Vegetable exporters fear EU ban, threaten strike over galamsey activities

The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) have raised concerns that the European Union may impose another ban on Ghana's produce due to ongoing galamsey (illegal mining) activities.

According to the association, such a ban could lead to a significant decline in export revenue and negatively impact youth employment opportunities in the sector.

In 2014 and 2015, the European Union banned some vegetables from Ghana due to non-compliance with EU standards.

President of VEPEAG, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamassah, in an interview with TV3, noted that the ban resulted in Ghana losing approximately $30 million in revenue from 2014 to 2017.

"We don't want to face this issue again because it takes over two years to lift a ban from the European Union. Many people lost their money, borrowed from banks, and couldn't repay. Some even died because of this,” he said.

The association has given the government until September 30, 2024, to develop a roadmap to eliminate galamsey.

“By the end of this month, if we don't hear any action, we will join the labour union in a demonstration and stop those who bring vegetables into the country," Dr. Kamasa warned.

Additionally, the General Manager of the association, Daniel Normanyeo, expressed concerns that members risk losing their businesses due to galamsey activities.

He called on the government to take active steps to curb the galamsey menace.

"Those involved in galamsey can be identified. It shouldn't be like the first attempt, which failed. This time, it has to be stopped permanently. Our export business is at stake. The youth and all of us in the business, our employment is at stake. We don't want to lose it," he stated.

ID/AE

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