The reported use of chemicals to accelerate the ripening of plantain in some Ghanaian markets has renewed concerns about food safety and the need for stronger consumer awareness.
The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) says consumers must be empowered to identify, question and reject potentially unsafe food products instead of relying solely on regulators to protect them.
CDA Consult Executive Director, Francis Ameyibor, said informed consumers could become the first line of defence against unsafe products because regulators cannot monitor every market stall and trading point.
The concerns emerged after some market women reportedly raised allegations at a public durbar in Accra about the use of unapproved substances, including suspected industrial ripening agents, to make plantain appear ripe within 24 to 48 hours.
CDA Consult said substances such as calcium carbide and other unregistered ripening agents require proper investigation and strict enforcement of food safety standards because of the potential health risks involved.
‘Verify Before You Buy’
The organisation is using the issue to reinforce its “The Trust Economy: Verify Before You Buy” campaign, which encourages consumers to take a more active role in protecting themselves from unsafe, counterfeit and substandard products.
Mr Ameyibor urged consumers to verify products, check sellers and certifications, use traceable payment methods where possible and report suspicious products or businesses to the appropriate authorities.
He said consumer verification should become a normal part of buying decisions, rather than something people consider only after encountering a problem.
CDA Consult is seeking support to expand its consumer protection campaign across Ghana. The initiative is being rolled out across all 16 regional capitals and 60 district capitals, combining public education with product traceability and collaboration with regulatory agencies.
The organisation believes that when consumers become more informed and willing to question what they buy, businesses have greater incentive to prioritise safety, quality and accountability.
Source: ModernGhana
