A joint study by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD) has found that all cabbage samples tested from the Agbogbloshie and Madina markets failed to meet established food safety standards due to excessive pesticide residues.
The study, conducted in June 2026, revealed that 100% of the cabbage samples collected from the two markets contained pesticide residues above the established Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for eight different chemical pesticides.
“Cabbage Failure Rate: 100% of cabbage samples tested from Agbogbloshie and Madina markets failed safety standards. Every sample exceeded the established Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for eight different chemical pesticides,” the report stated.
According to the findings, every cabbage sample contained pesticide residues beyond internationally accepted safety limits.
The study also assessed okra samples and found that while 67% met the required safety standards, some samples collected directly from Agbogbloshie Market contained dangerously high levels of hazardous chemicals.
“Okra performed slightly better, with 67% of samples meeting safety limits. However, specific okra samples taken directly from the Agbogbloshie Market were found to be highly contaminated, violating limits for hazardous chemicals,” the report said.
The Ghana Standards Authority traced the contaminated cabbages to major vegetable producing areas, including Kumasi, Tepa and Adetor.
According to the study, the contamination was largely caused by the excessive and improper use of synthetic agrochemicals. It cited poor pesticide mixing practices, excessive application of chemicals and farmers’ failure to observe the required pre harvest interval before harvesting their crops.
Laboratory analysis detected several pesticide residues, including Dimethoate and Triticonazole, in high concentrations in the contaminated okra samples.
The report warned that exposure to Dimethoate may cause respiratory problems, blurred vision and convulsions, while Triticonazole has been associated with liver damage and skin irritation.
It also identified Acetamiprid and Emamectin in several vegetable samples, noting that the chemicals can affect the central nervous system and may cause seizures and gastrointestinal distress.
In addition, the study detected Mevinphos, a highly toxic pesticide residue linked to rapid muscle twitching and respiratory paralysis.
“Exposure to these residues significantly elevates the risk of miscarriages, low birth weights, and congenital birth defects,” the report noted.
Following the findings, CIKOD and the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana called for a shift towards safer, nature-based agroecological farming practices to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and better protect public health.
The organisations also advised consumers to take practical steps to minimise pesticide exposure by thoroughly cleaning vegetables before consumption.
“Wash all leafy vegetables repeatedly under clean, running water. Use mild salt water or vinegar-water solutions to help break down surface chemical residues before cooking.
“Discard the outermost leaves of cabbages entirely, as they carry the highest direct concentration of pesticide sprays,” the report advised.
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