Ghana has launched the National Strategic Plan for Heavy Metals Reduction in Food (2026–2030) as part of efforts to improve food safety, protect public health and reduce exposure to harmful contaminants in the country’s food supply.
The five-year strategic plan is designed to strengthen Ghana’s food safety systems and address the growing risks associated with heavy metal contamination in food. The initiative is expected to contribute to better public health, increased productivity, consumer protection and sustainable national development.
Plan Targets Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Arsenic
The National Strategic Plan focuses on reducing exposure to toxic heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, which can enter the food chain through environmental pollution, agricultural activities, food processing and packaging.
Exposure to these contaminants can pose serious health risks, with children and pregnant women considered particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of heavy metals.
The strategy will therefore promote stronger monitoring and preventive measures across Ghana’s food production and supply chains.
Government Emphasises Food Safety
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister for Health Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah described food safety as an important foundation for national development.
She explained that access to safer food would help protect public health, increase consumer confidence, strengthen the food industry and improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian food products in local and international markets.
According to her, the strategic plan provides a coordinated framework for improving food safety regulation, surveillance, laboratory testing, industry compliance, research and public education.
She also stressed the need for effective coordination, accountability and collaboration among institutions responsible for food safety in Ghana.
FDA Ghana to Strengthen Heavy Metal Monitoring
Deputy Chief Executive of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mr. Roderick Daddey-Adjei, said the plan was developed following extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.
He noted that, with technical and financial support from UNICEF, the FDA had generated evidence concerning heavy metal contamination in selected food products. The findings are expected to support efforts to improve food safety monitoring and strengthen interventions to reduce contamination.
The Deputy Minister also commended UNICEF for its support and urged stakeholders to remain committed to the successful implementation of the five-year strategy.
Stakeholders Support Safer Food in Ghana
The launch brought together representatives from key institutions and organisations involved in food safety and public health in Ghana.
Participants included officials from the Ministry of Health, Food and Drugs Authority, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Standards Authority, Minerals Commission, UNICEF, academia, the food industry, civil society organisations and other development partners.
The stakeholders are expected to work together to implement the 2026–2030 Heavy Metals Reduction Plan, strengthen Ghana’s food safety system and promote healthier communities.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that food produced, processed and consumed in Ghana meets appropriate food safety standards, while protecting consumers from harmful contaminants.
Source: newsthemegh.com