Soya bean producers in the Northern region have appealed to government to completely lift the ban on the export of soya beans. The farmers say the ban is crippling the industry and eroding their profits.
Speaking at a news conference in Tamale, the Ghana Soya Beans Farmers and Aggregators Association warned that, if the ban continues, they may be forced to fold up and turn their attention to other crops.
The Director of Administration of the association, who doubles as the Spokesperson for the group, Abdul Hakim Issah, explained that the ban on exports of soya beans has resulted in the fall of the price of the commodity.
He added that the fall in prices is causing untold hardship among farmers, with thousands of bags of soya beans currently locked up in warehouses in the Northern region.
“Ever since the ban became operational, none of these local buyers were able to buy soya beans since their processing plants are no longer in operation, so who does government want us to sell to? The ban on the export of soya beans has made the price of the commodity to drop from six hundred and fifty Ghana cedis to four hundred at the farm gate,” he revealed.
In August 2020, government through a Legislative Instrument, temporarily banned the export of soya beans and maize to ensure the availability of the two commodities for the local market.
Soya beans and maize are key ingredients in the processing of poultry feed. Prior to the ban on exports, the export of soya beans from Ghana increased significantly, resulting in competition among exporters.
Consequently, the price of the commodity surged higher, creating a windfall for farmers.
The Soya Beans Farmers and Aggregators Association is urging government to dissolve a seven-member committee set up to regulate soya beans exports and to repeal export and import restrictions on soya beans regulation 2020 (L.I. 2432).