Ghana said Burkina Faso has lifted a temporary ban on fresh tomato exports, easing supply constraints that had tightened local markets in recent weeks.

The suspension, imposed by Burkina Faso on March 19, had exacerbated shortages in Ghana, where imported tomatoes play a key role in stabilizing prices and supply. Officials in Accra welcomed the reversal, describing it as the result of sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said the decision followed a series of bilateral meetings, including discussions held on the sidelines of the WTO MC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare was among officials involved in the talks with Burkinabé counterparts.

“This development is a positive outcome of ongoing bilateral engagements,” the ministry said in a statement issued April 2, adding that it would continue working with regional partners and domestic stakeholders to ensure stable cross-border trade.

The episode has underscored Ghana’s reliance on imports to meet tomato demand, prompting renewed focus on strengthening domestic production. Authorities said initiatives such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana are being expanded to improve yields, promote irrigation, and support year-round cultivation.

Officials also pointed to efforts to allocate land for large-scale farming and encourage closer integration between producers and processors, part of a broader strategy to reduce vulnerability to external supply shocks.

The government urged traders and industry participants to cooperate with measures aimed at protecting consumers while supporting local processing capacity, signaling a dual focus on market stability and long-term agricultural development.

Source:TheDotNews