Tomato traders across the country have raised concerns over the difficulties they are facing due to their inability to import tomatoes from Burkina Faso.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, trader Ama Sarfowaa, who has been in the business for over 30 years, explained that sourcing methods have changed significantly over time.
According to her, traders initially depended heavily on locally produced tomatoes from areas such as Akomadan and Tanoso, as well as Navrongo during certain seasons.
However, she noted that challenges with irrigation—particularly the breakdown of a major dam used for tomato farming—forced traders to rely more on imports from Burkina Faso about 25 years ago.
She explained that local tomatoes are typically available for only about six months in a year, after which traders depend on imports to meet market demand.
Ama Sarfowaa added that many consumers prefer imported tomatoes because they are less watery when blended compared to local varieties.
She expressed concern that the inability to travel to Burkina Faso to purchase tomatoes has created a major setback for traders, especially during this peak trading period.
“Right now, our inability to travel to Burkina Faso to purchase tomatoes has become a major challenge for us, especially because this is the season when we usually make the most profit,” she said.
She appealed to the Chairman of the Tomato Traders Association of Ghana, Eric Osei Tuffuor, as well as the Minister of Trade and other authorities, to intervene urgently.
Ama Sarfowaa warned that unless the situation is resolved before May, when local tomatoes become available, the market could experience shortages and further pressure on prices.
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