Ghana's Food and Drug Authority has announced a ban on the sale of any kind of cosmetics containing the skin bleaching ingredient hydroquinone from August, reports the India Times.
Hydroquinone, the key ingredient used in fairness boosting products contains properties that may cause cancer.
Ghana is trying to discourage the use of this element in skin-care products. The use of hydroquinone in beauty potions are being banned in certain countries.
James Lartey, an FDA spokesperson said, “Concerning skin lightening products, we are saying that from August 2016, all products containing hydroquinone will not be allowed into the country. From 2016, the acceptance of skin lightening products is going to be zero.”
According to reports, around 30% women in Ghana use products like Fair & Lovely, with rates being way higher in other African nations, like Nigeria (77%) and Senegal (52-67%).
The obsession with lighter skin, one that stems from the colonial period, has people in certain parts of the world seek out concoctions that promise a “brighter” skin-tone, resulting in a more “successful” life.
Thanks to Ghana, the example has been set for other nations to follow suit.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
