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Burkina Faso Suspends Tomato Exports, Set to Spark Price Surge in Ghana
Authorities in Burkina Faso have announced an immediate suspension of fresh tomato exports, a move expected to exacerbate supply shortages and drive up prices in Ghana. The joint statement, issued in Ouagadougou by the ministries of trade and agriculture, confirmed the nationwide ban aimed at prioritizing domestic supply for local processing industries.
The suspension also halts the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE), effectively closing formal export channels. Traders with valid permits have been granted a two-week grace period to finalize their ongoing transactions, after which all authorisations will be revoked. Violations of the directive will be met with penalties, and any seized tomato consignments will be redirected to local processing factories.
Security agencies and border officials have been instructed to ensure compliance, while citizens are encouraged to report any infractions.
The move is expected to have immediate consequences for Ghana, particularly in key markets such as Techiman, where many traders depend on imports from Burkina Faso to supplement local supply. The ban is part of a broader strategy under the transitional military administration led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré to reduce reliance on raw commodity exports and promote the country’s agro-processing sector.
Experts predict that this development will result in higher tomato prices in Ghana, particularly in the northern regions, which rely heavily on cross-border trade with Burkina Faso. The government of Burkina Faso has expressed hope for the cooperation of all stakeholders in the tomato value chain to ensure the success of the directive.
As the ban takes effect, experts warn that it could further strain tomato supply, potentially putting additional pressure on households and traders already struggling with supply disruptions.
Story: Efua Nessa
Source :Loco tv