Health News from Ghana

The latest health news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Kwabena Mintah Akand­oh, the Minister of Health, speaking at the Conference in Bolgatanga
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Minister Akandoh Outlines Efficiency Standards for GH¢1.5 Billion Free Primary Health Care Initiative

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for the prudent management of resources to ensure the success of the government’s Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) program. Speaking at the 33rd Annual General Conference of the District Directors of Health Services in Bolgatanga, the Minister emphasized that the initiative is supported by an allocation of GH¢1.5 billion, funded entirely from domestic resources. Akandoh warned that the success of the policy depends heavily on the efficient use of these funds and the diligence of district directors, urging them to prevent mismanagement that could ‘kill’ the program in its early stages. To support the rollout, the Ministry has procured over 25,500 pieces of medical equipment, alongside essential logistics such as motorbikes and tricycles, to enhance service delivery in remote areas. The FPHC program is designed with a strong focus on disease prevention and health promotion rather than just curative care. This logistical boost is intended to empower local health directorates to implement policies more effectively, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches the doorstep of every Ghanaian regardless of their financial status. Supporting this vision, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has advocated for a research-driven approach to primary healthcare. At the 7th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference, she stressed the importance of translating scientific research into practical, community-level applications. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah highlighted the critical role of nurses and midwives in the early identification of health conditions and called for the integration of evidence-based practices to improve health outcomes across the country. This broad national effort to modernize healthcare delivery is also being reinforced by legislative and human rights advocacy. Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin recently re-inaugurated the African Commission of Health and Human Rights Promoters, contributing GH¢100,000 toward its endowment fund. The commission aims to tackle systemic barriers to health, including mental health issues and the public health impacts of illegal mining. Together, these administrative, scientific, and advocacy-led initiatives form a comprehensive strategy to secure sustainable healthcare and social justice for all citizens.

Dr Darrell Neneyo Amoatey (2nd from right), Marketing Coordinator of Unicom Chemist Limited, handing over the donated medicines to Ruth Addo (2nd from left), Assistant Corporate Officer of GCGL. With them are other staff of Unicom Chemist Limited
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Corporate Ghana Champions Healthcare Through Community Screenings and Employee Wellness Initiatives

In a significant move to bolster public health and internal employee well-being, several prominent Ghanaian organizations and pharmaceutical giants have launched major health initiatives this month. M&G Pharmaceutical Ltd, Ernest Chemists Limited, and Unicom Chemist Limited have collectively donated substantial medical supplies and equipment to support a free health screening exercise organized by the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL). The initiative, centered in the Adabraka community, aims to provide residents with access to essential preventive healthcare, including consultations for common illnesses, specialized eye care, and dentistry services. The pharmaceutical donations highlight a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the industry. M&G Pharmaceutical and Ernest Chemists contributed medicines valued at GH"15,000, while Unicom Chemist provided a range of essential items, including anti-malarial drugs, pain-relief gels, cervical collars, and glucometers. Dr. Darrell Neneyo Amoatey, Unicom’s Marketing Coordinator, and representatives from M&G and Ernest Chemists emphasized that these efforts are designed to support vulnerable populations and encourage a culture of preventive health awareness across the country. Parallel to these community outreach efforts, the Ninani Group has reinforced the importance of internal health with its annual wellness programme. Employees from six marketing agencies under the group participated in a series of physical activities, including a health walk in the Ibri Mountains, football, racing, and table tennis. The event, which has been a staple for the organization for over five years, is designed to offer staff a necessary reprieve from the high-pressure demands of the marketing communications industry and the sedentary nature of desk-bound work. Leadership at the Ninani Group expressed a vision for expanding these wellness efforts in the future. Chief Operating Officer Justin Antwi-Darkwa and HR representative Akosua Aworae Apau noted that the initiative not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters essential team bonding and healthier lifestyle habits among staff. Moving forward, the group plans to invite corporate clients to join these activities, aiming to inspire other organizations to prioritize employee health as a core business value. These collective actions from both the pharmaceutical sector and the corporate world signal a growing trend toward integrated health advocacy in Ghana.

