“Oil Palm Industry Calls for Stronger Enforcement Against Smuggling of Illegal Vegetable Oils”

Story by Fada Amakye

The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) has emphasized the need for stronger enforcement against the smuggling of illegal vegetable oils into the country. Speaking at a recent engagement, Paul Kwabena Amaning, President of OPDAG, highlighted the detrimental impact of these illegal activities on the local industry, including job losses and revenue loss.

Mr. Amaning noted that Ghana currently produces approximately 300,000 metric tons of crude palm oil annually, but the national demand stands at 400,000 metric tons, resulting in a shortfall of over 100,000 metric tons each year. This supply gap has created an opportunity for smugglers to exploit and flood the market with illegal and unwholesome products.

The oil palm value chain provides direct employment for about 1.2 million Ghanaians, and if these illegal activities are not curtailed, the local industry could collapse, leading to significant job losses and revenue loss. Mr. Amaning emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among regulators, institutions, and enforcement agencies to intensify market surveillance and impose firm penalties on those who flout regulations.

-Implementing a robust system to track products from refinery to retail.

-Requiring transporters and distributors to register and obtain certification under the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) supervision.

-Enhancing coordination among regulators, institutions, and enforcement agencies to combat smuggling and ensure compliance with regulations.

OPDAG is committed to working closely with the TCDA and other relevant agencies to ensure the effective implementation of these measures. The association also calls on the government to provide necessary support and logistics to enforcement agencies and appeals to the media to educate the public and promote the consumption of certified, locally produced oils.