A Strategic Mission to Combat Toxic Pollution in Ghana
From 8th to 14th July 2025, a high-level delegation will travel to Ghana as part of a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenge of toxic pollution. The group includes Andrew McCartor, President and CEO of Pure Earth, Nida Parks, Chief of Staff, and representatives from key donor partners such as Margaret-Mary Pwamang from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Dan Kass from Vital Strategies, and Santosh Harish and Olivia Larsen from Open Philanthropy.
This visit reflects a deepening commitment by Pure Earth to collaborate with government agencies and local stakeholders in tackling toxic pollution, especially in protecting children who are among the most vulnerable to its effects. The mission is not only about assessing ongoing projects but also about engaging in high-level discussions with government and local authorities to learn from Ghana’s experiences in combating this critical issue.
A central component of the visit will be the inauguration of a Lead Technical Working Group. This multi-stakeholder platform aims to improve coordination and effectiveness in addressing lead pollution, which remains one of the most significant environmental health threats globally. Alongside lead, mercury pollution poses serious risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where these issues are often overlooked.
The impact of lead exposure is staggering. According to the Toxic Truth report by Pure Earth and UNICEF, approximately 800 million children worldwide have blood lead levels at or above 5 microgrammes per decilitre (mcg/dL). These levels can cause irreversible damage, including memory loss, neurological impairment, and learning difficulties.
Research published in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights the severity of the problem, estimating that lead exposure contributed to 5.5 million deaths in 2019 alone. This number surpasses the combined total of deaths from car accidents, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, suicide, and malaria. If accurate, nearly 1 in 10 global deaths can be attributed to lead exposure, with an economic cost estimated at 6.9 percent of global GDP—higher than the social cost of air pollution.
Despite the gravity of the situation, these challenges are not insurmountable. Coordinated efforts and practical solutions can drive meaningful progress. The presence of Pure Earth leadership in Ghana signals a renewed focus on addressing these issues head-on.
Andrew McCartor, President and CEO of Pure Earth, emphasized the importance of the mission: “This visit highlights our commitment to working in Ghana to tackle toxic pollution. Together, we aim to advance practical solutions that protect communities and ensure healthier futures for children.”
Esmond Wisdom Quansah, Country Director of Pure Earth Ghana, added: “We look forward to deepening partnerships and showcasing progress as we work toward a cleaner, safer environment for all Ghanaians.”
The visit will bring together government officials, regulatory bodies, and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on mitigating lead and mercury pollution. Through site visits, strategic discussions, and the formal launch of the Lead Technical Working Group, the delegation aims to enhance national capacity to address toxic pollution. This includes promoting evidence-based solutions and building long-term partnerships to safeguard the health of vulnerable communities.
About Pure Earth
Founded in 1999, Pure Earth has emerged as a global leader in advancing evidence-based solutions to mercury and lead pollution. The organization prioritizes transparency, collaboration, measurable impact, and technical excellence. It works across sectors to address the root causes of toxic exposure, ensuring that interventions are both effective and sustainable.
Pure Earth takes an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together environmental scientists, engineers, public health experts, social scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and community members. This collaborative model enables the delivery of high-impact interventions that produce measurable results.
Through strategic partnerships with governments, communities, and industries, Pure Earth implements practical solutions that prevent toxic exposures, protect public health, and restore contaminated environments. Its work continues to make a difference in communities around the world, driving progress toward a healthier and more sustainable future.
