Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)
A joint study conducted by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD) has revealed that 100% of cabbage samples tested from Agbogbloshie and Madina markets failed safety standards.
According to the report, the study conducted in June 2026 found that all cabbage samples collected from the two markets exceeded the established Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for eight different pesticide chemicals.
“Cabbage Failure Rate: 100% of cabbage samples tested from Agbogbloshie and Madina markets failed safety standards. Every sample exceeded the established Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for eight different chemical pesticides,” parts of the report revealed.
It said each sample contained pesticide residues above internationally accepted limits.
It added that while 67% of okra samples met the required safety standards, some okra obtained directly from Agbogbloshie Market contained high levels of hazardous chemicals.
“Okra performed slightly better, with 67% of samples meeting safety limits. However, specific okra samples taken directly from the Agbogbloshie Market were found to be highly contaminated, violating limits for hazardous chemicals,” the study revealed.
Ghana Standards Authority indicated in the study that the contaminated cabbages could be traced to major vegetable-producing areas, including Kumasi, Tepa and Adetor.
The study attributed the contamination to the excessive and improper use of synthetic agrochemicals, citing poor pesticide mixing practices, over-application of chemicals and farmers’ failure to observe the mandatory pre-harvest waiting period before harvesting crops.
Among the pesticide residues detected were Dimethoate and Triticonazole, which were found in high concentrations in the contaminated okra samples.
The study mentioned that exposure to Dimethoate could lead to respiratory problems, blurred vision and convulsions, while Triticonazole could be associated with liver damage and skin irritation.
The study also identified Acetamiprid and Emamectin in several vegetable samples, which affect the central nervous system causing seizures and gastrointestinal distress.
The report also stated that Mevinphos, a highly toxic pesticide residue linked to rapid muscle twitching and respiratory paralysis, was also detected.
“Exposure to these residues significantly elevates the risk of miscarriages, low birth weights, and congenital birth defects,” it noted.
CIKOD and the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana following the reports are therefore calling for a transition to safer, nature-based agroecological farming practices to reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides as well as protect public health.
The two organisations also urged consumers to adopt measures that could help reduce pesticide exposure, and also advised the public to clean food crops thoroughly before consuming them.
“Wash all leafy vegetables repeatedly under clean, running water. Use mild salt water or vinegar-water solutions to help break down surface chemical residues before cooking.
“Discard the outermost leaves of cabbages entirely, as they carry the highest direct concentration of pesticide sprays,” it added.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah