Ghana unveils 5-year plan to tackle heavy metals in food

Ghana has launched a five-year national plan to tackle heavy-metal contamination in food and strengthen measures to protect consumers from harmful substances that can pose serious health risks.

The National Strategic Plan for Heavy Metals Reduction in Food (2026–2030) provides a coordinated framework for reducing exposure to contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic across the food system.

These heavy metals can enter the food chain through environmental contamination, agricultural activities, food processing and packaging. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to their effects, making stronger prevention, monitoring and control measures essential.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, said food safety was critical to protecting public health and supporting national development.

She said ensuring safer food would not only protect consumers but also build public confidence, strengthen the food industry and improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian products on local and international markets.

According to her, the new Plan would strengthen regulation and surveillance while improving laboratory capacity, industry compliance, research and public education on heavy-metal contamination.

She stressed the need for strong coordination among institutions responsible for food safety, together with clear accountability, to ensure that the Plan is translated into practical action.

Prof. Dr Ayensu-Danquah commended the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for its technical and financial support towards the development of the Plan and urged all stakeholders to contribute to its successful implementation.

The Deputy Chief Executive of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mr Roderick Daddey-Adjei, said the Plan was developed through extensive consultations with key stakeholders.

He noted that, with support from UNICEF, the FDA had also generated evidence on heavy-metal contamination in selected food products, providing an important basis for targeted interventions.

The launch brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, FDA, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Standards Authority, Minerals Commission, UNICEF, academia, industry, civil society and other partners.

The stakeholders are expected to work together to implement the Plan and strengthen efforts to ensure safer food and healthier communities across Ghana.