The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GhIH) is cautioning stakeholders in the agriculture sector to prioritise the promotion and adoption of responsible agrochemicals usage.

This is to avoid diseases such as cancer, neurological challenges, birth-defects and respiratory infections, among others.

While working toward increased horticultural production, there is a need to balance agrochemical usage with considerations for health, wealth and environmental sustainability.

Senior Research Scientist and Seed Systems Expert, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Crops Research Institute, Dr. Hillary Mireku Botey underscored the transformative impact of agrochemicals on horticultural crop production. However, he warned that irresponsible use poses significant health and environmental risks.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that farmers and horticulturists are well-informed about the proper usage, dosages and timing of agrochemical applications. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be a standard requirement and regular training programmes must be conducted to update our knowledge and practices in line with global standards,” he added.

Many farmers have embraced using pesticides as the best means of insurance in protecting and preserving their crops against wanton destructions by pests – notwithstanding that many farmers are not adequately equipped with personal protective gear and are unable to read instructions on chemical fertilisers and weedicide/pesticide products.

Growing evidence shows farmers and their families may be predisposed to severe and immediate health risks linked with pesticides, although the impacts are undetected in many cases. These chemicals inevitably get into the soil due to dispersal through washing water, excessive application and failure on the part of farmers to comply with their usage guidelines, inevitably distorting/destroying the soil ecosystems and microflora.

The incidences and effects of these chemicals in soil are numerous – ranging from causing negative effects on the activities or death of soil microflora and invertebrate organisms to distorting nitrogen mineralisation and nutrient transformation.

At the 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of GhIH in Kumasi, agronomist Dr. Daniel Attivor reiterated the need to create awareness on dangers of using agrochemicals irresponsibly.

“Everybody is at risk, so we must all join the crusade of creating awareness for responsible use of these chemicals,” Dr. Attivor said.

Closely related to the above, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana Simone Giger has emphasised the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection – stressing that both aspects are equally vital for sustainable development.

Consequently, she underscored the crucial role Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles play in harnessing natural resources for sustainable prosperity, indicating that they can be replenished without harming the environment.

The ambassador reiterated that it’s imperative for the business community to prioritise environmental protection and sustainable practices to ensure a liveable future for generations to come. Her call comes at a critical juncture as the world, especially Africa, grapples with climate change effects, biodiversity loss and economic uncertainty.Business opportunities

She argued that by embracing renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management, Ghana can create jobs, stimulate innovation and protect its environment.

“Profitability can co-exist with ethical leadership, sustainability and dedication to environmental sustainability,” she reiterated.

As a long-standing bilateral trade partner of Ghana, the Swiss Ambassador assured of her government’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s sustainable development journey. “Together, we can build a resilient, prosperous and environmentally conscious future,” she stated.

Ghana’s corporate community must be concerned about ESG and good corporate governance practices now more than ever – as issues such as galamsey and climate change are increasingly becoming threats to society.

ESG uses standard criteria to evaluate and demonstrate the sustainability-performance and success of an organisation. Stakeholders expect organisations to not only deliver financial performance but also make a positive contribution to society.