The EU and Japan will begin testing cocoa exports from Ghana for heavy metals, starting in September 2024, due to concerns over contamination linked to illegal mining. The acting CEO of COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, warned that this could threaten Ghana’s premium cocoa status and impose significant financial burdens on quality control measures.
The European Union (EU) and Japan are set to initiate heavy metal testing of cocoa exports from Ghana starting in September 2024 due to rising concerns about contamination attributed to illegal mining practices. This move is anticipated to have far-reaching effects on Ghana’s cocoa trade, especially in major export markets. Dr. Randy Abbey, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), expressed alarm regarding the implications of illegal mining on the cocoa sector and emphasized the necessity for immediate actions to safeguard Ghana’s status as a premier cocoa producer.
Dr. Abbey stated, “The European Union and Japan have indicated that from September this year, they will begin testing for heavy metals, especially nickel, in our cocoa.” He noted that the “premium status of our cocoa, which gives us extra money, is under serious threat because they are starting with nickel.” He also warned that North America and many regions in Asia are likely to follow suit with similar testing requirements.
Furthermore, Dr. Abbey pointed out the substantial financial burden that such requirements impose on COCOBOD. He remarked, “As a result of this, COCOBOD will have to spend significant amounts of money to set up state-of-the-art laboratories at the Quality Control Center in Tema to meet the standards and test for these heavy metals.” He emphasized that testing protocols have expanded beyond traditional metrics to include heavy metals due to the adverse effects of illegal mining in cocoa cultivation regions.
With international buyers tightening standards, Ghana is under increasing pressure to mitigate the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining practices to safeguard its cocoa exports. This impending testing initiative signifies a critical juncture for the sector, demanding swift and effective measures to uphold the quality and integrity of Ghanaian cocoa.
The impending heavy metal testing of Ghana’s cocoa exports by the EU and Japan underscores the need for urgent intervention to address the impacts of illegal mining. As cocoa regulations tighten globally, Ghana must respond by enhancing its quality control measures and protecting its reputation in the international cocoa market. Failure to act may jeopardize Ghana’s lucrative cocoa trade, highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the industry.
Original Source: citinewsroom.com
