By Sarah Baafi
Former Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, has weighed in on disruptions in the regional tomato trade following Burkina Faso’s decision to ban the export of fresh tomatoes to Ghana.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the GTV Breakfast Show, he welcomed the move, describing it as an opportunity for Ghana to reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen domestic agricultural production.
“We can live without tomatoes from Burkina Faso,” Mr Kwakye-Ackah said. “Ghana has the land, the farmers, and the capacity to produce enough tomatoes locally. If imports stop, traders and farmers will find ways to cultivate tomatoes to meet local demand.”
He urged policymakers and consumers to view the situation as a wake-up call. According to him, temporary adjustments in consumption would not threaten lives but would instead encourage self-sufficiency.
He also referenced historical examples, noting that Ghana has successfully produced tomatoes domestically in the past, including during the era of the Walugu Tomato Factory in the 1950s, and questioned why the country could not replicate such efforts today.
Burkina Faso announced the suspension of all fresh tomato exports, including to Ghana, in March 2026, citing the need to protect its domestic supply and support local processing industries.
Ghana has long relied on Burkina Faso as one of its largest suppliers of fresh tomatoes, particularly during periods when local production declines due to seasonal constraints.
The sudden halt has disrupted the market, with traders in major urban centres reporting dwindling supplies and rising prices, forcing many consumers to turn to processed tomato products such as tomato paste.
Mr Kwakye-Ackah stressed that Ghana should seize the moment to focus on local production rather than renegotiating imports.
“We should not always rely on government or imports,” he said. “If tomatoes are not available for a few months, people will survive. The important thing is to invest in production, support our farmers, and ensure that future shortages do not cripple the market.”
Experts in the agriculture sector have echoed his views, highlighting that improving irrigation systems, providing better access to seeds, and promoting mechanised farming could help Ghana achieve year-round tomato production.
Government initiatives are already underway, including programmes to supply seeds to schools and farmers and strategies to expand irrigation infrastructure. These measures aim to reduce dependence on imports and ensure domestic production meets demand.
The situation has sparked broader discussions on regional food security and the importance of self-sufficiency in essential commodities.
Analysts warn that over-reliance on neighbouring countries for staple goods leaves Ghana vulnerable to policy changes and supply shocks, underscoring the need for long-term investment in local agriculture.
For many Ghanaians, the impact is already visible in markets across Accra, Kumasi, and other major cities, where the price of fresh tomatoes has surged. While some express concern over affordability, Mr Kwakye-Ackah remains optimistic that the challenge presents an opportunity for national growth.
“If we take this seriously, Ghana can emerge stronger. We have the resources; we need the will to produce and sustain our food supply,” he said.
