Ghanaians could face a shortage of fresh tomatoes beginning in April following a reported decision by Burkina Faso to ban the export of the commodity to other countries, including Ghana.

The Chairman of the Tomato Importers Association of Ghana, Eric Osei Tuffour, disclosed this in a telephone interview with Ama Konadu on ‘Adea Akye Abia’ morning show at Sompa FM-Sunyani, describing the development as both shocking and unexpected.

According to Mr. Tuffour, Ghanaian traders were preparing to resume cross-border tomato trade after the attack on traders in the area happened when the ban was communicated.

He explained that prior engagements with key officials in Burkina Faso, including the agriculture and national security ministries, had given hope of a stable supply.

“Before this, I had met with Burkina Faso’s agriculture and security officials, and they assured me of a bumper tomato harvest this year. Everything seemed fine until the sudden ban was announced,” Mr. Tuffour explained.

During those discussions, he said he was told by the officials that President Ibrahim Traoré had promised a bumper harvest and even deployed additional labour, including freed prisoners, to assist in tomato farming.

“So, I was really surprised when I received the communiqué last week about the ban” Mr. Tuffour said.

Mr. Tuffour cautioned that tomatoes, a key ingredient in many Ghanaian meals, could become scarce if the Government of Ghana fails to urgently engage Burkina Faso authorities to reverse the decision.

“This ban could have serious consequences for Ghanaian households,” he added. “Tomatoes are used in almost every meal, and people strongly prefer fresh produce over canned. If nothing is done, we risk shortages and higher prices across the country.”

Mr. Tuffour also revealed that he contacted Ghana’s diplomatic mission to verify the news.

“At first, they said they had no knowledge of such a directive and requested the communiqué.

“After checking, they confirmed it is authentic, signed by Burkina Faso’s trade and agriculture ministers. This makes it urgent for our government to engage with them immediately.”

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan