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Lead contamination in products can cause anaemia, brain damage — UNICEF, FDA
Childdren and pregnant women in Ghana are unknowingly being exposed to toxic levels of lead in everyday products, a new study by UNICEF and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed.
The nationwide study, which covered all 16 regions, found dangerous levels of lead contamination in items such as cosmetics, food, and household products, posing significant threat to public health, particularly to children and women of childbearing age.
A statement on the report copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday explained that several commonly used items contained alarmingly high concentrations of lead.
Lead, a heavy metal used in batteries, paints, ceramics, and other industrial materials, is highly toxic even in small quantities.
Experts warn that it can cause irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems in children.
The study stressed that there were no safe levels of lead in the human body.
Traditional eyeliners known locally as kaji kaji or kholi, which many mothers use to brighten their children’s eyes, had contamination levels tens of thousands exceeding permissible limits.
White baked clay, called shire, ayilor, or farinkasa and commonly consumed by pregnant women to ease nausea, also tested positive for lead contamination in about 25 per cent of samples, with the highest rates recorded in the North East and Greater Accra regions.
Ground turmeric, a staple spice used across Ghana, was found to be contaminated in 42 per cent of samples, with particularly high levels in the Greater Accra (84 per cent), Central (75 per cent), and Bono (60 per cent) regions.
Similarly, locally prepared corn-based cereal (Tom Brown) showed lead contamination in 4.4 per cent of samples, mostly from the Eastern Region.
Old plumbing systems and certain cookware were also identified as possible sources of exposure, as lead can leak into drinking water or food during cooking.
The health impacts are severe. Lead exposure can cause anaemia, stunted growth, hearing loss, seizures, and pregnancy complications such as low birth weight and miscarriage.
UNICEF has, therefore, called for immediate national action to address the crisis, calling for public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of product safety standards, and routine screening for lead exposure, especially among vulnerable groups.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of Ghana and relevant partners to eliminate lead exposure and safeguard the health of every woman and child.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
A Kingdom Revival Gathering of miracles, healing, worship, and prophetic encounters comes to The Palms Convention Centre.
Accra is about to experience a mighty move of God as Prophet Benjamin Fordjour and Benjamin Fordjour Ministries officially announce the highly anticipated revival gathering “Invasion 2026”.
Under the theme: “The Supernatural ” — Psalm 82:6 the event is scheduled for Saturday August 8 and Sunday August 9, 2026 at 4:00PM each night, the transformational conference will take place at The Palms Convention Centre, Accra, bringing together believers, worshippers, ministers, young people, and seekers from across Ghana and beyond for what is expected to become one of the year’s most spiritually explosive gatherings.
The two-night encounter will feature powerful ministrations from renowned men of God including: Dr Kwadwo Bempah Boateng and Snr Prophet Isaac Anto.
Hosted by Prophet Benjamin Fordjour, INVASION 2026 is designed to ignite revival, awaken destinies, and usher believers into a fresh dimension of the supernatural power of God.
According to Prophet Benjamin Fordjour, this is not just another Christian event.
“INVASION 2026 is a prophetic movement. It is a divine call for revival, restoration, miracles, healing, and kingdom awakening in this generation,” He stated.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Prophet Benjamin Fordjour emphasised that INVASION 2026 is a divine burden to raise a generation that will walk boldly in God’s power and purpose.
“This is the hour for the supernatural church to arise. Heaven is about to invade lives, families, destinies, and territories. We believe God for undeniable miracles, restoration, breakthrough, and revival.”
As anticipation continues to build across churches, campuses, ministries, and Christian communities, INVASION 2026 is already being described by many as a major kingdom gathering that will leave a lasting spiritual impact on Ghana.
