The Ashanti Regional Officer of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) has called on agricultural extension agents, PPRSD officers, and agrochemical dealers to take the lead in reducing cases of pesticide poisoning in farming communities.

Akua Tiwaa Sebe made the call at a training workshop organised by ADAMA West Africa Limited, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).

The workshop focused on promoting the safe and responsible use of agrochemicals in agricultural production.

She said pesticides play an important role in protecting crops from pests and diseases and in ensuring food security. However, she warned that wrong handling, misuse, and overuse of pesticides pose serious risks to human health, food safety, and the environment.

According to Madam Tiwaa, cases of pesticide poisoning are still being recorded in some farming communities. She attributed this largely to limited knowledge on safe usage, lack of protective equipment, and unsafe disposal of empty containers.

“These challenges can be addressed through regular education and strict adherence to safety guidelines,” she said.

She urged agricultural extension agents to intensify farmer education at the community level, with emphasis on correct application methods, proper dosage, timing, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Madam Tiwaa also called on agrochemical dealers to ensure that farmers receive clear and accurate instructions at the point of sale, and that only approved and properly labelled products are sold.

She further stressed the importance of safe disposal of empty pesticide containers. According to her, improper disposal poses serious environmental and public health risks, especially when containers are reused to store water or food.

“This practice is dangerous,” she cautioned.

She explained that part of the workshop discussions focused on educating farmers and agrochemical users on safe and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of used containers, in order to prevent contamination of water bodies, soil, and homes.

The PPRSD Officer also highlighted the role of regulatory officers in strengthening monitoring and enforcement to curb the sale and use of unregistered or banned pesticides.

She said collaboration among regulators, extension agents, agrochemical dealers, and private sector partners is key to ensuring safer pesticide use.

“Protecting human life must remain our top priority in the use of agrochemicals,” Madam Tiwa said, adding that safety, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture must go together.

The workshop brought together agricultural extension officers, PPRSD staff, and agrochemical dealers from across the Ashanti Region. Participants were trained on pesticide safety, best practices, regulatory requirements, and responsible waste management.

Organizers said the training forms part of broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, improve farmer safety, and reduce health and environmental risks linked to pesticide use.

Participants described the training as timely and useful, and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to support farmers in adopting safer pesticide handling and disposal practices.

In total, 182 agricultural extension officers, PPRSD officers, and agrochemical dealers were trained in two separate sessions held in late 2025 and early 2026.

The Marketing Development Manager of ADAMA West Africa Limited, Joshua Banana Awutey, said the training was important because agrochemical dealers need regular refresher training on product handling, usage, and safety.

“We are dealing with chemicals. It is important to know the right dosage. If there is overdosing, it will affect the crop. If there is underdosing, it will not achieve the intended result,” he said.

Mr. Awutey said ADAMA will continue the training until its objectives are fully achieved.

He revealed that in 2025 alone, ADAMA trained over 600 COCOBOD technical officers across major cocoa-growing regions, including Volta, Eastern, Western North, Western, and Ashanti.

“The response from the trainees has been very positive. They keep encouraging us to continue,” he added.