The Soya Value Chain Association of Ghana (SVCAG) has made an urgent appeal to the government to lift the ban on the exportation of soybeans, to help alleviate the plight of particularly, farmers.
It said the continuous enforcement of the ban was threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers, aggregators, and processors across the country.
The ban, effected following the replacement of the Export and Import (Restrictions on Exportation of Grains) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2467), which replaced the Restrictions on Exportation of Soya Bean Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2432), has imposed restrictions on the export of three key agricultural commodities — rice, maize, and soya, which are vital to both human and animal nutrition.
It was first instituted in December 2024 and has remained in force as of October 2025.
The Executive Secretary of the SVCAG, Yaw Afrifa, who signed the statement calling for the lifting of the ban, stressed that the situation had caused severe market distortions, which were negatively impacting farmers.
Impact
Mr Afrifa said soybean prices have plummeted from GH¢1,200 per 100kg in October 2023 to GH¢500 per 100kg by October 2025, with the potential for further decline as the 2025 harvest progresses.
The sharp price drop, he stated, has reduced farmer incomes, discouraging production and threatening the sustainability of soybean farming across the five northern regions of Ghana.
“Soybean cultivation, a vital source of employment for youth and women, is now at risk, with many households facing declining earnings and rising economic uncertainty.”
“Also, while local processors initially supported export restrictions, many now face declining demand for processed soy meal due to cheap imports from the United States and direct bean imports by large, foreign-owned processing companies.”
Representation
Mr Afrifa said while the SVCAG supports the regulation of these essential commodities, as that is crucial for national food security, it has consistently advocated a more transparent and inclusive export permit system.
He indicated that the current committee responsible for granting export permits operates without adequate representation from key industry stakeholders, including the SVCAG.
“This exclusion has led to inefficiencies, lack of consultation, and unintended economic consequences for local farmers,” the Executive Secretary stated.
Economic justice
He said the association strongly believes that the continued ban on soybean exports has outlived its purpose and is now counterproductive.
It therefore called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, lift the ban on soybeans to stabilise prices and restore farmer confidence.
It also called for the reconstitution of the export restriction committee to include representatives from the SVCAG and other key stakeholders for greater transparency and accountability.
Additionally, it urged the government to support local processors and farmers through fair trade policies and improved financing mechanisms.
“This issue is no longer just about trade—it has become a matter of economic justice and human rights.
Our farmers deserve fair access to markets and fair prices for their produce.
“As the nation prepares to celebrate Farmers’ Day, the most meaningful gesture the government can make to honour Ghanaian farmers is to lift the export ban and allow fair market participation,” Mr Afrifa emphasised.
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