Burkina Faso Export Ban Exposes Weaknesses in Ghana’s Tomato Production – FABAG
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) raised serious concerns over the ongoing tomato supply shortage in Ghana following Burkina Faso’s decision to suspend tomato exports to the country.
In a press statement, the Association described the development as a clear sign of structural weaknesses, poor planning, and policy shortcomings within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
According to the Association, Ghana’s continued dependence on imported tomatoes, despite its vast agricultural potential, is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.
FABAG stressed that it is unacceptable for a country with extensive arable land, irrigation facilities, agricultural training institutions, research bodies, extension services, and a full Ministry of Food and Agriculture to still rely on another country for such a basic food commodity.
FABAG stated that if the Ministry is unable to coordinate nationwide tomato production within the next two to three months, then authorities must consider restructuring the Ministry into a more production-oriented institution with clear performance targets and accountability systems.
According to the FABAG, tomatoes are short-cycle crops that can be cultivated and harvested within 60 to 90 days.
With proper planning, irrigation and the use of improved seed varieties, Ghana should be able to produce tomatoes several times within a year and significantly reduce dependence on imports.
FABAG further noted that Ghana has fertile lands, existing irrigation dams such as Vea, Tono, Botanga, Kpong, Dawhenya and Ashaiman, agricultural universities, research institutions, extension officers, as well as access to inputs including improved seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and mechanisation services.
The Association argued that the country’s production challenges are therefore not due to a lack of resources but rather issues relating to leadership, coordination, and policy direction.
The Association warned that relying on other countries for essential food commodities poses a serious national security risk.
It explained that food security is directly linked to economic stability and national development, and therefore must be treated as a priority.
As part of its recommendations, FABAG called for the immediate declaration of a national emergency tomato production programme. It also recommended the distribution of improved seeds, provision of subsidised fertiliser and agrochemicals, activation of irrigation schemes for dry season farming and the mobilisation of youth into commercial tomato production.
Additionally, the Association proposed support for greenhouse tomato farming, the revival of tomato processing factories, and investment in cold storage and transportation systems to reduce post-harvest losses. It further urged the government to set a clear target for Ghana to achieve tomato self-sufficiency within one year.
FABAG emphasised that the time has come for the country to move beyond policy discussions and focus on practical agricultural production to ensure food security and reduce reliance on imports.
