide basic infrastructure and facilities to maintain clean beaches with linkages for value addition in partnership with Coastal Conservancy Organisation (CCO)- a local NGO and the Center for Coastal Management, UCC.” Lawyer Shaib revealed that currently, a pilot plastic litter trapping has been installed on Korle Lagoon to trap and contain floating plastic being carried into the sea. He again explained that the campaign will support beach communities to improve environmental and ecological conditions. Touching on the challenges confronting the Authority, he said “Prevalence of the covid-19 pandemic and its impact on planned activities and programs. Non-availability of land and litigation in areas earmarked for projects. Partnership and collaboration is critical for the development of the zone” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In October 2021, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) warned citizens against the use of glutathione for skin bleaching. This directive followed a similar move in 2017 when it prohibited creams, lotions, oils, serums, etc containing hydroquinone due to its damaging effects on the skin. The Authority subsequently published a list of 41 harmful cosmetic products in Ghana in January 2019. This, however, has not stopped importers from bringing the products into the country through illegal routes of entry or concealing them from being seized by the authorities. Skin lightening is and continues to be the bane of the 21st century. The practice dates back centuries and its patronized by many cultures and tribes with many names which are used interchangeably. These names include skin lightening, skin toning, skin whitening, brightening, bleaching, etc. However, the trend is ultimately rooted in colorism and the fact that in many cultures, lighter skin is associated with beauty and better prospects in terms of employment, marriage, and social standing. (Meera et al- White lies, CNN) Skin whitening products often contain ingredients that are toxic when used in cosmetic products for long durations and without medical guidance. They have the ability not just to damage the skin but cause life-threatening ailments. Despite the ban in many countries of poisonous substances in cosmetic products, an inexhaustive list of substances, such as lead, chromium, nickel, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, hydroquinone, steroids, nitrosamine, etc. is still present in many cosmetic products. In most cases, these are above the permissible regulatory limits. Meanwhile, cancers, renal disorders, thinning and easy bruising of the skin, dermatophyte infection with lesions, macular hyperpigmentation, pityriasis vesicular, diabetes mellitus, micropapillary eruption, hypertension, etc. are possible toxicological and health hazards that may be associated with continuous cosmetic application and dangers of extreme skin bleaching. In a study on “Use of Skin Lightening products”, with a sample of 555 among 3 Urban fishing Communities in Accra, it was concluded that 96.8% of the women suffered dermatological defects such as hypopigmentation, and 86.4% suffered Ochronosis (a rare condition of paradoxical skin darkening seen with the use of skin lightening agent hydroquinone. Also, 56.3% had striae (stretch marks) and 15.1% suffered infections as a result of using these bleaching creams and/ or cosmetics. According to the National Health Service (NHS-England), the possible side effects of using products that contain hydroquinone, corticosteroids, or mercury includes skin becoming darker or too light, thinning or showing visible blood vessels; scarring; kidney, liver, or nerve damage; and abnormalities in a newborn baby (if used during pregnancy). Overusing skin-bleaching products can cause irreversible damage to the affected organs, and the skin might not return to its original condition even after bleaching has stopped. Bleaching products strip the skin of melanin, which makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, meaning one needs to cover up with extra clothing. There is also a higher risk of skin cancer. However, this does not deter many users of these illegal and dangerous products. Some women who use illegal skin-bleaching products go as far as bleaching the skin of their children. Their two main reasons are first, believing that being light-skinned is beautiful and secondly, to hide the fact that they themselves are not naturally fair-skinned. For example, in Ghana some pregnant women have gone as far as taking skin-bleaching pills in the hope that their newborn will be naturally light-skinned, not realizing that they are damaging themselves and their unborn baby. All over the world, skin lightening continues to evolve with antioxidants now available as Pills and injectables. This has now become the new frontiers for those seeking a lighter complexion. Such infusions, administered under unsterile conditions or by unqualified professionals is unsafe and can lead to transmission of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B. (FDA-Ghana, 2021). The FDA, assures the general public that the Authority continues the war against the abuse of substances such as hydroquinone, corticosteroids, or chemicals that are not allowed in cosmetics for the purposes of skin whitening and are by this way reiterating that the Authority shall not rest on its interventions of curbing this menace but shall continue to organize raiding activities to unapproved products from the markets, surcharge offenders or perpetrators to face the full rigors of the law per its mandate in the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). To this end, the Food and Drugs Authority hereby urges consumers to be cautious of any products marketed online with unproven claims about their safety and effectiveness. The Authority is also cautioning marketers of such products, whether through product marketing or social media, to stop the spread of misleading information that perpetuates beliefs that lighter skin equals more beautiful skin and begin to empower consumers to feel beautiful and comfortable in their own natural skin color. Credit: Margaret Lartey et al (Int J Dematol.2017) on “Use of Skin Lightening products”

The Leadership of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is warning the general public desist from using naphthalene balls as means of purifying drinking water. According to the FDA, the naphthalene balls are rather used for repelling insects. In a statement issued by its communications department, it said "Under the mandate of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), naphthalene balls are classified as household chemical substances for repelling insects. It has come to the notice of the FDA that some sections of the public use naphthalene/mothballs to purify drinking water, and for the treatment of stomach aches, measles, and diarrhoea" The release further noted that these forms of usage other than repelling insects may cause serious harm to the users and therefore the public is strongly advised to desist from that. "Indeed, research has shown that incorrect use of naphthalene balls can have severe health consequences on consumers and long-term exposure to them may result in severe anemia, respiratory tumors, reproductive problems, headaches, nausea, sweating, jaundice, confusion, malaise, abdominal pains, eye, and nose irritations" it added. Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that continuous release of these balls into water bodies and the environment can have dire consequences on aquatic life. The FDA says it is urging the public to desist from the unapproved use of naphthalene balls and adhere to only the approved use as a household chemical substance solely approved for repelling insects and pests. "To this end, the FDA will continue to partner with relevant institutions in the sensitization of the public on both the appropriate use and harm that may result from the abuse of naphthalene balls to safeguard the health and safety of the consuming public" In other developments, the FDA says with regards to the recent introduced Street Food Vending Permit initiative, it is closely monitoring the preparation, packaging and storage of street foods. The release mentioned that they are being enforced in a bid to ensure that no chemical contamination occurs and there is strict adherence to Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) at all times. Background Naphthalene balls, sometimes referred to as mothballs are white, volatile, small balls that are used either as pesticides or insecticides. They may be used indoors or outdoors. Naphthalene balls mostly consists of the ingredient naphthalene and thionaphthalene and is obtained from either coal tar or petroleum distillation. When naphthalene melts from solid into the gaseous state, it produces a strong pungent odor which is toxic to moths and other insects. Under the mandate of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), naphthalene balls are classified as household chemical substances for repelling insects. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Dr. Kwaku Afriyie is calling on food vendors to desist from preparing and wrapping foods with plastics since it is poisonous and dangerous to the health of the consumer. The Minister made these known after he embarked on a facility tour of some plastic production plants in Accra. Speaking at the tour, the Minister said "You are a criminal if you sit in a trotro and you toss your litter out of the car. We are going to use the force of the law and we want to carry our population behind us. We are using moral suasion and ethical issues. If you boil kenkey with these plastics, which are under 20 microns, you are literally poisoning people. It is poisonous to use plastics to wrap the kenkey we eat. People are not aware. We have to create awareness and give the education and if it persists and if Cape Coast or Amasaman or wherever passes a by-law, that you should not do that and you flout it, then you are a criminal" The Minister told Journalists although new laws will not be made, he will ensure that the existing laws are intensified. "As for timelines, I am not doing this alone. I keep on referring to local government, Water and Sanitation, I am even the first shot because the mandate is a spectrum but I suspect that I carry the heaviest burden but I will need my other colleagues too. So it will be inappropriate to give timelines" "Don't get me wrong, I have looked at the laws and even if they don't collaborate and they are getting something, I have an escape clause where I can do something but I want teamwork" "With this exercise, the media is a big ally in this fight. I am also confident that all members in parliament will come on board and agree since this does not need a debate. The Minister further assured that he will see to it that the Industry is not disturbed. "It is a shared responsibility and we cannot attribute all the guilt to only industry. But that is not to exonerate them. Now that we are here and know the nature of their problem, so if you are an industrial person, and you know that all these steps we are going to take is going to affect you, you have to bring your concerns on board and also tell us, how we can walk through the problem and solve it. Responding to whatever government will consider banning plastics, he said "We will look at it Even some countries have done it but looking at it, on one hand, we need the plastics. Whiles, we look at that, we have to look at bringing in substitutes" "Even if it is 4 months, we will walk in tangent with the Industry so they do retooling because those who are doing the microplastics, they can retool bt when you are talking about ban, when we look products and we titrate it and the needs in Ghana, we can say that those who are importing it should go into another business. We can impose a ban on that immediately" The Minister mentioned that should the need arise, travelers will not be allowed to enter the country with plastics. "The airlines should carry their litters away. We are not going to carry people's litter. It might be weird but its symbolism can go into the heads of the elite who are on per capital basis, the largest users of plastic products" The Minister disclosed that global plastics production grew from 1.5 million metric tons per annum in 1950 to 400 million in 2017. He also noted that production during the last 10 years equaled production during the whole of the 20th century combined. Dr. Afriyie expressed worry saying it is estimated that global plastics could triple by 2050. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mini Plast, Nadim Ghanem Jr on his part, thanked the Minister for paying a working visit to his outfit. "My company has been in Ghana for over 90 years. We have been into development projects such as roads and other things and now we are into plastic manufacturing. Our main focus is recycling and manufacturing plastics" "Mini Plast has thought outside the box and has decided to manufacture things like chairs among others from plastic products. They can be used for a longer time" He explained that his outfit is not only making good use of recycled products but has also created lots of jobs for many Ghanaian youths. He also told the Minister that the safety and well-being of the workers are his topmost priority adding that workers have been provided with the necessary and needed logistics. The Chief Executive Officer of Dophil Roofing System, Dr. Kwaku Adjepong said "We have been in the roofing industry for some time now but we realized that there is the need to take the roofing to a different level so we came up with trying to solve a problem by using waste in the system" He told the Minister that Dophil has converted lots of plastic bottles into different, durable and portable roofing sheets. "This product is one of its kind, It lasts very long, The duration can last up to a hundred years and look at the competition in the system, the regular aluminum and alu-zinc, anytime, we had to import, we were met with challenges of steel prices going up so we decided in a way to help give it back to the system, we are better off collecting the waste, and e keeping the city clean and also using it for something profitable" Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith