Introduction According to the Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutant, 9 of the 12 most dangerous persistent chemicals are pesticides (Chekroun et al., 2014).

Objectives To assess knowledge, practice and attitudes regarding safe use of pesticides and toxicity awareness among vegetable farmers.

Methods A cross-sectional study of 100 vegetable farmers was conducted between November to December 2016. Data collection involved administration of standardized questionnaire to farmers on knowledge, safe use of pesticides and toxicity awareness.

Results Results of the field survey indicated that 48% (95% CI=38–58) did not use any protective clothing such as googles, gloves, long boots. Among the respondent 93% (95%CI=85–96) go back to the farm in less than 24 hours after pesticide application. As a result of pesticide exposure, about 67% (95% CI=56–75) of farmers experienced various kind of discomfort including headache, tingling or burning of skin, irritation of skin and or eye. Most farmers 65% (95% CI 54–73). Apply pesticides in mixtures that is farmers mix pesticides with different active ingredients in one machine for application. Farmers were exposed to 12 pesticides active ingredient.

Conclusion Based on the analyses it can be concluded that most of farmers’ involved in vegetable farming in the Akwapim North Municipality are in the middle age group. Almost all the farmers use pesticides in their farming activities. Pesticides and other agrochemical were found to be within reach of farmers who get their supplies from agrochemical dealers at their farms and homes. Farmers who apply pesticides in mixtures were of the view that tank mixing was favourable because it saves time, labour and cost since more than one pesticide could be applied in a single supply. Farmers generally were aware of the potential adverse impacts of pesticide deposition on the environment but didn’t know it have adverse health effect on human. Most farmers stored agrochemicals in multipurpose storage structures together.