The Government of Ghana has announced plans to enter formal talks with authorities in Burkina Faso following a sudden directive from the neighbouring nation to suspend all exports of fresh tomatoes.
The ban, which officially took effect on March 16, 2026, has sparked immediate concern among Ghanaian traders and wholesalers who rely heavily on Burkinabe imports to meet local demand, particularly during the dry season.
In a press release issued today by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the government appealed for calm within the trading community.
The ministry confirmed that it is coordinating with other relevant state institutions to engage their Burkinabe counterparts to reach a “mutually beneficial way forward”.
The sudden halt in cross-border trade threatens to hike prices in local markets, where “Burkina tomatoes” are often preferred for their shelf life and quality. While the primary focus remains on a diplomatic resolution to restore the trade flow, the Ministry highlighted its long-term strategy to reduce Ghana’s over-reliance on imports.
The government reiterated its commitment to the “Feed Ghana” and “Feed the Industry” programmes.
These initiatives are designed to provide local farmers with the necessary support to boost domestic output and ensure the Ghanaian market can withstand such external shocks in the future.
“Efforts are underway to secure an amicable resolution,” the statement from the Public Relations and Communication Unit noted. Officials are expected to address the specific concerns that led to Burkina Faso’s directive, though the exact reasons for the suspension have not been detailed publicly.
The Ministry urged tomato traders and the general public to avoid panic, promising that the situation is being handled at the highest diplomatic levels.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
