Accra, Wednesday, October 22, 2025 — The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) has expressed grave concern over the increasing smuggling of illegal and substandard vegetable oils into the country, warning that the practice threatens the survival of Ghana’s edible oil industry and thousands of local jobs.
Speaking at a media engagement held at the Ghana International Press Centre, the President of OPDAG, Mr. Paul Kwabena Amaning, called for urgent and coordinated action among regulatory and enforcement agencies to curb the menace.
Mr. Amaning’s remarks followed a recent stakeholder meeting organized by the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), where industry players and regulators discussed strategies to combat the persistent influx of unregulated oils into Ghana’s markets.
He commended TCDA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andrew Osei Okrah, for his recommendations, which included strict enforcement of traceability systems, mandatory registration and certification for all transporters and distributors, and enhanced collaboration among institutions such as the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and National Security.
“OPDAG strongly supports these measures and is committed to working closely with TCDA and other relevant agencies to ensure their effective implementation,” Mr. Amaning said. “These steps will help sanitize the sector, protect our local producers, and secure the future of Ghana’s edible oil industry.”
According to OPDAG, Ghana currently has about 300,000 hectares of land under oil palm cultivation, producing approximately 300,000 metric tons of crude palm oil annually — against a national demand of about 400,000 metric tons. The resulting shortfall of over 100,000 metric tons, the Association said, has created a loophole that smugglers continue to exploit by flooding local markets with illegal and often unwholesome products.
The oil palm value chain provides direct employment for over 1.2 million Ghanaians, including farmers, processors, transporters, and traders. OPDAG warned that continued smuggling could lead to the collapse of local industries, massive job losses, and revenue decline for the state.
Mr. Amaning urged government to provide adequate logistical support to enforcement agencies and appealed to the media to intensify public education, expose illegal operators, and promote the consumption of certified, locally produced oils.
“If we act collectively and decisively, we can protect Ghana’s edible oil market, sustain jobs, and secure the livelihoods of over one million Ghanaians who depend on this vital sector,” he said. “Let us unite in this national effort to stop smuggling and build a stronger, self-sustaining oil palm industry for Ghana.”
Credit: Eugene Nyarko Jnr.
