A communication team member for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Grace Amoabeng, emphasised the need for Ghanaian traders to purchase tomatoes from local farmers instead of importing them from Burkina Faso.
In a recent interview, Ms. Amoabeng highlighted that Ghanaian farmers produce tomatoes that are identical to those transported from Burkina Faso, making the long journey unnecessary.
She pointed out that tomatoes are just one of many products that Ghana imports, despite having abundant local alternatives.
Ms. Amoabeng also expressed her concern that many Ghanaians seem to prefer imported tomatoes, which may explain the continued reliance on imports.
“I think most of the Ghanaians do not like the tomatoes we grow over here and that is why they travel all the way, but I think we also grow the same thing here,” she opined.
Furthermore, she called on the Minister of Agriculture to facilitate trade between farmers and traders. Ms. Amoabeng noted that farmers often bring their produce to market on specific days and suggested that the ministry should find effective ways to streamline this process.
She highlighted the risks associated with importing goods from Burkina Faso.
“This is not only about the terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso; this is not the first time traders have faced danger.
They are often targeted by armed robbers, who assume they have money and valuables on them, leading to tragic incidents of violence,” she stated.
Ms. Amoabeng reiterated that increasing local trade would help protect traders and create a more sustainable market for Ghanaian agriculture.
Source: Vanessa Elizabeth Nkum
