In a renewed effort to deepen bilateral agricultural trade, the Ghana National Tomato Traders and Transporters Association (GNTTA), under the auspices of the Ghana Embassy in Ouagadougou, has held a series of high-level meetings with key stakeholders in Burkina Faso’s agricultural value chain. The goal: to streamline fresh tomato imports to Ghana and address lingering challenges affecting cross-border trade.
The meetings brought together officials from Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of National Security, Customs Division, and the National Federation of Cooperatives of Tomato Producers. These engagements were aimed at resolving logistical, quality, and regulatory concerns that have strained tomato trade between the two nations.
Over Four Decades of Tomato Trade
Since 1978, Ghana has been a major importer of fresh tomatoes from Burkina Faso, helping boost the latter’s tomato production sector. Today, Ghana accounts for nearly 90% of Burkina Faso’s tomato exports during the peak season. According to Mr. Eric Osei Tuffour, National Chairman of GNTTA, an average of 50 trucks of fresh tomatoes are transported daily into Ghana from Burkina Faso.
Diplomatic Interventions
Prompted by growing concerns over transportation bottlenecks and trader dissatisfaction, Ghana’s Acting Head of Mission in Burkina Faso, Mr. Abdulai Haruna Alhassan, convened a bilateral meeting at the chancery in Ouagadougou. The meeting brought together a 19-member Ghanaian delegation and representatives of the Burkinabe tomato producers’ federation.
Mr. Abdulai revealed that the Burkinabe producers had submitted a formal petition to the embassy, accusing some Ghanaian traders of failing to honour payment obligations, cheating farmers, and violating clauses in the existing memorandum of understanding.
Key Agreements Reached
After two days of frank deliberations, the two parties arrived at many critical resolutions:
• Standardisation of Crate Sizes: Tomato crates were standardised at 24 by 24 inches for Kumasi-bound loads and 26 by 26 inches for Accra-bound shipments.
•Permit Requirement: All trucks transporting tomatoes to Ghana must now possess a valid permit signed by the leadership of GNTTA. Any vehicle without the appropriate permit is to be intercepted by Burkinabe security agencies.
•Rejected Produce Protocol: Tomatoes rejected at farm gates during sorting must be returned to the producer and not distributed to labourers or intermediaries.
Concerns Over Declining Quality
In a meeting with Burkina Faso’s Minister of Livestock and Animal Resources, Mr. Amadou Dicko, Mr. Tuffour raised serious concerns about a decline in tomato quality, emphasising that this trend threatens the competitiveness of the trade. “The quality of tomatoes we used to get from Burkina Faso is deteriorating, and this affects our business,” he stated.
Minister Dicko acknowledged the issue and assured the delegation of his ministry’s commitment to improving quality control. He also pledged to increase production to meet growing demand, reaffirming Ghana’s importance as the largest external stakeholder in Burkina Faso’s tomato value chain.
Border Delays and Security Concerns
At the Customs Directorate in Ouagadougou, traders raised complaints about repeated delays at border posts—an issue that is particularly critical given the perishable nature of tomatoes. Dr. Yves Kafando, Director-General of Customs, pledged to streamline the clearance process and ensure the timely processing of tomato shipments moving forward.
Meanwhile, at the Ministry of National Security, the Ghanaian delegation voiced frustration over incidents of extortion and mistreatment of their drivers by some security personnel. Complaints included unjust detentions, chaining of drivers, and exposing them to harsh weather without cause.
Minister Mahamadou Sana expressed concern and promised to investigate the claims. He emphasised the importance of protecting the dignity and rights of traders while maintaining security protocols.
A Promising Path Forward
Mr. Abdulai Haruna Alhassan, the Acting Head of Mission, commended the Burkinabe government for its openness and hospitality. “These meetings mark a significant milestone in our bilateral cooperation and demonstrate the power of dialogue in resolving cross-border trade challenges,” he stated. He urged both parties to adhere strictly to the new agreements for sustained progress.
Mr. Eric Osei Tuffour expressed gratitude to both the Ghana Embassy and the government of Burkina Faso for facilitating the engagements. “This roadmap gives us hope and a renewed sense of commitment to our trade. We are confident that our businesses will thrive, and the economies of both countries will benefit,” he said.
Key Officials in Attendance:
•Mr. Amadou Dicko – Minister of Livestock and Animal Resources, Burkina Faso
•Mr. Mahamadou Sana – Minister of National Security, Burkina Faso
•Dr. Yves Kafando – Director-General of Customs, Burkina Faso
•Mr. Abdulai Haruna Alhassan – Acting Head of Mission, Ghana Embassy in Ouagadougou
•Mr. Eric Osei Tuffour – National Chairman, GNTTA
Mr. Pascal Tigahire – Facilitator
Mr. Richmond Frimpong- President, Ghana Agricultural and Rural Development Journalists Association(GARDJA)
