RUPAG applauds government's 10-year raw rubber export ban

The Rubber Processors Association of Ghana (RUPAG) has applauded government for its decision to prohibit the export of raw natural rubber from Ghana for a period of 10 years.

This move, according to the association, is bold and strategic for the local rubber industry’s growth .

The association is certain that the directive will help guarantee adequate raw material supply for local processors, promote value addition, protect jobs and encourage industrial expansion and investment within the sector.

In a statement issued in Takoradi and signed by Perry Acheampong, Secretary of RUPAG, the association expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture; as well as Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, for their visionary leadership and responsiveness to concerns raised by stakeholders within the rubber value chain.

The association says this intervention aligns with government’s industrialisation agenda and 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.

RUPAG assured government, farmers and other actors within the rubber value chain that it fully supports the directive and will not take advantage of the ban to farmers or traders’ detriment.

The Association further pledged to continue operating responsibly, transparently and fairly while strengthening collaboration with farmers, aggregators, traders, regulators and other stakeholders to sustain the rubber industry.

RUPAG also acknowledged the critical role farmers play in sustaining the sector and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting plantation development, farmer support programmes, increased production and value addition initiatives.

The statement added that the association will cooperate fully with all state institutions responsible for implementing and enforcing the directive to ensure its successful execution in the industry’s and country’s interest.

It is therefore calling on stakeholders and all players within the value chain to cooperate fully and ensure the directive delivers its intended benefits for the country.