Despite escalating violence in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region, Ghanaian tomato traders and transporters have resumed cross-border operations, driven by rising domestic prices and assurances of safety from local authorities.

Nana Agyenim Boateng, a leading member of the Ghana National Association of Tomato Traders and Transporters, said the return to Burkina Faso was “an economic necessity,” as much of Ghana’s tomato supply is sourced from the neighboring country.

He explained that Burkinabe officials have designated safe corridors and coordinated with farmers to deliver produce to protected locations, minimising risks to Ghanaian drivers.

“They have communicated which areas are secure for transporters and traders,” Boateng said, adding that the trip from Paga to Burkina Faso now takes about 72 hours, while drivers from Kumasi face a four-day journey.

The resumption of trade underscores the delicate balance between securing livelihoods and navigating regional security challenges, as Ghana’s tomato market grapples with supply pressures and volatile prices.