Tomato prices have surged sharply across some markets in Accra following the recent terrorist attack on Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso, disrupting a key supply route and triggering cost pressures along the value chain.
Traders in the capital say they have been forced to rely largely on supplies from neighboring Togo as sourcing from Burkina Faso has become increasingly risky.
The shift in supply channels has significantly pushed up wholesale prices, with ripple effects on retail markets.
A visit to CMB by Citi Business News observed steep increases in tomato prices. A basket that was previously supplied at GH¢3,000 is now supplied between GH¢8,000 and GH¢9,000.
“There is significant pressure in the system now. This large basket previously cost GH¢3,000, but we now purchase it between GH¢8,000 and GH¢9,000. Prices have more than doubled,” Priscilla Opoku a tomato trader told Citi Business News.
“Retailers also complain and sometimes abandon purchases when we quote the new prices. This basket used to sell for GH¢300 before the attack in Burkina Faso, but it is now selling at GH¢700, with some traders pricing it as high as GH¢800,” she added.
Other tomato traders also highlighted how similar developments have impacted retail tomato prices within this short period.
“Before the attack, this small bowl of tomatoes sold for GH¢5. Following the incident, it now sells for GH¢20. Consumers are complaining about the sharp increase, and we are calling on government to intervene.
“This medium-sized basket is currently selling at GH¢600, compared to its previous price range of between GH¢100 and GH¢200,” Abena Amankwa a tomato trader said.
For some tomato traders, government intervention is needed stabilize supply routes and address the challenges confronting tomato traders. They caution that prolonged disruptions could lead to acute shortages.
“The tomatoes currently on sale are sourced from Togo. A small basket is priced at GH¢2,500, while the large basket costs about GH¢7,000. The area where we previously sourced tomatoes has become unsafe due to the recent attacks, making it too risky to travel there. As a result, we are urging government to intervene and support increased local tomato cultivation to reduce dependence on imports,” Janet Tsotso a tomato trader remarked.
Meanwhile, government is targeting a year-round tomato production in Ghana to reduce dependence on imports and prevent a recurrence of the recent attack on Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso.
Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed the government’s intention during a visit to injured traders receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.
“I do not know how the buying and selling of tomatoes can end somebody’s life. We hope that we are able to produce tomatoes all year round so that this will not happen. We pray for peace in that space also,” she stated.
