02/04/2026
From an agribusiness perspective, while celebrating the proactive intervention by Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Motai- Ghana to address the supply deficit through a bilateral agreement is commendable, it is crucial to assess the long-term implications. If Burkina Faso had not lifted the ban, what would have been the outcome? The reality is that lifting the ban merely addresses a symptom, not the core issue. Ghana's average yield of 7.85 MT/ha and estimated fresh tomato requirement of 1.8 million to 2.2 million metric tonnes to achieve self-sufficiency in the next five years raises critical questions. Who will produce the missing tonnes? Given that Ghana imports a significant portion of its tomatoes from Burkina Faso, at a cost of approximately $400 million annually, shouldn't we focus on increasing domestic production? The tomato value chain presents opportunities for job creation, import substitution, agro-industrial growth, and increased farmer incomes. However, without strategic intervention, this potential will remain unrealized. The Ministry of Agriculture's efforts to develop new resistance and higher-yield varieties should be geared towards making Ghana sufficient and industrialized in tomato production.
Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana
Amole A peter
Agribussnes consultant
Agric policy advocate .
