Government has launched Ghana National Strategic Plan for Heavy Metals Reduction in Food (2026–2030) as part of efforts to strengthen food safety and protect public health.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, said, during the event, that the initiative represents Ghana’s commitment to tackling the presence of toxic heavy metals including lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in the country’s food system.

According to her, the metals pose significant health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women, and can enter the food chain through activities including mining, agriculture, food processing and packaging.

“Food safety is national development,” Professor Ayensu-Danquah said, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to managing risks throughout the food production and supply chain.

She said the strategic plan would focus on governing heavy-metal risks “from source to fork” to ensure that food produced, processed and consumed in Ghana meets appropriate safety standards.

“When we assure safe food, we protect health, boost consumer confidence, and open export markets,” she said.

The Deputy Minister noted that addressing heavy-metal contamination should not be viewed solely as a regulatory responsibility but as an important investment in Ghana’s future.

“This is not just a regulatory issue. It is about protecting Ghana’s future,” she stated.

Professor Ayensu-Danquah commended the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and UNICEF for their leadership and support in developing the strategic framework.

She stressed stronger collaboration among institutions and stakeholders would be critical to building resilient food safety systems capable of protecting consumers and promoting healthier communities.

The strategic plan is expected to provide a coordinated framework for identifying and managing heavy-metal contamination across different stages of the food chain, from production to consumption.

The Deputy Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening food safety systems as part of broader public health and national development efforts.