Burkina Faso lifts tomato export ban, easing pressure on Ghanaian markets

In a move welcomed by Ghana’s government, Burkina Faso has lifted its suspension on fresh tomato exports, a decision expected to relieve supply shortages and help stabilize local market prices.

The Burkinabé authorities initially announced the export ban on March 19, 2026, worsening tomato supply challenges in Ghana. However, following bilateral engagements between the two nations, the restriction has now been removed.

Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry confirmed the development in a statement on April 2, 2026, noting that the breakthrough resulted from high-level discussions on the margins of the WTO MC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and her Burkinabé counterparts held five key meetings, one of which directly led to the lifting of the trade restrictions.

The ministry assured the public that it will continue collaborating with Burkinabé authorities and local stakeholders to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial trading environment.

Meanwhile, Ghana is intensifying efforts to strengthen its domestic tomato value chain. Initiatives such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana aim to boost local production, improve yields, and guarantee a stable tomato supply. Targeted interventions—including irrigation projects and the allocation of suitable land for large-scale cultivation—are underway to support year-round production and encourage backward integration with processors.

The Ministry called on tomato traders and industry partners to cooperate with government measures designed to protect both consumers and domestic processors. It emphasized that these steps are part of a broader strategy to safeguard local industries while promoting sustainable agricultural development.