A new national survey by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and UNICEF has uncovered alarming levels of lead contamination among children in Ghana, with the Greater Accra and Northern regions recording the highest cases. The findings point to widespread contamination in commonly used products, particularly unbranded cosmetics and food items posing a severe public health risk.
The report, titled “Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment in Selected Food and Cosmetic Products on the Ghanaian Market,” covered all 16 regions and assessed the presence of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) in:
- Turmeric
- Cereal mixes
- Bentonite clay (ayilor)
- Kohl (“Kaji Kaji”)
- Skin-lightening creams and lotions
Unbranded Market Products Identified as Highest Risk
The survey revealed that unbranded products from open markets and retail shops contained the highest concentrations of heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium. These products, widely used in homes, especially by women and children, have been directly linked to developmental risks, cognitive impairment, and long-term organ damage.
UNICEF warns that the findings represent a major safety gap in Ghana’s regulation of cosmetics and food products.
UNICEF Calls for Urgent Regulatory Reforms
Dr. Emmanuel Kyeremanteng-Amoah, Health Specialist in Nutrition at UNICEF, emphasized the need for swift action:
“Ghana must align with global best practices and protect its citizens from toxic exposure. Collaborative and urgent action across government, development partners, and civil society will ensure that every product on the Ghanaian market is safe and regulated.”
UNICEF is urging the government to update heavy-metal regulations, strengthen market surveillance, and intensify public education to prevent further exposure.
FDA Vows Stronger Enforcement and Public Education
The FDA’s Deputy CEO, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, highlighted ongoing stakeholder engagements aimed at improving safety, especially in the local cookware and cosmetics market.
“We have started engaging the fabricators. Please use stainless utensils or pots to cook and protect yourself and your loved ones from lead contamination… If possible, buy only FDA-approved products.”
He added that the Authority will continue market sampling, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with other agencies to protect consumers.
Agriculture Ministry Advocates Incentives for Safer Cookware
Madam Paulina Addy from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture called for government support to promote safer household practices:
“There should be a tax holiday for manufacturers of stainless-steel cooking utensils to promote safer cooking practices. We need longitudinal studies and clear food safety policies. This requires a multi-stakeholder approach.”
Ghana Still Lacks Heavy-Metal Regulations for Key Products
Despite the clear risks, Ghana has no specific heavy-metal standards for high-risk products like turmeric and kohl, and lacks a national product-safety database, leaving critical gaps in regulatory oversight.
The FDA–UNICEF report stresses the need for comprehensive reforms to protect children and vulnerable populations from toxic exposure.
