Researchers discover cancer treatment mineral at Mamprugu-Mogdurri district in the Northern Region
Researchers at the School of Art and Archaeology of the University of Ghana have discovered a chamosite clay at the Mamprugu-Mogdurri district in the northern region. The chamosite clay, the researchers say, contains minerals capable of treating several diseases.
The chamosite which is among terracotta figurines contains minerals such as aluminum, iron, silicon, synthesize bones as well as promotion of cell growth.
The university of Ghana researchers say they will conduct further biomedical test at Manchester University in the United Kingdom on the clay for its efficacy in curing cancer.
The fossils clay was discovered in Yikpebongu community in Mamprugu/Mogdurri district.
An archaeology lecturer of the University of Ghana, Dr Samuel Nkumbaan disclosed this during a sensitization forum on the figurines to trace the historical background and cultural values of the people of Ghana in Tamale.
This is part of the Komaland archeological project near Wa in the Upper West Region. The sensitization forum for stakeholders was jointly organized by the Manchester Museum, the Ghana Museum Monuments board (GMMB) and the University of Ghana on the importance of the Komaland archeological project.
The two-day sensitization forum brought together community members including officials from the Mamprugu-Mogduri district where figurines are said to be common.
The forum was to encourage stakeholders on the benefits and the historical background of the soil breakables (terracotta- figurines).
Even though the search to discover the chamosite clay must go on, the researchers say they are being careful in observing the ethics in every community their team will research in Mamprugu-Mogduri district. Dr Samuel Nkumbaan of the University of Ghana spoke on benefits of the soil breakables.
The ‘father’ of the Komaland project, Lawyer Benjamin Baluri Saibu who took participants through the details of archeology explained that, the komaland site was created in 1963 by the then Conventions People’s Party (CPP) and immediately died off after the CPP government was overthrown.
Lawyer Saibu said the Komaland site project aim was to conserve and protect the terracotta figurines which he describes as the cultural heritage property of the people in northern Ghana and Ghana at large.
The Assistant Director of Ghana Monument Museums Board, Kuntaa Dekumwine Dominic, on behalf of the executive Director of Museums revealed that, the board is using inland and boarder security agencies like the police and CEPS to track down those who traffic the terracotta figurines abroad.
Mr Kuntaa who was speaking on the measures to conserve and protect the cultural heritage property said the board is also protecting the lands where the figurines exist against sales and re-allocations among others.
He therefore called on the general public to report to the Ghana Museum Monument Board if sites that contain these terracotta figurines are identified.
By: Emmanuel Amanful Dadzie/zaaradio.com
