Tomato traders in Ashanti Region have lamented over what they described as looming shortage of tomatoes in markets across Ghana as the Burkina Faso government has indefinitely banned the export of the commodity.
In a letter dated March 16, signed by both the Trade and Agriculture ministers of the Francophone country, it observed that a ban is necessary to feed the country’s national processing units.
Consequently, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) has also been suspended.
The letter warned operators holding valid fresh tomato export permits that they have two (2) weeks from the date of signature of this communiqué to complete their export procedures.
Following this period, the permit will be considered invalid.
The Burkinabé government warned that any violator of the directive will be sanctioned in accordance with applicable regulations.
“Furthermore, any goods seized in violation of this measure will be returned, free of charge, to the fresh tomato processing plants established under the popular shareholding scheme,” the letter translated to English noted.
It continued that, “The Government is counting on the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in the tomato sector, as well as all state technical services, particularly border control services and security forces, to ensure the proper implementation of the terms of this communiqué”.
Speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi with Sir John, on Thursday, March 19,2026, the Ashanti Regional Queen Mother of the tomato sellers and traders, Hajia Masola, said the impact of the ban is being felt well before any formal shortage sets in.
She expressed frustration over the development, cautioning that prices could spike if the situation is not quickly addressed.
She appealed to the government to prioritise the local tomato industry by revamping irrigation systems and investing in local processing facilities — longstanding concerns that have left Ghana’s tomato sector heavily dependent on imports from neighbouring countries, especially Burkina Faso.
“The surprise aspect is that, tomato in Ghana will be ready for consumption around June. This is very devastating. The situation will cripple our business. Government of Ghana should intervene in this dire situation,” she lamented.
She said from December to May all tomatoes in our market are from Burkina Faso and cautioned Government to intervene fast on this development.
The country has historically relied on cross-border produce flows from Burkina Faso to supplement domestic tomato supply, especially during lean seasons when local harvests are insufficient to meet demand.
The National Chairman of Ghana Tomato Traders and Transporters Association, Eric Osei Tuffuor, was surprised about this development.
“I’m really shocked about this situation since no prior notice was given to us as an association. We have collaborated with on all issues concerning our business over the years and this is shock to us. We are meeting with stakeholders on our business including Government and officials from Burkina Faso to see the way forward,” he said.
Indefinite halt to the exports is therefore expected to tighten supply significantly, with knock-on effects on prices at markets nationwide.
Northern Ghana, which serves as the main corridor for produce trade with Burkina Faso, is expected to feel the shortage most acutely in the short term.
He was hopeful that their discussion with appropriate authorities would yield good result.
Source: 3News.com
