The European Union (EU) and Japan will begin testing for heavy metals in Ghana’s cocoa exports in September 2024, citing growing concerns over contamination linked to illegal mining activities.
This development could have significant implications for Ghana’s cocoa trade, particularly in key export markets.
Speaking at a conference attended by Members of Parliament and key stakeholders to finalize a strategy for responsible small-scale mining, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, warned of the severe impact of illegal mining on the cocoa industry and called for urgent action to protect Ghana’s position as a leading global cocoa producer.
“The European Union and Japan have indicated that from September this year, they will begin testing for heavy metals, especially nickel, in our cocoa.
“The premium status of our cocoa, which gives us extra money, is under serious threat because they are starting with nickel. North America and most parts of Asia will follow shortly,” he cautioned.
Dr. Abbey further highlighted the financial burden this new requirement places on COCOBOD.
“As a result of this, COCOBOD will have to spend significant amounts of money to set up state-of-the-art laboratories at the Quality Control Center in Tema to meet the standards and test for these heavy metals. The testing is no longer just for moisture and other known factors.
“Now, they want to test for heavy metals because of the stories and the reality of the impact of illegal mining in cocoa-growing areas,” he explained.
With international buyers tightening regulations, Ghana faces mounting pressure to address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining to protect its cocoa exports.
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