Africa-Press – Ghana. A section of residents in Ho West have expressed mixed reactions to Burkina Faso’s decision to lift its tomato export ban to Ghana.
The development follows negotiations between Ghana and Burkina Faso to resume the supply of tomatoes to the Ghanaian market.
While some residents welcomed the move as a relief measure, others expressed concern about its potential impact on local tomato production.
Mr Etsevi Gati, a commercial driver, described the development as both good and bad news for the country.
“This could make government relax its efforts in investing in local tomato production, which is not good for us,” he said.
Mr MacLean Degbator, a farmer advocate at Kpoeta Ashanti in the Volta Region, said the decision was in bad taste and called for urgent support for local farmers.
“We expect government to listen to our concerns and invest in tomato farming to create jobs and ensure food security,” he stated.
Mr Promise Louis, an agrochemical dealer at Kpedze, advised government to consider imposing taxes or duties on imported tomatoes to protect local farmers.
“At least it will give us the opportunity to prepare and strengthen our production. Things done abruptly are not always done right,” he added.
Market women also noted that Burkina Faso’s tomato season typically ends in May, after which Ghana’s production season begins, suggesting the need for irrigation systems to sustain local supply during off-seasons.
Madam Akpene Afesu, a tomato seller at Kpedze Market, welcomed the decision, saying it would help stabilise prices and support livelihoods, although she acknowledged the need for long-term solutions to strengthen local production.
