The Tomato and Onion Truck Drivers Association has announced the resumption of their travels to Burkina Faso after suspending travelling there with traders following the killing of eight individuals.
The president of the association, Mr Eric Tuffour, assured Ghanaians that despite the recent attack on tomato traders in Burkina Faso, measures have been put in place to ensure that tomatoes will be available on the Ghanaian market.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, Mr Tuffour admitted that the killings of the eight Ghanaians by the terrorists brought fear, tears and worry to traders and drivers.
According to him, what happened was painful and has affected everyone in the tomato business.
He explained that after the 9 and to be alert at all times.
He assured Ghanaians that tomatoes will soon be available in the markets.
He clarified that the conflict in Burkina Faso is not happening everywhere in the country.
According to him, the violence is mostly in certain parts, especially around a national park area.
He noted that tomato traders have long had a relationship with the people there, and sometimes transactions even happen on trust.
However, he said they are still shocked about why the attackers targeted and killed them.
He further advised drivers and traders to be extremely careful.
“In the past, attackers mostly targeted their own countrymen, but now foreigners, including Ghanaians, have also been attacked. Ghanaian vehicles can easily be identified by their number plates, so drivers must stay alert and move away immediately if they sense danger.”
Mr Tuffour urged the trade and agriculture ministers to invest in local tomato farming, noting that it takes only three months and could create jobs for young people.
He expressed readiness to support the ministers with ideas and hopes they will make bold decisions to strengthen local agriculture, reducing dependence on imports.
By: Justina Ekua Kwofie and Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
