Contaminated Asana Vendor Arrested in Prampram Incident

A vendor believed to have sold contaminated asana, a local corn drink, to pupils in Prampram has been arrested and is now assisting with the investigation into a suspected food poisoning incident at two basic schools.

The episode unfolded on Monday, April 14, when over 20 pupils from Prampram D/A Basic “B” and Methodist Freeman Basic School collapsed during class. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes of children running in distress before succumbing to the effects of the drink.

Member of Parliament Sam Nartey George confirmed the incident on his Facebook page, stating, “The vendor of the suspected ‘contaminated’ asana is assisting with the ongoing medical investigation. Samples have been sent to the lab to determine what exactly went wrong.” According to the MP, a total of 22 children were affected; 21 have been discharged for further observation while one child was admitted overnight as a precautionary measure. The vendor, who also reportedly consumed the drink, has been hospitalized as part of the investigation.

Local authorities and health officials are working in close collaboration to determine the exact cause of the contamination. The swift intervention by the Prampram Polyclinic and the involvement of the Ningo-Prampram District Health Directorate underline the critical importance of swift response mechanisms in managing public health crises. The community now awaits the laboratory results, which are expected to shed light on whether the contamination was due to poor hygiene, faulty ingredients, or other causes.

This incident highlights the need for rigorous food safety standards, especially in environments where children are present. The case not only calls for stricter regulatory measures to prevent such occurrences but also serves as a reminder to vendors about the vital importance of ensuring that food and beverages are prepared and served safely. The quick actions of health officials and local authorities, as well as the transparent communication by public representatives, are essential steps in restoring public confidence in food safety standards.