Tomato traders in Ghana are worried they may be forced out of business if Burkina Faso’s ban on fresh tomato exports persists, raising concerns over supply shortages and rising prices.
The ban, announced by Burkina Faso on Thursday, March 19, comes barely a month after armed attacks disrupted major supply routes, further compounding challenges for traders who rely on cross-border shipments to stock Ghanaian markets.
At the Racecourse Market, traders expressed fears that prolonged restrictions could push many out of business, while others may be forced to hike prices to survive, increasing the burden on consumers.
“This situation is serious. If we can’t get tomatoes from Burkina Faso, some of us may not survive in this business,” one trader said.
The Burkinabè government cited the need to prioritise domestic supply for local processing industries as the reason for an immediate nationwide halt to tomato exports “until further notice.”
Meanwhile, the government has announced plans to engage authorities in Burkina Faso following the West African country’s decision to suspend the export of fresh tomatoes.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 20, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said the engagement will focus on addressing concerns surrounding the ban while seeking a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries, given the longstanding trade ties and Ghana’s dependence on tomato imports from Burkina Faso.
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