Rubber farmers and buyers have mounted strong opposition to proposals seeking to ban the export of raw rubber, warning that such a move could undermine livelihoods and destabilize Ghana’s rubber industry.
Members of the Ghana Rubber Farmers Association (GRFA), joined by rubber traders, took to the streets of Sekondi in a large-scale demonstration, marching from Takoradi to present a petition to the government through the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson.
The protesters called on the President and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to reject demands by rubber processors for restrictions on raw rubber exports.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Agric Minister Must Listen to Rubber Farmers,” “Don’t Destroy the Industry with Your Ban,” “Protect the Youth Rubber Farmers,” and “No Export, No Rubber Industry,” the demonstrators accused processors of pursuing policies that favor their commercial interests at the expense of farmers.
In the petition, GRFA General Secretary Michael Nyarko argued that calls by Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) and other processors for an export ban are aimed at tightening control over the market.
He said such a policy would reduce competition and force farmers to sell rubber cup lumps at unfairly low prices.
According to Mr. Nyarko, the proposed ban poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the sector, particularly for young farmers who depend on competitive pricing to remain viable.
He cautioned that restricting exports would weaken farmer incomes and could ultimately shrink rubber production nationwide.
The association also dismissed claims that raw rubber exports are unregulated or “unchecked.” Farmers insist that export activities are governed by existing laws, including Act 1010 and L.I. 2471, which provide a clear regulatory framework for the sector.
They described assertions that exports undermine Ghana’s industrialization drive and cost the country up to US$100 million annually as misleading and unsupported by evidence.
Instead, the farmers contend that the export trade coexists with local processing and provides critical income for thousands across farming and trading communities.
“The push for an export ban is not about national development,” the association said. “It is a deliberate attempt to monopolize the market, suppress competition, and dictate prices to farmers. History shows that when competition is restricted, rural livelihoods suffer.”
The farmers further challenged claims that processors are the main source of employment in the rubber industry, noting that while processing firms employ fewer than 1,000 workers, rubber farming and trading sustain many more households nationwide.
While firmly opposing the proposed ban, the Ghana Rubber Farmers Association appealed to government to engage directly with farmers and other stakeholders to find balanced solutions that protect jobs and ensure fairness in the sector.
The group said it remains open to participating in any dialogue, committee, or investigation to address concerns transparently, expressing confidence that national interest and the rule of law will ultimately guide government policy on the rubber industry.
