A chief forecaster at the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Raphael Osei Boakye, has advised Ghanaians to stay hydrated during the current harmattan season to prevent infections, especially respiratory infections.
Mr Boakye noted that December and January 2023 are experiencing an extreme harmattan season, attributed to the arrival of a dry continental wind in the country.
Emphasizing the dehydrating effects of the season, he urged people to drink sufficient water to mitigate its impact.
“We should drink a lot of water and stay hydrated throughout the period. Without drinking water, you could get sick. The weather is dry, and the possibility of people getting dehydrated is high. So drink enough water to prevent you from getting sick.”
He urged Ghanaians to wear nose masks during the harmattan season to avoid inhaling particles into their respiratory systems.
Boakye highlighted the invasion of the dry continental wind into the country during this period, resulting in dusty conditions.
He specifically advised street food vendors to take necessary measures to prevent dust from entering the food they sell to the public.
“For those who sell food on the streets, they should cover their meals to prevent dust from entering them.
The dust conditions are severe, so we encourage them to take note of this. They should not only think of themselves and the profits they intend to make.”