Dr Wallace Odiko-Ollennu, Programme Manager,  Non-Communicable Disease  Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service, making his presentation
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Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu and Health Experts Warn of Rising 'Silent Epidemic' as NCDs Claim 45% of Deaths in Ghana

Ghana is currently battling a "silent epidemic" as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for approximately 45% of all deaths in the country. This alarming statistic, highlighted by Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu, Programme Manager for the Non-Communicable Disease Control Programme, underscores a significant shift in the nation's health landscape where chronic conditions are increasingly overtaking infectious diseases. Health officials warn that low public awareness, unhealthy lifestyles, and a lack of early detection are fueling this crisis, necessitating an urgent and coordinated national response. Dr. Efua Commeh, Municipal Director of Health at La Nkwantanang-Madina, revealed during World Patient Safety Day 2026 events that 21.7% of Ghanaian adults aged 18 to 69 are hypertensive, yet fewer than half of those affected are aware of their condition. Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers are becoming more prevalent due to risk factors like poor diet, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. In response, health officials are collaborating with faith leaders to promote initiatives like "Meatless Monday," aimed at reducing meat consumption and integrating spiritual teachings with public health strategies to mitigate the NCD burden, particularly in vulnerable coastal and urban communities. Beyond prevention, the medical community is calling for a transformation in how NCDs are managed within the healthcare system. Dr. Arthur Sackeyfio, Head of Orthopaedics at FOCOS Hospital, emphasized that patient safety must be treated as a collective responsibility that extends across the entire care journey—from initial diagnosis to post-discharge follow-up. Speaking at a panel discussion, Dr. Sackeyfio stressed the importance of meticulous care, effective teamwork among professionals, and the active involvement of patients as partners in their own safety protocols. He argued that institutional learning from medical incidents and routine audits are essential for improving long-term management outcomes. To address these systemic challenges, experts are advocating for a multi-pronged approach that includes regular community health screenings and the integration of NCD management into nursing and midwifery training curricula. Dr. Commeh urged healthcare providers to improve communication with patients, ensuring that treatment discussions account for individual socio-economic circumstances to enhance adherence. As Ghana's healthcare system adapts to this growing burden, the focus remains on fostering a culture of continuous vigilance and proactive health management to curb the rising mortality rates associated with these manageable yet deadly conditions.

Speaker Bagbin Revitalizes Health Rights Commission as Funding Crisis Threatens HIV Progress Across Africa
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Speaker Bagbin Revitalizes Health Rights Commission as Funding Crisis Threatens HIV Progress Across Africa

The Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, has re-inaugurated the African Commission of Health and Human Rights Promoters (CAPSDH) in Accra, a move that comes at a critical juncture for health advocacy on the continent. This revitalized initiative aims to address the urgent health and human rights needs of marginalized groups, particularly as shifting international priorities create dangerous gaps in essential care. The importance of such regional interventions is underscored by reports from Kenya, where experts warn that recent international funding cuts are already leading to a surge in preventable deaths among HIV-positive individuals. In Kenya, the withdrawal of US aid has had a devastating impact on the most vulnerable, with at least 24 deaths confirmed among HIV-positive sex workers who lost access to life-saving support. The closure of specialized clinics that previously provided essential health services has not only cut off treatment but has also exacerbated the stigma and discrimination faced by these individuals. Health experts express deep alarm that the progress made over decades in combating HIV/AIDS is at risk of being reversed, as significant numbers of patients fall out of care, potentially triggering a wider epidemic in the general population. Addressing these systemic barriers, Speaker Bagbin launched the CAPSDH Endowment Fund with a personal donation of GH¢100,000 at the Labadi Beach Hotel. The Commission, originally established in 1989, is pivoting its focus toward a comprehensive mandate that includes healthcare rights, mental health advocacy, and the public health implications of environmental crises like illegal mining. The organization has set an ambitious target of raising US$10 billion over the next five years to ensure sustainable funding for its programs, which aim to integrate human rights into national health policies across Africa. The convergence of the crisis in Kenya and the renewed commitment in Ghana highlights the fragile nature of Africa’s health infrastructure when it remains overly dependent on external donors. As regional bodies like CAPSDH work to secure home-grown funding and legislative support, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of aid volatility. Moving forward, the success of these advocacy and funding efforts will be essential to protecting the rights of all citizens to access quality healthcare, regardless of their social status or the source of international funding.

