The National Tomato Transporters and Sellers Association of Ghana has attributed the surge in tomato prices in recent weeks to the current difficulties in importing from conflict-ridden Burkina Faso. According to Otumfuor Charity from the Greater Accra Tomato Transporters and Sellers Association, Ghana relies heavily on imports to meet its demand for tomatoes, but recent disruptions to the supply chain from its northern neighbor have left retailers struggling to keep up with demand.
Otumfuor Charity: “There is indeed a shortage of tomatoes, but it is not intentional. In Ghana, from December to May, we do not harvest tomatoes. The tomatoes we consume are from Burkina Faso during this period. This year there have been ongoing conflicts in Burkina Faso, so entering the country has become increasingly difficult. Every year we go for tomatoes, but the prices don’t increase to this extent. This year has been different.”
“Right now, a crate of tomatoes goes for over 130,000 CFA. The high exchange rate is also not helping matters. You also need to pay for transportation, so if you borrowed money for your trade, you need to pay for the debt.”
[ 10 CFA = €0.76 ]
Source: businessghana.com