Thirteen people have been rushed to the hospital after reportedly consuming food that is suspected to be contaminated.
The victims are reported to have consumed ‘waakye,’ a popular local dish made from rice and beans, in the town of Atwedie, which is situated in the Asante Akyem Municipality.
The victims exhibited symptoms including vomiting, stomach ache, nausea, and uneasiness shortly after consuming the food. This distressing and alarming incident occurred on Monday, October 9, 2023.
All 13 individuals affected, including the ‘waakye’ vendor, were admitted to the hospital, but they were fortunately discharged on the same day.
Confirming the incident, the Ashanti Regional Environmental Health Officer, Mr John Yaw Donkor said his outfit received reports that 13 people ate from the same source and instantly developed some complications.
Mr. Donkor said his outfit, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) rushed to the scene and upon some investigations, it was revealed that the 13 people ate ‘waakye’ and developed the symptoms.
“The 13 people, including the ‘waakye’ seller were discharged after being hospitalised for hours,” he disclosed.
Mr. Donkor explained that his department and other relevant authorities were unable to obtain a sample of the ‘waakye’ for laboratory testing.
As a precautionary measure, he also mentioned that the ‘waakye’ seller would be temporarily prohibited from selling until a thorough investigation into the case could be conducted.
