Ghana Faces Potential Cassava Import Crisis Due to Viral Diseases, Warns Expert

Tamale: Ghana may be forced to import cassava in the future if viral diseases threatening the crop are not effectively contained, Dr. Allen Oppong, Principal Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Crop Research Institute, has warned. Dr. Oppong, who is also the Country Director of the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) project, highlighted this concern at a training of trainers' workshop in Tamale. The workshop was organized under the WAVE project to build the capacity of Agricultural Directors and Extension Officers on cassava virus surveillance.According to Ghana News Agency, the training included participants from 12 districts and municipalities across the Northern, Bono East, Oti, Savannah, and Upper West Regions. These regions included Krachi Nchumuru, Krachi West, Kintampo South, Kintampo North, Sagnarigu, Savelugu, Nanton, Mion, Tamale, Central Gonja, West Gonja, Wa East, and Sissala. The participants were trained on using the Kobo Collect mobi le application for disease monitoring and later engaged in a practical field exercise at a cassava demonstration farm in the Savelugu Municipality.Dr. Oppong explained that cassava, one of Africa's most important food security and industrial crops, was under constant threat from two major viral diseases: Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), which is already widespread in Ghana and West Africa, and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), which is rapidly spreading from Central and East Africa. He explained, "The Cassava Mosaic Virus attacks the leaves, reducing photosynthesis and stunting tuber development, while CBSD destroys the tuber itself, making it completely inedible. If we fail to take proactive measures, Ghana could one day be forced to import cassava."He emphasized that cassava is not only a staple food but also an economic and industrial crop, adding that protecting it from viral diseases is key to safeguarding the country's future. Hajia Hawa Musah, Director of the Northern Regional Department of Agricul ture, who was represented at the workshop, commended WAVE Ghana for the initiative, noting that the Kobo Collect app would improve field surveillance, reporting, and the breeding of resistant cassava varieties.Mr. Mark Ansong, a participant from the Kintampo South District, emphasized the need for investment in cassava research and development, stating that it is vital for food security and industrial development. Participants concluded that while cassava remains resilient and versatile, its survival depends on early disease detection, strong farmer education, and robust policy support. They are expected to transfer the knowledge gained to farmers in their districts to boost production and safeguard livelihoods.