Dr. Samuel Essiamah calls on Ghana’s Ministry of Agriculture to reduce harmful agrochemical imports like weedicides to protect public health. He highlights the dangerous impact of these chemicals on food safety and advocates for local scientific development of safer alternatives. Dr. Essiamah also introduces new farming techniques and projects aimed at enhancing sustainable practices and educating communities about the risks associated with chemical use.
Dr. Samuel Essiamah, a Ghanaian Research Scientist in Germany, has called on the Ministry of Agriculture to limit the import of harmful agrochemicals like weedicides. He emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to protect the health of Ghanaian citizens from these dangerous substances, which have significant adverse effects on food and the environment.
During a media briefing at Agona Nyakrom, Dr. Essiamah elaborated on the adverse impacts of these chemicals, revealing that they infiltrate the food supply and contribute to serious health issues among the population. He criticized the Ministry for allowing these harmful imports over the years, raising concerns about their long-term effects on public health.
He advocated for the support and encouragement of local scientists to develop environmentally-friendly biological weedicides suitable for sustainable agriculture in Ghana. Additionally, he urged a reevaluation of the Ministry’s food inspection protocols to enhance oversight and increase public awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with these chemicals.
Dr. Essiamah shared a personal experience where he lost his voice after consuming contaminated pineapples purchased from roadside vendors in Ghana. He pointed out the critical danger posed if virgin soils are contaminated, potentially rendering them unsuitable for growing healthy food. He noted that ironically, countries that manufacture these toxic chemicals usually avoid using them on their own produce.
To counteract the use of deadly weedicides, Dr. Essiamah reported on a new initiative introducing weeding machines and traditional cutlasses as part of an improved farming technique in Agona Nyakrom. This pilot project, supported by the German NGO “School Forests for West Africa” and the local NGO “Youth and Environment Club,” focuses on sustainable practices since its inception in 1994.
Furthermore, Dr. Essiamah highlighted the school tree planting project that has seen over 10,000 trees planted across various schools in the Central region. As an incentive for participation, he announced that students could receive a free solar lamp for nurturing six trees over six months, promoting long-term responsibility towards the environment.
Lastly, he mentioned the establishment of an Environmental Training Center at Agona Nyakrom, which aims to educate farmers about alternative income sources such as snail rearing, mushroom cultivation, and honey production, thereby enhancing their economic status.
The increasing importation of harmful agrochemicals, including weedicides, poses significant risks to public health and environmental integrity in Ghana. The call for a reduction in these imports is driven by concerns about their adverse effects on food safety and long-term agricultural sustainability. Local scientists are crucial in innovating sustainable agricultural practices, which could mitigate the reliance on such harmful products and promote healthier farming methods. With the rise of awareness regarding food safety and health problems linked to chemical exposure, the role of the Ministry of Agriculture in regulating imports and educating the agricultural community becomes imperative. Initiatives involving local projects like tree planting and training centers aim to shift towards eco-friendly practices and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Dr. Essiamah’s advocacy underscores the urgent need for the Ghanaian Agriculture Ministry to rethink its policies regarding harmful agrochemical imports. By fostering local scientific advancements and implementing sustainable farming practices, Ghana can protect public health, ensure safe food supply chains, and improve environmental conditions. Through educational projects and innovative agricultural methods, the potential for healthier and more productive farming in Ghana is within reach.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
