A woman has been arrested at Madina Market in Accra for allegedly selling unapproved chemicals suspected of being used to artificially ripen bananas and plantains.
The arrest was carried out on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, by the Madina-La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly taskforce, working together with the Madina Police and the Assembly’s Environmental Health Unit.
The operation followed concerns raised by traders over the alleged use of prohibited substances to accelerate the ripening of fruits sold to consumers.
Madina Market Chemical Ripening Allegations
The Madina-La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly has announced plans to intensify surveillance at the market following the allegations.
Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Ibrahim Fialla said authorities will conduct an extensive search of the market to identify individuals involved in the sale or use of unapproved chemicals on food products.
The development follows an engagement between the Assembly and traders on August 12, during which concerns about several challenges affecting businesses at the market were discussed.
Some traders reportedly raised concerns about the alleged artificial ripening of farm produce, particularly bananas and plantains.
Woman Taken Into Police Custody
Following the complaints, the Assembly’s Environmental Health Unit, acting on the directive of the MCE and supported by the Madina Police, conducted an operation at the market.
A woman was identified as allegedly being involved in the sale of the suspected substances. Her identity has not been disclosed.
She was subsequently taken into police custody for questioning as investigations continue.
Authorities are expected to determine the identity of the substance involved, its intended use and whether any food products were treated with it.
Trader Raises Concern Over Child’s Illness
One of the traders who reportedly raised the alarm claimed that her son became ill after eating bananas suspected of having been treated with the substance.
According to the trader, the child received medical attention and was later discharged.
However, there is currently no confirmed scientific evidence linking the child’s illness to the suspected chemical. Medical and laboratory investigations would be required to establish such a connection.
Concerns Over Food Safety in Ghana
The incident has renewed concerns about food safety, chemical contamination and artificial fruit ripening in Ghana.
Food-safety authorities generally caution against using chemicals that have not been approved for application to food.
One substance frequently associated with concerns over artificial fruit ripening is calcium carbide, which can produce acetylene gas. Food-safety regulators in various countries have warned against its use because of potential health risks and contamination by harmful impurities.
However, consumers should distinguish between prohibited chemicals and approved fruit-ripening technologies. Ethylene, for example, is a naturally occurring plant hormone involved in fruit ripening and can be used under controlled conditions where permitted by applicable food-safety regulations.
The major concern is the misuse of prohibited substances or the incorrect application of chemicals that are not approved for food use.
Other Chemical Food Safety Risks
Food contamination can occur through several practices, including the improper use of pesticides, excessive pesticide residues, unauthorized colouring agents, chemical preservatives and the direct application of agricultural or industrial chemicals to food.
Consumers are therefore encouraged to purchase fruits and vegetables from reputable sources and report suspected food-safety violations to the appropriate authorities.
It is also important to note that the appearance, colour or ripeness of a fruit alone cannot reliably prove that it has been treated with a harmful chemical.
Consumers should not attempt to chemically treat or neutralise suspected contaminated food at home.
Assembly Calls for Calm
MCE Ibrahim Fialla said the planned market-wide exercise will focus on identifying and removing unapproved products from circulation.
The Assembly will also educate traders about the potential dangers associated with using unauthorized substances on food products.
The MCE urged traders and members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary fear.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation between traders, environmental health officials, the police and other relevant agencies.
FDA Monitoring Food Safety Concerns
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has also assured the public that measures are being taken to address the concerns surrounding the alleged use and sale of unapproved substances.
Until investigations are completed, consumers are advised not to assume that all bananas or plantains sold at Madina Market or other markets have been chemically treated.
Authorities are expected to provide further information once investigations and any necessary laboratory tests establish the facts.
What Consumers Should Do
People who experience persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, unusual weakness, breathing difficulties or other worrying symptoms after consuming suspected contaminated food should seek medical attention promptly.
Consumers should inform healthcare professionals about the food they consumed and should not induce vomiting or rely on home remedies for suspected chemical poisoning unless advised by a qualified medical professional.
Food handlers and traders are also advised to use only substances officially approved for food applications and to follow all relevant safety instructions.
Investigations Continue at Madina Market
The planned market-wide inspection by the Madina-La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly is expected to establish the extent of the alleged practice, identify the substance involved and determine whether other individuals may be selling or using unapproved chemicals.
For now, consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant while avoiding speculation.
The ongoing investigation and any laboratory analysis will be important in determining whether prohibited chemicals were actually being sold or used to ripen fruits at Madina Market.
Source: newsthemegh.com