The government of Burkina Faso has lifted the suspension on the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes.
The West African state announced a nationwide suspension of fresh tomato exports to Ghana, effective March 16, 2026.
The ban, which was initiated by the military-led transitional government of Captain Ibrahim Traoré aimed at boosting Burkina’s agro-processing sector, particularly for producing tomato paste.
The ban caused significant supply disruptions in Ghana, leading traders to raise several concerns.
Burkina Faso, however, lifted the ban following high-level diplomatic engagements with Ghana.
This decision, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, said is a significant boost to supply and market stability.
The Ministry, in a statement, said the development follows improvements in tomato supply to local processing factories in Burkina Faso, as well as commitments by stakeholders to prioritise domestic industrial needs.
The Ministry further assured that efforts will continue to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial trading environment, with sustained engagement between both governments and key stakeholders in the tomato value chain.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local production through initiatives such as Feed the Industry and Feed Ghana, alongside investments in irrigation, large-scale cultivation, and support for processors to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of tomatoes in the long term.
