Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has resolved to ban the sale of cosmetic products which contain the skin bleaching ingredient hydroquinone, effective August this year.
The decision, which forms part of a directive from the state's Standard Authority, is an attempt to deter users of the cancer-causing chemical within the Ghanaian market.
FDA spokesperson James Lartey has confirmed 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," he revealed to GhanaStar.com in Accra.
Skin bleaching remains a "norm" in Ghana especially among celebrities and youths, according to Face2Face Africa.
Recently the country's local professional boxer, Bukom Banku not only confirmed bleaching his skin but also admitted to lightening his skin tone so he gains a national assignment from President John Mahama as Ghana's ambassador to Germany.
"I am bleaching my skin because when John Mahama wins 2016 elections, he will make me Ghana's ambassador to Germany. I am bleaching myself for German people to know that German people and Bukom Banku are one," Banku reportedly said.
He added: "Bleaching can't affect my skin because I have a very good skin. Again, rashes can't affect me because I am using Cleaning Claire and I am taking medicine as well. If I don't bleach they won't give me that position ... and if you see me now I look fresh because of President John Mahama.
The use of hydroquinone products is banned in the United States, Japan, Australia and the European Union.
Retired dermatologist Professor Edmund Delle has warned those who indulge in the act of skin bleaching that they stand the chance of not only damaging their skin but also "giving room to all manner of skin infections and health related diseases."
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