Burkina Faso’s ban on egg exports has left Ghanaian egg suppliers struggling with excess stock. For more than two months, Burkina Faso has halted egg exports, allegedly over Ghana’s previous bird flu outbreak.

The situation has prompted calls from egg suppliers, particularly those in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, for the government to engage Burkina Faso on the matter.

Earlier in March, Burkina Faso imposed a ban on tomato exports, stating that the measure was necessary to supply the country’s processing units.

In a formal communique it noted “This development is a positive outcome of ongoing bilateral engagements between Ghana and Burkina Faso”.

The ban impacted Ghana, as the country imports a very large share of its fresh tomatoes from Burkina Faso, about 75,000 tonnes annually, valued at roughly GH¢400 million, particularly during dry seasons.

Ghana’s annual tomato demand stands at about 805,000 metric tonnes, while current production is estimated at 510,000 metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of nearly 300,000 metric tonnes.

One of the major concerns raised by the Minister was a long-standing trend of post-harvest losses, citing the loss of about 30 percent of local production- approximately 153,000 metric tonnes.

Reducing the losses could significantly close the supply gap, he said, adding that: “It is not about increasing the size of the land under cultivation. It is about developing the right variety and creating the conditions to maximise output.”

Under the Vegetable Development Project, Mr Opoku said farmers were being supported with improved seeds, fertilisers, and technical guidance, alongside irrigation infrastructure to ensure year-round production.

The Vegetable Development Project (VDP) is Ghana’s flagship agricultural initiative launched in November 2025 in Kukuom, Ahafo Region, aimed at boosting local vegetable production, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs. It focuses on tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other key vegetables, with strong government support for farmers.

He noted that 60 hectares each had been developed in Ahafo and Fanteakwa with mechanisation and water supply systems, while additional sites were being prepared for expansion.

A rehabilitated irrigation scheme had made 500 hectares available for immediate tomato production after agreements were reached to connect farmers with buyers to guarantee off-take, he added.

One hundred hectares had also been secured at Akumadan to scale up production further.

The Minister said ongoing interventions to improve productivity, reduce waste and strengthen market systems would stabilise supply and enhance food security in the long term.

Last year, Ghana faced a maize glut, with over 100,000 tonnes of maize from the 2024 harvest left unsold, causing severe financial strain on farmers. In addition to maize, other food items experiencing oversupply include rice and eggs.

Farmers in regions like Bono and Sissala have produced more maize than the market can absorb. On the other hand, grains and cereals have piled up in storage and warehouse facilities.

In addition to maize, other food items experiencing oversupply include rice and eggs. Farmers in regions such as Bono and Sissala have produced more maize than the market can absorb. On the other hand, grains and cereals have piled up in storage and warehouse facilities.