Burkina Faso has lifted the suspension on the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes from the country.
This was disclosed by Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MOTAI), who welcomed the decision.
It said the Burkinabé authorities took the decision following improvements in the supply situation to local processing units and firm commitments by stakeholders to ensure adequate availability of tomatoes for domestic industrial use.
The Ministry noted that this new development reflects the effectiveness of ongoing bilateral engagements between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
It noted that one of the five key bilateral meetings held by the Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and her Burkina Faso counterparts on the margins of the WTO MC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
“[It] has yielded an immediate result with the removal of the restriction on trade in fresh tomatoes.”
The Ministry said it will continue its engagements with Burkinabe counterparts and key stakeholders to “ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial trading environment between the two countries”.
It also assured the public that it remains committed to implementing the necessary measures to safeguard local industries and strengthen the domestic tomato value chain.
“Efforts are underway and ongoing programmes, including the Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana initiatives, are being intensified to boost local production, improve yields, and ensure a stable and sustainable supply of tomatoes by Ghanaian farmers,” the Ministry said in its statement on Thursday, April 2.
In furtherance of this, it observed, government is rolling out targeted interventions across the value chain, including irrigation projects by the Ministry of Agriculture to support year-round tomato production.
“Additionally, engagements are ongoing with processors within the tomato value chain to promote backward integration, while suitable lands are being made available for large-scale tomato cultivation to supply both processors and the domestic market.
“Tomato traders and all relevant partners are being encouraged to partner Government as it continues to take appropriate steps to protect both consumers and industry players.”