Vegetable farmers in the Berekum West District of the Bono Region are urging government to seize what they describe as a rare and strategic opportunity created by Burkina Faso’s recent tomato export ban to overhaul and strengthen Ghana’s tomato industry.
In interviews with Asaase News at Fetentaa a major tomato-producing community the farmers said the development, though disruptive in the short term, could mark a turning point in reducing Ghana’s long-standing dependence on imported tomatoes and repositioning the sector for long-term growth.
The call by the Fetentaa Vegetable Farmers Association follows Burkina Faso’s announcement on Monday, 16 March 2026, suspending all fresh tomato exports with immediate effect. Authorities in Ouagadougou say the move is intended to protect domestic processing factories from raw material shortages.
The decision has already sent ripples through Ghana’s markets, where traders rely heavily on Burkinabè imports to meet demand for the highly perishable commodity. Analysts warn that without swift intervention, the ban could trigger supply shortfalls and drive up prices.
But for farmers in Fetentaa, the situation represents more than a looming crisis.
“This is a blessing in disguise,” said Stephen Oduro, Chairman of the Fetentaa Vegetable Farmers Association.
“If the government provides the needed support, Ghana can reduce its reliance on imports and build a strong, self-sufficient tomato industry.”
He emphasised the need for deliberate and inclusive policy action.
“Farmers must be part of the decision-making process. Any meaningful reform must reflect the realities we face on the ground,” he added.
Fetentaa remains one of the Bono Region’s key agricultural hubs, with an estimated 5,000 people engaged across the tomato value chain from cultivation to distribution. For many households, tomato farming is not just a source of income, but a vital lifeline.
Despite its importance, the sector continues to face deep-rooted structural challenges that constrain productivity and sustainability.
Erratic rainfall patterns have disrupted planting cycles and reduced yields, leaving farmers increasingly vulnerable to climate variability. In response, some have turned to nearby streams for irrigation, but these water sources often dry up during the peak of the dry season, making year-round production difficult.
Access to quality seeds is another persistent challenge. Farmers say the high cost and limited availability of improved tomato varieties hinder efforts to scale up production and improve yields.
“With proper irrigation systems and affordable, high-quality seeds, we can farm all year round and significantly increase output,” a farmer noted.
Meanwhile, the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has echoed the concerns, describing Burkina Faso’s export ban as both a warning and an opportunity for Ghana.
PFAG cautions that failure to act decisively could expose the country to a deeper tomato security challenge. However, it insists that with the right investments and policy direction, Ghana can turn the current disruption into a catalyst for meaningful agricultural transformation.
As uncertainty looms over supply and pricing, stakeholders say the moment demands bold, coordinated action one that not only addresses immediate market pressures but lays the foundation for a resilient and competitive tomato industry in Ghana.
Reporting by Daniel Donkor-Bono Region
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