Ghanaian Communities See Boost in Healthcare and Social Welfare as Ashaiman and Dadetoklo Receive Vital Interventions
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Ghanaian Communities See Boost in Healthcare and Social Welfare as Ashaiman and Dadetoklo Receive Vital Interventions

Recent developments in the Ashaiman Municipality and the village of Dadetoklo have signaled a significant boost for healthcare accessibility and social welfare. In Ashaiman, 59 persons with disabilities (PWDs) have been empowered with nearly GH¢400,000 in financial aid and equipment through the Disability Common Fund. Simultaneously, the fishing community of Dadetoklo is celebrating the commissioning of a new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, a facility described as a lifeline intended to end years of dangerous roadside deliveries and maternal health crises caused by geographic isolation. In Ashaiman, the GH¢400,000 disbursement targeted individuals such as Israel K. Golomeke and dozens of others who have historically faced systemic challenges in securing employment and daily sustenance. The intervention, which includes both direct financial assistance and specialized business equipment, is designed to transition beneficiaries from a reliance on public charity toward sustainable, independent livelihoods. Municipal leaders emphasized that the 59 beneficiaries underwent a rigorous screening process to ensure the effective and transparent use of public resources. Local authorities have also used the occasion to call for more timely releases of these funds to maintain the momentum of social inclusion programs and have encouraged PWDs to foster unity to maximize the impact of government support. Parallel to these social interventions, the residents of Dadetoklo have achieved a major milestone in healthcare delivery. For years, pregnant women in this fishing village were forced to endure long, treacherous journeys to the Kojokrom CHPS compound, often resulting in preventable deaths or deliveries occurring on the roadside due to poor road conditions. The newly constructed facility in Dadetoklo now provides a localized solution for safe births and primary healthcare. While the community has welcomed the infrastructure as a transformative victory, residents continue to urge the government to address the dilapidated road network, which still poses a significant barrier to emergency medical transport. These dual interventions highlight the ongoing efforts to address the needs of vulnerable populations through both physical infrastructure and direct economic empowerment. However, both stories underscore a persistent call for complementary support—ranging from improved road networks in rural areas to more consistent funding cycles for urban social programs. As these communities integrate these new resources, the focus remains on ensuring that such interventions lead to long-term self-reliance and improved health outcomes across the nation.

Liquid oxygen delivered at Lekma Hospital
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Private Sector Partnerships and Industrial Innovation Bolster Ghana’s Healthcare Infrastructure and Access

Ghana’s healthcare landscape is seeing a significant transformation through a series of private sector investments and industrial advancements aimed at improving specialized care and medical supply chains. Central to these developments is a major contribution to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares. During the Trust Fund's first anniversary celebrations, Nilex Corp Company Limited donated medical equipment valued at US$259,000. This substantial contribution includes handheld ultrasound machines, portable X-ray units, oxygen concentrators, and three OXUS oxygen plants, all designed to enhance the fund’s capacity to treat chronic non-communicable diseases and expand access to essential services across the country. In a parallel effort to decentralize specialized medical services, the Council of Bono and Ahafo Associations of North America (COBAANA) has commenced construction on the COBAANA Medical Centre. This project, which gained significant momentum at the group’s 17th Annual Convention in Chicago, aims to provide vital dialysis treatment to patients in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions. Supported by a US$10,000 donation from Doormaster CEO Kodjo Botchway, the initiative addresses the critical challenge of patients having to travel long distances for renal care. Dr. Degraft Gyan K. Kwafor, Chairman of COBAANA, described the start of construction as a major milestone for community well-being in the region. Simultaneously, a breakthrough in medical supply logistics has been achieved by Indo-Ghana Industries Limited, which has launched the local production and supply of liquid medical oxygen. Moving away from traditional, less efficient cylinder-based distribution, the company has transitioned to a stable storage-based method using cryogenic systems. Lekma Hospital in Teshie became the first facility to benefit from this new system, which allows hospitals to maintain a consistent oxygen supply for up to three months. Indo-Ghana Managing Director Varun Tyagi noted that this shift minimizes the transportation challenges and high costs that were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. These collective initiatives represent a multifaceted approach to strengthening the national health system. By combining high-tech equipment donations for the Mahama Cares fund, regional infrastructure projects for specialized care like dialysis, and the modernization of essential medical gas supplies, both private and non-profit sectors are filling critical gaps in service delivery. These advancements not only ensure more reliable treatment for patients but also promote long-term sustainability by reducing dependency on emergency deliveries and centralized facilities in the nation's capital.

