Ghana Welcomes Burkina Faso’s Decision to Lift Tomato Export Ban – Supply Shortages Expected to Ease
The government of Ghana has welcomed Burkina Faso’s decision to lift its ban on fresh tomato exports, describing the move as a positive development that should help stabilise tomato supply and moderate prices on the local market.
The Burkinabè authorities had imposed the ban on March 19, 2026, which worsened existing supply constraints in Ghana and contributed to sharp price increases in many markets.
In a statement issued on April 2, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said the lifting of the ban was the result of sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
“This development is a positive outcome of ongoing bilateral engagements between Ghana and Burkina Faso,” the Ministry noted.
The breakthrough followed a series of high-level meetings between Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and her Burkinabè counterparts. One key engagement took place on the sidelines of the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The Ministry stated that it will continue to work closely with Burkinabè authorities and local industry players to maintain a stable and mutually beneficial trading environment for tomatoes and other agricultural products.
Focus on Domestic Production
While welcoming the lifting of the ban, the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen Ghana’s own tomato production capacity and reduce long-term dependence on imports.
Programmes such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana are being scaled up to improve yields, expand irrigation infrastructure, and allocate arable lands for large-scale tomato farming. The aim is to support year-round cultivation and create stronger linkages between farmers and processors.
The Ministry also urged traders and other stakeholders in the tomato value chain to cooperate with ongoing government measures aimed at protecting consumers while supporting local industry growth.
Government maintains that the broader objective is to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of ensuring food security and sustainable economic development.
