The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called for urgent national action to address what it describes as widespread food safety risks affecting consumers from the point of production to the dining table.
The Association says the problem goes beyond isolated cases of food contamination, with unsafe farming practices, environmental pollution, poor food handling and the use of hazardous substances contributing to a broader public health threat.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday, July 27, the General Secretary of the GMA, Dr Richard Selormey, cited studies indicating that nearly 80 percent of sachet water samples tested in Ghana contained bacteria.
He also raised concerns about the presence of harmful pesticide residues in food products sold in major markets.
According to Dr Selormey, illegal mining activities, excessive use of pesticides, adulteration of palm oil and poor storage practices are among the factors exposing Ghanaians to potentially dangerous contaminants.
He said some vegetables sold in markets in Accra had been found to contain toxic pesticide residues, while Sudan dyes—chemicals not approved for use in food—had also reportedly been detected in palm oil.
The GMA General Secretary further expressed concern over reports of formalin, a chemical commonly associated with the preservation of dead bodies, being illegally used to preserve fish.
He said the scale of the problem required a coordinated response rather than isolated interventions targeting individual products or practices.
“And so, indeed… from the farms, the use of pesticides, all the way to the table, the issue is widespread,” he said.
Dr Selormey called for stronger enforcement of existing food safety regulations and increased public education to help consumers and food producers understand the health risks associated with unsafe practices.
He also urged government to introduce incentives to encourage businesses to adopt safer and environmentally friendly packaging.
The GMA believes a comprehensive approach involving regulators, farmers, food processors, traders and consumers is necessary to strengthen Ghana’s food safety system and protect public health.
