Burkina Faso Lifts Ban on Tomato Export to Neighbouring Ghana
- Burkina Faso has reportedly lifted its ban on tomato exports to Ghana following successful bilateral engagements between the two countries
- The breakthrough was achieved after high-level discussions between sector minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and her Burkinabe counterparts
- Government also announced new measures to strengthen Ghana’s domestic tomato value chain through initiatives aimed at boosting local production
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Burkina Faso has reportedly lifted the ban on tomato exports to its neighbouring West African country, Ghana.
This follows successful bilateral engagements between the two West African nations.
Source: UGC
“This development is a positive outcome of ongoing bilateral engagements between Ghana and Burkina Faso,” the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, in a statement on Wednesday, April 2, 2026, said that one of the five key meetings held by the sector minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and her Burkinabe counterparts directly contributed to the removal of the trade restrictions.
The two ministers discussed the issue on the margins of the WTO MC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
In the statement, the ministry also assured the public that it would continue to collaborate with Burkinabe authorities and local stakeholders to maintain a smooth and mutually beneficial trading environment.
Ofosu-Adjare announces measures to boost tomato production
Meanwhile, the minister also stated that efforts are underway to intensify Ghana's domestic tomato value chain.
She said initiatives such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana aim to boost local production, improve yields, and ensure a stable supply of tomatoes.
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare also added that some targeted interventions, such as irrigation projects and the allocation of suitable lands for large-scale cultivation, are in the offing to support year-round production and encourage backward integration with processors.
The ministry consequently called on tomato traders and stakeholders in the industry to cooperate with government measures designed to protect both consumers and domestic processors.
The government also stated that the measures being put in place are part of a broader effort to safeguard local industries while promoting sustainable agricultural development.
Ghanaian traders hint at tomato shortages
Ghanaian traders have warned of a potential shortage and a possible sharp increase in tomato prices across the country.
Speaking to Citi News on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, a tomato seller with over 30 years of experience, Esther Owusu Ansah, urged the government to invests in irrigation infrastructure across the country to boost local production..
She contended that such an investment would reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports from Burkina Faso, as that trade route has become increasingly dangerous for Ghanaian tomato importers.
The tomato seller also explained that the investment would strengthen Ghana’s local agriculture while protecting livelihoods.
Adwoa Pinnaman, another trader, also emphasised the need for Ghana to invest in irrigation systems and dams to support tomato farming locally.
"We thought we were not targets of the terrorists. We want the government to construct dams that will prevent us from having to go to Burkina Faso," she said.
Source: Facebook
Tomato traders hint at price hike
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghanaian traders had warned of a looming tomato shortage and rising prices following recent terrorist attacks that claimed some lives in Burkina Faso.
Traders said cross-border supply chains are increasingly risky and called on the government to provide better security and invest in irrigation infrastructure.
Without urgent action from the authorities, the traders warned that Ghana may face serious market shortages, while local farmers remain under-supported.
Source: YEN.com.gh
