Ghana's Cocoa Risks EU Rejection If Contaminated With Heavy Metals - Netherlands Ambassador

Ghana's cocoa may be rejected by Europe if contaminated with heavy metals. Mr. Jeroen Verheul, the Dutch Ambassador in Ghana, shared this warning.

Ghana is the second-largest cocoa producer in West Africa, after Ivory Coast. However, illegal mining activities are harming cocoa production and contaminating beans. In an interview with The Ghanaian Times, Mr. Verheul expressed concern about illegal mining, known as "Galamsey."

He noted a decline in Ghana's cocoa production over recent years. This decline is due to climate issues and gold prospectors enticing farmers to sell their land.

When farmers accept large sums for their farms, they can no longer grow cocoa. Mr. Verheul explained that heavy metals in water could enter cocoa beans through tree roots if the water is contaminated. This contamination could lead to rejection from European markets.

Mr. Verheul pointed out that Ghana's cocoa production figures have dropped significantly recently.

The Netherlands imports around 300,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from Ghana each year. There has been a reduction in these trade figures, posing an economic threat.

Mr. Verheul stated that Galamsey is harmful and raised concerns about it. When asked if the Netherlands has rejected Ghanaian cocoa beans, he replied, "Not yet."

Illegal mining also poses health risks to Ghanaians by contaminating water bodies. However, Mr. Verheul remains optimistic about the current government's plans to address Galamsey.

Currently, about 25% of global cocoa production passes through Amsterdam port, the largest cocoa trading port worldwide.

The Netherlands is one of Ghana's key trading partners, focusing on agriculture in their trade relations. The Dutch government has initiated several agricultural projects in Ghana through its embassy.

One such project is the Adentan Community Garden, developed with Dutch companies' collaboration. This model garden encourages entrepreneurs to explore horticultural development.

Residents are inspired by this initiative to plant vegetables and other crops at home using good agricultural practices and quality inputs.