The Chairman of the Tomato Importers Association, Eric Osei Tuffour, has called on the government to urgently support local tomato production following Burkina Faso’s decision to suspend all fresh tomato exports across its territory.

Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Thursday, March 19, Mr. Tuffour stressed that Ghana has the land and farmers needed to produce sufficient tomatoes locally but lacks the critical support systems to sustain year-round farming.

He pointed to inadequate irrigation and limited access to essential inputs as key challenges preventing farmers from cultivating tomatoes during the dry season.

According to him, Ghana heavily relies on tomato imports from Burkina Faso between December and May — a period when local production drops significantly. The ban, he warned, could worsen supply shortages and drive up prices if immediate steps are not taken.

Mr. Tuffour explained that local tomato production typically resumes around late May, with supplies coming from regions such as Ashanti, Eastern, and Northern Ghana.

However, he noted that without investment in irrigation infrastructure, farmers are unable to produce during the dry months when demand remains high.

He therefore urged the government to fast-track interventions aimed at supporting farmers with irrigation systems, improved seeds, and other necessary inputs to ensure consistent production throughout the year.

Mr. Tuffour emphasised that strengthening local production would not only reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports but also stabilise prices and improve livelihoods for farmers across the country.