Somanya: The Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) project, under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Crop Research Institute, has organized a training program to equip agricultural officers with skills to monitor cassava viral diseases. The workshop, held in Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, targeted agricultural Directors and Extension Officers from 10 districts and municipalities. These included Yilo Krobo, Upper Manya Krobo, Okere, Akuapim North, Akuapim South, North Tongu, South Tongu, Akatsi South, Shai Osudoku, and Ada West.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Allen Oppong, the Principal Research Scientist at CSIR and Country Director of WAVE Ghana, explained that the training was designed to strengthen surveillance systems by improving early detection and reporting to prevent disease spread and protect farmer livelihoods. The WAVE initiative operates in 10 African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, Ghana, Congo, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and C´te d'Ivoire, with its headquarters in Abidjan.
Dr. Oppong stated that cassava is one of Africa's most important food security and industrial crops, but its productivity is constantly threatened by viral diseases. 'Our goal is to improve cassava productivity by addressing viral diseases that impede yields. By training officers to collect accurate data, we can quickly detect emerging diseases, prevent outbreaks, and safeguard both farmers' incomes and national food security,' he said.
He highlighted two major cassava diseases: Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD). He explained that CMD is already widespread in Ghana and across West Africa, while CBSD, though not yet present in the sub-region, has been spreading from Central and East Africa. 'The cassava mosaic virus attacks the leaves, reducing photosynthesis and eventually affecting tuber development, which leads to reduced yields. On the other hand, cassava brown streak disease destroys the tuber itself, making it completely inedible. If we fail to take proactive measures, we may even be forced to import cassava into Ghana,' he warned.
Dr. Oppong emphasized that cassava is more than food, citing the staple crop as an industrial and economic powerhouse. Protecting it from viral diseases is crucial for protecting Ghana's future. Mr. Yaw Boateng, the North Tongu District Director of Agriculture, stressed the devastating impact of CMD on yields. 'If a farmer is expecting 30 tons of cassava per acre, the disease can slash that by 70 percent, which is a serious threat to food security and farmers' income,' he said.
He noted that data collection tools such as Kobo Collect would be used to monitor and report field cases, helping researchers develop more resistant cassava varieties. Mr. Boateng also reminded participants that cassava is not only a staple food but also a major industrial crop, used in producing ethanol, biofuel, starch, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, paper, and textiles. He cited the Syno Hydro company in North Tongu, which processes cassava into ethanol, as an example of the crop's economic potential.
Ms. Akosua Bonsu, the Shai Osudoku District Agriculture Director, said cassava has become a 'cash crop' in its own right. 'For too long, cocoa has been the center of attention as Ghana's leading cash crop. But cassava offers immense economic opportunities,' she stated. She mentioned that even the water drained from cassava dough could kill weeds, suggesting untapped potential for new products. 'It is time for the government and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to prioritize cassava research and development,' Ms. Bonsu said.
Participants expressed that the workshop underscored that while cassava is resilient and versatile, its future depends on timely disease detection, effective farmer education, and strong policy support. Stakeholders warned that delays in tackling viral diseases could erode food security, cut farmer incomes, and undermine Ghana's agro-industrial ambitions.