Ghana is bracing for a tomato shortage after Burkina Faso announced an immediate suspension of fresh tomato exports nationwide.
In a statement issued in Ouagadougou, Burkinabè authorities said the ban is intended to secure enough supply for the country’s local processing industries. The government also suspended the issuance of Special Export Authorisations, effectively halting official cross-border shipments.
Traders holding existing export permits have been given two weeks to conclude pending deliveries. After that deadline, all authorisations will be withdrawn.
Officials warned that anyone caught violating the directive will face sanctions, and any seized tomatoes will be diverted to domestic factories. Security forces and border officers have been directed to enforce the order strictly.
The move is expected to hit Ghana’s markets quickly. The country relies heavily on tomatoes from Burkina Faso, particularly during periods when local production falls short. Major trading centres such as Techiman depend on the cross-border supply to keep markets stocked and prices stable.
The trade has already been under strain due to insecurity in the Sahel. Earlier this year, several Ghanaian traders were killed in an attack in northern Burkina Faso while on a routine buying trip, underscoring the risks involved.
