The head of Pure Earth, along with its implementation partners and financial consultants, is set to travel to Ghana between July 8th and 14th, 2025. Mr. Andrew McCartor, the President and CEO of Pure Earth, will be accompanied by Ms. Nida Parks, who serves as Chief of Staff.
This important visit highlights Pure Earth's increasing dedication to collaborating with essential government bodies to fight against harmful pollution and safeguard public health, especially for the most at-risk groups, including children. The team will also review current initiatives and attend top-level discussions with government officials and local authorities to gain insights from Ghana's efforts in addressing this issue.
A significant aspect of the mission will involve establishing the Lead Technical Working Group, a collaborative platform involving various stakeholders aimed at improving coordination and efficiency in tackling lead pollution. Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) contamination continue to be some of the most critical yet neglected environmental health issues worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.
A significant aspect of the mission will involve establishing the Lead Technical Working Group, a collaborative platform involving various stakeholders aimed at improving coordination and efficiency in tackling lead pollution. Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) contamination continue to be some of the most critical yet neglected environmental health issues worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.
A report titled "The Toxic Truth," released by Pure Earth and UNICEF, indicates that one out of every three children globally, approximately 800 million, have blood lead concentrations equal to or exceeding 5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL); levels that can result in lasting memory impairment, brain damage, and challenges with learning.
As reported by The Lancet Planetary Health, lead exposure was responsible for approximately 5.5 million deaths in 2019—more than the total number of deaths from car crashes (1.2 million), tuberculosis (1.18 million), HIV/AIDS (863,837), suicide (759,028), and malaria (643,381). If this figure is correct, almost one out of every ten global deaths can be associated with lead; the economic impact is estimated to be 6.9 percent of worldwide GDP, surpassing the societal cost of air pollution.
However, these problems are manageable – and through united efforts, advancement is achievable. The dedication and involvement of Pure Earth's leadership in Ghana demonstrate a fresh sense of urgency to confront these issues directly.
"This trip underscores our dedication to collaborating in Ghana to address harmful pollution. As a team, we strive to promote effective solutions that safeguard communities and create better health prospects for children," stated Mr. Andrew McCartor, President and CEO of Pure Earth.
Esmond Wisdom Quansah, DD, Country Director of Pure Earth Ghana stated: “We are eager to strengthen collaborations and demonstrate advancements as we strive for a cleaner, more secure environment for every Ghanaian.”
This trip will involve government, regulatory, and community stakeholders to improve cooperation in reducing lead and mercury pollution. By conducting site visits, holding strategic meetings, and launching a Lead Technical Working Group, the delegation hopes to boost the country's ability to tackle toxic pollution, encourage data-driven approaches, and establish long-term partnerships to safeguard the health of at-risk communities.
About Pure Earth
Established in 1999, Pure Earth is a worldwide pioneer in promoting data-driven approaches to mercury and lead contamination. By emphasizing openness, teamwork, tangible results, and expert knowledge, we operate across industries to tackle the underlying factors of harmful exposure.
Pure Earth employs a cross-disciplinary, action-focused strategy, uniting environmental scientists, engineers, public health professionals, social researchers, decision-makers, business executives, and local residents to implement effective solutions that produce clear outcomes.
By forming collaborative alliances with governments, local communities, and businesses, we put into action effective measures that reduce harmful exposures, safeguard public well-being, and revitalize polluted areas.
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