Colorism is far from being over here in the states. The subject is just as toxic in other countries causing rippling effects like skin bleaching. Due to the seriousness of the issue, Ghana is doing something major to combat the issue.
Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) plans to ban the sale of cosmetic products containing hydroquinone. The skin bleaching ingredient is commonly known to act as a cancer-causing agent and there’s already a ban in place for the United States.
FDA spokesperson James Lartey told Face to Face Africa that the products will no longer be imported to the country.
“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 for skin lightening products is going to be zero,” said Lartey.
Skin bleaching is a regular practice in Ghana and according to the outlet, it’s especially done by celebrities. A Ghanaian boxer admitted to bleaching his skin for political means.
Beasts of No Nation actress Ama K Abebrese, has dedicated efforts to end skin bleaching in Ghana with the “Love Your Natural Skin Tone” campaign.
Long live melanin.
