Ghana is facing a deepening tomato shortage after neighbouring Burkina Faso — a major supplier of the staple — suspended exports.
The disruption is already rippling through local markets, where traders and consumers report sharp price hikes and dwindling supplies.
Tomatoes, a key ingredient in many Ghanaian meals, are becoming increasingly scarce across major trading hubs, raising concerns about food affordability and the stability of supply.
Heavy reliance on imports
For years, Ghana has depended heavily on tomato imports from Burkina Faso, especially during off-season periods. The steady inflow has helped stabilise prices and offset domestic production challenges such as post-harvest losses and limited irrigation.
With exports suddenly halted, that supply chain has been thrown into disarray, leaving traders scrambling for alternatives.
Burkina Faso halts exports
Burkina Faso suspended fresh tomato exports from March 16 until further notice. The Ministries of Industry and Commerce, and Agriculture, announced the decision in a joint statement.
Authorities said the move is aimed at ensuring adequate raw material supply for local processing industries.
“The issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) is suspended. Economic operators holding valid export authorisations for fresh tomatoes have a period of two [02] weeks from the date of signature of this communiqué to complete their export procedures,” the statement said.
In recent years, the government has stepped up efforts to strengthen its domestic tomato processing sector. In December 2024, President Ibrahim Traoré inaugurated the Faso Tomates Company (SOFATO) plant in Pognongo.
Backed by an investment of CFA5.6 billion (about $9.8 million), the facility has the capacity to process five tonnes of tomatoes per hour and produce derivatives such as tomato paste.
Impact on households and businesses
The shortage is hitting both households and businesses. Food vendors and restaurants, which rely heavily on tomatoes, are adjusting menus, shrinking portion sizes, or raising prices to manage rising costs.
Street food vendors, in particular, say their profit margins are under pressure as they struggle to keep meals affordable while staying afloat.
