W/R House of Chiefs urge gov’t to expedite action on raw rubber export ban

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Agona Nkwanta

The Western Regional House of Chiefs (W/R – HC) Vice President, Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX, has called on government to expedite action on the proposed restriction of raw rubber exports.

He pointed out that delays are crippling local processing factories.

He therefore urged authorities to urgently lay a Legislative Instrument (LI) before parliament to give the policy legal backing, arguing that the absence of concrete legislative action is undermining government’s own commitment announced in the 2026 budget.

“Government announced in the 2026 budget that it would restrict the export of raw rubber this year. Two to three months into 2026, however, there is no trace of a Legislative Instrument to enforce the restriction. We are calling on government to speed up the process to demonstrate seriousness,” he stated.

He recalled that the House, at its sitting in November last year, unanimously called for a total ban on the export of raw rubber. Nana Kobina Nketiah, President of the House, subsequently read the resolution outlining its position.

According to Nana Agyemang, several processing factories depend on consistent supplies of raw rubber to operate efficiently, create jobs and contribute to national revenue through value addition.

However, the growing trend of exporting unprocessed rubber, he said, is depriving these factories of the raw materials needed to sustain operations.

“Our local processors are being denied the raw rubber they require. If this continues, it will affect jobs, production levels and ultimately government revenue,” he cautioned.

He stressed that swift passage of the LI would not only protect local industries but also ensure Ghana maximises the economic benefits of its rubber sector through processing and export of finished products rather than raw materials.

Nana Agyemang reiterated his support for government’s stated intention to restrict raw rubber exports, but emphasised that policy declarations must be backed by immediate legislative action to achieve the desired impact.

Ban call echoed at ACLANGO AGM

Nana Agyemang, who also serves as Chairman of the Association, was speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Chiefs on Whose Lands Ghana Rubber Estate Operates (ACLANGO).

He noted that about seven rubber processing factories are currently in operation and require increased volumes of raw rubber to function effectively.

“Unfortunately, some individuals are exporting raw rubber instead of supplying local factories. We are therefore calling on government to place a complete ban on raw rubber exports so that we can process more locally and generate more revenue,” he reiterated.

He commended GREL for its continued investment in host communities, citing the provision of potable water, schools, community centres and other social infrastructure.

“GREL continues to provide our communities with good drinking water, schools, community centres and other essential facilities. We are deeply grateful for their support and pray that this partnership will continue for many years,” he noted.

Traditional leader also praised the company for establishing additional weighing centres in response to farmers’ concerns, but appealed that more centres be created to improve access and reduce delays for producers.

Nana Agyemang further raised concern about the growing threat of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which he said is destroying rubber plantations and endangering farmers’ livelihoods.

He called on government to intensify efforts at combatting the menace and warned that chiefs found to be complicit in illegal mining will not receive the Association’s support if arrested.

“The activities of galamsey are seriously affecting rubber plantations. We urge government to act decisively. Any chief involved should desist immediately. The Association will not come to the aid of anyone who engages in such illegal acts,” he cautioned.

He emphasised that sustained collaboration among government, traditional authorities and industry players remains critical to securing the long-term growth and sustainability of Ghana’s rubber sector.

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