Former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service and Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, has called for the arrest of parents who bleach their babies.

He issued a stern warning to parents involved in the growing trend of bleaching their babies' skin, describing the act as a form of child abuse.

Speaking on Akoma FM on June 18, 2025, Dr Nsiah-Asare called for the prosecution of parents who engage in this harmful practice, which he said could have severe long-term health implications for children.

“There is no justification for applying bleaching creams to the skin of a newborn. If any parent continues to do so after being warned, report them to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). It is child abuse,” he stated.

Recent reports indicate a troubling rise in the use of harmful and banned substances such as hydroquinone, mometasone, and tretinoin by some parents to alter their babies’ complexion.

These substances are prohibited by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) due to their potential to cause serious health issues, including damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Dr Nsiah-Asare emphasised that while adults are free to make personal choices regarding their own bodies, children must be protected from harmful practices.

“If a pregnant woman wishes to bleach her skin, she should wait until after giving birth. But no parent should bleach a baby’s skin, it can harm their sweat glands, which are essential for healthy development,” he cautioned.

He advised parents to always seek medical advice before applying any products to a child’s skin.

Although there is limited research on child skin bleaching in Ghana, a World Health Organisation (WHO) report indicates that more than one-third of Ghanaians use skin-lightening products.

Dr Nsiah-Asare urged Ghanaians to embrace their natural beauty and cultural heritage.

“Ghana’s genuine beauty lies not in the color of one’s skin, but in the strength of its people and the richness of its traditions. We must say enough is enough. We must protect our children,” he declared.

MRA/MA

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