Ghana: From garden to table: The silent health threat in urban vegetable production
Addressing the growing risks of contamination in Ghana urban farming sector requires a multi-faceted policy approach that enforces stricter water-testing protocols and zoning laws to protect food safety.
By Prince Ofosuhene GYIMAH (PISEP)
The BFT
September 15, 2025
Excerpt:
Yet this agricultural success comes at a hidden cost. Over 70% of urban horticulture farmers rely on contaminated water sources for irrigation, including polluted drains, rivers, and shallow wells near industrial areas.
Studies reveal that 96.7% of lettuce samples from Accra exceed WHO safety limits for E. coli, while heavy metals like lead and cadmium accumulate in crops grown near dumpsites and auto repair shops.
Despite government initiatives like the Peri-Urban Vegetables Value Chain Project (GPVVCP), which promotes safer irrigation, most small-scale farmers lack access to clean water or filtration systems, perpetuating reliance on hazardous sources.
Beyond traditional concerns about pathogens, Ghana urban farms are increasingly threatened by microplastic pollution and chemical contaminants, particularly agrochemicals. Microplastics plastic particles smaller than 5mm are now recognized as pervasive environmental pollutants. Their presence in urban farms primarily stems from wastewater irrigation, atmospheric fallout, and contaminated soil amendments such as sewage sludge and compost.
In Ghana, wastewater from urban drainage systems is commonly used for irrigation, increasing the likelihood of microplastic uptake by crops. Studies have shown that microplastics adhere to soil particles, reducing soil fertility and altering microbial communities essential for plant growth. Plants absorb microplastics through root uptake, facilitated by their small size and ability to infiltrate soil pores.
Read the complete article here.
Source: https://cityfarmer.info/ghana-from-garden-to-table-the-silent-health-threat-in-urban-vegetable-production/
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