A nationwide surveillance study by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has detected dangerous levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in several common food and cosmetic products on the Ghanaian market.
The assessment, supported by UNICEF, found the highest levels of contamination in unbranded goods sold in open markets. Among the most affected items were kohl (77.8% lead contamination), turmeric (42.1% lead), and cereal mixes like tom brown (29% cadmium). Conversely, some skin-lightening creams showed 100% compliance with no mercury detected.
In response, the FDA is implementing stricter guidelines, enhancing port surveillance, and conducting nationwide recalls of contaminated turmeric. Roderick Dadie Agyei, Deputy CEO of the FDA, directly connected the issue to illegal mining, stating, “The heavy metals are causing birth defects and serious health challenges. We need to stop galamsey.”
A UNICEF health specialist, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Amoah, emphasized that even minute amounts of lead can cause irreversible harm to children’s developing brains and organs. He called the report “a call to decisive action” to protect future generations.
