Contaminated Diapers Flood Ghanaian Markets, Consumer Groups Raise Alarm

Ghanaian consumer groups are sounding the alarm over the sale of contaminated baby diapers in local markets, warning that these products pose serious health risks to infants. The Consumer Arbitration and Mediation Centre (CAMC) and the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) have joined forces to expose the toxic trade, revealing that over one million pieces of contaminated diapers were seized and destroyed by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) across the country.

The Investigation

The CAMC’s investigation, which began in June 2024, found that most of the diapers were imported from China and had failed safety checks in their countries of origin. These rejected products were meant for disposal but somehow ended up in Ghanaian markets after being repackaged under unhygienic conditions. Laboratory tests conducted on samples from Accra, Kasoa, and other locations revealed high levels of microbial contamination.

The Risks

According to Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, Executive Director of CAMC, these contaminated diapers can cause severe rashes and infections around the genital areas of babies, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The CPA’s investigation also found that many substandard diapers were smuggled into Ghana after being rejected abroad, lacking labels, batch numbers, or country-of-origin markings.

The Call to Action

Both CAMC and CPA are calling for stricter monitoring at Ghana’s ports to prevent the entry of unsafe products. They have pledged to support the FDA in further investigations and public education campaigns to protect consumers. Parents are being urged to avoid unfamiliar or unlabelled diaper brands and report any health concerns to the relevant health authorities.

The Way Forward

The FDA has announced plans to extend its enforcement activities beyond Accra and Kasoa to other parts of the country. Community awareness exercises are also being undertaken to warn the public about hazardous products on the market. As Mr. Nana Aduhene aptly put it, “Are the over five million babies and toddlers in Ghana not deserving of clean and safe diapers? Must our children suffer because some importers put profit ahead of their health?”

Key Demands

Stricter Port Monitoring: Implement robust checks to prevent the entry of contaminated products
Public Awareness: Educate consumers about the risks associated with substandard diapers
Enforcement: Extend FDA’s enforcement activities to all parts of the country

Related Concerns

In a related matter, CAMC has received reports of unlabelled paint products being falsely sold as “American paint”. A tragic incident in Kumasi resulted in the death of a child with asthma after exposure to high levels of lead in freshly painted rooms. This highlights the need for vigilance and strict regulation of consumer products.

Source: Africa Publicity