The President and CEO of Pure Earth, along with implementing partners and funding advisors, are scheduled to visit Ghana from 8th to 14th July 2025. Mr. Andrew McCartor, President and CEO of Pure Earth, will be joined by Ms. Nida Parks, Chief of Staff; and representatives from key donor partners- Ms. Margaret-Mary Pwamang- Bloomberg Philanthropies; Mr. Dan Kass- Vital Strategies; Mr. Santosh Harish, and Olivia Larsen- Open Philanthropy.
This strategic visit underscores Pure Earth’s growing commitment to partnering with key government agencies to combat toxic pollution and protect public health, particularly the most vulnerable, children. The delegation would also inspect ongoing projects and participates in high-level government and local authorities’ meetings to learn from Ghana’s experience of tackling this menace. A key feature of the mission will be the inauguration of Lead Technical Working Group, a multi-stakeholder platform designed to enhance coordination and effectiveness in addressing lead pollution. Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) pollution remain among the most pressing and overlooked environmental health threats globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The Toxic Truth report published by Pure Earth and UNICEF reveals that 1 in 3 children worldwide, about 800 million, have blood lead levels at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL), levels that can cause permanent memory loss, neurological damage, and learning difficulties. According to The Lancet Planetary Health, lead exposure contributed to an estimated 5.5 million deaths in 2019, exceeding the combined total of deaths from car accidents (1.2 million), tuberculosis (1.18 million), HIV/AIDS (863,837), suicide (759,028), and malaria (643,381). If accurate, nearly 1 in 10 deaths globally can be linked to lead, with an economic cost estimated at 6.9% of global GDP, higher than the social cost of air pollution.
Yet, these issues are tractable, and with coordinated actions, progress is possible. The commitment and presence of Pure Earth leadership in Ghana reflect a renewed urgency to tackle these challenges head-on.
“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,” said Mr. Andrew McCartor, President and CEO of Pure Earth. Esmond Wisdom Quansah, DD, Country Director of Pure Earth Ghana, added, “We look forward to deepening partnerships and showcasing progress as we work towards a cleaner, safer environment for all Ghanaians.”
This visit will engage government, regulatory, and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on lead and mercury pollution mitigation. Through site visits, strategic discussions, and the inauguration of Lead Technical Working Group, the delegation aims to enhance national capacity to address toxic pollution, promote evidence-based solutions, and build lasting partnerships to protect the health of vulnerable communities.
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