Mounting insecurity along the Burkina Faso trade corridor is forcing tomato traders in Ghana to rethink their heavy reliance on imports, with many now calling for urgent government investment in irrigation infrastructure to secure domestic supply.
The renewed concerns follow recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso that left eight Ghanaians dead and several others injured. The incident has disrupted cross-border supply chains and heightened fears among traders who regularly travel the route to transport tomatoes into Ghanaian markets.
For decades, Ghana has depended significantly on tomatoes imported from Burkina Faso to meet local demand, particularly during lean seasons. However, traders say the deteriorating security situation has exposed the risks of that dependence.
Esther Owusu Ansah, a veteran importer with over 30 years in the trade, warned that many traders may soon suspend trips to Burkina Faso if stronger protection measures are not introduced.
According to her, while security escorts are sometimes arranged up to Paga near the Ghana-Burkina border, the journey beyond remains unpredictable and dangerous. She stressed that drivers are increasingly unwilling to risk their lives for the business.
Other traders argue that the crisis presents an opportunity for Ghana to strengthen its own agricultural base. Adwoa Pinnaman believes strategic investment in irrigation systems and dam construction would enable year-round tomato farming, reduce exposure to foreign security threats, and retain millions of cedis currently spent abroad within the local economy.
Beyond security concerns, traders also complain about quality issues, noting that some imported tomatoes arrive in poor condition, leading to financial losses.
Meanwhile, Otumfuo Charity, Queenmother of the CMB Underbridge branch in Accra and an executive member of the Ghana National Tomato Traders Association, has raised alarm over possible smuggling activities. She warned that some traders may attempt to reroute tomatoes through northern Togo and divert them into Ghanaian markets illegally, exploiting the supply disruption.
She emphasized that the association will resist any unlawful import practices that undermine local traders.
Drivers and transporters are already feeling the strain. With fewer trucks arriving from Burkina Faso, many distribution workers report stalled operations and declining incomes. Some say they may be forced to seek alternative livelihoods if the shortage persists.
Industry players caution that without swift intervention, tomato prices could surge sharply, affecting households nationwide. For many within the trade, the issue now extends beyond market dynamics to questions of security, sustainability, and national agricultural resilience.
