Ghana heavy metal food contamination crisis

Illegal artisanal and small-scale gold mining, referred to as ‘galamsey’, has caused significant mercury contamination in Ghana. The mining process releases mercury vapors and toxins into the soil and water, which can transform into methylmercury and accumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish. This poses a severe threat to cognitive development in children and pregnant women, with the World Health Organization warning of potential kidney damage, visual and speech problems, and lifelong disabilities.

In response, the Ghanaian government has launched the National Strategic Plan for Heavy Metals Reduction in Food, a five-year initiative running from 2026 to 2030. The plan aims to reduce levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic within the national food chain, addressing contamination from environmental pollution, farming, and processing.

Government assessments have identified specific contamination risks: 29 percent of cereal-based mixed food samples exceeded permitted cadmium limits, 42.09 percent of turmeric samples contained lead levels above the allowed threshold, and 24.6 percent of bentonite products exceeded permitted lead limits. While skin-lightening creams tested complied with mercury standards, officials noted that targeted regulatory action is necessary to protect the national economy and agricultural export markets.

Supported by UNICEF, the framework involves coordination between the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Deputy Minister for Health Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah emphasized that the plan requires shared responsibility from industry, academia, and development partners, while urging the media to avoid ‘sensationalized reporting’ to maintain consumer confidence.