Traditional leaders in Ghana's Western Region are advocating for a complete ban on the export of raw rubber, arguing that it is essential for the country's industrialization and economic development. The Western Regional House of Chiefs (WRHC) has issued a strong call to the government, warning that any proposal to merely restrict exports will not be sufficient to address the challenges faced by the domestic rubber industry. The President of WRHC, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, emphasizes that the continued export of raw rubber from the Western Region, a leading rubber-producing area, contradicts the government's policy goals of value addition, job creation, and local content development. He asserts that a total ban on raw rubber exports is necessary to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for local processors, revive struggling rubber-based industries, and align with government initiatives such as the 24-hour economy policy. The chiefs' demand for a complete prohibition on raw rubber exports is supported by the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, who highlights the negative impact of excessive exportation on local processors, including Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL). The Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG) reports that a rubber-processing company in the Central Region has shut down due to a lack of raw materials. While the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade and Industry has expressed support for the government's decision to restrict raw rubber exports, traditional leaders argue that this alone will not solve the fundamental problem. They call for stricter enforcement of existing laws governing raw material exports, suggesting that the issue lies more in weak implementation than a lack of policy. Drawing parallels with the mining sector, they highlight the long-standing issue of resource extraction without corresponding local processing or industrial development. The Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Area and the Paramount Chief of the Axim Traditional Area have both endorsed the call for a complete ban, advocating for a united regional stance and a joint petition by traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and stakeholders to communicate their position to the government and Parliament. The Western Region's rubber industry, comprising thousands of smallholder farmers and large plantations, stands to benefit significantly from a ban on raw rubber exports. Traditional leaders argue that this measure will stimulate local processing, create numerous jobs, boost government revenue, and promote sustainable industrial growth, ultimately contributing to Ghana's industrialization and economic prosperity.
