The government has welcomed Burkina Faso’s decision to lift the suspension on fresh tomato exports, a development expected to ease supply pressures on the local market.
A press release issued by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry on Thursday, said Burkina Faso has resumed the issuance of Special Export Authorisations for fresh tomatoes following improvements in supply to its domestic processing sector.
It stated that the decision was communicated through a joint communiqué by Burkinabè authorities, citing better availability of raw materials for local factories and commitments by stakeholders to support domestic industrial use.
It said the resumption of exports will help restore the flow of tomatoes into Ghana and support price stability. It also linked the outcome to ongoing bilateral engagements between the two countries.
The Ministry noted that recent discussions led by Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, with her counterparts from Burkina Faso on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, contributed to the removal of the restriction.
It said engagement with Burkinabè officials and industry players will continue to ensure smooth trade and mutual benefits for both countries.
The ministry assured the public that it remains focused on strengthening local production.
According to the release, programmes such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana are being expanded to improve yields and support a stable supply of tomatoes from local farmers.
It stated that targeted interventions are being rolled out across the value chain, including irrigation projects to enable year-round production.
“Engagements with processors are also ongoing to promote backward integration, while land is being made available for large-scale cultivation to supply both industry and the domestic market,” it added.
The ministry urged tomato traders and other stakeholders to work with the government to support efforts to protect consumers and sustain the industry.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
