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A new National Summary Report released by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed widespread contamination of food and cosmetic products with dangerous heavy metals, raising urgent public health concerns.
The nationwide assessment, conducted with support from UNICEF, tested samples from all 16 regions for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). The products analyzed included turmeric, cereal mixes (Tom Brown), bentonite clay (“Ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”), and skin-lightening creams and lotions.
The findings were deeply troubling:
- Kohl recorded the highest contamination rate, with 77.79% of samples testing positive for lead. In the Upper East and Eastern regions, 100% of kohl samples were found to be contaminated.
- Turmeric showed a 42.09% lead contamination rate, with Greater Accra and the Central Region reporting the highest levels.
- Cereal mixes contained 29% cadmium contamination, particularly in the Northeast, Western North, and Oti regions.
- Bentonite clay products recorded 24.62% lead contamination, mainly in the Northeast and Greater Accra.
- Some skin-lightening creams and lotions passed safety checks, with no mercury detected in specific regions, according to the report.
Unbranded Products and Open Markets Pose Greatest Risk
The FDA’s analysis identified unbranded and loosely packaged products—especially those sold in open markets and retail shops—as the primary sources of contamination. This, according to the report, makes traceability and regulatory enforcement more difficult.
“The FDA believes issues of traceability must be taken seriously. We must know if these foodstuffs are coming from galamsey (illegal mining) areas, so we can stop the supply,” said Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA’s Food Division.
He warned that exposure to heavy metals—often linked to illegal mining activities—was contributing to birth defects and serious health challenges in Ghana.
Recalls, Surveillance and Regulatory Action
In response to the findings, Mr. Agyei announced that the FDA had initiated nationwide recalls of contaminated turmeric products and would tighten import inspections and port surveillance, particularly for high-risk items like kohl and bentonite clay.
He also called for a broader review of agricultural practices and environmental protection, citing the role of galamsey in contaminating food sources with heavy metals.
UNICEF Urges Swift, Coordinated Action
Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, Health Specialist at UNICEF Ghana, issued a stern warning about the long-term health effects, especially for children.
“The smallest amount of lead in the body can damage a child’s developing organs, reduce IQ, and cause kidney and heart-related diseases,” he said.
He stressed that the report should serve as a call to decisive action, not just a warning.
“We owe it to our children, our families, and the generations yet unborn to make this country safe from the devastating effects of lead. We must develop and enforce stricter safety standards for all consumer products.”
