A woman has been arrested at the Madina Market in Accra for allegedly selling unapproved chemicals suspected to be 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 in collaboration with the Madina Police and the Assembly’s Environmental Health Unit.
The operation followed concerns raised by some traders over the alleged use of unapproved substances to accelerate the ripening of fruits sold to consumers.
Assembly steps up monitoring at Madina Market
The development follows an engagement between the Madina-La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly and traders at the market on August 12.
During the engagement, traders reportedly raised concerns about the alleged use of chemicals to ripen farm produce, particularly bananas and plantains.
Acting on the directive of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ibrahim Fialla, the Assembly’s Environmental Health Unit, supported by the Madina Police, subsequently conducted an operation at the market.
A woman suspected of being involved in the sale of the substances was identified and taken into police custody for questioning and further investigations. Her identity has not been disclosed.
The MCE has announced plans for an extensive search of the market to identify and deal with individuals involved in the sale or use of unapproved substances.
He also indicated that the exercise will include education for traders on the potential dangers associated with the use of unapproved chemicals.
Traders call for wider food-safety surveillance
Concerns raised by traders suggest that the alleged practice may not be confined to the Madina Market.
Some traders are therefore calling on the Madina-La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to expand surveillance across fruit markets and take preventive measures against the sale and use of potentially harmful substances.
One trader who reportedly first raised the alarm said her son became ill after consuming bananas suspected to have been treated with the substance.
The child has since received medical treatment and was discharged. However, there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a direct link between the illness and the suspected chemical, and further medical or laboratory investigations would be required to determine any connection.
Health concerns over artificial fruit ripening
The use of unapproved chemicals in food production and handling has raised wider food-safety concerns.
One substance frequently associated with unsafe artificial fruit ripening is calcium carbide. Food-safety authorities have warned against using such substances for fruit ripening because of potential health risks and the possibility of contamination with harmful impurities.
However, authorities stress that not every method of artificial ripening is unsafe. Approved and properly controlled ethylene-based ripening processes, for example, are recognized in some food-safety systems.
The major concern is the use of substances that have not been approved for food applications or the improper use of otherwise approved products.
FDA expected to intensify monitoring
The Food and Drugs Authority has assured the public that measures are being taken to address the concerns surrounding the alleged use of unapproved fruit-ripening substances.
Authorities have urged consumers to remain vigilant but avoid assuming that all bananas or plantains sold at Madina Market or elsewhere have been chemically treated.
The ongoing investigations and any laboratory analysis are expected to provide further information about the substance allegedly being sold, the extent of its use and whether other traders are involved.
The Assembly has also appealed for cooperation among traders, environmental health officers, the police and other relevant agencies to ensure that potentially unsafe food-handling practices are identified and addressed.
For now, consumers are encouraged to remain cautious while avoiding speculation or panic until the relevant authorities complete their investigations.
