In Ghana, skin whitening or lightening is as widespread as it is in parts of Africa due to unfettered access to various brands of bleaching creams, often blamed on the continent's lax regulations. Newer forms of bleachingIn many other African countries, the practice of skin bleaching is a lucrative business, raking in billions of dollars annually. In October, Ghana's regulatory Food and Drugs Authority warned citizens against the use of glutathione for skin bleaching. Despite regulatory bans and warnings, the use of skin bleaching products is still on the rise, often attributed to the country's lax regulations and failure on the part of authorities to sanction those who break the law. Looking forwardIn Accra, many skin care advocates including female skin care specialist, Nikki Boa-Amponsem, are campaigning against skin bleaching.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 12, 2021 19:21 UTC