DEHSE-UEW Hosts Seminar on Environmental Health, Ethics and Food Safety
The Department of Environmental Health and Sanitation Education (DEHSE) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has hosted a highly engaging departmental seminar focused on ethics, food safety, and legal frameworks governing environmental health officers.
The event brought together students, faculty, and industry experts to deliberate on critical public health issues affecting Ghana. The seminar served as a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and the reinforcement of best practices in environmental health and sanitation. It also provided a platform for students and professionals to explore the moral principles guiding waste management, pollution control, and public health interventions.
Dr. Nana Akosua Owusu-Ansah, Head of DEHSE-UEW, underscored the importance of ethics in environmental health practice. "Ethics is the backbone of any profession, and environmental health officers must make decisions that uphold public health and ecological sustainability," she stated.
She highlighted the complexities surrounding ethical dilemmas in enforcing sanitation regulations and called for a strong moral compass among professionals to ensure integrity in their duties.
Municipal Environmental Health Officer Ms. Susana Martinson expounded on the role of environmental health officers (EHOs) in upholding sanitation laws. She highlighted key legislative instruments such as the Local Governance Act 2016, the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851), and the Criminal Offenses Act 1960, which empower EHOs to enforce sanitation regulations.
"Environmental health officers have the authority to inspect premises, issue abatement notices, and prosecute offenders when necessary to ensure compliance with public health laws," she explained.
Ms. Susana Martinson pointed out the procedural steps in prosecuting offenders, from conducting inspections and issuing notices to gathering evidence and pursuing legal action in district courts. Despite these legal provisions, she noted that political interference, logistical constraints, and limited resources often hamper enforcement efforts, calling for better institutional support and policy reforms to strengthen environmental health governance.
Food safety was another central theme at the seminar, with a presentation by Mrs. Naa Korkoi Ewudzie from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Cape Coast. She warned of the dire consequences of food contamination, citing World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 600 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses globally each year, with Africa bearing a significant burden. "Food safety is a shared responsibility. We must ensure proper food handling, storage, and hygiene from farm to fork," she stated.
Mrs. Naa Korkoi Ewudzie illustrated common sources of food contamination, including poor agricultural practices, unsafe processing methods, and unhygienic food vending conditions. She also raised concerns about the adulteration of food products on the Ghanaian market, emphasising the need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations and better public awareness campaigns to educate vendors and consumers on proper food handling practices.
Mrs. Naa Korkoi Ewudzie underscored the need for stronger collaborations between regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to develop more effective food safety frameworks and research initiatives that address local challenges.
Mr. Wonderful Baisie Ghartey, Director of Shape Attitude Ghana, commended the speakers for their insightful presentations and urged students to actively engage in public health advocacy. He stressed the importance of community involvement in addressing environmental health challenges. "Education and awareness are critical. We must work together to promote sustainable practices and environmental justice," he remarked.
Mr. Ghartey highlighted the significance of reducing noise pollution, improving waste management, and enforcing sanitation laws to maintain Winneba’s reputation as a clean city. He further encouraged students to rely on theoretical knowledge and take initiative in practical settings, conducting field research and engaging with local communities to effect positive change.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, collaborate with local authorities, and contribute to public health initiatives. It was emphasised that a proactive approach to environmental health and food safety is essential for sustainable development and national well-being.
As UEW continues to champion environmental health education, such engagements are expected to equip the next generation of professionals with the necessary skills to tackle pressing public health challenges in Ghana and beyond. With the increasing complexity of environmental and food safety issues, events like this seminar remain crucial in fostering a culture of responsibility, research, and proactive engagement among future environmental health leaders.
