The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, has suggested that Burkina Faso’s decision to halt tomato exports could present a strategic opportunity for Ghana to strengthen its domestic agricultural sector.
He noted that rather than viewing the development as a setback, Ghana could leverage the situation to expand local production, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports.
According to him, the country has both the human and financial resources required to address the current supply gap.
Dr Asiama pointed out that institutions such as the Ghana EXIM Bank are well-positioned to provide the necessary funding to support large-scale tomato farming, while existing local varieties are suitable for cultivation.
He stressed that unlocking this potential would require deliberate and coordinated action.
He further highlighted the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, to ensure a sustainable and structured response that benefits the economy in the long term.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Wednesday, March 25, Dr Asiama remarked:
“The risks posed by the Burkina Faso situation, to me, are opportunities. If exports are banned, why should that become a crisis in Ghana? We have about five hundred thousand young people looking for work, we have the funds through GEXIM, and we have the right varieties—so what are we waiting for?”
He added that a focused national effort involving financial institutions and government agencies could quickly turn the challenge into an avenue for job creation and agricultural growth, ultimately strengthening Ghana’s food security and export potential.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com