Ninani Group Promotes Employee Wellbeing with Annual Wellness Programme and Sports Activities
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Ninani Group Promotes Employee Wellbeing with Annual Wellness Programme and Sports Activities

Employees of the Ninani Group, a prominent marketing communications collective, recently stepped away from their desks to participate in the company’s annual wellness programme. The initiative, which has been a cornerstone of the group's corporate culture for the past five to six years, brought together staff from across its six member agencies for a day dedicated to physical fitness and team bonding. The event was highlighted by a health walk through the Ibri Mountains, followed by a series of competitive and recreational activities including football, racing, and table tennis, providing a comprehensive platform for staff to engage in physical exercise outside the office environment. Justin Antwi-Darkwa, the Chief Operating Officer of Results Advertising, emphasized the importance of the programme in the context of the demanding marketing industry. He noted that the initiative provides a necessary break from the pressures of desk-bound work, allowing employees to focus on their physical health and mental rejuvenation. This sentiment was echoed by Group HR representative Akosua Aworae Apau, who highlighted that the programme encourages long-term lifestyle changes. Many employees reportedly engaged in physical training and adopted healthier habits in the weeks leading up to the event, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in fostering a sustainable culture of wellness. Supported by partners such as Myst Water and Beta Malt, the wellness day also served as a vital networking opportunity, strengthening relationships between colleagues from different agencies within the group. Looking toward the future, the Ninani Group plans to expand the initiative by inviting corporate clients to participate in subsequent events. By broadening the scope of the programme, the group aims to advocate for workplace wellness across the wider corporate landscape in Ghana, encouraging other organizations to prioritize the health and engagement of their workforces.

Dr Darrell Neneyo Amoatey (2nd from right), Marketing Coordinator of Unicom Chemist Limited, handing over the donated medicines to Ruth Addo (2nd from left), Assistant Corporate Officer of GCGL. With them are other staff of Unicom Chemist Limited
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Unicom, M&G, and Ernest Chemists Support Graphic Communications Group’s Free Health Screening in Adabraka

The Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) has received a significant boost for its annual free health screening exercise in Adabraka, with several leading pharmaceutical companies providing essential medical supplies. Unicom Chemist Limited, M&G Pharmaceutical Ltd, and Ernest Chemists Limited have collectively donated medicines and medical devices to ensure the success of the outreach program. This initiative, a staple of GCGL’s corporate social responsibility calendar, is designed to enhance preventive healthcare access for residents of Adabraka and surrounding communities. Specifically, M&G Pharmaceutical and Ernest Chemists contributed a range of medicines valued at approximately GH"15,000. These donations highlight a dual commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and promoting the use of locally manufactured pharmaceutical products. In a complementary effort, Unicom Chemist Limited marked its second year of participation by donating anti-malarial drugs, pain-relief gels, cervical collars, and glucometers. These supplies are critical for the screening, which targets both common ailments and chronic conditions that often go undetected without regular medical check-ups. The health screening exercise goes beyond basic consultations to offer specialized services, including eye care and dentistry. Medical professionals will be available on-site to provide expert advice and immediate treatment for various conditions identified during the event. Dr. Darrell Neneyo Amoatey, Marketing Coordinator for Unicom Chemist, noted that the positive impact of previous exercises drove their continued support, emphasizing that corporate intervention is vital for improving community health outcomes and general well-being. GCGL officials have expressed profound gratitude to the pharmaceutical partners, highlighting that such collaborations are essential for sustaining community-focused health initiatives. By providing free access to both professional medical advice and high-quality medication, the exercise aims to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on local residents while fostering a culture of preventive medicine. The organizers have called on other corporate entities to emulate these contributions to help expand the reach and frequency of future health screenings.

