Tomato traders and importers in Accra are issuing a warning regarding a possible shortage and a significant rise in tomato prices unless the government takes immediate action to invest in local irrigation infrastructure to enhance domestic production.
They contend that such an investment would lessen Ghana’s reliance on imports from Burkina Faso, a trade route that has increasingly become perilous, and would redirect funds currently allocated abroad to bolster local agriculture and safeguard livelihoods.
This warning follows recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, which resulted in the deaths of eight Ghanaians and left several others injured. The incident has disrupted cross-border tomato supply chains and highlighted the escalating risks associated with over-dependence on imports.
Esther Owusu Ansah, a tomato importer with over 30 years of experience, informed Citi Business News that traders may soon cease traveling to Burkina Faso entirely if sufficient security is not assured.
“If the government and security agencies fail to provide us with adequate protection, we will no longer consider traveling to Burkina Faso. Our drivers have families, and they cannot jeopardize their lives merely to transport tomatoes,” she stated.
She elaborated that while security escorts are frequently arranged up to Paga, the journey beyond that point remains uncertain.
“Our Chairman typically organizes security escorts up to Paga, but beyond that, we are uncertain about what may occur. Due to these risks, we are even starting to rethink the idea of importing tomatoes altogether.”
Another trader, Adwoa Pinnaman, emphasized the necessity for Ghana to invest in irrigation systems and dams to support local tomato farming.
“We believed we were not targets of the terrorists. We urge the government to construct dams for us that will eliminate the need for us to travel to Burkina Faso,” she remarked.
She further noted that traders invest considerable amounts in supporting Burkina Faso’s economy, only to return with substandard produce.
“A significant portion of the tomatoes we receive are often spoiled.”
Otumfuo Charity, the Queenmother of the CMB Underbridge branch in Accra and a member of the Ghana National Tomato Traders Association, cautioned that certain traders from Togo might seek to take advantage of the disruption by smuggling tomatoes into the Ghanaian markets.
She pointed out that tomatoes intended for the Togolese markets frequently end up being sold directly in Ghana.
“Some of these traders utilize routes through northern Togo under the guise of selling to their counterparts, but they ultimately sell the tomatoes directly to Ghanaian traders,” she clarified.
She further stated that the association will not condone illegal importation practices.
“We wish to emphasize that we will not permit this, and we will issue a warning against such activities.”
Drivers and transporters responsible for distributing tomatoes across towns and villages report that their operations have nearly come to a halt due to the supply disruption.
Kwame Siaw, a driver at the CMB Underbridge branch of tomato traders, mentioned that many individuals may be compelled to seek unsustainable alternative employment if the shortage continues.
“Currently, we may be forced to explore other sources of income… but that type of work is not viable.”
Another driver, Peter Boahen, who has been involved in the trade since 2006, warned that the economic repercussions will be extensive.
“With a reduced supply of tomatoes in the market, prices will inevitably rise. As the primary trucks transporting tomatoes from Burkina Faso are no longer arriving, we will find ourselves idle. How will we then support our families?” he expressed.
