By Linda Dede Nyanya Godji Incoom
A Principal Research Scientist and vegetable breeder at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. Michael Kwabena Osei, is calling for urgent, Ghana-specific research into the health risks associated with greenhouse farming.
With greenhouse agriculture expanding rapidly in Ghana, Dr. Osei warns that while the technology holds great promise for food security, there is a growing concern that the human health dimension has been neglected.
“There are several studies conducted outside Ghana that indicate occupational hazards in greenhouse farming,” Dr. Osei said. “We need to replicate similar research here, so our policies and practices are informed by local evidence, not assumptions.”
In an interview, Dr. Osei mentioned that through his work at greenhouse facilities, he has noticed symptoms like red eyes, heat stress, and skin irritation among workers. “You need to step out of the greenhouse every hour and breathe some fresh air,” he added, explaining that “the actual oxygen is outside,” emphasizing poor ventilation as a major problem in many of Ghana’s plastic-covered structures.
“Nobody set an agenda to look at the health risks,” Dr. Osei admitted. “We were doing our routine research when we started noticing some of our staff showing symptoms.”
His call is backed by a notable study titled “Occupational Exposure to Pesticides and Associated Health Effects Among Greenhouse Farm Workers” by Patrick Amoatey et al. The study revealed an increased risk of respiratory problems and skin conditions associated with prolonged exposure to pesticides in enclosed environments.
Dr. Osei confirmed that similar risks could emerge in Ghana, where pesticide schedules in tomato production, for instance, include chemicals such as Golan (used for whiteflies), K-Optima (which contains acetamiprid), and Topcop, a sulfur-based pesticide.
Although greenhouse systems typically use fewer chemicals than open-field farming, the enclosed environment results in higher-intensity exposure. He proposes a comprehensive national research agenda, involving longitudinal health studies, respiratory function tests, reproductive health assessments, and pesticide exposure monitoring. He believes this work should be undertaken collaboratively by institutions like CSIR, public universities, and health research centers, with support from international development partners and the Ghanaian government.
“We cannot continue promoting greenhouse farming for food security without addressing the human side of the equation,” Dr. Osei stressed. “Worker safety must be part of our agricultural transformation.”
Despite support from agencies like the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), current greenhouse initiatives largely focus on crop productivity, with little attention paid to occupational health monitoring.
What GIDA Says About Sustainability and Safety
In response to questions about the safety and sustainability of greenhouse technology, the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) clarified that greenhouse farming in Ghana is part of a broader Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) initiative. According to GIDA, MoFA is committed to promoting environmentally friendly practices, ensuring worker safety, and building a sustainable agricultural system through the use of smart technologies and modern irrigation techniques.
GIDA also indicated that efforts are underway to reduce the reliance on synthetic chemicals in greenhouse farming. The Ministry is promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that prioritize biological and environmental controls over synthetic pesticides. Some local organizations, such as Trax Ghana, are educating farmers on producing and using organic pesticides, including neem-based alternatives. Practices like crop rotation and intercropping are also encouraged to naturally reduce pest outbreaks.
While these sustainability efforts are commendable, Dr. Osei believes they must be complemented by systematic health impact research to ensure the safety of greenhouse workers as the industry continues to grow.
Dr. Osei’s concerns present a timely opportunity for Ghana to take proactive steps. By conducting evidence-based health research now, the country can avoid repeating mistakes seen in other regions and ensure that its push for agricultural modernization also protects the workers who sustain it.
Highlights of Some International Greenhouse Worker Health Risks Around the World
- China: A study of 678 greenhouse farmers found that 45% had abnormal lung function.
- Ethiopia: Research showed that 32% of greenhouse workers suffered acute pesticide poisoning with neurological symptoms.
- Europe: Multiple studies recorded reduced fertility rates in long-term greenhouse workers, with some showing fertility ratios as low as 0.65.
- Denmark and Turkey: Found increased chromosomal damage and respiratory distress among exposed workers.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research (2020): Reviewed over 100 studies globally, confirming consistent patterns of respiratory, skin, and reproductive health risks associated with long-term greenhouse exposure.