Accra: Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have intensified efforts to prevent the introduction of Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD), a highly destructive plant disease that threatens banana and plantain production in Ghana. The disease, which affects banana and plantain, causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves, poor fruiting, and, in severe cases, plant death.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Lakpo Koku Agboyi, Senior Scientist in Invasive Species Management at CABI, stated that although BBTD had not been detected in Ghana, the country remained at high risk due to its presence in neighboring countries such as Benin and Nigeria. He highlighted at a stakeholder workshop in Accra that banana and plantain are staple foods, and any outbreak would have serious implications for food security and farmer livelihoods.
CABI, an international, intergovernmental, not-for-profit organization, applies scientific expertise to address challenges in agriculture and the environment. Dr. Agboyi explained that the disease is spread by the banana aphid and through infected planting materials. He noted that many farmers source planting materials from neighboring farms, increasing the risk of spreading BBTD if introduced into the country.
A study by CABI revealed that many farmers had limited knowledge of the disease and its vector, recommending sustained public education to support early detection, reporting, and rapid response. Over the past five years, CABI has supported surveillance and laboratory testing in collaboration with the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate and the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute. Samples collected nationwide have so far confirmed the absence of the disease.
Professor Ken Okwae Fening, Associate Professor of Agricultural Entomology at the University of Ghana, emphasized that prevention remains the most cost-effective approach, as control after introduction would be difficult and expensive. He advised farmers to avoid moving planting materials from unknown sources and to report unusual symptoms to agricultural extension officers.
Participants at the workshop called for strengthened collaboration among government agencies, researchers, development partners, and farming communities to enhance prevention efforts. They stressed the importance of effective border inspections, increased awareness, early reporting, and coordinated action to safeguard banana and plantain production.