Western Region Chiefs Demand Total Ban on Rubber Exports
The Western Regional House of Chiefs is urging the government to implement a complete ban on raw natural rubber exports, warning that proposed restrictions are insufficient to safeguard the region’s rubber industry and Ghana’s industrialisation goals.
At a general meeting in Sekondi, the House expressed unanimous support for a policy overhaul that would halt the shipment of raw rubber from the Western Region, Ghana’s primary rubber-producing area. They argue that continued exports undermine efforts to add value to resources locally and create jobs.
“It was clearly stated in the 2026 Budget that the discussion was about natural rubber. However, the way the minister framed it suggested a restriction on the export of raw rubber,” Nana Kobina Nketsia V, President of the House, stated. “We are not asking for a restriction; we are asking for a total ban.”
Nana Nketsia explained that a full ban would ensure a consistent supply of raw materials for local processors, revitalising struggling rubber-based industries and supporting the proposed 24-hour economy initiative.
The Paramount Chief of Essikado highlighted the detrimental impact of uncontrolled exports on major processing firms, citing Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) as an example. “GREL has been forced to slash its labour force by half and reduce operations from three shifts to one due to inadequate raw material supply,” he warned.
These concerns are echoed by industry stakeholders. The Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG) recently reported that a processing company in the Central Region has already shut down due to raw material shortages, and GREL faces the potential closure of one of its two factories by 2026.
While the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade and Industry supports the government’s plan to restrict exports from 2026, Nana Nketsia believes this measure falls short. “Exporting raw rubber directly contradicts the government’s stated policy direction and undermines the domestic industry,” he asserted. “If we are serious about industrialisation, then we must process our rubber here instead of exporting it in its raw state.”
He also stressed the need for robust enforcement of existing export regulations, arguing that the issue lies in implementation rather than a lack of policy. “There are laws against exporting materials in their raw form. We must ensure the regulatory framework functions effectively. This is not just for producing areas, but for the benefit of the entire country,” he added.
The House further questioned the decision to locate the proposed national gold refinery in Accra, rather than the Western Region, where a significant portion of the gold is mined. “If the gold is mined here, why should the refinery be in Accra?” Nana Nketsia asked. “If the aim is to create jobs and curb illegal mining, then these facilities must be located in the producing regions.”
Awulae Angamatuo Gyan, Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Area, confirmed that traditional authorities have been actively engaging with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat on this issue for years. “Although the results have been slow, we are hopeful that government’s current position on restriction will be a stepping stone toward a full ban,” he said.
Awulae Attibrukusu, Paramount Chief of the Axim Traditional Area, called for a unified front from the Western Region’s chiefs to secure a complete ban. “As a region, we must come together and meet the relevant authorities to clearly state our resolve to have a total ban on raw rubber exports,” he stated, proposing a joint petition involving chiefs, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders.
The Western Region, as Ghana’s largest producer of natural rubber, supports thousands of smallholder farmers and numerous large plantations. The chiefs maintain that a ban on raw exports will stimulate local processing, generate thousands of jobs, increase government revenue, and unlock sustained industrial growth.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
