DANGEROUS PRACTICES CONSIDERED "NORMAL" IN GHANA

Ghana is a lovely country, the general atmosphere is peaceful with reason and smeared with pockets of jaw-dropping scenarios, here I present to you some dangerous things considered normal in Ghana. 

1. SETTING UP SHOPS AND STALLS UNDER ELECTRIC PYLONS

It will surprise visitors to see how often Ghanaians set up trading centers and shops under electric transmission lines. 

shop and markets under pylons in Ghana

A market scene under an electric pylon in Ghana
photo source: https://www.pulse.com.gh

Though there have been several warnings to individuals to be aware of such practices, it is often normal to see these happening in most populated places. Although this is a dangerous thing to do, it is deemed normal in Ghana.

2. CELL TOWER AT HOME

Another instance of disbelief is finding cell towers in some houses. This is also something dangerous but considered normal in Ghana.

Cell mast in a house in Ghana

Cell Tower in a house
photo source: photo file

I once stayed in a house like this, we had a cell tower very close to the house. Aside from the exposure to heavy doses of radiation, there is the danger of the mast breaking off and falling onto the roof or injuring someone. It is something lots of people in Ghana do not consider as hazardous!

3. RIDING A MOTORCYCLE WITH HEADSETS INSTEAD OF HELMETS

Some will blame illiteracy, but this is one common thing you see in Ghana. Most often you will see bikers in headsets ignoring all the dangers that come with it. It is not just awkward and pitiful to see, but also frequent on a normal day in Ghana.

Riding motorbike with headset in Ghana

Riding a motorcycle with a headset instead of a helmet
photo source: file photo
 

4. STONE ON LPG CYLINDERS 

A bit unusual but a common practice in Ghana both at home and in public places.

Stone on LPG cylinder in Ghana

Stone on an LPG cylinder 
photo source:https://www.graphic.com.gh

Though the regulatory authorities frown on it, it is a common practice. Chances are; when buying fast food on the street the next time, with careful observation, you may see one. This is one dangerous practice that has been disregarded in Ghana.

5. RE-FUELLING COMMERCIAL VEHICLES WITH PASSENGERS ON BOARD

This is one common and dangerous practice in Ghana. Commercial drivers are so fond of this that it is seen as a normal practice.

Re-fueling a commercial vehicle with passengers on board

Re-fueling a commercial vehicle with passengers on board
photo source: photo file

While on board a commercial vehicle, drivers will likely drive into a filling station to refuel. There is a total disregard for passengers disembarking before this. It is not considered dangerous at all in Ghana.

6. ROVING THE EARS WITH FEATHER 

It is how most of the Ghanaian populace was raised, including me (the author). Until the arrival of cotton buds, that was what we all did. Though it is a dangerous practice, it is considered normal in Ghana. 

Ear-roving with feather in Ghana

A woman roving her ear with a feather 
photo source: www.ghanaweb.com

The satisfaction from roving the ears with a feather is exceptional, yet it can be associated with multiple health dangers. It could lead to infections, pain in the ear, itches, etc. Yet as indicated, it is overlooked in Ghana, such that people always keep a special feather in their Bibles and Diaries.


7. MAKING PHONE CALLS BY FUEL DISPENSERS

Though most Ghanaians may not know this, it is dangerous to make or receive phone calls beside fuel dispensers.

Making calls by a fuel dispenser

Making phone calls by a fuel dispenser is dangerous
photo source: file photo

The main culprits in this situation are mostly drivers and riders. While they ignore warnings to make phone calls while driving, they also extend it to fuel pumps. This can be seen daily in Ghana. 


8. SELF MEDICATION

The number one self-medication drug in Ghana is PARACETAMOL. Whatever the health-related issue; ranging from headache to toothache, the first thing most Ghanaians will go after is "Para".

Self medication in Ghana

Self-Medication in Ghana
photo source: photo file

Most Ghanaians especially in the rural areas will prefer self-medication to going to the hospital. This dangerous practice is so normal that there is no Ghanaian in Ghana who does not know what PARACETAMOL is. All these practices are dangerous, but with disregard for safety, you will see them occurring in Ghana daily.

author: "cyberghost"




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