About 2,000 rubber farmers and aggregators from the Western region have staged a peaceful demonstration in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to protest calls for a total ban on raw rubber exports, describing claims against the trade as misleading and self-serving.
The demonstrators, drawn from rubber-growing communities across the Western Region, marched through some principal streets of Sekondi-Takoradi before presenting a petition to the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, at the Regional Coordinating Council.
Most of the protesters were clad in red and black, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Farmers Say No to Monopoly,” “Rubber Is for All Ghanaians,” “No Instant Payment, No Ban,” “Processors Are Greedy,” and “Everyone Must Eat”.
Exports are Regulated, not Unchecked Farmers
In the petition issued by the Rubber Farmers of Ghana (RUFAG) and allied actors in the natural rubber industry, the group rejected claims that raw rubber exports are unchecked and undermining Ghana’s industrialisation drive.
According to the farmers, exports of raw rubber operate under an existing government-approved regulatory framework supervised by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).
They cited a TCDA directive issued on May 2, 2025, which requires all exporters of unprocessed rubber, cashew and shea to be registered, licensed and issued permits before export.
“This directive is strictly enforced in collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and other security agencies,” the petition stated, adding that TCDA maintains a permanent presence at the ports to ensure compliance.
The farmers argue that claims of “unchecked exports” ignore the regulatory framework established under Act 1010 and L.I. 2471.
Processors Accused of Pushing Monopoly Agenda
RUFAG accused some processing companies and their allies of pushing for an export ban not to promote industrialisation, but to eliminate competition and force farmers to sell rubber cup lumps at low prices.
They warned that restricting competition would hurt, rather than protect, jobs in the sector. While processing factories reportedly employ fewer than 1,000 workers nationwide, the farmers noted that rubber farming and trading sustain the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people, including tappers, carriers, loaders, farm maintenance workers and transport operators.
“In total, over two million dependents rely on incomes generated from rubber farming activities,” the petition stated, warning that lower farm-gate prices could deepen rural poverty and push more youth into illegal mining.
Disputing Revenue Loss Claims
The farmers also questioned claims that Ghana loses up to US$100 million annually due to raw rubber exports.
They insist exporters comply with statutory levies payable to TCDA, while alleging that some processing companies themselves are not fully complying with levy payments, contrary to claims of supporting government revenue mobilisation.
Limited Value Addition in Ghana
RUFAG further argued that Ghana currently lacks advanced rubber processing factories, noting that most local processors only convert rubber cup lumps into Technically Specified Rubber (TSR), which remains a primary commodity for export.
After decades of operation, the farmers say Ghana is yet to see significant production of finished rubber products such as tyres, gloves or medical supplies, questioning the industrialisation argument being advanced.
COVID-19 Lessons
The farmers recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, several processors suspended purchases, leaving farmers stranded, while exporters provided alternative markets that helped sustain livelihoods.
“This experience shows that multiple markets offer security to farmers and prevent unnecessary hardship,” the petition noted.
No Illegality in Exports Farmers Insist
The group dismissed assertions that raw rubber exports violate Act 1010 or L.I. 2471, insisting that the laws do not prohibit exports but rather empower TCDA to regulate them through a permit system.
They warned that allegations of illegality without credible evidence could undermine investor confidence and weaken trust in regulatory institutions.
Disassociation from ANRAG
In the petition, the farmers formally dissociated themselves from the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG), describing it as a processor-driven group that does not represent the interests of the wider rubber value chain.
They urged government and policymakers to engage broadly with all legitimate stakeholders before taking decisions that affect the industry.
Regional Minister Responds
Receiving the petition, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson commended the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct and assured them their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities, including the President of the Republic of Ghana.
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