麻豆社

Authorities in Ghana say they will ban the sale of cosmetic products that contain the skin-lightening ingredient 'hydroquinone'. Its use has been linked to cancer. Are other countries likely to follow suit? And why do people take such risks to make their skins lighter in colour? Ameto Akpe is a Nigerian journalist.

(Picture: Women who have used skin lightening cosmetics, pose in Abidjan; Credit: AFP/Getty Images)