Deputy Minister for Agriculture, John Dumelo, says the government is engaging the Interior Ministry and authorities in Burkina Faso to provide security assistance to Ghanaian tomato traders who cross the border to buy produce.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, February 17, Mr Dumelo addressed growing concerns over tomato supply shortages and the safety of traders following a recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso.
His comments follow the tragedy that befell tomato traders in the neighbouring country, Burkina Faso, where seven lives were lost after a terrorist attack.
The incident has heightened fears among traders who regularly travel outside Ghana to purchase tomatoes, a practice that has become common due to local production challenges.
Responding to a question about what government plans to do in the short term while efforts are underway to revive domestic tomato production, Mr Dumelo indicated that immediate measures are being considered to protect traders.
“Well, I’m sure now we will be in talks with the Interior Ministry and then also the Burkina Faso officials to see whether we can give some of these tomato traders some form of security aid to be able to move in Burkina Faso and come back,” he said.
He explained that while the Ministry of Agriculture is working towards boosting local tomato production before the end of the year, the safety of traders remains a pressing concern.
The Deputy Minister added that discussions are already ongoing to ensure traders can continue their activities safely without disruptions that could worsen shortages in Ghana’s markets.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com