Ghana launches five-year plan to reduce heavy metals in food

The Ghanaian government has launched the National Strategic Plan for Heavy Metals Reduction in Food, a five-year initiative spanning from 2026 to 2030. The program aims to reduce levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic within the national food chain.

Contaminants are expected to enter the food system through environmental pollution, farming practices, food processing, and packaging materials. Officials have identified children and pregnant women as the most vulnerable populations to the long-term health risks associated with heavy metal accumulation.

Deputy Minister for Health Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah emphasized that the plan requires a shared national responsibility. She called for proactive manufacturing processes from industry stakeholders, continued evidence-based research from academia, and sustained technical and financial support from development partners. The Minister also urged the media to avoid sensationalized reporting to prevent the erosion of consumer confidence in Ghanaian food products.