The Government of Ghana has expressed its appreciation for Burkina Faso’s recent move to lift the suspension on Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes, calling it a significant advancement for supply and market stability. This followed negotiations to reverse a ban imposed on March 16, 2026.
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry today, the government noted that this decision follows enhancements in the supply of tomatoes to local processing facilities in Burkina Faso, as well as commitments from stakeholders to prioritize domestic industrial requirements.
The ministry emphasized that the development is anticipated to restore the flow of fresh tomatoes into Ghana, alleviating recent shortages in the local market.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that the outcome is a result of ongoing bilateral discussions between the two nations. It pointed out that conversations led by Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, alongside her Burkinabe counterparts during the WTO MC14 meeting in Yaoundé, played a pivotal role in reaching this resolution.
The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a seamless and mutually beneficial trading environment through continued collaboration between both governments and key players in the tomato value chain.
Additionally, the government reiterated its commitment to bolstering local production via initiatives such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana. This includes investments in irrigation, large-scale farming, and support for processors to ensure a consistent and sustainable supply of tomatoes over the long term.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong