Pregnant Women @ High Risk … When Exposed To Smoke

The Health Promotion Officer for the Sekyere South District, Mr. Joseph Asore, has disclosed that prolonged exposure to smoke from wood fuel, such as charcoal and firewood, poses significant health dangers, especially for pregnant women.

Speaking at a national LPG awareness and sensitisation campaign in Jamasi, Mr. Asore emphasised that smoke exposure could lead to a range of serious health issues, including low birth weight, infant mortality, asthma, respiratory infections, reduced lung function and even heart failure.

“Pregnant women are particularly at risk. The effects can manifest in newborns, with many babies being born underweight due to these dangers. The normal birth weight of a newborn starts at 2.5 kg, but these risks can lead to children being born with lower weights, which can have long-term consequences on their health,” Mr. Asore warned.

This awareness campaign is part of a broader national initiative executed in collaboration with the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Energy, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Digicraft Advertising/Brand Management.

The campaign, which spans four days in the Ashanti Region, includes market sensitisation, community durbars and town hall meetings designed to educate the public on the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) and promote the adoption of safer cooking alternatives, like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The campaign kicked off with market sensitisation activities in Ahwia Nkwanta and Agona, where vendors and residents were educated about the CRM. A community durbar at the Jamasi Community Centre followed, during which participants were encouraged to support the initiative.

Mr. Emmanuel Eshun, Assistant Headmaster of Administration at Adu Gyamfi Senior High School and Chairman of the occasion, lauded the NPA’s CRM initiative.

“This program allows you to exchange your old cylinder for a new, filled one at an exchange point. It’s a simple and beneficial process for everyone,” he said.

Nana Kofi, the Twafohene of Jamasi, also expressed his gratitude for the campaign, noting the environmental benefits of transitioning to gas for cooking.

“Our forests have suffered severe damage from fires. The introduction of gas as a safer alternative for cooking will help protect our forests and environment,” he stated.

In a detailed presentation on the CRM, the supervisor from the Gas Directorate of the NPA, Johnson Gbagbo Jnr, highlighted the necessity of the model, particularly in areas like Jamasi that lack gas refilling stations.

He pointed out that residents currently spend around GH¢6 on transportation to Agona to refill their cylinders, which not only adds cost but also presents risks.

“The CRM will bring gas closer to you, with exchange points strategically located to ensure easy access without the need for significant transportation costs,” Mr. Gbagbo stressed.

Also, a short drama was performed during the campaign to illustrate the health risks associated with prolonged smoke inhalation and to emphasise the importance of embracing the CRM and safe LPG usage.

The Ghana National Fire Service also conducted a demonstration on the correct procedures to follow in the event of an LPG-related incident.

The regional campaign concluded with a town hall meeting in Bekwai, where NPA’s Head of Consumer Services, Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko, advised consumers to regularly check the rubber seals (washers) around cylinder valves and connecting hoses for wear and tear.

She cautioned against self-repairs, recommending that damaged parts be taken to the nearest LPG dealer for inspection and replacement.

Additionally, she advised that LPG cylinders be kept outside the kitchen, placed on wooden platforms with roofs to prevent damage from direct sunlight, rain, and rust.