GAWU RAISES CONCERN OVER USE OF PESTICIDES TO RIPEN PLANTAINS AND BANANAS

The General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, has raised concerns over the alleged use of unauthorized chemicals, including pesticides, to artificially ripen plantains and bananas. Speaking on ATV news, he warned that the misuse of pesticides on food crops could leave harmful chemical residues on produce and expose consumers to serious health risks. According to Mr. Tagoe, prolonged exposure to certain chemicals may contribute to health complications, while excessive or inappropriate use could also result in acute poisoning. He stressed the need for farmers, traders and other actors in the food supply chain to strictly follow approved guidelines on the use of pesticides.

Mr. Tagoe is therefore calling for stronger enforcement and regular inspection of food products at markets across the country. He urged the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the CSIR-Food Research Institute to intensify their monitoring activities and work together to ensure that unsafe food does not reach consumers. He said regular market inspections would help identify food products suspected to have been treated with unauthorized chemicals and enable the relevant authorities to take appropriate action. Mr. Tagoe also pointed to consumer behaviour as one of the factors contributing to the alleged practice. He explained that many consumers prefer to buy ripe plantains and bananas immediately rather than wait for naturally ripened produce, creating pressure on sellers to make the fruits available quickly.

He said this demand could encourage some traders and farmers to resort to inappropriate methods to accelerate the ripening process. The GAWU General Secretary therefore called for increased public education to help consumers understand the importance of buying safe food and discourage demand for artificially ripened produce. He further appealed to authorities to ensure that only approved chemicals are used strictly according to recommended guidelines, while those who violate food safety regulations are sanctioned. Mr. Tagoe maintained that protecting consumers requires a collective effort from government agencies, farmers, traders and the general public.

He said stronger monitoring, enforcement and education would help protect public health and restore confidence in the safety of food sold on Ghanaian markets.

Story by EDINAM DJATON