The Government of Ghana has announced plans to engage authorities in Burkina Faso following that country’s decision to suspend the export of fresh tomatoes, a development expected to affect supply on the Ghanaian market.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 20, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry indicated that the engagement will focus on addressing concerns surrounding the ban while working towards a mutually beneficial outcome for both countries, considering their longstanding trade relations and Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports from Burkina Faso.
The government assured that it is collaborating with relevant state institutions and stakeholders to mitigate the potential impact of the restriction, with efforts underway to stabilise supply in the short term.
It also appealed to tomato traders to remain calm as discussions continue, expressing optimism that an amicable resolution will be reached to restore normal trade flows.
Meanwhile, in a joint statement issued in Ouagadougou on Thursday, March 19, the Burkinabè government announced an immediate nationwide suspension of tomato exports until further notice, explaining that the measure is aimed at prioritising domestic supply for local processing industries.
The directive, signed by the country’s trade and agriculture ministries, also halts the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE), effectively shutting down formal export channels for tomatoes.
Traders with existing permits have been granted a two-week window to complete ongoing transactions, after which all authorisations will be revoked.
Authorities in Burkina Faso have warned that any violation of the directive will attract sanctions under existing laws, adding that seized consignments will be redirected to local processing factories to support domestic agro-industrial production.
