Environmental Protection Agency has cautioned Retailers and Producers of Pesticides or herbicides operating without license, to do so through the agency or face the law.
The Agency posited that it has observed that many retailers and manufacturers are operating without licenses.
Speaking to A1 Radio, an officer at the Upper West Regional office of the Agency, Justine Babasoro Dakpiri, indicated that pesticides are dangerous chemicals that pose a serious threat to human life and the environment hence the need for one to meet the requirement before operating.
Mr. Dakpiri warns that the compliance enforcement team of the EPA will soon move to the various shops to inspect their activities and fish out all those that are operating without the requisite documents and anyone found culpable will be punished according to the law.
He said, the agency is operating within the 1992 constitution, citing act (490) 1996 and article 528 which has given EPA the mandate to regulate all the activities of pesticides dealers.
He advised retailers and producers to go to any of their offices across the country to secure the license to enable them operate their businesses.
Mr. Dakpiri also advised farmers who patronize pesticides to read the labels of the products carefully before using it, to avoid its side effect on their health and crops.
He urged those who cannot read to seek clarifications from the operators about how to apply the chemicals.
Mr. Dakpiri cautioned farmers against seeking advice from their colleague farmers and entreat them to consult the agric extension officers at their areas for support.
Source: A1Radioonline.com| 101.1MHz| Dennis Bebane| Ghana
