The Rubber Processors Association of Ghana (RUPAG) has commended the government for imposing a temporary 10-year ban on the export of raw natural rubber, describing the move as bold, strategic and critical for the survival and expansion of the local rubber processing industry.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry announced the immediate prohibition in an administrative notice dated April 27, 2026, citing Cabinet approval and directives arising from discussions on the Accelerated Export Development Programme chaired by President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the ministry, the decision forms part of government’s broader industrialisation agenda aimed at ensuring adequate raw material supply for local manufacturers while promoting value addition within the country.
“This prohibition is to ensure that local producers of rubber products have enough raw natural rubber for production,” the ministry stated.
It further explained that the directive aligns with key government initiatives including the Accelerated Export Development Programme, Feed-the-Industry policy and the 24-Hour Economy programme, all of which seek to maximise domestic resource utilisation, stimulate industrial activity and drive inclusive economic growth.
Under the directive, all relevant state institutions including the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division, the Ghana Police Service and the Tree Crops Development Authority have been instructed to enforce strict compliance at all borders, ports and export points.
Any individual or company found violating the ban will face sanctions under Ghanaian law.
Reacting to the announcement, RUPAG expressed “sincere appreciation and profound gratitude” to President Mahama, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, and Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, for what it described as a decisive intervention.
The association noted that the restriction would help sustain the rubber industry by guaranteeing adequate raw material supply for local processors, protecting jobs and encouraging industrial expansion and investment.
RUPAG further indicated that the move would significantly strengthen value addition within the country while supporting government’s industrial transformation agenda.
“The Association believes this strategic intervention will help sustain the industry by ensuring adequate raw material supply for local processors, promoting value addition, protecting jobs, encouraging industrial expansion and boosting both local and foreign investment,” the statement said.
The association also sought to assure farmers and other actors within the rubber value chain that the ban would not be abused to their disadvantage.
According to RUPAG, it remains committed to operating responsibly and transparently while collaborating with farmers, traders, aggregators and regulators to sustain the industry.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting plantation development, farmer support programmes and increased production capacity to ensure long-term growth of Ghana’s rubber sector.
The export restriction will remain in force until revoked or reviewed by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry upon directives from Cabinet or after the objectives of the policy have been achieved.
