The Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has called on Ghanaian farmers to step up dry-season farming efforts to help stabilise food supplies and strengthen local production.
His remarks follow Burkina Faso’s decision to halt all fresh tomato exports nationwide, as the military-led government moves to safeguard its domestic processing industry from supply shortages.
The ban was announced in a joint communiqué dated March 16, 2026, and signed by Serge Gnaniodem Poda, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Artisanat, and Ismaël Sombié, Minister of State for Agriculture, Water, Animal and Fisheries Resources.
Addressing the issue, Mr Dumelo indicated that the restriction is aimed at protecting Burkina Faso’s domestic tomato processing industry, a move that could have notable implications for Ghana’s food supply.
He added that the ministry is still working to fully understand the policy and assess its potential impact.
“We need to examine it further. I came across a memo yesterday, and I must confirm its authenticity and understand the reasons behind the ban before determining the next steps,” he said.
Mr Dumelo noted that the development underscores the urgent need for Ghana to strengthen local production, particularly by expanding dry-season farming.
He recounted his recent visits to farming communities in the Upper East Region, including Garu and Talensi, where he had earlier encouraged farmers to engage in dry-season tomato cultivation.
According to him, many farmers responded positively to the call and are already harvesting their produce.
“Most of them ventured into tomato farming, and some are doing quite well,” he said.
The Deputy Minister added that farmers have shown strong interest in expanding their operations and have called for government support to scale up production ahead of the next dry season.
“I urged them to indicate the kind of support they require to expand their operations, assuring them of the government’s commitment to boosting production,” he said.
While acknowledging that Ghana cannot immediately eliminate its reliance on imports, Mr Dumelo expressed optimism that consistent investment in local agriculture could significantly transform the sector.
“If farmers receive the necessary support and encouragement, we should be able to achieve self-sufficiency in tomato production within three to four years,” he added.
