The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson P. Asiama, has played down concerns over Burkina Faso’s decision to ban the export of tomatoes to Ghana and other countries, urging the public to view the development as an opportunity to strengthen local production and processing.

According to him, the public outcry surrounding the ban is unwarranted, stressing that the situation should rather encourage Ghanaians to adopt more efficient ways of processing and consuming locally produced tomatoes.

"The Burkina issue is actually a wake-up call," the Governor said.

Speaking at the GEXIM@10 International Conference held in Accra on Wednesday, March 25, Dr Asiama noted that the restriction presents a strategic opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in the tomato value chain.

He encouraged businesses to approach banks for financing to expand processing, storage and distribution capacity.

Listen to him in the audio below;

Background

Burkina Faso recently announced a ban on the export of tomatoes to Ghana, a move aimed at protecting its domestic market and ensuring adequate local supply.

The ban, announced in a joint communiqué dated March 16, 2026, was signed by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Artisanat, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Water, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Commandant Ismaël Sombie.

The decision has sparked concerns among traders and consumers in Ghana, where imported tomatoes often supplement local production, particularly during off-season periods.

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