As Ghana joined the global community to mark World Bee Day, the Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR), an agric-focused NGO, has called for tighter regulations on agrochemical usage to protect pollinators critical to food production.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Bolgatanga, Mr. Sumaila Seidu Saaka, Executive Director of FONAR, underscored the urgent need for robust regulatory systems to monitor and control pesticide use, citing the harmful effects of agrochemicals on bees and other pollinating insects.
The event, themed “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all,” included a special screening of “The Pollinators” documentary and brought together journalists, agricultural officers, Forestry Commission officials, and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It was supported by Austria’s Awaken Trees Foundation.
“Pollinators like bees are essential for crops such as tomatoes, pepper, and groundnuts,” Mr. Saaka said. “We must empower regulatory bodies like the EPA, Food and Drugs Authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture to enforce responsible pesticide use to protect these invaluable species.”
He further stressed that bees pollinate over 75% of flowering plants and contribute significantly to the global food supply—supporting 1,500 crop types and accounting for an estimated $235 to $577 billion annually in agricultural value.
Mr. Michael Nanor of the Forestry Commission added, “Beekeeping is not just about honey; it’s a vital practice for food security. Protecting bees must be a shared national responsibility.”
Similarly, Mr. Godfred Yao Agbenyeke of the EPA echoed the importance of minimizing harmful chemical use and promoting tree planting to create healthier environments for pollinators.
The event concluded with a renewed call to action for government bodies, the media, and farmers to recognize bees not just as pollinators, but as pillars of agricultural productivity and biodiversity.
