According to statistics, mango as a fruit has enormous potential that could transform Ghana’s economy, more so than cocoa and other traditional export products.
The country’s Coastal Savannah, Northern Ashanti, transitional zones of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, Northern Volta Region and the whole of the three Northern regions are very suitable for mango production, meeting international quality specifications.
These areas with their abundant moisture and hot temperatures are suitable for large-scale production of the fruit. However, it appears that the country is not paying attention to the huge potential for economic growth the industry present. Farmers in this area are calling on the government for help to deal with the Black Bacteria Disease (BBS) that has plagued the sector to save it from collapsing.
Godfred Alimo, Secretary of Fair Trade group Blue Skies Mango Collectives said there was the need for a holistic approach in dealing with the disease just as “the state treated the Black Spot disease” that plagued the cocoa sector some years ago. “This needs a national approach through mass spraying or an introduction of bactericides that can take care of the disease. Without that, the mango industry will totally collapse,” Alimo told ghanaiantimes.com.gh.
Alimo added that the farmers were now battling with the BBS in all mango producing communities nationwide, just after members of the network had worked so hard to defeat the fruit flies that used to devastate mango production years ago.
He said the BBS, an airborne disease, had within the past four years, continued to spread from farm to farm and had affected yields of farmers. Similarly, many of the members of the network, especially those into citrus production, are said to be facing challenges with fruits diseases which seemed to kill the interest of farmers who engage in fruit production.
