A study has revealed high levels of pesticide residues in cabbage and okra sold on the Ghanaian market.
The Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD) has consequently called for the urgent adoption of agro-ecological farming practices in the local setting.
The environmental advocacy organisation said the findings should serve as a wake-up call for the government, farmers and consumers to promote safer food production systems and reduce dependence on synthetic agrochemicals.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority, analysed 12 samples of cabbage and okra, two of Ghana’s most widely consumed vegetables.
The results showed that eight of the 12 samples, representing more than 66 per cent, were non-compliant with acceptable pesticide residue limits, while all six cabbage samples tested were found to be non-compliant.
Explaining why the two vegetables were selected, the Director of Programmes at CIKOD, Wilberforce Laate, said they were chosen because of their popularity among consumers.
“We selected cabbage and okra because they are widely consumed. Across the country, people eat okra, while cabbage has become an important part of our diet through salads and other meals. We wanted scientific evidence to confirm what many people had suspected,” he said.
Mr Laate expressed concern that continued exposure to pesticide residues could have serious long-term public health implications if immediate interventions were not implemented.
“It will get to a time when the impact will be really damaging because we are consuming these chemicals. That is why we need to stop and promote safer agricultural practices,” he stated.
