In a strategic initiative aimed at minimizing export rejections and facilitating access to European markets, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry is collaborating with the European Union to implement EU-accredited inspectors in Ghana.
This initiative, led by sector minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, seeks to enable pre-shipment inspections of perishable goods—such as vegetables—at Ghanaian ports, ensuring compliance with EU standards before export.
“This will significantly reduce the number of goods that are rejected or destroyed upon arrival in Europe, thereby saving our exporters substantial costs,” the Minister stated, following high-level discussions with EU officials at a recent conference.
Ghana previously incurred considerable losses—estimated to exceed US$30 million—after the EU enforced a ban in 2014 on gourds and certain Asian vegetables, including chilies and aubergines, due to concerns regarding pest infestations.
As part of a comprehensive strategy, the government also intends to enhance and accredit local laboratories to conform to global sanitary and quality testing standards, thereby improving Ghana’s competitiveness in international markets.
“We are dedicated to upgrading our local laboratories to meet international standards,” she asserted.
This initiative is anticipated to enhance export reliability, reduce compliance-related losses, and fortify Ghana’s status as a reliable trade partner within the EU supply chain—especially in light of increasing scrutiny over quality and rising logistics costs.
