New GSA study finds high pesticide non-compliance in cabbages

A new study by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has revealed concerning levels of pesticide residue non-compliance in cabbages sold at the Agbogbloshie and Madina markets in Accra.

Conducted in May this year, the study found that all cabbage samples collected from the two markets failed to meet safety requirements for eight different pesticides detected during testing.

It also showed that cabbage samples obtained from Adetor, Kumasi, and Tepa exceeded the established Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs), raising serious food safety concerns.

In contrast, okra (okra/okro) samples recorded relatively better compliance results, with about 67 per cent meeting required safety standards. These samples, sourced mainly from Dodowa, Kumasi, and Atomic (DVLA), were largely within acceptable limits.

The pesticides identified in the study include Acetamiprid, Triticonazole, Carbendazim, Emamectin, and Dimethoate, which were found at varying levels in the tested vegetables.

According to the report, four out of six okra samples complied with residue regulations, although two samples from Agbogbloshie exceeded permissible limits for Dimethoate and Triticonazole.

The study noted that while okra generally poses a lower risk of pesticide contamination than cabbage, gaps in pesticide management practices remain a concern among some producers.

It further stated that all cabbage samples exceeded at least one MRL, meaning none of the samples met the required safety standards.

Researchers observed that the repeated detection of multiple pesticide exceedances in cabbage points to heavier pesticide use compared to okra production.

The report attributed the findings to possible over-application of chemicals, improper mixing of pesticides, failure to observe pre-harvest intervals, and limited farmer knowledge on safe pesticide use.

The study was commissioned by the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD), an NGO focused on promoting agroecology and sustainable food systems in Ghana.

The findings were presented at a stakeholder dialogue in Accra on Friday, June 26, aimed at developing policy recommendations to strengthen food safety and environmental sustainability through agroecological farming practices.

Speaking at the event, Wilberforce Laate, Director of Programmes at CIKOD, said the research focused on commonly consumed vegetables due to their importance in the Ghanaian diet.

He explained that the analysis was intended to generate evidence on contamination levels and increase public awareness of potential food safety risks linked to conventional farming methods.

The GSA laboratory tested 12 vegetable samples, comprising both cabbage and okra, screening for a range of pesticide compounds including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, acaricides, and plant growth regulators.

The assessment measured both the presence and concentration of residues and checked compliance with established Maximum Residue Levels.

Laate stressed the need for stronger farmer education, improved monitoring systems, and increased investment in agroecological practices to address the challenges identified.

He also encouraged households to consider backyard gardening as a way to improve access to safer vegetables.

Food Systems Analyst Chaka Ozondu highlighted the potential health risks of long-term exposure to pesticide-contaminated foods, including neurological disorders, hormonal disruption, reproductive complications, and certain cancers.

He added that pesticides can spread through soil, water, and air during application, creating broader environmental and public health risks.

Ozondu noted that some of the chemicals detected are banned in other countries but remain available in Ghana, increasing the risk of misuse.

He further warned that excessive exposure could lead to skin and eye irritation, nausea, and liver-related complications, urging consumers to wash vegetables thoroughly before consumption and encouraging farmers to adopt biopesticides.

Bismark Nortey, Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure food safety.

He referenced the Ghana Agroecology Movement, which promotes nature-based farming practices rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, and stressed that agroecology can be scaled with the right systems and support.

The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Food and Drugs Authority, GSA, civil society organisations, and farmer groups to discuss pathways for safer and more sustainable food production in Ghana.

Prince Antwi

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