Ghana is moving swiftly to cushion the potential fallout from a sudden tomato export ban by Burkina Faso — a decision that could squeeze supply and push up prices in markets across the country.

In a statement released Friday, March 20, Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry confirmed plans to engage Burkinabè authorities in urgent talks aimed at resolving the standoff. Officials say the goal is to find “a mutually beneficial outcome” that preserves the long-standing trade relationship between the two neighboring countries, while addressing Burkina Faso’s domestic priorities.

The move comes after Burkina Faso announced an immediate suspension of fresh tomato exports “until further notice,” citing the need to secure raw materials for its local processing industry. The directive halts the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE), effectively shutting down formal export channels.

For Ghana — where imported tomatoes play a crucial role in stabilizing supply — the implications could be significant.
Authorities, however, are urging calm.
The Ministry said it is working closely with stakeholders to manage the short-term impact, including measures to stabilize supply chains and prevent market disruptions. At the same time, the government is doubling down on its longer-term strategy to reduce import dependence.

Central to that plan are initiatives like “Feed Ghana” and “Feed the Industry,” which aim to boost domestic tomato production and strengthen agro-processing capacity.

“The government remains committed to increasing local output to meet national demand,” the statement emphasized.

Meanwhile, traders have been asked to remain patient as diplomatic efforts unfold. Officials expressed confidence that ongoing discussions will lead to a resolution and a return to normal trade flows.

Under Burkina Faso’s directive, exporters with existing permits have been given a two-week grace period to complete pending shipments. After that, all authorisations will be revoked, with authorities warning of sanctions for non-compliance. Any seized tomato consignments, they added, will be redirected to local processing factories.

For now, Ghana finds itself balancing immediate market concerns with a broader push toward agricultural self-sufficiency — a challenge that may define the country’s food security agenda in the months ahead.

Source:TheDotNews