By Anita Kwapong
A three-day multi-stakeholder forum on pesticide risk reduction and food safety is underway in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital. Organized by CABI PlantwisePlus and its partner organizations, the event aims to facilitate dialogue and share experiences, plans, and relevant information among stakeholders. It seeks to co-create a roadmap for managing the use and phasing out of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) in Ghana’s agriculture. Additionally, the forum will identify mechanisms and strategies to strengthen and support the delivery of the National Food Safety Committee’s mandate on pesticide risk reduction.
The increasing reliance on pesticides in agriculture has become necessary to reduce crop losses and maintain high yields. Pesticides are essential to modern agriculture, improving productivity and ensuring food security for a growing population. However, this reliance has led to abuse, posing significant threats to food safety, human health, and environmental sustainability. Ghana is no exception, facing considerable risks associated with pesticide misuse.
CABI PlantwisePlus, a not-for-profit organization, is addressing these challenges through its pesticide risk reduction initiatives. The program focuses on raising awareness, increasing access to affordable integrated pest management solutions, and promoting safer practices. This year’s forum builds on discussions from last year’s event, aiming to review ongoing interventions, discuss national food safety priorities, and develop effective strategies for pesticide risk reduction.
The West Africa Regional Director of CABI, Dr. Victor Attuquaye Clottey, highlighted his organization’s collaborative efforts with national and local governments, commercial enterprises, and farmers to promote the adoption of lower-risk plant protection products and other sustainable practices.
The Eastern Regional Director of Agriculture, Hajia Habiba Yusuf, emphasized that a collaborative approach among regulatory bodies is crucial to addressing the complex issue of pesticide risk reduction and food safety.
Christopher Gaitu, Deputy Director in charge of the Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulatory Division (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), observed that the overuse and misuse of pesticides have contaminated soil, water, and air, resulting in devastating consequences. He stressed the need for effective management of pesticide use in modern agriculture.
The forum is expected to foster collaboration, build consensus, and develop strategic plans around key thematic areas. These efforts aim to ensure safe and sustainable pesticide management in Ghanaian agriculture, thereby enhancing the supply of quality, safer food for domestic markets.
