Accra: The Rubber Farmers Association of Ghana (RUFAG) has firmly opposed recent suggestions to ban raw rubber exports, arguing that such claims are misleading and detrimental to farmers' livelihoods.
According to Ghana News Agency, RUFAG released a statement addressing assertions made by entities such as Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), the Rubber Processors Association of Ghana (RUPAG), the Western Regional House of Chiefs, and Mr. Michael Okyere Baafi, the Ranking Member of Parliament's Trade and Industry Committee. The Association disputed allegations that unchecked raw rubber exports are causing significant financial losses and emphasized that exports are conducted under a regulated framework approved by the government.
RUFAG highlighted a directive issued by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) on May 2, 2025, mandating that exporters of unprocessed rubber, cashew, and shea must register, be licensed, and obtain permits before export. This directive is being strictly enforced under Act 1010 and the Tree Crops Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471), making the narrative of unchecked exports false, according to the Association.
The Association argued that the push for an export ban by processors is an attempt to monopolize the market, which would suppress competition and reduce farm-gate prices. It emphasized that while processing companies employ fewer than 1,000 workers, the broader farming and trading ecosystem supports hundreds of thousands of individuals involved in various roles.
RUFAG also challenged the notion that raw rubber exports deprive the government of revenue, noting that exporters comply with statutory levies, whereas some processors allegedly do not. It pointed out that Ghana lacks advanced rubber processing facilities capable of producing finished products, with existing plants primarily focusing on converting cup lumps into Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) for export.
The Association refuted claims that processors face raw material shortages, attributing the issue to low prices offered to farmers and labor shortages on plantations. It highlighted prompt payments and better prices from exporters compared to delayed payments from processors.
RUFAG clarified that neither Act 1010 nor L.I. 2471 prohibits the export of raw rubber, but rather empowers the TCDA to regulate exports. The Association expressed support for fair competition and lawful regulation, urging the government and public to resist calls for an export ban driven by narrow interests.
In conclusion, RUFAG appealed for a focus on fairness, transparency, and shared prosperity in the rubber industry, rejecting monopoly control and pledging to engage transparently with any national investigative body.