By Philip Antoh
The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to help curb the ongoing unwholesome smuggling of oils into the Ghanaian market through an approved root.
According to the Association, the practice threatens the survival of Ghana’s oil palm industry, which employs over 1.2 million people and contributes significantly to the nation’s economy.
At a Press Conference in Accra, the President of OPDAG, Mr. Paul Kwabena Amaning said close to 90% of the oils sold in Ghanaian markets are smuggled and unwholesome for consumption and defraud the nation without paying taxes.
Mr. Amaning said many of these cheap oils sold in Ghanaian markets are meant for soap making but because the sector is not regulated properly, they end up been use as cooking oils in homes resulting in increase in kidney failures and all kinds of kidney diseases.
He added that there is the need for collective action to combat the smuggling of illegal vegetable oil into the country.
Ghana currently has approximately 300,000 hectares of land under oil palm cultivation, producing around 300,000 metric tonnes of crude palm oil annually.
However, the national demand stands at 400,000 metric tonnes, leaving a shortfall of over 100,000 metric tonnes each year. This supply gap has created an opportunity for smugglers to exploit, flooding the market with illegal and unwholesome products.
The OPDAG warns that if these illegal activities are not curtailed, local industries could collapse, thousands of jobs could be lost, and the nation would lose significant revenue.
The oil palm value chain provides direct employment for farmers, processors, transporters, and traders, making it a vital sector for Ghana’s economy.
Mr. Amaning, called for stronger enforcement, improved coordination among regulatory bodies, and strict compliance with certification and traceability systems.
He emphasized the need for firm penalties for those who flout regulations, including prosecution and custodial sentences.
The Association is committed to working closely with the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) and other relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of measures to sanitize the sector.
The TCDA has proposed several measures to combat smuggling, including strict enforcement of traceability systems. This he said will ensure every product can be accounted for through an effective coding and waybill system, mandatory registration and conveyance certification, that is requiring all transporters and distributors to register and obtain certification, stronger collaboration among regulatory institutions including intensifying border and market surveillance to prevent smuggling and firm penalties for offenders that is prosecuting and imposing custodial sentences on those who flout regulations
The OPDAG is committed to protecting Ghana’s edible oil market, sustaining jobs, and securing the livelihoods of the over one million Ghanaians who depend on this vital sector.
The Association urges government agencies, regulatory bodies, and the media to join forces in combating smuggling and promoting the consumption of certified, locally produced oils.
“By working together, Ghanaians can build a stronger, self-sustaining oil palm industry.”