WHO Report Sheds Light on Ghana’s Disturbing Trend of Skin Bleaching
Analyzing Causes, Consequences, and Public Health Implications

More than a third of the population in Ghana has embraced the practice of skin bleaching, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Region. The report, released in November 2023, reveals a startling statistic – 39 out of every 100 Ghanaians are actively involved in skin bleaching, a trend that raises significant concerns about public health in the country.
The prevalence of skin bleaching is not confined to Ghana alone; it varies across the African continent. From Mali, where 25% of the population is engaged in skin bleaching, to Nigeria, where a staggering 77% of the populace is involved, the trend is widespread. Other countries report intermediate rates, such as 31.15% in Zimbabwe, 32% in South Africa, 50% in Senegal, and 66% in Congo-Brazzaville.
Skin bleaching, also known as skin lightening, skin toning, or skin whitening, is a global cosmetic practice deeply rooted in historical, economic, socio-cultural, and psychosocial factors. The practice involves using topical products containing corticosteroids, hydroquinone, mercury, or other agents to achieve a lighter skin tone. In Africa and Asia, the use of potentially harmful agents like mercury remains common.
A recent meta-analysis conducted by the WHO revealed a global prevalence of skin bleaching at 27.1% in Africa, with 25 to 80% of African women regularly using skin-whitening products. The data also highlighted that individuals aged 30 and under exhibit the highest prevalence at 55.9%, followed by those aged 31-49 years at 25.9%. Skin bleaching is not just a cosmetic concern; it is recognized as a global public health problem that demands urgent attention.
The adverse health effects associated with skin bleaching are numerous and severe. Conditions such as dermatitis, steroid acne, discolouration, changes in skin thickness, and inflammatory disorders are just the tip of the iceberg. The use of ingredients like hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and mercury has been linked to more severe conditions, including mercury poisoning, nephrotic syndrome, and even skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma.
Chronic use of skin-lightening products has broader health implications, including symptoms of mercury poisoning, nephrotic syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes mellitus, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and life-threatening postoperative adrenal crises. The report emphasizes that individuals with bleached skin often experience slower wound healing due to thinner skin layers, delayed skin regrowth, reduced tissue support, and impaired tissue formation.
The WHO Country Representative to Ghana, Professor Francis Kasolo, addressed the issue of skin bleaching, acknowledging the health threats it poses. In a message to The Mirror, Professor Kasolo emphasized the importance of the analytical fact sheet in raising awareness and controlling the practice of skin bleaching in Ghana and across Africa.
In response to the alarming statistics, the WHO report advocates for strong regulatory actions to ban the importation of harmful skin bleaching products. The report also highlights the role of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, in educating the public about local skin bleaching practices and potential complications associated with the misuse of skin-lightening products.
Public health strategies are deemed essential to discourage the culture of colorism. The report recommends advocating for the recognition of beauty in all skin colors and promoting the use of dark-skinned models in commercials. Despite the well-known side effects of skin bleaching, the report underscores the need for comprehensive public health awareness strategies to discourage the practice.