The Western Regional House of Chiefs has urged the government to impose a complete ban on the export of raw natural rubber, warning that failure to do so could lead to factory closures, widespread job losses, and wasted industrial potential in Ghana’s leading rubber-producing region.

The chiefs argue that the proposed export restrictions outlined in the 2026 Budget are insufficient to protect domestic processors or advance the country’s industrialisation agenda.

At a general meeting in Sekondi, President of the House, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, said chiefs across the region are united in calling for a total ban on raw rubber exports. “It was clearly stated in the 2026 Budget that the discussion was about natural rubber. However, the way the minister framed it suggested a restriction on the export of raw rubber. We are not asking for a restriction; we are asking for a total ban,” he explained.

Nana Nketsia stressed that continued shipments of raw rubber abroad, particularly from the Western Region, undermine government policies on value addition, job creation, and local content development. He added that a full ban would ensure consistent access to raw materials for local processors, revive struggling rubber-based industries, and align with initiatives such as the proposed 24-hour economy.

Highlighting the impact on local firms, the Paramount Chief of Essikado cited Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), which has reduced its workforce by half and cut operations from three shifts to one due to inadequate raw material supply. Industry groups have raised similar concerns, with the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG) confirming that a processing company in the Central Region has shut down completely, while GREL risks closing one of its two factories by 2026.

Although the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade and Industry supports the government’s plan to restrict raw rubber exports starting in 2026 and will assist in drafting the relevant Legislative Instrument, Nana Nketsia insists that restriction alone will not resolve the problem. “Exporting raw rubber directly contradicts the government’s stated policy direction and undermines the domestic industry. If we are serious about industrialisation, we must process our rubber here instead of exporting it in its raw state,” he said.

The chiefs also called for stronger enforcement of existing export regulations, noting that Ghana’s challenge lies more in weak implementation than in policy gaps. “There are laws against exporting materials in their raw form. We must ensure the regulatory framework functions effectively. This is not just for producing areas but for the benefit of the entire country,” Nana Nketsia added.

On broader resource management, he drew parallels with the mining sector, questioning why the proposed national gold refinery would be located in Accra instead of the Western Region, where most of the gold is mined. “If the gold is mined here, why should the refinery be in Accra? If the aim is to create jobs and curb illegal mining, these facilities must be sited in the producing regions,” he said.

The Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Area, Awulae Angamatuo Gyan, voiced support for the ban, noting that regional authorities have engaged the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat on the issue. “We have raised concerns about raw rubber exports for many years. While progress has been slow, we hope the government’s current position on restriction is a stepping stone toward a full ban,” he said.

Similarly, Awulae Attibrukusu, Paramount Chief of the Axim Traditional Area, called for a united regional front to secure a total ban, proposing a joint petition from chiefs, opinion leaders, and stakeholders to formally communicate their position to the government and Parliament.

The Western Region, Ghana’s largest natural rubber producer, supports thousands of smallholder farmers and multiple large plantations. Chiefs argue that banning raw exports would stimulate local processing, create thousands of jobs, increase government revenue, and unlock long-term industrial growth.