Following the tragic killing of eight Ghanaian tomato traders by terrorists in Burkina Faso, security analyst Richard Kumado is advocating for a significant overhaul of Ghana’s agricultural policy to mitigate future loss of life.
Mr Kumado posits that a long-term solution necessitates addressing Ghana’s reliance on Burkinabe imports through targeted domestic investment and centralised marketing strategies.
The analyst recommended investing in local tomato farming and establishing centralised markets to reduce risks and prevent future tragedies in Ghana.
“Ghana must prioritise investing in the specific varieties of tomatoes that currently drive traders to Burkina Faso. By planting these locally, the incentive to cross dangerous borders is removed. We should also establish a centralised market.
market system within Ghana. This would create a safer, more organised environment for traders to conduct business without the need for perilous cross-border travel.”
The aftermath of the killings has sparked a heated political debate regarding who has the authority to lead diplomatic and security talks. Mr Kumado expressed disappointment in the politicisation of the tragedy, particularly directed at those questioning the competence of Interior Minister Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.
Speaking on As It Is in Ghana via Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Kumado clarified that under Act 1030, the Interior Minister also functions as the Minister for National Security.
”If the argument is that the Foreign Affairs Minister should have a discussion with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Burkina Faso, that is perfect,” Kumado stated. “But if anyone should claim that Muntaka in his capacity is not qualified or has no power to do that, then people don’t know what they are saying and have no knowledge of our security architecture.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
