Ghana could face a significant revenue loss of approximately $50 million if the European Union (EU) enforces a ban on the export of vegetables and other produce from the country. The threat of this ban looms due to the ongoing devastation caused by illegal mining activities, which have polluted water bodies crucial for irrigation.
The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) has expressed deep concerns about the severe impact such a ban would have on their industry, warning of devastating consequences for the sector and the country’s economy.
This situation echoes a similar ban imposed by the EU in October 2014. At that time, the EU halted the import of gourds and Asian vegetables, including chillies and aubergines, from Ghana, citing concerns over pest infestations that threatened the EU’s ecosystem. The ban remained in place for three years, causing a revenue loss of approximately $30 million for Ghana. After extensive assessments by the EU’s Food and Veterinary Office, the ban was eventually lifted. However, VEPEAG now fears that history may repeat itself due to the continued pollution of water bodies from illegal mining, which puts the quality of Ghana’s agricultural exports at risk once again.
In an interview, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamasah, President of VEPEAG, called on the government to take swift action to prevent a recurrence of this disastrous situation. He stressed the importance of implementing stringent policies to ensure that Ghanaian vegetable exports meet international standards and avoid any potential bans. “We want to tell the government that they should quickly come out with a policy in terms of standard and quality and the measures we can put in place. This will enable us to secure what we are doing,” Dr. Kamasah urged. He warned that if the ban is enforced, Ghana stands to lose around $50 million, and the consequences could be dire for both the agricultural sector and the many young people involved in agribusiness.
According to Dr. Kamasah, the impact of an EU ban would extend beyond financial losses. He pointed out that many young Ghanaians have shown a keen interest in vegetable farming and agribusiness, and the enforcement of such a ban would lead to widespread job losses. With the livelihoods of many at stake, VEPEAG is pressing the government to act quickly to protect the sector and prevent further harm to the country’s economy.
In addition to their concerns about the EU ban, VEPEAG has expressed its frustration over the government’s slow response to addressing the illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey.” These activities continue to degrade water sources used for irrigation, and the pollution threatens the quality of agricultural produce intended for export. VEPEAG has warned that if the government does not introduce decisive policies to tackle the illegal mining menace by the end of September, they will join forces with Organized Labour in a demonstration against the government.
Dr. Kamasah emphasized that VEPEAG would align with Organized Labour in demanding urgent action from the government. “If the president does not come out with a policy by the close of the month, if we don’t hear anything from him, we will join the Labour people,” he stated. VEPEAG is prepared to take part in a demonstration to ensure that the government treats the illegal mining issue with the same seriousness and urgency as it did with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation underscores the broader environmental and economic challenges facing Ghana as the country grapples with the consequences of illegal mining. The government has faced increasing pressure to address the illegal mining crisis, which not only affects agriculture but also the health and safety of communities living near mining areas. The pollution of water bodies has become a critical issue, affecting various sectors, including agriculture, fishing, and public health.
For the vegetable export industry, the stakes are particularly high. Ghana’s reputation as a reliable exporter of high-quality produce is at risk, and the potential loss of access to the EU market could have long-lasting repercussions. The EU remains one of Ghana’s largest trading partners, and a ban on vegetable exports would be a significant blow to the country’s trade relations and economic growth.
As the end of September approaches, all eyes are on the government to see whether it will respond to VEPEAG’s calls for action. The association’s determination to protect the vegetable export industry reflects the broader concerns of many Ghanaians who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The threat of an EU ban serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental issues and economic prosperity, and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to tackle the illegal mining crisis.
In conclusion, Ghana faces a critical moment as the country contends with the devastating effects of illegal mining on its agriculture sector. The potential loss of $50 million in revenue from a possible EU ban on vegetable exports highlights the urgency of the situation. VEPEAG’s calls for swift government action, coupled with their readiness to join Organized Labour in protest, demonstrate the growing frustration among stakeholders. As Ghana navigates this challenge, the government’s response will play a crucial role in determining the future of the country’s vegetable export industry and its economic stability.
