Ghana has intensified surveillance and preparedness efforts to prevent the spread of banana bunchy top disease, a viral disease that threatens banana and plantain production and can cause significant yield and income losses.
The disease was identified as a high-priority invasive pest after concerns arose in 2020 following reports from several African countries, including neighbouring Benin and Nigeria. Since 2021, Ghanaian authorities, universities and research institutions have worked with PlantwisePlus to assess the risk and strengthen preparedness.
In 2025, surveillance across 13 districts in four regions found no evidence of the disease. All samples tested negative using molecular diagnostic techniques. However, monitoring continues because of the disease’s presence in neighbouring countries.
Ghana has also strengthened import controls, inspection procedures and phytosanitary measures for banana planting materials. More than 1,500 farmers in 28 high-risk communities were trained to identify and report suspected cases, while 24 phytosanitary advisors and inspectors received specialized training.
The measures aim to prevent the disease from becoming established in Ghana and protect the country’s important banana and plantain production and farmer livelihoods.