BY ISSAH OLEGOR
A woman has been arrested at the Madina Market in Accra following allegations that she was selling unapproved chemicals suspected of being used to artificially ripen bananas and plantains for sale to consumers.
The arrest was carried out on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, by a task force from the Madina-La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Madina Police and the Assembly’s Environmental Health Unit.
The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, was taken into police custody for questioning as authorities investigate the alleged sale and use of the substances.
The operation followed concerns raised by traders about the alleged use of unapproved substances to accelerate the ripening of fruits sold at the market.
According to the report, traders raised the matter during an engagement with the Madina-La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly on August 12. Particular concerns were raised about bananas and plantains allegedly being treated with substances to make them ripen faster.
Following the concerns, the Municipal Chief Executive, Ibrahim Fialla, directed the Assembly’s Environmental Health Unit to investigate the allegations. The unit, working with the Madina Police, subsequently conducted an operation at the market which led to the identification and arrest of the woman allegedly involved in selling the substances.
Fialla has announced plans for intensified monitoring and an extensive search of the market to identify other individuals who may be involved in the alleged practice.
