The School of Applied Sciences and Technology, Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, organised a webinar on the theme: “Aflatoxin and anti-fungal proteins research in Ghana and Hungary,” bringing together Ghanaian and Hungarian experts.

Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus that can contaminate crops, posing serious health risks to consumers.

In Ghana, where agriculture is a significant sector of the economy, aflatoxin contamination, according to research, has far-reaching consequences on farm produce. The webinar provided a platform for experts to discuss the latest research and strategies for mitigating aflatoxin risks.

One of the presenters at the event, Prof. Dr. István Pósci, from the University of Debrecen, Hungary, discussed the harmful effects of aflatoxin and the Republic of Hungary's strategies to combat them.

Dr. Sandra K. Kaburi, of CCTU’s Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, highlighted the impact of aflatoxin on food safety in Ghana. “Aflatoxin contamination of food products in Ghana poses serious economic concerns and accounts for losses of about 319,000 tonnes or 18% of Ghana’s annual maize production (Boateng, 2019)”, she said.

Dr. Kaburi, mentioned that, aflatoxin contamination poses a barrier to trade and market development due to the rejection of contaminated products by buyers, including the food industry and importing countries, citing a 2019 report that only 10% of Ghana’s exported peanut butter went to EU markets, a decline attributed to aflatoxin concerns.

Also, she stated that an exposure to aflatoxin could cause the immune system to be weakened. It could also cause health challenges such as liver cancer. The high exposure, she stressed, could lead to death.

The experts shared their findings and experiences, showcasing potential innovative solutions. Dr. Kaburi recommended good agricultural practices, such as proper weeding, pest control, irrigation, fertilizer application, and biological control (aflasafe).

The webinar demonstrated CCTU's commitment to research and innovation, providing a platform for the promotion of knowledge to address critical issues like aflatoxin contamination in Ghana and beyond, ultimately contributing to the country's development.

The event was interactive, with attendees engaging in discussions about their daily life activities in relation to the topic. Having about forty (40) participants, in-person and online, the webinar was a success, highlighting the importance of collaborative research efforts.

   Source:  Directorate of Public Affairs

   Date:      30th May, 2025