Accra, April 8, – Stakeholders in Ghana’s agriculture sector have intensified preventive measures to guard against the possible introduction of Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD), a serious viral disease affecting banana and plantain crops.
The disease, which causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves and poor yields, can lead to total crop failure in severe cases.
Although BBTD has not been detected in Ghana, experts warn that the country remains at risk due to confirmed cases in neighbouring countries such as Benin and Nigeria.
Dr Lakpo Koku Agboyi, Senior Scientist in Invasive Species Management at CABI, said banana and plantain are critical staples, and any outbreak could threaten food security and farmer livelihoods.
He explained that the disease spreads mainly through infected planting materials and banana aphids, making informal exchange of suckers among farmers a major risk factor.
A CABI study revealed limited farmer awareness of the disease, prompting calls for sustained education on early detection, reporting and prevention.
Over the past five years, CABI has supported surveillance and laboratory testing in collaboration with Ghana’s Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate and the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, with all tests confirming the absence of the disease so far.
Professor Ken Fening of the University of Ghana stressed that prevention remains the most effective and cost-efficient strategy, urging farmers to avoid uncertified planting materials.
Stakeholders are calling for stronger border controls, improved surveillance systems and coordinated national action to protect banana and plantain production.
GHBUSS
8 April 2026
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