Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported tomatoes has come under sharp focus following Burkina Faso’s decision to halt exports, triggering concerns over potential shortages and rising prices.
The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana has warned that the situation poses a serious threat to the country’s vegetable supply chain, urging an urgent shift toward strengthening local production capacity.
Speaking to Citi Business News, the Association’s President, Dr. Felix Kamassah, stressed that the disruption highlights long-standing vulnerabilities in Ghana’s agricultural system. He noted that industry players have repeatedly cautioned against overreliance on external sources for such a staple commodity.
Government officials are currently in talks with Burkina Faso to resolve the impasse and preserve trade relations. However, Dr. Kamassah believes the solution must go beyond diplomacy, calling for a coordinated national response involving policymakers, farmers, and researchers.
He pointed to the need for increased investment in irrigation, greenhouse farming, and year-round cultivation to stabilise local supply. According to him, farmers possess practical knowledge about production cycles and suitable growing areas that should inform policy decisions.
The export ban comes amid heightened concerns about the safety of cross-border trade, following a recent attack in northern Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of Ghanaian tomato traders.
Industry experts warn that without decisive action to boost domestic production, Ghana risks recurring supply shocks that could affect both food security and household spending, given the central role tomatoes play in everyday diets.
