Plant Protection Agency warns of land encroachment threatening operations

By Kizito CUDJOE

The Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) has raised concerns over persistent encroachment on its operational lands in Pokuase, saying the incursions are undermining its ability to deliver critical regulatory services and expand infrastructure.

The PPRSD, a division of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), plays a central role in protecting the country’s plant health and ensuring agricultural trade meets international and domestic standards.

However, its expansion efforts and daily operations are being hampered by ‘illegal’ occupation of its land including by individuals and state agencies, officials of PPRSD have said.

Director-PPRSD Eric Bentil Quayesaid: “Our mandate requires that we establish several facilities to enhance inspection, quarantine, diagnostics and certification services. But the extent of encroachment makes that nearly impossible,” during a visit by parliament’s joint committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs and Foreign Affairs.

He noted that the problem is not limited to Pokuase but affects PPRSD facilities across the country. “It is a big challenge. Our minister has said something will be done, but I believe parliament can also push harder so we do not lose all our lands,” Mr. Quaye told lawmakers.

Beyond land issues, Mr. Quaye cited severe logistical and funding constraints that are weakening the agency’s operations. A reduction in the share of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) allocated to the Directorate – from an already modest level to just 13 percent – has limited its ability to carry out inspections and meet staffing needs.

“Already, we don’t generate much revenue. So, this cut is really affecting us,” he said.

Mr. Quaye also noted that the Directorate was omitted from the 2025 national budget, which he believes may have been an oversight. He therefore urged the committee to ensure the matter is addressed.

Currently, PPRSD charges only GH?13 per permit for the importation of plants and agricultural products despite the high commercial value of many consignments. According to Quaye, this fee is inadequate to support regulatory functions.

He further raised concern about poor infrastructure at border points, where the Directorate is expected to work alongside Customs and other security agencies. Of the roughly 55 border posts where PPRSD operates, many lack permanent structures or lab facilities.

“When it rains, officers are forced to seek shelter elsewhere and inspections come to a halt,” he said. “All border stations require on-site laboratories so we can immediately test materials for potential threats.”

The World Bank is currently supporting the provision of cabins at five border stations, but Mr. Quaye estimates that 30 to 35 more are needed to ensure effective coverage nationwide.

The joint Committees were on a visit to a number of facilities under MoFA to interact and understand the interventions and impact of the Alliance for Green Revolution for Africa’s (AGRA) efforts in the agricultural sector.

It is in line with this that the Country Director of AGRA, Dr. Betty Annan, expressed appreciation for the work of the two committees in leading to the ratification of AGRA’s Host Country Agreement (HCA).

She acknowledged that AGRA has over the years been working closely with a range of implementing partners across government and academia, including PPRSD under MoFA.

“We are supporting them to establish a fertiliser laboratory, to test the quality of fertilisers that go to the fields; and also a seed laboratory which also checks the quality of seeds that go to the fields,” Dr. Annan added.

While she noted that the latter equipment has already been cleared from the ports and brought to PPRSD’s premises, she explained that equipment for the fertiliser laboratory is pending due to a few challenges.

Chairman-Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa East Constituency, Godfred Seidu Jasaw recognised AGRA’s investments in agricultural research – noting that one of the key challenges confronting the country has been quality of seeds and fertiliser in the field.

“Standards are so varied and also non-traceable. As a result, farmers often bear the consequences of some of these inadequacies. So, to plug that gap is a huge intervention,” he said.

Also, Chairman-Foreign Affairs Committee and MP for Ablekuma South Constituency, Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, expressed the hope that the interventions being led by AGRA are practical with visible impact.

Other members of the Committees took turns to interact and share opinions on the work being done by AGRA with PPRSD and other agencies of MoFA.

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