Rubber farmers rally in Ghana against proposed ban on raw rubber exports

Sekondi, Ghana — Hundreds of rubber farmers and traders took to the streets of Sekondi in a spirited protest on Tuesday, strongly opposing government discussions to restrict or ban exports of raw rubber, warning that such policies could harm livelihoods and destabilize the nation’s rubber sector.

Members of the Rubber Farmers Association of Ghana (RUFAG), joined by local rubber buyers and transport workers, marched to the Western Regional Minister’s office, presenting a petition urging President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to reject calls for an export ban backed by some industry groups.

Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Protect the Youth Rubber Farmers” and “No Export, No Rubber Industry”, signalling deep concern among grassroots producers that restricting raw rubber exports could depress farm-gate prices and erode incomes.

RUFAG General Secretary Michael Nyarko emphasised in the petition that accusations from certain processors — who claim that raw rubber exports undermine domestic value addition — are misguided and self-serving. Farmers argue that an outright ban or severe restrictions would shrink market competition and enable processors to dictate lower prices for rubber cup lumps.

“The push for an export ban is not about protecting national industrialization but tightening market control, undermining fair pricing,” Nyarko said, stressing that such a move would threaten the viability of many smallholders, especially young farmers.

Farmers also rejected claims that raw rubber exports are “unchecked,” noting that the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) already regulates exports of unprocessed rubber, requiring exporters to be registered, licensed, and permitted before shipment — with enforcement at ports in collaboration with customs and security agencies.

They described assertions that exports cost the Ghanaian economy up to US$100 million annually as “misleading,” arguing that export markets have provided essential income and resilience — particularly during disruptions in local processing demand seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The protest reflects a broader debate in Ghana’s rubber sector. Processors and some traditional leaders have advocated tighter control over raw exports, saying this will secure steady supplies for local factories and help the country achieve its industrialization goals.

The Western Regional House of Chiefs, for instance, has openly called for a total ban on raw rubber exports, arguing such a ban would fuel local processing, create jobs and support national economic growth.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism has voiced support for restricting raw rubber exports as outlined in the 2026 Budget, emphasising value addition and full utilization of Ghana’s industrial capacity.

Despite mounting calls for policy change, RUFAG urged the government to engage directly with farmers and stakeholders in any future discussions, advocating for balanced solutions that protect jobs and ensure fairness across the rubber value chain.

“Our sector’s long-term health depends on an approach that respects both local processing ambitions and the rights of farmers to earn a decent livelihood,” Nyarko said, expressing openness to meaningful dialogue.