The Rubber Processors Association of Ghana (RUPAG) is demanding immediate action from state security agencies to halt the illegal and unregulated export of raw rubber (cuplumps), warning that the practice is sabotaging Ghana’s industrialisation efforts and threatening thousands of livelihoods.

In a statement issued in Takoradi, RUPAG said the continued smuggling of raw cuplumps is in clear violation of the Tree Crops Development Authority’s (TCDA) regulations under the Tree Crops Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471).

The association fears that if urgent measures are not taken, the country could lose its grip on one of its most promising agro-industrial sectors.

“Our factories have the capacity and expertise to process all locally produced rubber. However, ongoing illegal exports deny us access to raw materials, putting processing plants, investments, and jobs at serious risk,” the association stated.

Undermining Ghana's 24-Hour Economy and Value Addition Agenda

RUPAG warns that the raw export of cuplumps directly contradicts the government’s industrialisation policy, particularly the 24-hour economy initiative, which seeks to boost local value addition and create sustainable jobs.

The group argues that enforcing local processing will not lead to job losses—as feared in some quarters—but will rather expand employment across the value chain including logistics, packaging, quality control, and export services.

 “Stopping raw exports is not a loss; it is a necessary lever for job creation, industrial expansion, and long-term national prosperity,” the statement emphasised.

Over 70,000 Livelihoods at Risk

The illegal trade is already having dire consequences on the ground. RUPAG estimates that more than 1,300 direct jobs and over 70,000 indirect livelihoods are at stake.

The Rubber Outgrower Plantation Project (ROPP)—which supports over 11,800 farmers cultivating 55,599 hectares—is facing major disruption, as illegal buyers lure farmers away from approved processing companies. This is also threatening repayment agreements tied to over GH¢450 million in credit financing extended to the sector.

“If this continues, Ghana risks collapsing a financing model that has supported rubber plantation development for years,” RUPAG warned.

Loopholes in Regulation

In April 2025, the TCDA rolled out a permit system to monitor and regulate rubber exports. However, RUPAG says some smugglers are exploiting gaps in enforcement to bypass the system, thereby distorting the market and undermining the law.

This, the association notes, is a breach of Act 1010 and L.I. 2471 and is inconsistent with Ghana’s ambition to develop a competitive, value-added rubber industry.

RUPAG’s Appeal to Authorities

RUPAG is calling on key state agencies—including the Ghana Police Service, National Security, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)—to urgently intensify surveillance at export points, intercept illegal shipments, amongst others.

The association also urged government and industry stakeholders to strengthen public-private partnerships that will protect investments, promote local processing, and help the rubber sector contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation.