By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Tomato prices in Ghana are expected to rise sharply following a fresh ban on exports by Burkina Faso, worsening an already fragile food supply situation.
Authorities in Burkina Faso have suspended the export of fresh tomatoes to neighbouring Ghana with immediate effect.
The decision comes at a time when Ghana’s tomato supply chain is already under strain due to security concerns and disrupted trade routes.
Ghana relies heavily on Burkina Faso for tomatoes, especially during the dry season.
In fact, a large share of Burkina Faso’s tomato exports, up to about 90% comes to Ghana.
Market watchers warn the disruption along this corridor immediately affects availability in major markets including Accra and Kumasi.
With imports of tomatoes halted and supply tightening, market shortages are expected, which naturally drives prices up.
Earlier disruptions vis-à-vis attacks on traders and suspension of imports had already caused sharp price increases and scarcity across markets.
The export ban is likely to intensify the situation, leading to even higher costs for households and food vendors.
Ghana’s annual tomato demand is about 800,000 metric tonnes, but local production still falls short.
The country remains highly dependent on imports, spending hundreds of millions of dollars annually on tomatoes from the country’s northern neighbour.
The crisis once again exposes how vulnerable Ghana’s food supply is to external shocks as rising tomato prices in the coming weeks is imminent, possible shortages in local markets, and increased pressure on government to boost local production and irrigation. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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