Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin Residues in Cocoa Beans from Four Major Cocoa-Growing Regions of Ghana

West Africa accounts for over 70% of the world’s cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) beans exports, of which Ghana contributes about 21%. Nonetheless, the region experiences a significant threat from insect pests, which are primarily mitigated using insecticides. However, the extensive use of these insecticides leads to harmful environmental and human health effects. This has prompted the assessment of pesticide residues in cocoa beans. In this two-year study, imidacloprid and bifenthrin residues in 64 samples of whole dried beans, nibs, and shells from four cocoa-growing regions of Ghana were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted in acetone and cleaned up using a graphitised carbon black/aminopropyl solid-phase extraction column, in a procedure that ensured high accuracy and reproducibility. Imidacloprid recorded the highest concentrations of 12.4 µg/kg and 239.2 µg/kg in years one and two, respectively, whereas all regions recorded only traces of bifenthrin with concentrations of up to 13.6 µg/kg in cocoa beans. The concentration of pesticides in the majority of the samples was significantly (p < 0.05) below that allowed by regulation (50 µg/kg). The findings from this study suggest that cocoa beans from the four regions do not represent any health hazard with regard to residues of bifenthrin and imidacloprid while underscoring the need for regular monitoring to ensure the efficient use of insecticides by farmers.