The Deputy Chief Executive of the Food Division of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, has revealed that heavy metal contamination found in some food and cosmetic products on the Ghanaian market is directly linked to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, areas where galamsey is prevalent record the highest levels of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) in products such as turmeric, cereal mixes (Tom Brown), bentonite clay (“Ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”), and certain skin-lightening creams and lotions. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, September 26, 2025, Mr. Agyei explained that farmers using polluted water from mining areas on their crops was a key driver of the contamination.
“The issue is the areas where these activities are going on and therefore polluting water, and that water is being used on our farms, knowingly or unknowingly. You can see the pictures when they put them on TV. By and large, you can see that illegal mining is playing a big role,” he said.
He stressed that the problem could only be solved by tackling galamsey itself and urged Ghanaians to unite against the menace.
“The interest should be that Ghanaians should talk to each other. You may have a brother, relatives or friend who may be into this practice. In the end, it is not making us safe when it finds its way into the food chain, and it is a serious thing.
“It is not the time to blame people but to look at ways of solving the problem. But one of the sure ways is to ensure that this illegal mining stops,” he urged.
A National Summary Report by the FDA confirmed alarming levels of heavy metals in certain foods and cosmetics. The report found that kohl had the highest contamination rate, with 77.79% of samples testing positive for lead.
The Upper East and Eastern regions reported a 100% contamination rate for the product. Additionally, turmeric showed a lead contamination rate of 42.09%, with the Greater Accra and Central regions having the highest levels. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, a health specialist at UNICEF Ghana, cautioned about the serious health risks, especially for children. He emphasised that even the smallest amount of lead in a child’s body could harm their developing organs, reduce their IQ, and lead to kidney and heart-related diseases.
Source: Isaac Appiah-Kubi
