Amaning explained that processors like Garbin Oil Mills, Benso Oil Palm Plantation and GOPDC are unable to compete with smuggled oil, forcing them to offer lower prices for fresh fruit bunches to farmers. For instance, a 25-litre gallon of local oil may retail at GH¢580 but smuggled oil sells for as low as GH¢420, creating an uneven playing field. According to OPDAG, smuggling has been ongoing for over four years, despite government directives requiring all vegetable oil imports to pass through Tema and Takoradi ports. Amaning proposed empowering TCDA to certify all vegetable oil imports and equipping FDA to remove unregistered products from the market. We need a system that protects farmers, processors, and ultimately consumers,” he said.

Source: GhanaWeb February 21, 2026 08:08 UTC