Ghana, Burkina Faso restore tomato trade after talks, establish joint committee to manage disputes

GHANA – Ghana and Burkina Faso have officially restored their fresh tomato trade following high-level diplomatic discussions, ending a suspension that triggered significant shortages and price spikes in the Ghanaian market.

The agreement was reached during meetings on July 17 involving Ghana’s ministers responsible for trade and agriculture, alongside representatives from Burkina Faso and the private sector. 

Both countries also agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee to address future trade concerns and work towards a bilateral trade agreement to reduce barriers and improve market access.

Burkina Faso had suspended the issuance of Special Export Authorizations for fresh tomatoes on March 19 to prioritise supplies for its domestic processing industry. The move contributed to shortages and higher tomato prices in Ghana. The restriction was lifted in early April following discussions during the WTO’s fourteenth Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, but further restrictions later prompted a new round of negotiations.

The trade tension between the two nations stemmed from Burkina Faso’s decision to halt exports to prioritise domestic processing, which created supply shortages and price increases in Ghana. 

As a result, the trade agreement affects food security and pricing by restoring supply to the Ghanaian market, helping stabilise tomato prices and ensure availability for consumers. For Burkina Faso, the agreement allows continued exports while maintaining commitments to domestic processors. 

Moreover, the two governments said the agreement reflects broader trade relations between the neighbouring countries. Ghana’s exports to Burkina Faso increased from US$573 million in 2024 to US$637 million in 2025, highlighting the importance of maintaining cross-border agricultural trade. 

The long-term vision for this bilateral economic partnership is to create a stable, predictable trade environment through a formal bilateral trade agreement. The Joint Technical Committee will manage agricultural disputes and foster a more stable bilateral agreement.

Therefore, by prioritising diplomatic dialogue and market access, both governments aim to ensure a more reliable and prosperous cross-border economy. Both nations recognise that maintaining open trade channels benefits producers, processors, and consumers on both sides of the border. 

Lastly, the outcome of ongoing negotiations will determine the long-term stability of this critical agricultural trade relationship. The situation highlights the delicate balance between domestic processing needs and export obligations in regional agricultural trade.

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