The use of pesticide for agricultural production in Ghana over
the years has increased tremendously, and has provided numerous
health benefits and increased crop production. The use of pesticides
in agriculture was very significant in minimizing both pre- and
post-harvest losses of crops and subsequently resulting in
increased crop production to meet the demands of the growing
human population (Clarke, Levy, Spurgeon, & Calvert, 1997).
Moreover, pesticides had been used frequently to significantly
control insect vector-borne disease culminating in enhanced health
conditions.
However, continuous application has led to various environmental
and health problems. Most of these problems have come
about as a result of indiscriminate and inappropriate use and
handling of the chemicals. Also, users of pesticides in the country
often lack the requisite technical knowledge and training on the
appropriate equipment and safe use of the chemical. In Ghana,
farmers frequently apply hazardous insecticides like organophosphates,
and synthetic pyrethroids as many times as they want in a
cropping season when perhaps two or three applications may be