Many foreigners, particularly Chinese, Lebanese, and Indians, are allegedly breaking Ghanaian rules regarding the acquisition of agricultural products there.
Despite the fact that the country’s laws forbid foreigners from directly purchasing agricultural products from farm gates, many foreigners are allegedly buying illegally from farm gates in the Northern region of Ghana, eluding local traders who are supposed to be in charge of purchasing from farmers according to the law.
In WA, Tamale, Bimbila, Yendi, and Gushegu specifically, the Lebanese, Indians, and Chinese have been accused of buying directly at farm gates.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity says local traders are unhappy that the Chinese, Lebanese and Indians have been buying soya beans, cashew nuts, sheanuts, and maize directly at the farm gates.
By law, foreigners are supposed to empower local traders who are to buy from the farm gates and sell to them (foreigners) in the cities.
But the foreigners are now rather directly engaged in the buying process, the source added.
Reports indicate that the Lebanese, Indians and Chinese are illegally bringing in their cash into the country to do the buying and are exporting the agro commodities through illegal means, thereby denying the Ghanaian government tax revenues and foreign exchange earnings.
By buying directly from the farm gates and bypassing the local traders, Ghanaians in the value chain are said to be losing their jobs.
Also, buying directly at the farm-gates is more like foreigners like Chinese engaging in retail business in Ghana, which is unlawful.
Meanwhile, sources say local traders are hoping that the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto will intervene in the matter and put a stop to the foreigners engaging in direct purchasing at the farm gates.