The Chairman of the Tomatoes Importers Association, Eric Osei Tuffuor, has described Burkina Faso’s decision to ban the export of tomatoes to Ghana as “sad news,” particularly for traders who depend on the business for their livelihoods.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Daybreak Upper East, Mr. Tuffuor said the association first learned of the decision through a communiqué, after which he contacted officials at Ghana’s Embassy in Burkina Faso. He noted that, at the time, the embassy had not officially received the document.
According to him, the association is currently awaiting direction from the Government of Ghana on how to respond to the development. He added that importers have been given a two-week grace period before the ban takes effect.
“I have advised my members that by the end of March, they should not travel to Burkina Faso for tomatoes,” he said.
Mr. Tuffuor explained that the ban is largely driven by Burkina Faso’s efforts to support its domestic tomato processing industry. He noted that the country has established large processing factories but is struggling to secure adequate raw materials due to high demand from Ghanaian buyers.
“The government of Burkina Faso has built a very big tomato processing plant. But the demand from Ghana is so high that it is difficult for them to supply the factories,” he said. “They want to reserve more of their produce for processing.”
He further indicated that price competition is also a major factor. Ghanaian traders, he said, often offer higher prices than local buyers, making it difficult for Burkinabé processors to compete.
“The prices offered by their government are relatively low. Farmers prefer selling to Ghanaian traders who pay more. The only way to sustain their factories is to restrict exports,” he added.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
