Dr Charles Nyaaba is the Chief Executive Officer of Akuafo Nketewa
Chief Executive Officer of Akuafo Nketewa, Dr Charles Nyaaba, has proposed a three-pronged framework to navigate the shortfall caused by Burkina Faso’s ban on the exportation of fresh tomatoes.
Following Burkina Faso's recent ban on fresh tomato exports, agricultural expert Dr Nyaaba has called on the Ghanaian government to empower local farmers to fill the market gap.
Speaking on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on March 20, 2026, Dr Nyaaba insisted that Ghana is more than capable of producing enough tomatoes for local consumption without relying on its northern neighbour.
Dr Nyaaba stressed that the infrastructure and human capital already exist, particularly in the Upper East Region.
He pointed to farmers in Tono, Vea, and surrounding areas in the Upper East Region as being fully capable of large-scale tomato production.
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"They used to grow lots of tomatoes but stopped at a time when they produced and lost their produce due to non-patronage or post-harvest losses. So, this is the time for the Government to plan and engage Ghanaian farmers,” he said.
According to Dr Nyaaba, the solution isn't complex, but it requires a deliberate strategy.
He outlined three requirements to kickstart a domestic tomato revolution; leveraging rainfall and irrigation, supporting farmers with farm inputs and providing market for their produce to curb post-harvest losses.
He suggested that leveraging rainfall and expanding irrigation systems near the White Volta could be the first consideration to farmers around that area.
He urged government to ensure farmers have high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern tools to cultivate the crop.
Why Burkina Faso has suspended tomato exports
He also appealed to government to assure farmers of a guaranteed market for their produce to prevent the reoccurrence of post-harvest losses some farmers experienced in the past.
Dr Nyaaba urged the government to study and replicate the organised supply chain strategies used by Burkina Faso.
By creating a structured environment where local traders can source directly from Ghanaian farms, the need for cross-border imports would diminish.
"If farmers are assured that there are buyers for their produce, they will produce," he said.
He added, "Government should put in place a strategy to manage the tomato supply chain. If it is able to do this there will be no need for traders to go outside to bring tomatoes."
The development follows Burkina Faso's announcement of an immediate nationwide ban on fresh tomato exportation on March 16, 2026.
This indefinite suspension, announced by the military-led government is to boost local processing and protect domestic supply.
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