Accra: Tomato sellers in the Sunyani Municipality at the weekend expressed fear that the municipality is likely to experience a shortage of fresh tomatoes if the government fails to intervene, amid export restrictions in neighboring Burkina Faso.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Yaa Konama, the leader of the Tomato Sellers Association, called on the government to construct irrigation facilities and motivate growers to produce fresh tomatoes year-round, regardless of crop seasons. During a market survey at the Sunyani Daily Market, Nana Konama also urged the Crop Research Institute (CRI) to support growers in cultivating climate-resilient seedlings, as local varieties are prone to rotting due to their watery nature.
Nana Konama emphasized that tomato growers in the country have the capacity to meet national demand. With irrigation facilities and other input support, they could produce sufficient tomatoes to feed the nation without relying on imports. She expressed concern that the municipality and parts of the Bono Region are gradually feeling the impact of Burkina Faso's export restrictions, leading to a rise in market prices for fresh tomatoes.
She further noted that besides the export restrictions, many tomato traders are now hesitant to trade in Burkina Faso due to safety concerns. She stated, "The road out there isn't safe, and we can't risk our lives any longer." Recent incidents involving armed robbery attacks have heightened fears, particularly following the deaths of some Ghanaians, causing reluctance among traders to continue their operations.
Another tomato seller at the Sunyani Daily Market, Madam Elizabeth, confirmed the increased cost of fresh tomatoes, noting that many customers have switched to tomato paste. She described the tomato business as lucrative and urged the government to make tomato farming more attractive to unemployed youth. With financial and logistical support, young people could engage in commercial production, creating job opportunities and helping the nation meet its growing demand for fresh vegetables.