In a strategic move to reduce export rejections and improve access to European markets, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry is collaborating with the European Union to deploy EU-accredited inspectors in Ghana.

The initiative, led by sector minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, aims to facilitate pre-shipment inspections of perishable exports—such as vegetables—at Ghanaian ports to ensure they meet EU quality and safety standards before leaving the country.

“This will significantly reduce the rate of goods being rejected or destroyed upon arrival in Europe, saving our exporters considerable financial losses,” Minister Ofosu-Adjare stated, following high-level discussions with EU officials during a recent conference.

Ghana has previously faced major export challenges, including an estimated US$30 million in losses following a 2014 EU ban on gourds and certain vegetables—such as chillies and aubergines—due to concerns about pest infestations.

As part of the broader plan, the government also intends to modernize and accredit local laboratories to meet global sanitary and phytosanitary standards. This will ensure Ghanaian products undergo rigorous quality testing before export.

“We are committed to upgrading our local laboratories to align with international benchmarks,” the Minister affirmed.