Vegetable Exporters Face Eviction
– Over 5,000 jobs at risk
Story: Isaac AIDOO, Accra
THE Vegetable Exporters and Producers Association of Ghana (VePEAG), a key player in the Ghana’s agriculture sector, with over 2,000 members across seven regions, is currently facing a critical challenge that threatens its operations.
The association, which has been instrumental in producing and exporting high-quality fresh vegetables to both national and international markets for over 30 years, is now at risk of being evicted from its current office, which serves as a vital pack house for produce prior to export.
“Exports play a key role in Ghana’s economy,” said Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamassah, President of VePEAG. “If we are displaced without a viable alternative, over 5,000 jobs could be at risk. We urgently need the government to take a second look at this situation and provide us with the support we need to continue contributing to the economy.”
“We’ve been here for over 20 years, maintaining this facility, which is crucial for our export operations,” said Dr Kamassah “The proximity to the Kotoka International Airport allows us to efficiently package, store, and ship our perishable goods. A relocation far from the airport would be disastrous for our industry.”
VePEAG has been notified that their premises, along with those of the Agricultural Engineering Workshop adjacent to them, have been sold to a private developer. This development has sparked serious concern among VePEAG members, as it threatens to severely disrupt the association’s activities.
The current location’s proximity to the airport is essential for their operations, enabling timely shipment of perishable goods. A move away from this strategic location could hamper their ability to meet international market demands and jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of workers involved in the vegetable export chain.
Dr. Kamassah expressed further concerns, noting that, “The Agricultural Engineering Workshop next door has already been relocated, and their staff offices were demolished without warning. We’re worried the same could happen to us, leaving us without a proper facility to operate from.”
Despite numerous follow-ups with the Ministries of Agriculture, Trade, and Lands, VePEAG has yet to receive official communication or assurance regarding an alternative location that would maintain their operational efficiency.
“We’ve sent several letters and had multiple discussions, but there’s still no clear plan in place. We’re not against relocation, but it has to be to a place that’s close to the airport; otherwise, it will seriously affect our business,” Dr. Kamassah emphasized.
The association has invested heavily in infrastructure, including a €400,000 cold room to enhance harvest management, and any sudden disruption could lead to significant financial losses.
“We recently installed a cold room at great cost to improve our operations,” Dr. Kamassah further disclosed, adding that, if we’re forced to move without adequate provisions, this investment could go to waste.”
VePEAG’s leadership is appealing to the relevant authorities to provide a suitable solution that would allow them to continue their vital role in Ghana’s export economy without undue hardship.
The association stresses the importance of maintaining their proximity to the airport to ensure the continued success of their export operations, which are critical to the country’s economic health and employment. With the threat of relocation looming, VePEAG’s situation calls for urgent attention to prevent a major setback in Ghana’s agricultural export industry.
