The Government of Ghana has welcomed Burkina Faso’s decision to lift its suspension on the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes, a move expected to improve supply and stabilise prices on the local market.
The decision, announced through a joint communiqué by Burkinabe authorities, follows improvements in tomato supply to local processing factories and renewed commitments by stakeholders to prioritise domestic industrial needs.
Ghanaian officials say the development will ease the flow of fresh tomatoes into the country, offering relief to traders and consumers who have faced supply constraints in recent weeks.
The breakthrough also underscores the impact of ongoing bilateral engagements between the two countries. One of the key discussions held between Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and her Burkina Faso counterparts on the sidelines of the World Trade Organization’s Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, directly contributed to the lifting of the restriction.
The government says it will continue working closely with Burkinabe authorities and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial trading environment.
At the same time, officials have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Ghana’s local tomato industry. Ongoing programmes aimed at boosting production, improving yields, and ensuring year-round supply are being intensified under initiatives such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana.
Plans are also underway to expand irrigation projects, support large-scale tomato farming, and promote stronger collaboration between farmers and processors to reduce reliance on imports over time.
Government has encouraged tomato traders and industry players to support these efforts as it moves to balance immediate supply needs with long-term sustainability in the sector.