Kwabena Mintah Akand­oh, the Minister of Health, speaking at the Conference in Bolgatanga
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Minister Akandoh Charges Health Directors to Protect GH¢1.5 Billion Free Primary Health Care Initiative

Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has issued a stern warning to district health administrators to ensure the success of the government’s Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) program, cautioning that mismanagement could "kill" the initiative on arrival. Speaking at the 33rd Annual General Conference of the District Directors of Health Services in Bolgatanga, the Minister underscored the significant financial commitment behind the policy, revealing that the government has allocated GH¢1.5 billion from domestic resources to fund the rollout. This investment is designed to eliminate financial barriers to essential healthcare services and bring Ghana closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage under the administration of President John Mahama. To support the practical implementation of the FPHC, Minister Akandoh announced the procurement of over 25,500 pieces of medical equipment intended for facilities across the country. Recognizing the logistical challenges faced by health workers in remote areas, the Ministry is also providing motorbikes and tricycles to enhance mobility and service delivery. The Minister emphasized that the role of district directors is pivotal, as they serve as the primary implementers of these healthcare policies. He urged them to prioritize accountability and efficiency, noting that the sustainability of the program depends heavily on how these domestic funds and logistics are managed at the local level. Complementing the Minister’s focus on resource management, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has called for a stronger integration of research into the FPHC framework. Addressing the 7th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah advocated for evidence-based practices to address specific community health needs. She highlighted that nurses and midwives are the frontline of this initiative, particularly in the early identification of medical conditions and the delivery of preventive care. By translating research findings into practical applications, she argued that the healthcare system could more effectively manage resources while improving patient outcomes. The Free Primary Health Care program represents a strategic shift in Ghana’s health policy, moving away from a purely curative model toward prevention and health promotion. Both officials stressed that the initiative's success relies on a multifaceted approach: robust funding, adequate logistics, and a commitment to innovation through research. As the government continues to deploy resources, the focus remains on ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to every Ghanaian, regardless of their location or economic status, marking a critical step in the nation's public health evolution.

Adaklu Health Directorate Reports Surge in Teenage Pregnancies as Advocates Call for Parental Reform
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Adaklu Health Directorate Reports Surge in Teenage Pregnancies as Advocates Call for Parental Reform

The Adaklu District is grappling with a concerning rise in teenage pregnancies, a trend health authorities and community advocates attribute to a combination of poverty, parental neglect, and a breakdown in communication within families. Data from the Adaklu Health Directorate reveals that the number of recorded teenage pregnancies climbed from 109 in 2024 to 120 in 2025. This upward trajectory has prompted urgent calls for parents to foster more open, loving environments to protect vulnerable adolescents from the risks associated with early parenthood. A deeper analysis of the statistics highlights a particularly worrying trend among younger children. In 2024, three of the recorded pregnancies involved girls between the ages of 10 and 14, a figure that rose to four in 2025. These numbers underscore the severe vulnerability of pre-teens in the district. Research accompanying these findings suggests a significant cultural barrier in family dynamics, with approximately 87.5% of teenagers surveyed reporting that they had never discussed sexual health or related issues with their fathers. This silence, combined with economic hardships, often leaves young girls without the guidance necessary to navigate social pressures. In response to this crisis, organizations such as Friends of Adaklu, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, have launched targeted interventions to stabilize the situation. These initiatives focus on improving parental care through community education and the creation of "safe spaces" where children can openly express their concerns. Beyond advocacy, the program provides practical support by offering small grants to caregivers. These financial injections are designed to help families meet the basic needs of their children, thereby reducing the likelihood of neglect driven by extreme poverty. The impact of these outreach efforts is already being felt in several quarters of the Adaklu community. Local forums have encouraged a shift in parenting styles, with some guardians reporting a move away from traditional corporal punishment and violence in favor of constructive discipline and open dialogue. By strengthening the family unit and bridging the communication gap between generations, advocates hope to create a supportive environment that empowers adolescents to make informed choices. The ongoing goal remains to curb the rising pregnancy rates and ensure that every child in Adaklu has the opportunity to pursue their education and future without the burden of early pregnancy.

