EPA Warns Savannah Farmers Authority Buying Pesticides From Unlicensed Dealers

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has cautioned farmers and agrochemical users in the Savannah Region against buying pesticides from unlicensed dealers, stressing the importance of dealing with authorised sellers and handling the chemicals safely.

The warning came during an interview on Jakpa Radio 96.1 FM with host DJ Tawesco, where Abubakari Fatawu, Mohammed Tijani and Sulemana Saaka discussed pesticide licensing, agrochemical safety and the responsibilities of both retailers and farmers.

The discussion comes at a time when agrochemicals remain an important part of farming, making proper regulation and responsible use a significant concern for farming communities across Savannah.

EPA licence required for pesticide dealers

Abubakari Fatawu explained that people who want to engage in the sale and handling of pesticides and other agrochemicals must obtain the required authorisation.

He said a person or business without the necessary EPA licence does not have the right to operate in the pesticide trade.

The position is consistent with Ghana's pesticide regulatory framework, under which the EPA has responsibility for pesticide control and the licensing of pesticide resellers.

Fatawu therefore urged people involved in the agrochemical business to ensure that they have the appropriate licence and comply with the required documentation before operating.

Farmers told to check who they buy from

For farmers in the Savannah Region, the message from the Jakpa Radio discussion is straightforward: do not treat the seller's licence as an afterthought.

Fatawu advised farmers to check whether the person or shop selling pesticides is properly authorised before making a purchase.

He also urged buyers to inspect the condition of pesticide containers.

Containers should not be leaking or damaged, as farmers need to know that the product they are purchasing has been properly packaged and handled.

Read the label before using pesticides

The speakers also stressed the importance of checking pesticide labels.

Farmers were encouraged to read the information provided on the product carefully to establish what it is intended to control and how it should be used.

Fatawu cautioned against relying only on pictures displayed on pesticide containers. A picture of maize, for example, should not by itself be treated as confirmation that a particular chemical is the right product for every situation involving maize.

The label and instructions remain important when determining how a pesticide should be used.

Retailers urged to educate buyers

Sulemana Saana added another important part of the discussion: the responsibility of retailers does not end when a customer pays for a pesticide.

He advised agrochemical sellers to educate customers on how and when the chemicals should be used before handing the products over to them.

For farming communities where different pesticides are used for different crops, pests and weeds, such guidance can help reduce the risk of improper application.

Farmers reminded to protect themselves

The interview also focused on the health precautions farmers should take when applying pesticides.

Fatawu advised users to have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) before handling or applying the chemicals.

He stressed that pesticides can be harmful to human health when they are improperly handled or used.

Farmers were therefore encouraged to protect themselves and follow the instructions provided on the product label.

Ghana's pesticide-management framework similarly distinguishes pesticides according to their approved uses and includes restrictions for certain products, reinforcing the importance of using chemicals according to their authorised applications.

Mohammed Tijani reinforces the regulatory message

Mohammed Tijani was also part of the discussion on the need for proper control of pesticides and agrochemicals.

The interview collectively highlighted that responsibility for pesticide safety does not rest with farmers alone. Dealers, retailers and other people involved in the agrochemical supply chain also have obligations to operate within the regulatory framework and provide appropriate guidance to users.

EPA's wider responsibility

The discussion concluded with a broader explanation of the EPA's role.

Fatawu said the agency's responsibility is to protect human health and the environment by regulating activities that could cause environmental damage.

For Savannah's farming communities, that responsibility has a direct local relevance. Unsafe pesticide handling can affect not only the person applying a chemical but also people around farms, agricultural produce and the wider environment.

A direct message to Savannah farmers

The warning from the Jakpa Radio discussion is one farmers across the Savannah Region can act on immediately.

Before buying a pesticide, check the seller, inspect the container and read the label.

Before applying it, make sure you have the appropriate protective equipment and understand how the product is meant to be used.

And if you are an agrochemical retailer, make sure your business has the required authorisation and that customers receive proper guidance before they leave with the product.

What is happening in your community?

Have farmers in your community encountered unlicensed agrochemical sellers, leaking pesticide containers, unclear labels or sellers who provide little or no guidance on how chemicals should be used?

Tell us what you have seen.

Share your experience in the comments or send the information to Gonja Pulse. Specific local experiences can help draw attention to pesticide-safety concerns affecting farming communities across the Savannah Region.

If this story could help a farmer or agrochemical retailer in your community, share it with them.

Follow Gonja Pulse for more local reports, public-interest stories and developments from Savannah and beyond.