The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry is working with the European Union to station EU-accredited inspectors in Ghana. This effort aims to reduce export rejections and boost access to European markets.
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Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare is leading the initiative. She explained that pre-shipment inspections of perishable goods, such as vegetables, will take place at Ghanaian ports. These checks will help ensure goods meet EU standards before leaving the country.
“This will significantly reduce rejections and prevent losses when goods arrive in Europe,” she said after meeting with EU officials.
In 2014, the EU banned Ghana’s gourds, chillies, and aubergines due to pest issues. That decision cost Ghana over US$30 million in export losses.
To improve compliance, the government also plans to upgrade and accredit local laboratories. These labs will meet international sanitary and quality testing standards, making Ghana’s exports more competitive. “We are upgrading our labs to meet global benchmarks,” the minister affirmed.
These steps are expected to improve export reliability, reduce costs, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a trusted EU trade partner. The strategy also responds to growing scrutiny over food quality and rising logistics expenses.
