Tomato traders and importers in Accra have warned of an imminent shortage and sharp price hikes unless the government urgently invests in local irrigation infrastructure to boost domestic production. They argue that such investment would reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imports from Burkina Faso—a trade route that has grown increasingly dangerous—and redirect funds currently spent abroad into strengthening local agriculture and safeguarding livelihoods.
The warning follows recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians and left several others injured. The incident has disrupted cross-border tomato supply chains and underscored the risks of over-dependence on imports.
Esther Owusu Ansah, a veteran tomato importer with over 30 years of experience, told Citi Business News that traders may soon halt trips to Burkina Faso altogether if adequate security cannot be guaranteed.
“If the government and security agencies do not provide us with adequate protection, we will not bother travelling to Burkina Faso anymore. Our drivers have families, and they cannot risk their lives just to transport tomatoes,” she said. She explained that while escorts are often arranged up to Paga, the journey beyond remains uncertain. “Our Chairman usually arranges security escort up to Paga, but beyond that point, we do not know what may happen. Because of these risks, we are even beginning to reconsider importing tomatoes altogether.”
Another trader, Adwoa Pinnaman, stressed that Ghana must invest in irrigation systems and dams to support tomato farming locally. “We thought we were not targets of the terrorists. We want the government to construct dams for us that will prevent us from going to Burkina Faso,” she said. She added that traders spend significant sums supporting Burkina Faso’s economy, only to return with poor-quality produce.
“Many of the tomatoes we get are usually rotten.” Otumfuo Charity, Queenmother of the CMB Underbridge branch in Accra and an executive member of the Ghana National Tomato Traders Association, warned that some traders from Togo may attempt to exploit the disruption by smuggling tomatoes into Ghanaian markets.
She noted that tomatoes meant for Togolese markets often end up being sold directly in Ghana. “Some of these traders use routes through northern Togo under the pretext of selling to their counterparts, but they end up selling the tomatoes directly to Ghanaian traders,” she explained. She added that the association will not tolerate illegal import practices.
“We want to make it clear that we will not accept this, and we will issue a warning against such practices.” Drivers and transporters who distribute tomatoes across towns and villages say their work has nearly stalled due to the supply disruption. Kwame Siaw, a driver at the CMB Underbridge branch of tomato traders, said many may be forced into unsustainable alternative jobs if the shortage persists.
“Now, we may be compelled to find other alternative sources of livelihood… but that kind of work is not sustainable.” Another driver, Peter Boahen, who has worked in the trade since 2006, warned that the economic impact will be widespread. “With fewer tomatoes on the market, prices will become more expensive. Since the main trucks that transport tomatoes from Burkina Faso are no longer coming, we will be left sitting here idle. How then will we take care of our families?”, he said.
Source: Daniel Oduro-Mensah
