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Cashew traders and exporters Association in Ghana are raising alarm over the detrimental impact of unauthorized individuals on their businesses.
These traders claim that their livelihoods are being threatened by “Foreigners” who are allegedly manipulating the market by purchasing cashew crops at inflated prices, undermining established trade practices and potentially collapsing the local cashew industry.
Speaking on behalf of the Association members, Mr. Kwabena Owusu, the National Organizer, explained that these “Foreigners” are operating saying that they are Exports but they are trading in the market. The traders claim that these individuals are using this tactic to purchase cashews at prices as high as Ghc20 and Ghc25, significantly exceeding the official price of Ghc15.00. This practice, they argue, goes against the regulations established by the tree crop authorities.
“in an interview with Asona Dehyie Kwateng, Traders said is a serious issue. These Foreigners are buying unripe cashews at exorbitant prices, disrupting the entire market and causing genuine traders to lose business.” Mr. Owusu stated. According to the traders, this practice does not only undermine the established pricing system but also leads to the purchase of unripe cashews, further damaging the integrity of the local industry.
The aggrieved traders and exporters are calling on the government, led by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to intervene urgently and stop what they describe as a “canker” that is threatening their livelihoods. They fear that this practice will not only cripple cashew buying businesses but will also negatively affect farmers in the near future, once the market is destabilized.
“We are appealing to the government to step in before things escalate. If this continues, we may not have a viable cashew market in the future. These Foreigners will eventually leave and our farmers will be at a loss.” Mr. Owusu stated. The traders expressed deep concern that this unsustainable practice will eventually drive the “Foreigners” away, leaving farmers and genuine traders with a collapsed industry.
The cashew traders and exporters association are urging the government to investigate and implement measures to ensure that trade practices are fair, sustainable, and in accordance with the guidelines set by the tree crop authorities. They believe that immediate action is necessary to preserve the local cashew industry and ensure its continued viability.
