A sweeping investigation by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has uncovered dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination in several widely consumed food and cosmetic products, raising alarms over public health and regulatory oversight in one of West Africa’s fastest-growing markets.
In a National Summary Report released this week, the FDA, with support from UNICEF, revealed that staple goods such as turmeric, Tom Brown cereal mixes, and bentonite clay—along with imported cosmetics like kohl and certain skin-lightening creams—contain elevated levels of toxic metals including lead, cadmium, and mercury.
The study, which tested samples across all 16 regions of the country, found that kohl, a cosmetic product applied around the eyes, exhibited the highest contamination levels: 77.79% of all samples contained lead, with regions such as the Upper East and Eastern recording a 100% contamination rate.
Turmeric—commonly used in both local cooking and herbal remedies—was the second-most affected, with 42.09% of samples testing positive for lead. The FDA flagged Greater Accra and Central regions as hotspots for tainted turmeric. Tom Brown cereal, a weaning food popular among Ghanaian households, was found to contain cadmium in 29% of tested samples, particularly in the Northeast, Western North, and Oti regions.
"The presence of these heavy metals, even in minute quantities, poses serious health risks—especially to children," said Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA’s Food Division, during a press briefing. "We are implementing nationwide recalls of contaminated turmeric and strengthening port inspections to prevent further imports."
Bentonite clay, often used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, was found to have a 24.62% lead contamination rate, with most cases concentrated in the Northeast and Greater Accra regions.
The report drew a sharp distinction between branded and unbranded goods, noting that unlabelled products sold in open markets and informal retail outlets were the primary sources of contamination.
"The FDA believes traceability must be taken seriously," Agyei added. "We must determine if these foodstuffs originate from areas affected by illegal mining—known locally as galamsey. Heavy metals from these sites are ending up in our food supply, causing birth defects and chronic illness."
While the findings were grim, there were areas of compliance. Certain skin-lightening creams and lotions showed no detectable mercury in select regions, suggesting that some manufacturers are adhering to international safety standards.
UNICEF Ghana's Health Specialist, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, stressed the long-term implications of lead exposure, particularly for children. "Even trace amounts can impair organ development, lower IQ, and lead to irreversible damage to the kidneys and heart," he said. "This report must be seen not as a conclusion, but as a rallying cry for regulatory reform and consumer protection."
Stakeholders are now pushing for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, improved labeling standards, and an overhaul of agricultural and market practices that allow heavy metals to infiltrate the food chain.
Ghana’s food regulatory framework has historically struggled to keep pace with the country’s rapid urbanization and informal economic activity. But with growing public scrutiny and international backing, authorities may be pressed into faster action.
“The cost of inaction is too high,” Amoah warned. “We owe it to future generations to make our markets safe.”