Counsellor Lutterodt and Okyeame Kwame Lead Prostate Cancer Awareness Drive with Free Screening for Over 160 Men
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Counsellor Lutterodt and Okyeame Kwame Lead Prostate Cancer Awareness Drive with Free Screening for Over 160 Men

In a significant boost to men's health advocacy in Ghana, over 160 men participated in a free prostate cancer screening exercise in Accra on September 18. Organized by Counsellor Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the initiative was designed to promote regular health checks and the early detection of prostate-related conditions. The event, which saw a turnout of various community members and public figures, underscored the urgent need for increased awareness and education to combat the high incidence of prostate cancer in the country. The screening initiative received high-profile support from prominent Ghanaian figures, including renowned rapper and entrepreneur Okyeame Kwame and gospel musician Shadrach Mensah Kwesi. Both celebrities shared personal motivations for undergoing the screening to help demystify the process for other men. Okyeame Kwame, while acknowledging his initial apprehensions about prostate exams, urged men—particularly older individuals—to prioritize their health and take advantage of professional healthcare services. He emphasized that early detection remains the most effective tool for survival and called for a collective effort to dismantle the misconceptions surrounding prostate health examinations. Counsellor Lutterodt, the lead organizer through the CL Foundation Ghana, highlighted the program's growth since its inception in October 2022. He stated that the primary goal of the outreach is to provide not just medical testing, but also the necessary counseling and education to help men understand their health risks. Lutterodt noted that while the event successfully drew over 160 participants, the long-term objective is to reach even larger numbers, with targets set for 250 participants in subsequent phases. He reiterated that early detection is a lifesaving measure and encouraged men not to let fear prevent them from seeking medical advice. Looking ahead, the organizers have announced plans to establish the screening as an annual event to ensure sustained awareness and support for men's health. By integrating celebrity advocacy with free medical access, the initiative seeks to create a culture of proactive health management across Ghana. The success of this screening marks a pivotal step in expanding community-based health outreach, with future efforts expected to include broader educational campaigns and additional screening locations to reinforce the message that early detection is key to overcoming prostate cancer.

FDA Launches Five-Year Heavy Metals Reduction Plan as Enforcement Teams Seize Thousands of Unregistered Products
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FDA Launches Five-Year Heavy Metals Reduction Plan as Enforcement Teams Seize Thousands of Unregistered Products

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has intensified its national public health safety efforts, combining rigorous market enforcement with the launch of a comprehensive five-year strategy to combat environmental contaminants. In a significant recent operation, the FDA's Bono Regional Office seized over 57,000 pieces of unregistered baby diapers during a three-day surveillance exercise across major markets in Sunyani, Berekum, and Dormaa. This enforcement action coincides with the detection of lead and cadmium in various food products and cosmetics, prompting the government to unveil the National Strategic Plan for Heavy Metals Reduction in Food (2026–2030). The Bono Region operation, led by Regulatory Officer Charles Opoku Gyamfi and supported by the Ghana Police Service, targeted the removal of uncertified, expired, and potentially harmful products from the consumer chain. Bono Regional Head, Madam Akua Amponsaa Owusu, warned that unregistered diapers pose significant health risks to infants, as they bypass the stringent quality assessments required for safety and hygiene. The FDA has served notice that retailers found stocking these unregistered items will face prosecution, emphasizing that the 10-member enforcement team will continue to conduct public sensitization alongside their regulatory duties to ensure traders comply with storage and registration standards. On the national level, the FDA is addressing a growing crisis involving heavy metal contamination. Roderick Kwabena Daddy-Adjei, Deputy Chief Executive for the Food Division, revealed that recent testing has identified dangerous levels of lead and cadmium in common household items, including children's food and cosmetics. To combat this, the FDA has received a handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) machine donated by UNICEF, which will allow for rapid field testing of food products and cooking utensils. Officials warned that prolonged exposure to these metals can lead to severe health outcomes, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues in children. In response to these systemic threats, Deputy Minister for Health Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has launched a strategic plan aimed at minimizing exposure to lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic through 2030. The initiative, developed in collaboration with UNICEF, focuses on the most vulnerable populations, specifically children and pregnant women. The plan outlines a multi-institutional framework to monitor the food chain from environmental source to final processing, aiming to integrate modern technology and stricter regulatory oversight into Ghana's food safety infrastructure. As the FDA ramps up both field enforcement and policy implementation, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. Consumers are advised to check for FDA registration numbers before purchasing any packaged goods or cosmetics and to report suspicious products to local authorities. The Authority maintains that while technology and strategy are vital, the cooperation of traders and the awareness of the general public remain the most effective tools in safeguarding the nation’s health and ensuring that only wholesome products reach the Ghanaian market.